Respiratory disease is a major welfare problem in stabled horses, largely caused by dust and mold spores in hay and bedding - an entirely preventable condition.
Equine respiratory disease is a welfare problem largely created by housing conditions that concentrate horses in enclosed spaces with dusty hay and inadequate ventilation. A horse with equine asthma experiences chronic respiratory compromise that causes coughing, exercise intolerance, and in severe cases, respiratory distress. The welfare cost is substantial and entirely preventable through appropriate hay management, bedding choice, and stable ventilation. Good stable design that prioritizes air quality is as important as any other aspect of equine welfare, yet is often overlooked in favor of security and convenience.