Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Respiratory Welfare Management

Equine respiratory health is profoundly affected by stable management including bedding type, hay quality, ventilation, and dust exposure, with chronic conditions significantly reducing quality of life.

Key Facts

Equine asthma affects an estimated 10-15% of horses in temperate climates
Dust from hay and bedding is the primary trigger for equine airway inflammation
Soaking or steaming hay significantly reduces dust and allergen load
Improved stable ventilation reduces dust exposure and improves respiratory outcomes
Turnout rather than stabling dramatically reduces respiratory disease incidence

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory conditions cause chronic discomfort and exercise limitation in affected horses. Many cases are directly attributable to management decisions including bedding choice, hay quality, and ventilation that owners and managers can modify to provide significant welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Steam or soak hay for horses with respiratory conditions
Improve stable ventilation and consider rubber matting over deep bedding
Maximise turnout time to reduce stable dust exposure for respiratory-sensitive horses