How Can You Support Your Horse's Respiratory Health?
Does your horse cough when starting exercise, during feeding or while standing in the stable? A horse's respiratory health is influenced by many everyday factors, including dusty hay, stable air quality, turnout and nutrition. Herbs have also traditionally been part of horse feeding. But what really contributes to healthy airways, and what does scientific research tell us?
Horses are sensitive to airborne pollutants. They spend a large part of the day eating, and feeding is one of the times when large amounts of fine dust particles can enter the respiratory tract. During the stabling season, exposure may also increase due to bedding materials, inadequate ventilation and dust stirred up during stable work.
Taking care of your horse's respiratory health is important even before any problems appear.
How Does a Horse's Respiratory System Work?
The horse's respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen to the lungs and removing carbon dioxide from the body. It includes the nostrils, nasal passages, trachea, bronchi and lungs.
The airways also have their own natural cleaning system.
The mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract produce mucus that traps dust particles and other airborne impurities. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia then move the mucus upwards, helping remove these particles from the airways.
When a horse is continuously exposed to dust and other irritating particles, the normal function of this cleaning mechanism may be disrupted.
This is one of the reasons why the horse's living environment plays such an important role in respiratory health.
Why Does My Horse Cough?
Coughing is a symptom rather than a disease itself. The cough reflex helps remove mucus and foreign particles from the respiratory tract.
Common causes of coughing in horses include:
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Dust from hay or bedding
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Airborne pollutants in the stable
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Pollen and other environmental allergens
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Inflammatory changes in the airways
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Equine asthma
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Respiratory infections
If a horse coughs a few times when starting exercise, it should not automatically be considered normal.
Equine asthma can also occur in a mild form. In these cases, the horse may otherwise appear healthy but cough occasionally, become tired more quickly than usual or show reduced performance during exercise.
An international consensus statement on inflammatory airway disease in horses, published in 2016, explains that mild to moderate equine asthma may cause occasional coughing and reduced performance without obvious breathing difficulties at rest [1].
If coughing is recurring, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause. Breathing difficulties at rest require urgent veterinary attention.
Hay and Stable Air Quality – The Foundation of Respiratory Health
One of the most important factors affecting a horse's respiratory system is the amount of dust in the air it breathes.
Dry hay can contain significant amounts of fine inhalable particles, even when it looks clean. Bedding materials and dust generated during stable work can further increase exposure.
A comprehensive scientific review published in 2024, Environmental Management of Equine Asthma, examined the environmental factors associated with equine asthma. One of its main conclusions was that forage quality, forage management and stable conditions play a crucial role in reducing respiratory exposure to airborne particles [2].
Five Practical Ways to Reduce Stress on Your Horse's Airways
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Choose hay of good hygienic quality. If necessary, dust levels can be reduced by steaming or soaking. However, these methods may also affect the nutritional value of the hay.
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Ensure adequate stable ventilation. Fresh air helps reduce the accumulation of moisture and airborne pollutants.
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Choose low-dust bedding materials. Dust levels can vary considerably between different types of bedding.
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Provide sufficient turnout. Outdoor time and fresh air often reduce exposure to stable-related pollutants. For horses sensitive to pollen, outdoor air conditions should also be considered.
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Allow the horse to eat forage with its head in a naturally lowered position whenever possible. This helps support the normal movement of mucus through the respiratory tract.
A healthy living environment is the foundation of respiratory well-being, and no feed supplement can replace it.
Herbs in Horse Nutrition – What Does Research Tell Us?
Herbs have been used in animal feeding for centuries. Many plants naturally contain essential oils, polyphenols, flavonoids and other biologically active compounds.
Aromatic herbs such as thyme and anise, as well as plants containing mucilage-forming polysaccharides, including marshmallow root and Iceland moss, are particularly interesting because of their natural composition.
Scientific research has also explored the properties of these plants. However, it is important to remember that effects observed in laboratory studies do not automatically mean that the same effects occur in horses.
Thyme – An Aromatic Herb Rich in Thymol
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the best-known traditional herbs.
It contains essential oils with compounds such as thymol and carvacrol. Thyme also contains flavonoids and other phenolic compounds characteristic of the plant.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has evaluated thyme as a traditional herbal medicinal product for humans. Its traditional use includes preparations for productive coughs, although clinical evidence remains limited [3].
This research background makes thyme an interesting plant in the context of herbal feeding for animals, although comparable clinical effects have not been demonstrated in horses.
Thyme provides an aromatic addition to a horse's diet and can be used on its own or as part of a herbal blend.
Discover Chia de Gracia Thyme 400 g
Anise – Aromatic Seeds and a Natural Source of Anethole
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is known for its sweet, slightly liquorice-like aroma.
The seeds contain essential oil, with anethole being the main aromatic compound. Anise also contains other naturally occurring plant compounds and nutrients.
In its assessment, the EMA describes the traditional medicinal use of anise in humans for digestive complaints and coughs associated with the common cold. The assessment also discusses laboratory studies in which anise preparations demonstrated relaxing effects on smooth muscle. However, this evidence does not establish similar effects in horses [4].
In horse nutrition, anise is particularly valued for its pleasant aroma. It can be added to herbal blends or moistened feed.
Discover Chia de Gracia Anise Seeds 500 g
Liquorice Root – Glycyrrhizin and Plant Polyphenols
Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant with a long history of traditional use. Its characteristic sweetness comes mainly from a naturally occurring compound called glycyrrhizin.
Liquorice root also contains flavonoids and other phenolic compounds.
These natural plant compounds have been investigated in laboratory studies and other research models involving inflammatory processes. However, the findings do not establish that liquorice root can treat respiratory symptoms in horses.
Liquorice root adds a naturally sweet flavour and a variety of plant-specific compounds to the horse's diet [5].
Discover Chia de Gracia Liquorice Root 800 g
Garlic – Interesting Research Conducted Directly on Horses
Garlic (Allium sativum) naturally contains sulphur compounds, including substances formed from alliin.
Garlic has also been investigated in studies involving horses.
A Finnish study published in 2019 examined the effects of dried garlic supplementation on respiratory health and blood parameters in horses over an 83-day period [6].
Horses receiving garlic showed less accumulation of secretions in the trachea. However, at a high dosage, slight reductions were also observed in certain blood values, including haemoglobin and red blood cell counts.
These findings are interesting but also highlight the importance of dosage and duration of use.
In horse nutrition, garlic is best suited for carefully considered, short-term use rather than prolonged supplementation.
Discover Chia de Gracia Garlic Granules 500 g
Ready-Made Herbal Products to Complement Your Horse's Diet
In addition to individual herbs, a horse's diet can be complemented with ready-made herbal blends. These offer a convenient option when you prefer not to measure several different ingredients separately.
Deep Breath – A Versatile Herbal Blend
Chia de Gracia Deep Breath combines seven plant-based ingredients:
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Thyme
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Garlic
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Marshmallow root
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Anise
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Liquorice root
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Peppermint
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Iceland moss
The blend combines aromatic herbs, plants containing mucilage-forming polysaccharides and other naturally occurring plant compounds.
Deep Breath can be included as part of a varied diet, for example during the stabling season or when you want to incorporate several different herbs into your horse's daily feeding routine.
The product can be mixed into the feed as it is or moistened before feeding.
Discover Deep Breath Herbal Blend 1.7 kg
CdG AIR – Peppermint, Menthol and Eucalyptus in Liquid Form
CdG AIR is a liquid complementary feed containing aromatic ingredients such as peppermint, menthol and eucalyptus oil.
Menthol is known for the characteristic cooling sensation associated with peppermint. Eucalyptus oil, in turn, contains strongly aromatic plant compounds.
CdG AIR provides an easy way to add these aromatic plant substances to a horse's diet.
Its liquid consistency makes it particularly convenient to mix directly into the daily feed ration.
Discover CdG AIR 1 Litre
Which Herbal Product Should You Choose for Your Horse?
The most suitable option depends on whether you want to add a single herb, a varied herbal blend or a liquid complementary feed to your horse's diet.
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Deep Breath: combines several aromatic herbs and plants containing polysaccharides.
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CdG AIR: a liquid option containing peppermint, menthol and eucalyptus oil.
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Thyme: an individual herb with a strong, characteristic aroma.
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Anise: aromatic seeds with a sweet, liquorice-like scent.
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Liquorice root: a naturally sweet root containing glycyrrhizin and polyphenols.
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Garlic: a plant containing sulphur compounds, best used thoughtfully for limited periods.
There is no need to use all these products at the same time. When choosing a supplement, consider your horse's overall diet, health and any overlapping ingredients between products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Respiratory Health
Is It Normal for a Horse to Cough at the Beginning of Exercise?
An occasional cough does not always indicate a serious problem, but repeated coughing is not normal. If your horse regularly coughs at the beginning of exercise, it is advisable to investigate the cause.
Can Hay Cause Coughing in Horses?
Yes. Dust particles in hay can irritate a horse's airways and aggravate existing respiratory problems. Reducing dust exposure is an important part of maintaining respiratory health.
Which Herbs Have Traditionally Been Associated With Respiratory Health?
Thyme, anise, liquorice root and garlic are examples of plants with a long history of traditional use. Their properties have been investigated in different research settings, but the findings cannot automatically be applied to the effects of finished complementary feeds for horses.
Can Nutrition Contribute to a Horse's Respiratory Health?
A balanced diet supports normal bodily functions. Plant-based ingredients can also be included in the diet, but when it comes to respiratory health, the most important measures are reducing exposure to dust and other airborne pollutants and investigating the cause of any respiratory symptoms.
Summary – Respiratory Health Starts With Everyday Care
A horse's respiratory health depends on several factors working together.
Good-quality forage, fresh stable air, low-dust bedding and sufficient turnout provide the most important foundation. Respiratory symptoms should not be ignored, and the cause of recurring coughing should always be investigated.
Herbal complementary feeds and individual herbs can be included as part of a varied diet. Thyme, anise, liquorice root and garlic naturally contain interesting plant compounds that have also been investigated in scientific research.
At Chia de Gracia, you can find both individual herbs and ready-made herbal blends to complement your horse's daily nutrition.
References and Scientific Studies
[1] Couëtil LL. et al. (2016). Inflammatory Airway Disease of Horses—Revised Consensus Statement. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 30(2), 503–515.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4913592/
[2] Environmental Management of Equine Asthma (2024). Animals, 14(3), 446.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10854533/
[3] European Medicines Agency. Thymi herba – Herbal medicinal product. Assessment of the traditional medicinal use of thyme.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/thymi-herba
[4] European Medicines Agency. Anisi fructus – Herbal medicinal product. Assessment of the traditional medicinal use of anise.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/anisi-fructus
[5] European Medicines Agency (2024). Assessment report on Glycyrrhiza species, radix. Assessment of the properties and safety of liquorice root.
[6] Garlic (Allium sativum) Supplementation Improves Respiratory Health but Has Increased Risk of Lower Hematologic Values in Horses (2019).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30609743/
Note on scientific evidence: Research into the traditional medicinal use of herbs does not, in itself, demonstrate equivalent effects from complementary feeds for horses. These products are intended to complement the diet and are not medicines for treating respiratory diseases.
