The internet is a strange place. One moment, you’re deep in research for a college assignment, and the next, you’re scrolling through TikTok, only to come across the surprising reality of horse sweat.
It may be a niche topic, but a video circulating on social media is showcasing what horse sweat really looks like—definitely a shock for those outside the equestrian world.
A clip shared by the X account @natureisamazing captures a horse that began to sweat with anxiety after being briefly separated from its paddock companion.
In the clip, a person lifts the horse’s turnout rug to reveal what looks like a thick lather of soap on its fur. Although it resembles something straight out of a shower gel bottle, it’s actually a type of horse sweat.
Accompanying the video, the account remarked: “I learned horse sweat is foamy waaaay too late in life… petrified.”
Just like humans, horses sweat during times of stress or exertion. However, due to a protein called latherin, which reduces the surface tension of water, horse sweat can appear white and foamy. This unique property helps the moisture move away from the horse’s skin and into its fur.
While horse sweat may not be the most pleasant sight for those unfamiliar with horses, it serves as an impressive biological tool that helps these animals cool down much more efficiently—essential for the demands placed on working horses.
In addition to its cooling function, horse sweat is rich in vital electrolytes, including sodium, chloride, and potassium, along with smaller amounts of magnesium and calcium. These electrolytes are crucial for muscle function, nerve transmission, and fluid balance, making it important to minimize excessive sweating to prevent deficiencies in these essential nutrients.
That’s why keeping horses hydrated is vital, as water accounts for up to 75 percent of their body weight.
Every day on social media is a learning opportunity, so the next time you see a horse covered in ‘foam,’ you’ll know exactly what’s happening!