When wildfires rage in the West, the effects of smoke can wreak havoc on people and animals—even those hundreds of miles away. And equine athletes were among the vulnerable.
Horses exposed to air pollution can develop signs consistent with asthma—like coughing, labored breathing and nasal discharge. Some even develop secondary infections and a fever.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality index, or AQI, scores air quality from zero to 500. An AQI above 300 is considered hazardous, but horses should be rested when the AQI is over 100.
It also helps to reduce dust in their environment by moistening hay and bedding. Several weeks after air quality improves, horses can be slowly reintroduced to their workout routines.
Equine athletes depend on their lung capacity for everything. It’s up to us protect it.