So, you have asked yourself: Why do horses foam at the mouth when riding? If you’re not sure why, here’s an answer: it’s normal. Many riding disciplines actually work up a lather around the horse’s mouth before a ride, and it shows that your horse is engaged and in tune with you. Foaming is also a good indication that your horse’s bit is working.
The answer depends on your understanding of the reasons for your horse’s excessive saliva production. Normally, horses foam at the mouth when they feel overexertion, but overexertion can also be the culprit. Horses that foam at the mouth after a long ride or a race are probably overexerting themselves. Extensive training sessions and races can leave them feeling tired and foamy, but it is perfectly normal for your horse to show signs of exhaustion and stress. Ensure that your horse is getting rest after exertion, as it is vital to the health of your horse.
If your horse is refusing to eat, contact a veterinarian right away. It is possible that the foam is caused by a choking issue, and a veterinarian will have to pass a tube to drain out the stomach. However, most of these conditions are harmless. If the foam continues, consult a veterinarian to rule out a more serious condition. You should always check your horse’s mouth for signs of poisoning or dehydration.
If your horse doesn’t have a problem with dryness, it could simply be restless or deadly quiet in the mouth. This could be a problem with the tongue or contact, or even a tense neck. It is also common for horses to experiment with different bits and saliva materials, to see which one works best for them. The key is to get the right combination of these factors, and don’t make it worse!
In addition to being a sign of an infection, a horse that drools excessively can also have a fungal infection. A fungus called Rhizoctonia grows on legumes, and it causes the horse to produce excessive saliva. While this isn’t usually harmful to horses, it can lead to a large absces on the tongue. However, the good news is that the fungus can be treated quickly.
Another cause of excessive salivation is a bacterial infection. When horses have this infection, their saliva production may be excessive, and they will begin to foam up. In addition to bacterial infections, horses produce a large amount of saliva when they eat. In addition to the volume of saliva they produce every day, horses drink massive amounts of water to stay healthy. Because the saliva helps them digest their food, they produce a lot of saliva, resulting in an excess of saliva around their mouth. While excessive salivating may not be a cause of the issue, it can be a sign that your horse is tensed up.
Other causes of excessive salivation include tense muscles, a tense mouth, or bad posture. Either way, it is a good sign to look for. And if you’re not sure, try to take a closer look at why horses foam at the mouth when riding. This may give you a better understanding of what is causing the problem. And remember, if your horse continues to foam at the mouth, you might be inflicting further damage to its health.
