Manure varies in color and texture according to the state of health, although loose bowel movements are a normal occurrence when horses are on new grass. The droppings should be well formed, slightly moist and without any strong smell. The presence of mucus is the result of a digestive disorder. The urine should be nearly colorless. If thick and highly colored, there may be kidney trouble.
Bloody urine points to an inflammatory condition of that organ.
Excessive urine flow can mean diabetes, and an obvious dribble accompanies bladder inflammation. The horse in bad condition can be recognized by the poor covering of flesh over the pelvis. The bone structure can be clearly seen, the flanks are hollow, there is a deep cavity under the tail and no muscle between the hind legs. There are grooves in the quarters either side of the tail. The backbone is visible and the base of the neck lacks muscle on both sides, feeling narrow and slack.