Respiratory disease affects a significant proportion of performance horses, limiting their ability to work comfortably and causing chronic welfare compromise that is often underappreciated.
Respiratory disease causes chronic discomfort and exercise limitation that significantly impairs the welfare and working ability of many horses. The stoic nature of horses means that even horses with significant airway disease continue to work, and owners may interpret their performance limitations as lack of fitness or motivation rather than respiratory compromise. Management changes including maximising outdoor time, transitioning to dust-free forage, and improving stable ventilation are often as effective as medication in mild to moderate cases, and considerably less expensive. The welfare of horses living in poorly ventilated, dusty environments represents an ongoing compromise that is both common and largely preventable through relatively simple management adjustments.