Best practice

Clear eyes and nose with no discharge.  

Free of growths, sores or signs of trauma.

Needs intervention

A cloudy, tearing or swollen eye can be painful. Squinting is one way horses demonstrate pain.  Blind horses may have a green or gray eye but no other sigs of discomfort.

Immediate jeopardy

Thick nasal discharge can by a sign of a highly contagious condition known as strangles or a sign of respiratory infection that required vet care.