How to solve a dry coat problem / anhydrosis / non - sweating

Question
Hello Maureen,I have a horse  that have a dry coat problem her breathng is heavy after she comes back from a workout,and she hardly sweats some say not to bathe her after her work out that we should wait until she cools down properly or bathe her in the afternoon or just once a week on her day off,I realy need some help please reply soon, thanks.

Answer
Hello,

The problem you describe is what is known as anhydrosis, or more commonly...your horse is known as a non-sweater.  Horses with this problem can overheat quickly, because their body is unable to disseminate heat during workouts. The suggestion by people who are telling you not to bathe the horse after a workout at least until she cools down properly are probably trying to keep your from putting the horse into shock by throwing cold water on her too soon, while she is so hot...so i would tend to agree with them.  Treat her as you would any other horse that is comes back from a workout that is hot, as you would most likely walk that horse for a few minutes and throw bath water on that horse immediately.  But, you have a potentially serious problem with a non-sweater, as the root cause of anhydrosis is unknown, it can be genetic, or caused by trauma.  I suggest you seek the advice of a qualified vet, as I am not a vet, so therefore I am not qualified to speak on this subject and obviously I am at a disadvantage since i cannot see the horse.

But at least I hope I helped you a little bit.  And I do wish the you best of luck with her.

Thank you for choosing me to ask,

Maureen Millen