If there is a metabolic problem associated with the respiration, then you
want the vet to find it. Misty will pant on humid days, so I tend to do
every thing possible to aid cooling. Sponge in every puddle of water to
cool the neck. Walking in the shade and and moving in the sun, etc. If
something is abnormal (and I know that much better than the vet), I'll be
the first to call it to the vet's attention. My horse is too valuable to
me to have a crash when I could have prevented it.
Panting may be normal if your horse normally pants, but if he just starts
it then it is probably abnormal and should be taken seriously. One other
thing, the worst humidity usually occures in the morning with the coolest
temps. For example here in Florida when I condition early in the morning
the temp can be 65 to 70 but the humidity can be 99%. This is harder on
the horse than later in the day when the temp is higher but the humidity
less. This may be why a lot of people run into trouble early in a ride on
a cool morning.
Truman
Truman Prevatt
Sarasota, FL