Introduction to Respiratory Health
At The Golden Paste Company, we're passionate about helping your horse live a happier, healthier life. That's why we believe it's important to shine a light on equine respiratory health - a vital aspect of your horse's overall wellbeing!
From winter dust to summer pollen, environmental irritants can take a toll on your horse's breathing. Supporting respiratory health all year-round is key to helping them stay comfortable, perform at their best, and enjoy life - whatever the season.
Why does respiratory health matter?
Horses rely on clear, healthy airways to perform at their best - whether they’re hacking out, competing, or relaxing in the field but changes in season can often bring invisible challenges that can make breathing difficult, leading to coughing, wheezing, excessive mucus, and general discomfort. If you’ve ever noticed your horse reacting to dust in the stable or struggling when pollen levels rise, you’re not alone. In fact, respiratory issues affect 25% of horses and ponies in the UK and can make daily life uncomfortable for both horse and rider.
Signs to watch for:
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Mucus or nasal discharge
- Laboured breathing or shortness of breath
- Head shaking or abnormal head carriage
- Shallow breathing
- Noise (such as grunting) associated with breathing
How to help manage these potential scenarios?
Environmental management is key. In addition to supplementation, here are some simple ways to support your horse's respiratory health:
- Keep stables clean, dry, and well-ventilated
- Minimise dust by using dust-free bedding and wetting or soaking hay before feeding.
- Avoid overcrowding and travelling with unknown horses as well as sudden changes in environment - rapid changes in air temperature can trigger symptoms.
- Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water
- Keep vaccinations up to date
- Maximise turnout time in clean, poo-picked fields
- A comfortable, dry, temperature-appropriate environment will allow the horse to rest and will lessen the need for the respiratory tract to work at regulating the horse's body temperature whether stabled or turned out.
How respiratory disease may affect performance?
Respiratory discomfort can affect your horse's ability to train, compete, and enjoy daily life. Left unmanaged, it may lead to:
- Limited breathing - respiratory disease can make it hard for a horse to breathe, which can affect its performance.
- Chronic conditions - untreated respiratory disease can lead t chronic conditions that limit a horse's performance.
- Exercise Intolerance - a horse with respiratory disease may need to take a break from training.
- Decreased value - if a horse has a respiratory condition, it can be worth less when sold
Because Every Breathe Matters
Seeing your horse struggle with respiratory discomfort is hard - but understanding the signs and taking proactive steps can make all the difference. With the right management, you can help support clear airways and a healthier, more comfortable life with your horse.
For more help or information all around respiratory health, please give our friendly team of experts a call on 01423 503 319 or email info@goldenpastecompany.com
