Horse Respiratory Welfare and Stable Air Quality

Respiratory disease is among the most common health problems in horses, with stable environment and air quality playing a crucial role in welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Equine asthma (formerly called heaves or RAO) affects up to 20% of horses in temperate climates
Dust, mould spores and ammonia from soiled bedding are primary respiratory triggers
Horses spend up to 16 hours per day stabled — air quality in that environment is critical
Soaking or steaming hay dramatically reduces fungal spore counts and respiratory challenge
Good stable ventilation must balance fresh air with protection from draughts

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease causes chronic discomfort characterised by coughing, nasal discharge and exercise intolerance. Many horses suffer subclinical airway inflammation without obvious symptoms, compromising performance and welfare. The traditional stable environment — dusty hay, shavings bedding, and poor ventilation — is a respiratory hazard. Switching to haylage or steamed hay, using dust-free bedding and maximising turnover dramatically reduces airway disease. Horses with confirmed equine asthma require bronchodilators and corticosteroids as well as environmental management.

What You Can Do

Steam or soak hay for horses showing respiratory signs
Choose low-dust bedding alternatives like rubber mats, paper or hemp
Maximise stable ventilation without creating draughts at horse level
Have horses with persistent cough assessed by a vet for equine asthma