Why Do Horses Foam at the Mouth?

If you’ve spent time around horses, you might have noticed a foamy substance accumulating around their mouths. This may seem concerning at first glance, but it can be caused by a wide range of factors. 

Horse foaming at the mouth is usually called hyper-salivation and is typically a normal equine bodily function. However, it’s important to note that in some cases, it could signal a health condition that needs further investigation. Knowing what to look for and when to take action is essential for keeping your horse happy and healthy.

What Causes Horse Mouth Foaming?

In most cases, horse mouth foaming is caused by excess saliva. As a horse chews or wears a bit and bridle, this saliva is agitated, creating a foamy, white substance. 

This can also happen when the horse produces a large amount of saliva, which dries out when it comes into contact with the air.

Is My Horse Foaming at Mouth Good or Bad?

A horse's foaming mouth is a positive sign in many instances. It can indicate your horse is in great health and is thus no cause for concern. That said, it could rarely be a sign of a more serious medical issue.

The best way to gauge whether your horse’s foaming at the mouth is good or bad is to closely assess them whenever it occurs. Take note of the colour of the foam, too. If their foam is white and only produced when they are eating or being ridden, it’s likely a normal and natural occurrence. 

However, if the foam is pink or red, this can signal the presence of blood. If you notice this, consult your vet immediately for further guidance.

Why Horses Foam at the Mouth

A horse foaming at mouth can be due to a number of reasons, including: 

Feeling Happy and Relaxed

Many horses foam at the mouth when relaxed, satisfied, and engaged with their rider. This is a positive sign and is encouraged in many riding disciplines. 

As the horses’ salivary glands excrete more saliva, their mouths soften, making them more laid-back and responsive to their tack as a result. A horse's foaming mouth can also indicate optimal bit acceptance, showing that your horse’s bit fits correctly and comfortably.

Chewing and Eating

Horse saliva contains an enzyme called amylase that breaks down the fibre and proteins in their diet. The drier and more difficult a horse’s food is to digest, the more saliva they produce to assist them. 

As the amylase breaks down their food, it can produce a foamy paste that accumulates around the horse’s mouth. This is a perfectly normal and healthy part of the digestive process and horse hydration. A well-hydrated horse will naturally foam at the mouth during eating and drinking.

Latherin Production

Latherin is a protein that occurs naturally in horse saliva and sweat. It can produce foam around the mouth and on a horse’s shoulders, chest, and back underneath your saddle. 

This protein assists the saliva in breaking down food and, when secreted through the skin, also assists horses in regulating their body temperatures in warm weather. This is why your horse may foam around their mouth and on certain parts of their body in summer and after periods of physical exertion.

The ‘Slobbers’

This condition can cause drooling or foaming at the mouth without apparent cause. The slobbers are usually the result of your horse eating certain plants or ingesting fungi (like Rhizoctonia leguminicol, which grows on clover). 

In most cases, this is a harmless condition and should cease within a few days once your horse stops eating the plants causing the issue. If it persists, contact your vet, who may prescribe antihistamines as a treatment.

An Anxious or Tense Rider

A relaxed, engaged horse can foam at the mouth while being ridden, but this can also occur if their rider is tense or agitated. You can tell the difference by assessing their behaviour and posture. 

If your horse seems tense or is holding its head higher or lower than usual, it may be experiencing some stress. A happy horse will seem visibly relaxed and responsive to your cues. 

Horse mouth foaming can also happen if you pull excessively hard on the reins or encourage your horse to hold its head too high for comfort. These actions can hinder their ability to swallow, which can cause excess salivation and foaming.

An Incorrectly Fitted Bit

If your horse’s mouth is foaming excessively, or if you notice a pink or red tinge, it could be that their bit is not sitting in the correct place. A poor-fitting bit can break the suction of your horse’s lips, which causes air to combine with the saliva to create foam. 

This foam is usually visible at the front of a horse’s mouth rather than towards the back. Assess the fit of your horse bits and bridles to ensure that they sit comfortably in your horse’s mouth and don’t cause any pain or discomfort. Ayr Equestrian has a wide range of quality horse bits and bridles and equine care products to support your horse’s comfort and performance at all times. From the Loop Ring Snaffle to the Waterford Jumper, we have something to suit every horse.

Injuries and Infections

In rare cases, horse mouth foaming can be caused by issues like mouth injuries, ulcers, and infections, including Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) and rabies. 

If your horse has reddish mouth foam or shows signs of depression, lack of appetite, aggression, or agitation, consult your vet immediately.

Keep Your Horse Healthy With Ayr Equestrian 

A horse foaming at the mouth is often a great sign of relaxation and proper bit contact, as saliva helps to keep their mouths soft and responsive. It can also be a sign of natural horse hydration and digestion. However, if your horse displays any worrying signs, it’s always best to seek veterinary advice. 

Explore our collections and find all the care products and quality horse bits and bridles you need to keep your horses feeling their best and performing at their peak.