In order to find out which housing conditions are suitable for horses with respiratory diseases, we first have to ask ourselves the question: What housing options are there?
What was it like before?
If we look at older stables, we can sometimes still find remnants of the former tethered housing. This type of housing is no longer practiced for the benefit of the horses and is contrary to animal welfare. Surprisingly, however, we note that tethered housing has only been banned throughout Germany since January 2014. Fortunately, thanks to the ban, we don't have to discuss its suitability.
Box keeping
Traditional stable housing is widespread. The FN guidelines stipulate a minimum size of (2x withers height)² for horse stables. Furthermore, horses must at least have visual contact with other horses. The stables must be bright and airy. But why all this?
Stable dust and ammonia are proven to be harmful to the respiratory system. Therefore, constant fresh air and stable hygiene must be ensured. Furthermore, every horse should be allowed at least four hours of free exercise daily. For horses with respiratory problems, the goal should be to provide as much exercise as possible so that the horses can get plenty of fresh air.
In addition, for horses with respiratory problems, sufficient fresh air should also be ensured in their stables. When kept in stables, the choice of bedding is even more important, as horses spend a large part of the day (or ideally only the night) in their stables. Ideally, horses should not be in the stable during mucking out, as mucking out and adding bedding can cause enormous increases in stable dust and ammonia levels.
Paddock boxes
Paddock stalls offer the advantage that horses have more space and can therefore move more freely. The "balcony" also allows the horses to constantly get plenty of fresh air. Social interaction is generally better for horses in paddock stalls. Of course, the small paddock next to the stall does not replace paddock or pasture access. Even horses in paddock stalls should be allowed free exercise with other horses daily.
Both in regular stalls and in paddocks, the horses are kept individually, at least overnight. This allows for more personalized feeding. For horses with respiratory problems, for example, feeding steamed hay has proven effective in practice.
Open stable
Open-stall housing has become increasingly widespread in recent years. Ideally, an open-stall housing is divided into different functional areas that provide the horses with opportunities for exercise. A major advantage for horses with respiratory problems, in addition to the constant opportunity for exercise, is the fresh air. In open-stall housing, horses are usually kept in groups. Choosing individual feeding options, such as steamed hay or individual, low-dust bedding , is significantly more difficult in group housing with several horses. However, individual feeding may be possible in open-stall housing/activity stables with automated solutions such as automatic feeders.
Overall, it can be said that the specific housing conditions should always be tailored to the horse. There is no single ideal housing solution for every horse. However, especially for horses with respiratory problems, care should always be taken to ensure that they are kept in conditions with plenty of exercise and fresh air, as well as clean and hygienic resting areas and bedding .
Sources:
Dr. Bianca Schwarz – Respiratory diseases in horses: Not all coughs are created equal – Webinar from March 7, 2023
German Equestrian Federation (2016) Basic knowledge of keeping, feeding, health and breeding, Guidelines for riding and driving Volume 4, FNverlag, Warendorf
Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV), Department of Animal Welfare, Expert Group on Animal Welfare-Approved Horse Husbandry, Guidelines for the Assessment of Horse Husbandry from an Animal Welfare Perspective, 9 June 2009
