Vet Tips 2025: Why Horse Sweat Matters—Foam, Electrolytes, and Cooling Explained 🐴💦

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

If you’ve ridden or cared for a horse in warm weather, you’ve likely seen sweat dripping—or even foaming—from their coat. But not all sweat is the same, and in horses, it serves a critically important role in thermoregulation. 🧠☀️

Why Do Horses Sweat So Much? 🐴🌡️

Sweating is the primary method horses use to cool themselves during exercise and in hot or humid conditions. Unlike most mammals, horses sweat profusely to regulate body temperature—alongside just a few other species like humans and a specific type of monkey. 🌍💦

Key Points:

• 🔥 Horses generate a lot of heat during work
• 💧 Sweat helps dissipate that heat through evaporation
• 🔄 Sweating is hormonally and neurologically controlled

Horse Sweat vs. Human Sweat 🧬🤔

Here’s how they differ:

• 👨‍⚕️ Human sweat is high in protein and low in electrolytes
• 🐎 Horse sweat is low in protein but very high in electrolytes

This means that when horses sweat, they lose substantial amounts of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Replacing these is essential—especially for working or sport horses. 💊🥛

What’s That Foam? Meet Latherin 🧴🫧

Ever noticed foamy sweat under the saddle or between the thighs? That’s due to a special protein called latherin—unique to horses. 🧪

What Latherin Does:

• 🧴 Acts like a natural detergent
• 💧 Helps sweat spread across the coat for better evaporation
• 🫧 Foams at points of friction (saddle, girth, thighs)

It’s not a sign of distress—it’s part of the cooling system! ❄️🐴

Types of Horse Sweat: Watery vs. Foamy 💧🫧

Horse sweat may appear:

• 💦 when lightly worked or in cooler temps
• 🫧 Thick and foamy after intense work, especially where tack or limbs rub

Both are normal—but they do indicate the . 🧠📊

Why Electrolytes Matter 🧂📉

Because horses lose so many electrolytes in sweat, they need to be replenished—especially in warm climates or during consistent training. 🔁

Tips for Electrolyte Support:

• 🥣 Feed daily (not just salt)
• 🪵 Provide free-choice loose salt blocks (plain and trace mineral)
• 💧 Encourage drinking with soaked hay cubes or flavored water

Electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, or colic. Prevent it with daily care. ⚖️

Post-Exercise Sweat Care 🧽🛁

Dr. Peter Huntington recommends removing sweat immediately after exercise to maintain coat health and skin integrity. 🧼

Best Practices:

• 🚿 Rinse off with water or a sweat scraper
• 🧼 Use gentle equine shampoo occasionally if buildup occurs
• 🧹 Curry and brush out dried sweat if water isn’t an option

Allowing sweat to dry and sit on the coat—even for a few days—can damage the skin and dull the coat. 🌞🐴

When Sweat Goes Wrong: Anhidrosis 🚨💦

If your horse isn’t sweating properly in hot conditions, they may have anhidrosis—a dangerous inability to sweat. Symptoms include:

• 📉 Decreased performance
• 🌡️ Elevated body temperature after light work
• 💨 Rapid breathing or panting

If suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately. 🩺

Need Help With Your Horse’s Sweat, Skin, or Supplements? Ask A Vet 📱🐴

Want help choosing the right electrolyte? Not sure if your horse is sweating normally? Chat with a vet now at Ask A Vet.

Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 support with sweat management, cooling strategies, skin care, and nutrition. 🐎💬

Final Thoughts: Sweat Is Good—If Managed Right 🧠🌡️

Don’t fear the foam! Horse sweat is a powerful tool for cooling—but it comes with a need for smart rehydration and coat care. With proper post-work routines and electrolyte management, your horse can stay healthy and hydrated in any season. 💙🐴

Need personalized advice? Visit Ask A Vet and talk with a licensed vet today. 🩺🧴