Horse "foaming at the mouth" What does that mean when you see it?

[CharlieR]

Can someone with horse knowledge / training experience tell me why some horses will "foam" at the mouth? Does it only happen in the heat? Should you be concerned about a horse's condition that shows this? And if you should be concerned would only be if they were running that day or how about if running in a couple of days from now?

Charlie

[Sightseek]

This is actually a positive thing and means the horse is relaxed and accepting the bit in his mouth. When a horse flexes his poll (the area between his ears) and relaxes his jaw it stimulates the salivary glands.

[Riot]

It's saliva. Not heat related. It can be a good thing (chewing on the bit, giving in to the bit, using a different flavored/textured bit than normal like a copper bit, having a soft mouth) or a bad thing (a result of fighting the bit, pulling, chomping on the bit, a hard mouth, too much bit)

Clear as mud. Look at how the rest of the horse is acting Relaxed, or fighting the jock?

[CharlieR]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

This is actually a positive thing and means the horse is relaxed and accepting the bit in his mouth. When a horse flexes his poll (the area between his ears) and relaxes his jaw it stimulates the salivary glands.

Thanks Sight for the info. Note, today it was a she that was relaxed. We were at Monmouth and saw Rachel doing this when schooled in the paddock that's why I was asking. Have several photos I'll try posting

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by CharlieR

Thanks Sight for the info. Note, today it was a she that was relaxed. We were at Monmouth and saw Rachel doing this when schooled in the paddock that's why I was asking. Have several photos I'll try posting

That's awesome, I look forward to seeing the pictures!

[CharlieR]

Originally Posted by Riot

It's saliva. Not heat related. It can be a good thing (chewing on the bit, giving in to the bit, using a different flavored/textured bit than normal like a copper bit, having a soft mouth) or a bad thing (a result of fighting the bit, pulling, chomping on the bit, a hard mouth, too much bit)

Clear as mud. Look at how the rest of the horse is acting Relaxed, or fighting the jock?

She looked great. Very relaxed walking the ring, Ears perked, strutting her stuff and calm in the stalls. She came over with the others running in the 6th race today but as they went into the stalls she walked the ring again. Then they put her a few stalls away from those running. When they left they saddled her, walked the ring again and came back into the 6th stall for a few minutes where she'll be for the Haskell.

[chucklestheclown]

Awesome!!!

[Linny]

RA seems to handle things pretty well. She generally schools in the paddock a day or two before racing but never seems to show signs of stress. She looks around, chews the bit and generally chills out.
Froth is not a concern. My mare goes in a rubber bit with apple flavoring in it and slobbers up a storm when were have a good lesson. She's a happy and healthy mare who like RA just looks around with ears pricked but never seems too worried by anything she sees.

[randallscott35]

Usually rabies.

[chucklestheclown]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

Usually rabies.

What is that called?

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by CharlieR

Can someone with horse knowledge / training experience tell me why some horses will "foam" at the mouth?
Charlie

It usually means the horse has found out that PG1985 placed a bet on it. It's a sign of nerves.

Originally Posted by CharlieR

Should you be concerned about a horse's condition that shows this? And if you should be concerned would only be if they were running that day or how about if running in a couple of days from now?
Charlie

Yes. Be very concerned.