Coughs and sneezes
It’s not uncommon for horses to develop a cough over the winter. This can be caused by spending longer in the stable, hay and straw getting a bit dusty, or not being ridden as much. We asked our Facebook followers to share their tips and tricks for keeping horses cough-free…
SIMPLY SOAK
I hate it when my hay starts getting a bit musty — the lovely fresh spring stuff is long gone and all you’re left with are the dregs. Soaking it is a must for me. It gets rid of the dust and my horse is much more interested in eating it too.
Joanna Finch
OUT AND ABOUT
My girl Stella lives out
24/7, even in winter. I used to bring her in, but she developed a really bad cough so my vet suggested giving it a try. She has an extra rug if it’s really cold and she’s got a field shelter, but she seems happy, so I’m happy too.
Pauline Chivers
A SPRING CLEAN
A few times a year I give my horse’s stable table a really good clean from floor to ceiling. I sweep out any cobwebs and dust, wipe down the walls and take out all the bedding. It gets disinfected too. I think this helps to ward off coughs from being stabled.
Niki Anderson
FRESH AIR
It’s simple really — try other beddings and soak or steam your hay. And if you still have problems, turn your horse out more so that he can actually get some fresh air!
Lin Harwood
HELPFUL HERB
Putting thyme in my mare’s feed helps her stay cough-free. I soak her hay too.
Mark Pitt
STABLE NEIGHBOURS
Zoo gets a cough every year and there’s nothing I can do about it as it’s because his stable neighbour has straw. I’ve asked the owner to consider changing it to see if it makes any difference, but they refuse to even try.
Viv Monk
STEAM AHEAD
My veteran never had a problem with winter coughing when he was younger, but he’s getting on now so he was bound to develop some new traits. I borrowed owed a friend’s
steamer and it’s made a real difference. Now I’m on the lookout to get my own.
Kate Park
NEW ROUTINE
My horse used to start coughing really badly whenever I rode him, particularly if it was cold. I had a routine of giving the stable a quick scoop out before we set off, and used to leave him in the stable. Now I tie him up outside, or pop him in the field while I muck out. He doesn’t cough anymore.
Annabelle Lancaster
LOVELY LAVENDER
My horse Piper responds really well to aromatherapy. Lavender vender and eucalyptus are particularly good for coughs, I dot a few drops on the ledge under his haynet, or on his headcollar before turnout.
Lucy Mann
CHANGING THE BEDDING
Sky used to cough a lot so I decided to change her bedding. I tried various types before it made a difference. I also invested in a steamer for her hay. She coughs less now so I’ll stick with it!
Caroline Warder
BACK TO NATURE
Isaac used to have his hay in a net until I read that grazing from the floor can help horses’ airways. Since then he’s had his hay from the ground. I throw his feed on top too so he can have a good rummage!
Fiona Caper
LITTLE EXTRAS
I use a supplement over the winter added to my boy’s feed. It seems to help.
Dan Smith