When and Why Horses Sweat

Why do horses sweat?

➡️ Video tipIn this video you will learn all about sweating in horses and why electrolytes are so important. You will learn how to correctly assess your horse's sweating, what role electrolytes play in health and how you can use them specifically to provide your horse with optimum support. Perfect for anyone who wants to provide their horse with the best possible care during sporting activities, hot temperatures or stressful situations!

Horses sweat for various reasons, mainly related to regulating their body temperature and external influences. Here you can find out all about the causes of sweating in horses and why it is so important to pay attention to them.

Sweating for cooling (thermoregulation)

The main reason why horses sweat is to regulate their body temperature. During exercise or high temperatures, the body temperature rises due to muscle activity and external heat. By sweating and evaporating the sweat, the horse releases excess heat. Without this mechanism, the body would quickly overheat.

Sweating during exercise and stress

Horses produce enormous amounts of heat during training or physical exertion. Their large muscle mass means that a lot of energy is released in the form of heat. Sweating is the most important method of keeping the body temperature in balance.

Sweating due to stress and nervousness

In addition to physical exertion, stress, anxiety or excitement can also trigger heavy sweating. This is due to the release of adrenaline, which stimulates sweat production. Typical situations include tournaments, transportation or unfamiliar environments.

Heavy sweating due to illness or pain

Unusually heavy or persistent sweating can be an indication of health problems, e.g. colic, fever or hormonal disorders. If the horse sweats profusely without any recognizable strain, a vet should be consulted.

Why are horses particularly sensitive to heat?

Horses have a comparatively small skin surface area in relation to their body mass. As a result, they cannot release excess heat as efficiently as smaller animals. Sweating is therefore a vital function for horses to avoid overheating.

Causes of sweat 

There are many causes of sweat in horses:

• Effort: When the horse works or is exercised, it sweats to regulate its own body temperature. It's like us humans - when we exercise or do sports, we sweat too.
• Anxiety or stress: Horses may sweat due to anxiety or stress
• Infections: Horses can sweat during respiratory infections or fever
• Hormonal disorders: for example, Cushing's syndrome or insulin resistance can lead to increased sweating
• Skin diseases: eczema or fungal infections can lead to increased sweating

Why Can't Horses Sweat After They've Been Vaccinated?

There is no general rule that horses should not sweat for 2-3 days after vaccination, yet many veterinarians make this as a recommendation to provide a guideline to allow the horse sufficient rest and recovery to avoid complications that may arise.

During the recovery period after vaccination, the horse may be more sensitive to exertion. Some horses may temporarily show mild weakness or fatigue after vaccination. In such cases, it is advisable to reduce training or activities for a few days to allow the horse the necessary recovery.

Why is rest important after vaccination?

• Recovery phase: The body needs time to react to the vaccination and produce antibodies. During this time, symptoms such as tiredness, muscle weakness or fatigue may occur.
• Avoidance of complications: Intense exercise can aggravate redness, swelling or even infection at the injection site.
• Immunity build-up: Excessive exertion could impair the immune response and reduce the effectiveness of the vaccination.

Risks of intensive exposure after vaccination

• Reduced effectiveness of the vaccination: Exertion can disrupt the immune response, which weakens protection against the vaccinated diseases.
• Increased side effects: Symptoms such as fever, muscle pain and local irritation may increase.
• Delayed recovery: The body takes longer to recover if it is exposed to stress immediately after vaccination.

It is important to follow the recommendations of your treating physician or veterinarian after vaccination. They can give you specific instructions on how long a rest period is recommended and when it is safe to resume exercise or intense physical activity. By respecting the recovery period, they will help to ensure an effective immune response and avoid possible complications

Different types of sweat

Sweat is a natural mechanism by which horses regulate their body temperature. There are two main types of sweat:

• Thermal perspiration: Occurs as a result of physical exertion such as training or work.
• Emotional sweat: Triggered by anxiety or stress.

Sweating horses should always be observed so that quick action can be taken in an emergency.

Why does foam develop during sweating?

When horses sweat, they can sometimes produce white foam that forms on their coats or on certain areas of their bodies. This foam is produced by a combination of factors:

Sometimes white foam forms on the horse's coat when sweating, especially in certain areas such as the withers or under the saddle. This is a combination of sweat, air and friction:

Horse sweat

The foam consists mainly of sweat, which is secreted by the sweat glands. Sweat serves to regulate body temperature and, in addition to water, also contains salts and metabolic products that the body excretes.

Air

Movement ensures that sweat comes into contact with air. This mixture leads to the formation of foam, especially during intense physical activity.

Friction

Friction between the coat and other surfaces, such as saddlecloths or the horse's own skin, increases the formation of foam. The thicker the coat, the more foam can form in these areas.

Perspiration 

Post-exercise sweating describes the process by which horses continue to sweat after intensive training or strenuous activity, even though they are already at rest. This condition can last for some time as the horse's body removes excess heat and restores normal body temperature.

Why do horses continue to sweat after training?

During perspiration, the sweat glands remain active in order to cool the body. The intensity and duration of perspiration depend on various factors:

• Training intensity: The more strenuous the activity, the longer the horse can perspire.
• Individual reaction: Some horses sweat more or for longer than others.
• Ambient conditions: High temperatures and humidity prolong perspiration, as the evaporation of sweat is made more difficult.

Important measures for post-sweating

Appropriate management of perspiration is essential to cool the horse down properly and ensure full recovery:

• Slowly cool down: Lead the horse at a walk to calm the circulation.
• Shade and ventilation: Make sure the horse can cool down in a cool and well-ventilated environment.
• Sweat rugs: If necessary, use breathable sweat rugs that absorb sweat and promote evaporation.
• Follow-up check: After cooling down, check the horse for signs of muscle stiffness, dehydration or other abnormalities.

Mineral deficiency due to sweating - Electrolytes

When sweating, the horse not only loses water, but also important minerals and electrolytes such as:

• Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium.

These substances are essential for numerous physiological processes:

• Muscle function: Minerals are necessary for the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
• Nerve transmission: They ensure communication between nerves and muscles.
• Fluid balance: regulate the water balance and prevent dehydration.
• Bone health: Ensure stable and healthy bones.

How does sweating cause mineral deficiency?

During intense exertion, not only water but also minerals are lost with the sweat. If these losses are not compensated for, this can lead to a deficiency that impairs your horse's health and performance.

Symptoms of a mineral deficiency

• Dehydration: recognizable by reduced skin elasticity, dry mucous membranes or dark urine.
• Muscle cramps: Horses show signs of cramps or muscle stiffness, especially after exercise.
• Fatigue and loss of performance: Your horse will feel exhausted more quickly and will not be able to train as usual.
• Weakened immune system: A lack of minerals can reduce your horse's resistance and make it more susceptible to illness.

How can mineral deficiency be prevented?

• Balance electrolytes in a targeted manner:
  After intensive exertion, it is important to give electrolyte supplements to replenish the lost minerals. These supplements are specially developed for horses and should be dosed according to instructions.
• Provide sufficient drinking water:
  Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Adequate fluid intake is essential to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Use mineral supplements:
  In consultation with your vet, targeted supplements can be integrated into the feed. These will ensure that your horse gets all the minerals it needs, especially if it regularly sweats heavily.
• Adapt your training:
  Plan the intensity of your training to suit the weather conditions and your horse's capacity. Avoid intensive training in high temperatures or high humidity.

➡️ Video tip: Electrolytes for horses - More than just a salt lick! Dr. Patricia Sitzenstock explains why sweat loss due to work or stress requires additional electrolytes and when a salt lick alone is not enough - exciting facts about sweat and feeding!

Where do correctly ridden horses sweat?

Correctly ridden horses sweat in the muscle groups that are used the most during training or work. These include

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Back
• Hindquarters

This sweat is a natural process that shows that the horse is working and regulating its body temperature. The sweat should be evenly distributed over these areas.

Unusual welds and what they mean

Sweat in unusual places such as on the legs or belly can indicate health problems and should be checked by a vet. Dry patches under the saddle can also indicate that the saddle is pinching in these areas and hindering perspiration.

Color and smell of sweat

Normally, horse sweat is clear or slightly yellowish and has a neutral odor. However, if the sweat smells strong or has an unusual color, this could be an indication of a health problem and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Individual differences

Every horse reacts differently to exertion. Some sweat more or earlier than others, which is not necessarily a problem as long as the horse is healthy.

Dehydration in horses: symptoms and measures

Why is fluid intake important?

It is essential to monitor the horse's fluid intake, especially after intensive exercise. Sweating not only leads to water loss, but also to the loss of electrolytes, which can endanger health.

Symptoms of dehydration

• Reduced skin elasticity (skin stops after pinch test)
• Dry mucous membranes
• Dark colored urine
• Tiredness and weakness

What to do in case of dehydration?

If your horse shows signs of dehydration, action should be taken immediately:

• Offer water: Provide fresh water to balance fluid levels.
• Lower body temperature: Move the horse into the shade and carefully spray it with water. Always start with the hind legs to stabilize the circulation.
• Consult a veterinarian: In severe cases or persistent symptoms, a veterinary examination is necessary. The vet can administer intravenous fluids if necessary.

Prevention of dehydration

• Constant access to water: Horses should be able to drink fresh water at all times, especially in high temperatures or after intensive work.
• Ensure electrolyte supply: Electrolytes help to compensate for the minerals lost through sweating.
• Regular monitoring: Watch out for early signs of dehydration in order to react in time.

Important health information

You can help to ensure your horse's health by providing an adequate supply of water, regularly checking the saddle fit and observing the sweat spots. If there are any abnormalities, be it unusual sweating or signs of dehydration, a vet should always be consulted. Prevention and quick action are the key to avoiding serious complications.

Correct sweating

After an intense workout in which your horse has sweated, it is important to let their horse sweat off properly. Here are some important points that should be considered to ensure correct sweating in horses: 

• Allow sufficient time: Give the horse enough time to sweat off properly. The cooling process can take different amounts of time depending on individual response and training intensity. Wait until it has completely sweated off and returned to its normal body temperature.
• Slow cool down: Allow the horse to cool down slowly after exercise. Walk at a leisurely pace, preferably at a walk, to calm the circulation and gradually cool the body. Avoid abrupt stopping or dousing with cold water as this can cause muscle tension.
• Provision of shade: Provide shade or a well-ventilated area for the horse during the cooling process. This helps to cool down faster.
• Use sweat rugs: If needed, they can use a sweat-off blanket to help cool down. These blankets help absorb sweat and distribute it evenly to allow for more effective evaporation. However, make sure the blanket is breathable and does not overheat the horse.
• Follow-up condition check: after the horse has sweated off and reached its normal body temperature, check it carefully for signs of dehydration, muscle stiffness, or other abnormalities. If they have any concerns, they should consult a veterinarian

When horses don't sweat

When horses do not sweat, it may indicate a potential problem with their thermoregulation. When a horse does not sweat, it can cause the body to overheat, which can lead to serious health problems.

There are several possible reasons why a horse may not sweat:

Anhidrosis: 

Anhidrosis refers to the inability of a horse to sweat normally. It is a rare condition in which the sweat glands do not function properly. The exact cause of anhidrosis is not fully understood, but it is believed that genetic, environmental and individual factors may play a role.

Dehydration: 

When a horse is dehydrated, it can be caused by inadequate fluid intake, excessive sweating without adequate fluid intake, or other health problems. It is important to ensure that horses have access to fresh water at all times and are adequately hydrated.

Medications or Substances: 

Certain medications or other substances can affect sweat production in horses and cause them not to sweat. If a horse is on regular medication and has difficulty sweating, it is important to discuss this with a veterinarian to check for possible correlations.

Heat Stress:

In some cases, excessive heat or high humidity can cause a horse to have difficulty sweating. This may be temporary and the horse may sweat normally when moved to a cooler environment. However, it is important to protect the horse from overheating and to take appropriate measures to reduce its body temperature.

If a horse is not sweating, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine the exact cause and take appropriate action. The veterinarian can perform various diagnostic tests and recommend appropriate treatment or management strategies to restore the horse's normal sweating function. Timely treatment is important to ensure the horse's well-being and avoid potential complications from overheating.

Sweating horses: Summarized

Sweating is an essential process for horses to regulate their body temperature, especially during exercise, heat or stress. It allows them to release excess heat and keep the body in balance. However, sweating is not only a natural mechanism, but also a challenge for the body: water, electrolytes and minerals are lost and need to be replenished.

It is particularly important to pay attention to the horse's health if unusual or excessive sweating occurs, as this can indicate stress, illness or other problems. Sweating off properly after physical exertion is also crucial to avoid muscle tension and circulatory problems.

Electrolytes play a key role in compensating for the nutrients lost through sweating. Horses that regularly sweat heavily should therefore be provided with sufficient water, electrolytes and, if necessary, special supplements. This will keep your horse healthy, efficient and fit.

Tip: Keep a close eye on your horse's sweating, especially in times of stress or high temperatures. And remember: prevention and a balanced diet are the key to avoiding overheating and dehydration.

Sweating off a horse: the most important questions and answers

How long should a sweat rug be on the horse?

‍A sweat rug should be left on the horse until it is completely dry and no more damp patches are visible on the coat. The exact duration depends on the amount of sweating, the ambient temperature and the nature of the rug, usually around 30-60 minutes.

How can you sweat a horse properly?

‍Aftertraining, the horse should first be led at a calm walk to allow the circulation to slow down. A breathable sweat rug helps to absorb sweat and protect the horse from draughts. Check regularly that the coat is dry and change the rug if necessary.

Which sweat rug is suitable in summer?

‍Insummer, lightweight, breathable sweat rugs made of mesh material or functional fabrics are suitable. These support the evaporation of sweat without overheating the horse.

Why does a horse need a sweat rug?

‍A sweat rug helps to absorb sweat and prevents the horse from cooling down after training or in the box in cool weather. It protects the horse from draughts and thus prevents illnesses such as muscle tension or colds.

When should you use a sweat rug?

‍Asweat rug is useful if the horse has sweated profusely after training or intensive exercise. It is particularly important in cold temperatures or draughts to protect the horse from cooling down.

Why is my horse not sweating?

‍Ifa horse is not sweating, this may indicate anhidrosis - a disorder of the sweat gland function. This is rare, but serious, as the horse can no longer regulate its body temperature. Dehydration or certain medications can also affect sweat production. Consult a vet if you notice such symptoms.

Why doesn't my horse sweat under the saddle?

‍Drypatches under the saddle can indicate a pressure point that prevents the flow of sweat. This often indicates a saddle is not optimally fitted and should be checked.

Why does a horse only sweat on one side?

‍Sweatingon one side can indicate muscle tension, blockages or other physical complaints. It is important to have the horse examined by a vet or osteopath.

Why does my horse sweat when resting?

‍Sweatingat rest can be due to stress, fever, pain or hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome syndrome. If your horse sweats without exercise, a veterinary examination is advisable.

Why is my horse sweating in the box?

‍Sweatingin the box often indicates stress or discomfort. It can also be caused by high temperatures or health problems such as colic. Check the conditions in the box and have the horse examined if necessary.

Why does my horse sweat after riding?

‍Sweatingafter riding is a normal reaction to physical exertion. Horses release excess heat in this way. It is important to allow the horse to sweat off properly afterwards and to provide sufficient water and electrolytes if necessary.

What should you do if a horse sweats after riding in winter?

‍Afterriding in winter, the horse should be cooled down slowly, preferably by walking. A sweat rug helps to absorb sweat and protect the horse from cooling down. As soon as the coat is dry, the rug can be removed.

Why does a horse stop sweating?

‍Ifa horse suddenly stops sweating, this could be a sign of dehydration, impaired sweat gland function or other health problems. In this case, a vet should be consulted.