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Discussion on Horse panting
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Member:
dakotab
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 - 10:10 am:
Has anyone heard of a horse panting after small hill climbs? This horse is in very good condition, he is ridden 3-5 times a week. He recovers after a few min rest. But when trail riding he sometimes has to be rested 4-5 times.
The other horses have no problem. And we ride in a group of 5 horses.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 - 2:19 pm:
Hilma, what do you consider a small hill? Both distance and rise is important in this consideration. Also how big is your horse and I cannot find a delicate way to say this but how much do you weigh?
DrO
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Member:
dakotab
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008 - 9:56 pm:
Hi Dr. O
He is a Tn Walker about 15.1h. He weight is about 1000#. The riders weight is about 135. Rides with and english saddle weight is about 15#.
The hills we climb on home trails, are 30 ft on the steep one. But most riding is done on flats with gradual slopes. Like I said nothing that the other horses can do without just, a little labored breathing(I mean just nostrils flaring). He breaths heavy and his nostrils really flare, plus his rib cage heaves quite heavy. But if you give him a few min. he is fine. Until we gait fast or climb. If we walk only he is fine.
We ride our horses a lot and we walk and gait for 2 to 3 hours. at least 3 times a week or more.
He is 19 and two of the other horses are the same age. He never pants in the pasture, and they do run and goon a lot.
We were told that some horses pant just like a dog to cool off. I have not heard of this before that is why I am asking.
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New Member:
hollyw
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 1, 2009 - 1:47 am:
Hi, Hilma,
When was the last time this horse had a physical? I mean, really had his vitals checked?
The heart and lungs are extremely interdependent and if his heart has a "problem," it can effect his breathing.
When I worked polo horses in Colorado, we had one that was conditioned regularly, but I had noticed that his breathing was very heavy after light work. He was diagnosed with a very rare and serious heart problem.
I hope that isn't the case with your horse, but it may be a good idea to have him checked over carefully if it hasn't been done in awhile.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 1, 2009 - 9:33 am:
Hilma yes breathing is an important way horses cool themselves but I would expect some sweating also. Is this a very long haired horse that sweats easily? If at the bottom of all the normal physiological reasons nothing unusual is found Holly's suggestion is the best one. I would also recommend the horse be examined before and after such a hill climb.
DrO
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Member:
dakotab
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 1, 2009 - 10:58 pm:
He had a physical about March or April, he does not have a long coat either. He is not sweating when we have noticed the panting. But like I said he recovers fast.
The vet will be coming for a spring shot series and a physical.
We will certainly get the horse checked out thoroughly.
Thank You for your suggestions.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Jan 2, 2009 - 8:54 am:
For more on causes of exercise intolerance see, Training & Conditioning Horses » Musculoskeletal Conditioning » Decreasing Performance and Exercise Intolerance.
DrO
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Friday, Jan 2, 2009 - 9:56 am:
Holly!!! Welcome back!! We've all missed your wisdom and kindness on this board.
Erika the little New Jersey turd
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