how to keep your horse happy
Have you ever wondered how your horse can withstand the heat in the summer and yet be fine outdoors in the winter time? A few days ago I read about research done in the United Kingdom studying the coats of horses that died in the summer and the coats of those died in the fall.
Without getting too technical in my explanation they studied the thickness of the skin layers, the density of the individual hairs, and the number and volume of the sweat and sebaceous glands of ponies, non-Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbreds.
Of these three groups, the Thoroughbreds results were the most enlightening. The Thoroughbreds skin was much thinner in the summer than a non-Thoroughbred. They had the widest range of skin change from summer to winter with a larger increase of sebaceous gland size. Interestingly the Thoroughbreds had higher volume measurements for the sebaceous glands in the winter than the non-Thoroughbreds and the ponies. The sebaceous glands produce an oily substance which in the winter helps with waterproofing the coat while in the summer helps wick sweat through the coat. The researchers think it may be of their Arabian ancestry with its origins in a hotter climate.
The researchers found there was a higher number of sweat glands in comparison in the Thoroughbreds and the non-Thoroughbreds versus to the smaller ponies. The non-Thoroughbreds and the ponies’ sebaceous glands were busier in the summer wicking away sweat from their coats.
Although horse owners know that their horses’ coats thicken in the winter and become thinner in the summer. It is also quite amazing how their hydration levels change.
Speaking of coats, here is a tip for a healthier and shinier coat. It is a supplement called TAHITIAN NONI™ Equine Formula ™ from Tahitian Noni International. Show horses use it. Besides nicer coats even all through the winter, TAHITIAN NONI™ Equine Formula™ supports the immune system; helps relieve stress, helps with digestion and nutrient absorption.
Now you know the mechanics behind why your horse sweats in the summer and their thicker coat in the winter months.
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