Practice is usually necessary to locate and feel the pulse easily. Check skin pliability for dehydration. Pinch a fold of skin on the neck and release it, it should quickly return to its original position. If the horse is dehydrated, the skin returns slowly and tends to stay in a fold. A fire engine red color usually denotes illness.
Anemia causes a pale color and lack of circulation causes a bluish-purple color.
Capillary refill can suggest anemia, colic, congestion and shock. You can determine capillary refill time by pressing your thumb on the horse's gum and releasing it. It should take about two seconds for the blood and normal color to return to the area. Longer capillary refill times indicate dehydration or a circulatory problem. This article can go on and on about things you can do in an emergancy situation.