Have you ever been amazed how your horse can withstand the heat in the summer and yet be fine outdoors during the winter time? A few days ago I read about research done in the UK studying the coats of horses that died in the summer and the coats of those died in the fall.
As would be expected, there was a higher number of sweat glands in comparison in the Thoroughbreds and the non-Thoroughbreds compared to the ponies. The non-Thoroughbreds and the ponies’ sebaceous glands were busier in the summer wicking away sweat from their coats.
Of these three groups, the Thoroughbreds results were more stunning. The researchers have thought that it may be of their Arabian ancestry with its roots in a hotter climate. The Thoroughbreds skin was much thinner in the summer than a non-Thoroughbred. They had the greatest skin change from summer to winter with a larger increase of sebaceous gland volume. Interestingly the Thoroughbreds had higher volume measurements for the sebaceous glands in the winter than the non-Thoroughbreds and the ponies. The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance which in the winter helps with waterproofing the coat while in the summer helps wick sweat through the coat.
Speaking of coats, here is a tip for a healthier and shinier coat. It is a supplement called TAHITIAN NONI® Equine Essentials™ from Tahitian Noni International. Show horses use it. Besides nicer coats, even all through the winter, TAHITIAN NONI® Equine Essentials™ supports the immune system; helps relieve stress, helps with digestion and nutrient absorption. Many an older horse has greatly benefited from TAHITIAN NONI® Equine Essentials Flex™.
Although horse owners know that their horses do well in both climates, it is incredible how their hydration levels change and just how adaptable horses are.
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