This is actually one of the most common questions asked about horses.  

Yes, horses do sweat. Sweating is one of the ways that horses regulate their body temperature and maintain their overall health and well-being.

Horses have sweat glands all over their body, but they are most concentrated on the face, neck, chest, and flanks. When a horse sweats, it releases a liquid called perspiration, which is made up of water and electrolytes. The evaporation of this perspiration helps to cool the horse’s body and regulate its temperature.

Horses tend to sweat more when they are exercising, as the increased physical activity generates heat that needs to be dissipated. When a horse is exercising, it can lose up to 4 gallons of sweat every hour, it is imperative these electrolytes are replaced to avoid your horse foaming at the mouth or fainting. They may also sweat in response to environmental factors, such as high temperatures or humidity.

It is important to monitor your horse’s sweating patterns, as excessive sweating can be a sign of illness or dehydration. If you notice that your horse is sweating more than usual, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and take any necessary steps to address it. Sponging a horse down after sweating is a common practice that can help to cool the horse’s body and remove excess moisture from the coat, you will need a bucket of water and a sponge or cloth. Wet the sponge or cloth in the water and then gently dab it over the horse’s body, paying particular attention to the face, neck, chest, and flanks. Be sure to avoid getting water in the horse’s ears and eyes. You can also use a sweat scraper to remove excess water from the coat. Sponging a horse down can help to prevent chills and maintain the horse’s overall comfort and health. It is important to monitor the horse’s temperature and behavior during the process and stop sponging if the horse becomes too chilled or uncomfortable. This process will also keep any skin infections from the sweat at bay!

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