Equine asthma, previously referred to as RAO, COB, or COPD (the latter being outdated in human medicine), is one of the most prevalent illnesses affecting horses and a leading cause for their early exit from competitive sports. Effective management of equine asthma is essential to prevent further deterioration and maintain a good quality of life.
But what exactly does "good management" entail? Where does it start, and where does it end? We spoke with equine veterinarian Dr. Theresa Sommerfeld to identify the four key aspects of effective asthma management that every horse owner should keep in mind.
The most critical factor in managing horses with respiratory issues is optimising their care. As the horse owner, you play a central role in ensuring proper treatment. Dr. Sommerfeld has shared her top four tips on managing horses with equine asthma.
1) Dust Prevention
Even top-quality hay can produce dust, and factors such as the cutting height impact its cleanliness. Low cuts bring in more dirt, which leads to dust and contamination in the hay. Steaming or soaking hay is one of the most effective methods to reduce dust, and an alternative is haylage—though it isn’t suitable for all horses. Haylage’s high residual moisture and incomplete fermentation can lead to issues like watery stools and gas in some horses. Additionally, haylage must be consumed promptly, especially in warm weather, as incorrect storage or production can foster harmful bacteria, posing serious health risks (e.g., botulism).
Many horse owners already take measures like steaming hay, ensuring the horse spends most of the day outside, and using inhalers. However, these efforts may be undermined if the horse returns to a straw bed at night. Straw bedding stirs up dust and microorganisms, which can worsen respiratory conditions. Alternative low-dust bedding materials like sand, shavings, peat, forest floor, or mats are preferable. If neighbouring horses use straw, this can also be an issue, as asthmatic horses may inhale dust from nearby stalls. Even in outdoor stables, straw should be avoided as it still releases dust, which the horse will inevitably inhale.
Small details matter, such as the dust stirred up by sweeping stable aisles and mucking out. Ideally, horses should avoid the stable for an hour after cleaning, and dampening floors before sweeping (on non-slip surfaces) can help reduce airborne particles.
Dry ground also raises dust with each step. After a ride, you can wipe your face with a damp white cloth; if you see dirt, your horse likely inhaled twice as much dust. For asthmatic horses, riding on freshly watered surfaces or in nature after rain is ideal.
Since oats and other feeds can be dusty, moistening these or adding oil to bind the dust can help minimise respiratory irritation.
Horses with equine asthma benefit greatly from consistent exposure to fresh air, with 24-hour outdoor access being ideal to reduce dust intake significantly.
2) Feed Quality
A bale of hay that is merely dampened but contains contaminants like bacteria, fungi, or dirt is unsuitable for feeding. Relying on superficial inspection isn’t enough; if visible signs of mould or fungal growth are present, it’s safe to assume contamination extends deeper within the bale. Proper storage and drying before pressing are critical to prevent fungal growth. Hay storage areas should remain dry, as moisture encourages mould or fungal growth (e.g., black spots or white streaks).
Hay quality standards include:
- Dry, non-sticky texture
- Fresh, floral aroma
- Easy to separate strands
- Yellowish-green colour
- Low dust content
- Balanced texture, neither too hard nor too soft (determined by cutting time and plant maturity)
Being able to identify toxic plants in hay is also crucial, as some plants retain their toxicity when dried, and some even become more palatable yet hazardous (e.g., ragwort, which loses its bitter taste when dried).
3) Exercise
Exercise promotes lung function and should be encouraged as much as physically feasible. Vigorous activities like cantering improve lung circulation and the natural cleansing of the respiratory system. Maintaining overall fitness boosts a horse’s resilience, and contrary to popular belief, horses diagnosed with asthma should not be overly restricted from exercise. As long as they enjoy it and don’t exhibit signs of significant respiratory distress at rest, daily exercise is highly beneficial.
For more on training horses with respiratory conditions, you can check out our dedicated article on this topic.
4) Other Factors
Stress hormones significantly impact immune function and self-healing capabilities. For horses with respiratory issues, it is especially important to keep stress levels low. Various stressors, such as competitions, riding routines, social hierarchy, or even routine changes, can strain horses. Gradual exposure to new situations helps minimise stress.
On humid summer days, horses with advanced asthma may find it more difficult to breathe, making it essential to offer a cool, shady retreat to avoid sun exposure and overheating.
If your horse is sensitive to specific allergens like certain grasses, pollen, or microorganisms, take steps to reduce exposure when these allergens are present. This is especially important if your horse has multiple respiratory sensitivities; managing and reducing exposure to all potential irritants can make a significant difference.