Excessive sweating?

billylula

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My daughter's 14.2 sweats a LOT. He's always done it but we assumed it was because he wasn't very fit when we bought him. 6 months on and lots more work and he till sweats up a lot. Yesterday they worked quite hard in the school and jumped a lot and at the end he was literally soaked in sweat, it was dripping off him. We give extra electrolytes in his feed. Is this normal? I am quite worried about hunting as if he sweats this much I worry that the saddle will slip! Hope he's ok as he is the most lovely boy.
 
Can be an indicator for Cushings. The test isn't expensive, and would put your mind at rest, or allow you to identify and treat early.
 
My cob is very sweaty, even when fit. He has also been a lot worse in the heat this summer but I would say that this I normal for him. How old is your pony? there are certain conditions that can cause excessive sweating, I think if you are worried that it might be worth a quick chat with your vet.
 
Yes I was thinking that. What a shame. We only bought him 6 months ago and he was quite expensive! Would cushings mean he needed an easier life (eg no hunting?) Obvs we'd do everything we could for him.
 
I think each case is different but I know it can be difficult to get them onto the right level of medication, once this is sorted they can (usually) return to normal work.
 
My cob sweats very freely any thing exciting happening set him off .
We need to keep him clipped all year round .
It has never affected him in any way however I a careful with him in hot weather.
 
Can be an indicator for Cushings. The test isn't expensive, and would put your mind at rest, or allow you to identify and treat early.

This happens to my daughters little Irish lad. After about 20 mins he's sweating quite a lot and by the end of a hard lesson of flat work finished with jumping, he is soaked wet through. Is it always an indication of cushings or something else more serious, or could it just be that like some people, some horses sweat more than others? Surely if it was cushings, there would be other symptoms wouldn't there? Our pony is only 6 so I would hope it isn't something as serious as that?
 
Horses also sweat with pain, check girth isnt too tight, even drop down one hole and just see if it makes a difference, we do tend to over tighten forgetting the horse is going to blow his tummy out at some stage.
 
Is it always an indication of cushings or something else more serious, or could it just be that like some people, some horses sweat more than others?

I have owned my cob for 6 years (he is now 20) and he has always been a very sweaty horse. I had him tested last year for cushings partly due to the sweating but also because he started holding on to his winter coat. Result was negative, and vet comented that, like humans, some horses do just sweat more than others.
 
Does he have excessive sweating at any other times? For cushings they tend to sweat at random times (mine would drip sweat just standing in a stable), if it is only when working I would be more inclind to just say that's how he is!
 
I have ridden a racehorse up the road that was sweating profusely after 3mins i happened to check my girth, dropped it a hole and he relaxed and stopped sweating.
 
Horses also sweat with pain, check girth isnt too tight, even drop down one hole and just see if it makes a difference, we do tend to over tighten forgetting the horse is going to blow his tummy out at some stage.

OMG i think this could possibly be why he may sweat profusely! we had the saddler out recently as his saddle kept moving forward and she said he is a bit torpedo shaped and until his withers develop and he gets more 'front' on him there wasn't much we could do (apart from a crupper!!). She said that changing his saddle at this stage wasn't wise as he hasn't finished developing so we do tend to make sure the girth is very tight to try and stop this happening and coupled with an anti slip saddlecloth, it does seem a bit better. poor lad, I hope we havn't been causing him even more discomfort in our efforts to stop the saddle slipping forward and hurting him?! The girth is elasticated at both ends, is it possible to overtighten these?:(
 
As has been said horses sweat for a variety of reasons, stress, pain, etc & also because it's a very warm & close day. Some horses need clipping all year around as they get hot easily & quickly.

Ensure that your tack fits correctly & is adjusted right. If your saddle moves then you could consider a gell pad under it & that will stop it slipping.

It's also been mentioned that it could be a sign of cushings, it could be, but the odds of that are quite low. If I get a head ache it could because I've got a tumor on my brain......... but it's more likely that I've got a normal head ache & a paracetamol will cure me. :)
 
That's very interesting. I am sure she does over tighten. She has a bog standard girth with elastic at one end. She is worried that if it the slightest bit loose saddle will slip
 
You could try stopping the electrolyte mix and feeding plain salt instead. Salt is the most common deficiency and adding potassium etc. may not be needed. Just a thought.
 
Thanks. How much table salt per feed? Husband bought her the electrolytes so we'll use them up then move to salt. Going to try a flexi girth also.
 
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