Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Respiratory Disease Stable Management

Respiratory disease in horses is strongly linked to stable environment quality, particularly dust, mould and ammonia exposure.

Key Facts

Equine asthma (formerly COPD/RAO) affects an estimated 14% of horses in the UK
Hay dust and mould spores are the primary triggers for equine respiratory disease
Steaming or soaking hay reduces dust content substantially
Deep straw bedding produces ammonia that aggravates respiratory conditions
Good ventilation is the single most important factor in stable respiratory health

Welfare Considerations

Equine respiratory disease causes chronic discomfort, reduced exercise tolerance and impaired quality of life. It is largely preventable through improved stable management including forage hygiene and ventilation.

What You Can Do

Steam or soak hay for horses with or at risk of respiratory disease
Ensure stables have adequate ventilation even in cold weather
Muck out stables daily and use dust-extracted or rubber bedding alternatives