How to support respiratory health naturally

Prevention is always better than a cure they say, and this can be a real game changer when it comes to your horse’s respiratory system. Whether the concern is winter coughs, viruses, infections, allergies to bedding or forage when stabled, spring or summer allergies caused by environmental pollution, tree or crop pollen, nasal discharge, or head shaking. Owners can make a big difference by just putting in place some simple steps to help prevent or at least reduce the problem and keep their horses’ respiratory system as healthy as possible. Of course, it goes without saying that if owners have any concerns about their horse’s health, they should always seek veterinary advice.  

Why is my horse coughing?  

Coughing is the natural and normal way for horses to clear their airways of mucus, bacteria, dust, or irritants such as mold, hay spores etc.  

In winter, horses spend more time in stables or barns. These confined areas will expose them to more irritating airborne dust, fungus, mold and hay spores that are present in forage, bedding or just in the horse’s general environment. This can lead to the development of COPD, RAO, Cough or Equine Asthma. To help reduce this risk, try to have your horse spend as much time outside as possible, an additional rug can always be used to keep the horse warm. Of course, sometimes this isn’t possible, particularly if you have limited grazing or turnout. If this is the case then try to take steps to make sure your horse’s stable area has plenty of ventilation, choose dust-free bedding and consider your forage choices, treatment and feeding regime. 

Steaming your horse’s hay, rather than soaking it, will help retain its nutritional benefits. At the same time steaming helps to kill off fungal spores and bacteria that can be a particular worry for horses with allergies. 

Which herbs should I use and why? 

Herbalists recommend selecting herbs to help support sore, inflamed or irritated airways that can lead to coughing. Loosening and encouraging the expulsion of mucus present in the airways will reduce the risk of infection and support the horse’s normal immune response to airborne allergens.  

Elecampane soothes irritated mucus membranes and encourages the upward flow of mucus.  

Liquorice is soothing. Its demulcent action helps reduce the cough response.  

Marshmallow is an expectorant and is soothing for dry unproductive coughs 

Thyme herb is traditionally used for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal actions.  

Cleavers is rich in silica which supports the horse’s normal immune response.  

What can I do to help my horse suffering from seasonal allergies?  

For thousands of years people have used herbs to help with everyday healthcare, but life has moved on. Both people and animals are facing new environmental pressures such as air pollution, smoke inhalation (due to wildfires), changing climate, seasonal crop pollen (oil seed rape). In addition, horses can be exposed to infections carried by other equines when they travel and compete.  

There are several preventative actions owners can take to help reduce exposure to airborne irritants.  

Nose Veils – Consider using a nose veil for your horse, not just when being ridden but also when the horse is turned out where there is grass, tree, crop or flower pollen. These irritants can be drawn in when the horse inhales, with the pollen creating intense irritation of the respiratory system’s delicate mucus membranes. By using a nose veil the air inhaled can be filtered, helping to remove the pollen particles. Horses who develop allergies to airborne particles will often rub their noses, dip their muzzles into water to try and ease the irritation or shake their heads. This head shaking may become violent whilst riding, which can be dangerous.  

Which herbs should I use to support my horse with allergies? 

A number of herbs can help support horses with seasonal respiratory allergies.  

Eyebright is specifically used for sinuses and inflammation of the airways. It’s an astringent and helps relieve congestion. A tea solution can be made of the herb and then once strained and cooled can be used to gently bathe sore tired irritated eyes. 

Echinacea is a well-known immune stimulant. It’s traditionally used to support the upper respiratory tract. Echinacea also helps the immune system respond to allergens.  

Chamomile is anti-allergenic with a soothing and calming action on the mucus membranes. 

Skullcap is used to help reduce irritation and inflammation caused by airborne allergens.  

By using good horse management and with the help of Mother Nature, horse owners can support their horse’s whole respiratory system. 

Hilary Self BSc.(Hons) MNIMH