Horse Respiratory Health and Performance

Respiratory conditions including Equine Asthma are common causes of poor performance and chronic discomfort in working and stabled horses.

Key Facts

Equine Asthma Syndrome encompasses conditions previously known as RAO (heaves) and IAD, characterised by airway inflammation
Dust and mould spores from hay and bedding are the primary triggers in stabled horses
Signs range from exercise intolerance and cough to severe respiratory distress with a heave line at the flank
Management focuses on maximum ventilation, dust-reduced forage, and appropriate bedding such as rubber matting or dust-free shavings
Inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids provide rapid symptomatic relief and can be administered by inhaler

Welfare Considerations

Equine asthma causes significant respiratory discomfort and exercise limitation. Horses with severe disease struggle to breathe even at rest and experience the distress of chronic hypoxia. The management burden falls on owners, who must often make substantial changes to stabling, feeding, and exercise practices. The condition is largely preventable through good ventilation and dust management from the outset.

What You Can Do

Maximise stable ventilation through open doors, ridge vents, and avoiding enclosed bedded areas where possible
Feed soaked or steamed hay, haylage, or dust-free forage alternatives to reduce spore inhalation
Use low-dust bedding such as rubber matting, dust-free shavings, or paper bedding
Consult a vet for appropriate inhaled medication for horses with confirmed equine asthma