Horse Respiratory Disease and Welfare

How equine asthma and respiratory disease affect horse welfare and what management changes can help.

Key Facts

Equine asthma affects an estimated 14% of horses and is a leading cause of reduced performance
Dust and mould from hay and bedding are the primary triggers for equine asthma
Horses with severe asthma experience significant breathing difficulty during and after exercise
Soaking or steaming hay reduces respirable dust particles by up to 98%
Stable management changes including rubber matting and dust-free bedding are essential
Equine asthma is a welfare concern even when medication controls acute symptoms

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease in horses causes chronic discomfort including labored breathing, coughing, and nasal discharge. Even horses managed with bronchodilators and corticosteroids may experience persistent airway inflammation if the underlying environment is not addressed. Horses kept in dusty stables or fed dry hay are chronically exposed to triggers that inflame their airways daily. Environmental management — not medication alone — is the foundation of welfare-focused respiratory care in horses.

What You Can Do

Steam or soak hay for horses with known respiratory sensitivities
Choose low-dust bedding such as rubber matting, paper, or cardboard for affected horses
Maximize stable ventilation by keeping doors and windows open wherever possible
Work with a vet to develop an environmental management plan alongside any medication
Monitor resting respiratory rate and effort as welfare indicators for horses with asthma