1. Pass Gas
Horses pass gas a lot. There’s a good reason for it, and as disgusting as it is, it should be music to a horse owner’s ears. Passing gas means that the horse’s digestive system is working. This is very important, because if a horse can’t pass gas, it can result in a painful colic. The reason horses are so gassy has to do with what they eat and how it's digested. The bulk of a horse’s diet is hay or grass. Grass and hay have a lot of cellulose fibre, and its digestion creates a lot of gas.
A horse can get too gassy though. This is common in the spring time when a horse gets too much lush pasture. The fermentation of a large amount of fresh grass in their gut produces excess gas. If the horse gets too gassy, it can cause painful distinctions in the gut. Luckily, this is one of the easiest types of colics to remedy. Too much fresh grass can also lead to laminitis.
2. Urinate in a Freshly Cleaned Stall
Have you’ve ever cleaned your horse’s stall only to have it urinate on the fresh bedding? Many horse owners have despaired because they have brought their horse in from the outdoors, where it could pee all over the place, and it urinates when it comes in. Or, the horse urinates on the horse trailer, making the floor slippery and messy. A horse that urinates on a trailer, or in the show ring may be suffering from nerves. However, some horses seem to make it a habit of peeing as soon as they are in their stall. Why is a bit of a mystery.
3. Pass Gas and Cough
Why do horses pass gas and cough at the same time? Well, horses pass gas a lot, so the effort of coughing just helps things along--sometimes explosively. Secretly, they may do this, especially in the show ring, or when we are showing them off to someone, just to embarrass us. It usually reduces lesson kids to fits of giggles.
4. Sneeze and Drool
Sneezing is one reason why you should never wear a new piece of clothing around your horse. Inevitably, your horse will get an itchy nose, and either want to rub it on you, or sneeze, spraying you with horse goobers. This happens when you are wearing your best show clothes too, which may be why riders usually wear dark jackets or tops. Light-colored clothing is asking for trouble.
If you don’t get sneezed on, you might get drooled on. This happens when your horse has a bit in its mouth, and it eats colorful food such as grass or carrots. It can also happen after the horse has a drink. Some horses will hold a mouthful of water for a few moments before letting it spill out of their mouths. With the water can come bits of grass or hay, that can leave interesting ‘tea stains’ on your clothes.
5. Diarrhea
Horses get diarrhea for two reasons: sickness or a bad case of the nerves. Any new situation can cause your horse to get the runs. It commonly happens when your horse goes to shows or is riding on a trailer. If you’re trying to keep your horse clean for a show, diarrhea can make things a bit of a challenge.
Diarrhea can make cleaning your horse’s back legs, tail and back hooves rather icky. Letting your horse snack on hay and drink should help prevent dehydration. When it becomes a worry is when it is accompanied by a fever, cough, or any other sign of sickness. If this is the case, then it is time to call the veterinarian.
6. Bonus Gross Thing - When Geldings "Drop"
Geldings sometimes ‘drop’. And, if your gelding’s sheath hasn’t been cleaned for awhile, things can get pretty icky looking. Here’s how to clean your gelding’s sheath so when this does happen, at least he’s clean. Expect a lot of cringing from your non-horsey friends anyway.