Protect your pony’s airways!

In winter, when your pony may need to spend more time stabled, his respiratory system could be put to the test. The extra dust and mould spores that build up in a confined area, such as a stable, can lead to health problems, including… 

• coughing
• a snotty nose
• difficulty breathing
• tiredness

Don’t panic, because we’re here to help. A little attention to detail could make a big difference to your pony’s wellbeing this winter – result!

Soak away

Dust particles in hay can be inhaled by your pony and irritate his respiratory tract. However, soaking hay in cold water for at least 10 minutes and up to an hour causes these dust particles to stick to the hay, rather than being inhaled by your pony. Soaking hay also reduces its calorie content, so if your pony’s a bit on the plump side, he might lose a few kilos, too – double value!

Did you know? 

Equine asthma is the broad term used for respiratory  diseases in ponies. 

Stay grounded

Feeding your pony from the ground helps to clear and drain all the mucus from his airways. So, instead of using a haynet, why not use a ground-feeder, or place piles of hay on his stable floor?

Open up

If your pony’s stable has a window, keep it open to create more airflow. The better ventilated his stable is, the less dust there will be. 

Did you know? 

There are supplements you can add to your pony’s diet that are specifically designed to support his airways. Talk to your vet for advice.

Home sweet home

If your pony’s prone to respiratory problems, it’s a good idea to do a full muck out every day. Remove all the droppings and wet bedding, sweep the floor and allow it to dry, then replace his bed.

Top tip

Remove your pony from his stable while you’re mucking out or grooming him, as these can both throw up a lot of dust that may affect his airways.

The great outdoors

There’s no healthier place for ponies’ respiratory systems to be than outside, so turn your pony out in the field as much as you can. He’ll stay warmer from moving around and you can put hay piles in the field if there’s not enough grass.

If he can’t go out much, do your best to give him some extra time outdoors by grazing or taking him for a walk in-hand, or go for a ride!

Clean up!

Dust can build up around the yard, too, so keep things clean by sweeping up each day, storing feed in rodent proof bins and regularly removing cobwebs. Storing hay and bedding away from stable areas will keep dust levels down, too.

Top tip

If your pony’s showing signs of respiratory problems, talk to your vet for advice on the best treatment.