My 14-yo Warmblood mare has the smelliest sweat! The best way to describe it is sour or acrid, like vinegar.  Her saddle pads (and my gloves) are really foul after a ride, even when she's just had a bath. Leave them to dry over night and it's even worse the next day! I have to wash them frequently, and I now use lots of Febreeze after every ride.

She boards in a clean, orderly stable, and is turned out for the majority of every day (not pasture, just paddock). She's in good health and her fitness level is improving all the time (thank God, she's sweating a little less!). She's a pretty easy keeper, very normal diet, no supplements except a salt lick.

Not only is she my first horse, but I have less experience with mares overall. Is this normal or common? Does it suggest some kind of health problem? She does tend to be quite a flirt and come into heat frequently. But the smell is from her sweat exclusively.

I hope it's nothing to worry about. I love her, putrid smell and all, so I can live with the mild annoyance (and occasional embarassment) if it's just the way she is.

FizzMom:

I hope it's nothing to worry about. I love her, putrid smell and all, so I can live with the mild annoyance (and occasional embarassment) if it's just the way she is.

  LOL We all seem to have our "things", don't we?  What is she eating?

She gets baled (mixed) hay and pelleted grain (Strider). Lots of access to fresh water. And I usually keep a salt lick in her stall, too, but no other supplements.

I wonder if it's not indicative of a kidney/liver chemical imbalance. Much like diabetic person will have "sweet" smelling breath. Not saying it's a need for panic or anything. Some people/animals just smell worse than others, but your odor is a result of all the things you eat and your own personal chemistry. If one of your organs is not working perfectly, it can affect your chemistry and produce a different odor. Same concept as why some people think garlic or apple cider vinegar might keep insects away, the chemicals come out in the skin, while we may not notice the subtle aromas, the insects would, and be deterred.  Could just be something in her feed, or her age.

boosiler:

I wonder if it's not indicative of a kidney/liver chemical imbalance. Much like diabetic person will have "sweet" smelling breath. Not saying it's a need for panic or anything. Some people/animals just smell worse than others, but your odor is a result of all the things you eat and your own personal chemistry. If one of your organs is not working perfectly, it can affect your chemistry and produce a different odor. Same concept as why some people think garlic or apple cider vinegar might keep insects away, the chemicals come out in the skin, while we may not notice the subtle aromas, the insects would, and be deterred.  Could just be something in her feed, or her age.

I've wondered the same thing. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to deter the flies any :-)

I guess as long as she's active, healthy and happy, I won't worry too much about it. But maybe one of these days I'll ask the vet for some blood work to test her liver and kidney function.

Thanks!