When the sun shines and beams through the stable door, it becomes evident if the air isn't clean and clear. It's not unusual to see small particles floating in the stable air, but this isn't optimal for horses. According to researchers, these airborne particles are a primary cause of asthma in horses. Therefore, it's crucial to examine the stable environment and create an allergy-friendly space for your horse. Asthma is bothersome for horses in many ways.

Advertisement

Imagine breathing through a straw while running. This analogy describes how people with asthma feel during an attack. Likely, horses with asthma experience something similar.

Impacts on quality of life and performance

A horse with asthma struggles to breathe efficiently. This can irritate the airways, causing coughing and breathing difficulties. Naturally, this affects the horse's performance and overall well-being.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic, non-infectious disease of the lower airways. It causes denser and thicker lower airways, often with increased mucus production in the lungs.

It's a serious condition requiring accurate diagnosis, management, and often treatment.

In short, asthma causes chronic inflammation deep in the lungs, restricting airflow.

Read also: Balance, strength, and flexibility. Should your horse do pilates?

Known risk factors include:

• Dust
• Endotoxins
• Fungal spores
• Mold
• Pollen and respiratory irritants like ammonia from horse urine

It is not optimal to store roughage in the stable where the horses are kept. Photo: Canva Pro

1 out of 7 horses suffer from severe asthma

Recent studies on equine asthma have shown that affected horses are typically younger than 10 years old, with many being active competition horses. Approximately 1 in 7 horses suffers from severe asthma.

Early detection and treatment, combined with targeted management strategies, can help these horses lead a healthy and physically active life.

Advertisement

Creating a respiratory-friendly environment for your horse

The best thing for a horse with asthma is to manage its environment. There are several simple measures to ensure a respiratory-friendly environment:

• Keep the horse outside as much as possible
• If the horse must be indoors, place it in a stall closest to the door
• Ensure good air circulation in the stable
• Remove horses from the stable before sweeping, mucking, or moving dusty feed
• Spray the stable floor with water to reduce dust
• Avoid hay racks or hay bars that require the horse to lower its head to eat
• Store hay, wrap, and other roughage away from the stable
• Use non-dusty bedding

Besides the measures in the stable, it is also relevant to consider the environment in which training occurs. Horses suffering from asthma, or other respiratory issues, generally benefit from being ridden outdoors, especially if the riding arena has a dusty floor.

Read also: Guide for the uncertain: Teaching your horse to ride out alone

Sources:

Asthma in horses (Equine Asthma)

Creating an Equine Airway-Friendly Environment