Companion Animals

Horse Respiratory Management in Stabling

Respiratory disease is a major welfare concern in stabled horses. Environmental management of airborne particle levels significantly reduces chronic respiratory conditions.

Key Facts

Equine asthma affects an estimated 14% of horses in training
Dust, fungal spores, and ammonia in stables are primary triggers
Hay soaking or steaming reduces spore content by over 95%
Deep litter systems may produce more ammonia than regularly mucked-out beds
Good ventilation is essential but draughts over horses should be avoided

Welfare Considerations

Chronic respiratory disease in horses causes persistent airway inflammation, exercise intolerance, and breathing difficulty that significantly affects welfare and performance. Environmental management to reduce airborne challenge is more effective than medication alone. Stabling horses in clean, well-ventilated, low-dust environments prevents the development and progression of respiratory disease.

What You Can Do

Use soaked or steamed hay or dust-free forage alternatives for horses with respiratory disease
Maximise stable ventilation while protecting from cold draughts
Manage bedding and stable hygiene to minimise ammonia and dust levels