Shetland sweating in stable, what to do?

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Sarah1

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Hi

My little Shetland mare sweats when she's in her stable at night and I'm concerned she might end up getting a chill now the weather has turned.

She isn't rugged though I have tried her with & without a fleece cooler and it makes little difference either way, her coat is just so thick. I leave her window open so it's not even slightly warm in there and still she sweats.

Not really signs she's stressed though if it wasn't for the fact that she'd be out in the field on her own she would be happier living out. She will fret & get herself in a tizz if she's on her own so living out isn't an option at the moment.

I don't know whether to take the underside of her neck & belly off to try to make her more comfortable?

Any ideas?

Thanks
 
give her a wee bib clip and let her breathe a bit - I used to have to do that with my wee shettie. Otherwise he spent all winter damp :(
 
Our shetland used to sweat like that and i gave her a little bib clip too. You dont need to take much off but it does seem to help
 
Dubsie said:
Any way you can shut her on the yard so she's not alone, but still gives her room to move about and chill out as well as go in the stable if she chooses. (Shetties don't look right bib clipped do they?)
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No, unfortunately not. There are 2 outdoor wooden boxes that we could clear but they might be too cold for the oldie so Strawberry would still be on her own :( I don't want to see her clipped unless I have absolutely no option
 
Friend of mine's shettie is suffering in exactly the same way. He is now living out, but it seems that's not an option for you. Seems clipping may be the only way to bring him a little relief.

Good luck.

P
 
Bib clip, I know normally shetties do best unclipped & left out, but when that isn't possible & they have to stay in, its not unusual to have to clip them to stop them sweating. And I happen to think when its done, they look rather sweet.
 
Gloi said:
You could replace the door with just a bar across to let more air in.
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Already use a stall guard as she can't see over the door!

The stables are all in a block indoors so might try leaving the outer door open tonight & just hope the rest of them don't freeze! ;)
 
ponypilotmum said:
are you sure it's sweat? Lots of stabled (unrugged, unclipped) natives have condensation on their coats in the mornings.
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I think it's sweat?! It's fairly deep down in her coat so I don't think it's just condensation...and I caught her rolling in the lorry park the other day so must be itchy! :rolleyes:
 
Thanks everyone, looks like I know what I need to do! I'll see how she is for the next couple of nights now it's below freezing & if still damp then I'll have to whip some off!
 
Hedwards said:
This^^^

plus if you have an indoor barn, I'd always always leave the doors either end open, even the best ventilated barns will be improved by leaving the doors open!
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We usually have the walkway windows open & the window in her stable to try to get a draught blowing through but I'll try leaving the door to the yard open too.
 
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