Equine asthma (previously known as heaves or RAO) is a common, manageable respiratory condition causing significant welfare impact in horses.
Equine asthma causes significant respiratory distress that impairs performance, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Horses with untreated severe asthma work visibly harder to breathe, experiencing chronic physical discomfort. Environmental management — the most impactful intervention — requires owner commitment to soaking or replacing hay, improving stable ventilation, and maximizing outdoor time. These changes are often resisted because of their practical inconvenience. Veterinary treatment without environmental modification provides partial relief at best. The welfare priority is reducing antigen exposure through housing and feeding changes, with medication as a supportive complement rather than a primary solution.