Heaves

Did you know...

Heaves, otherwise known as Recurrent Airway Obstruction, is the most prevalent lung disease seen in horses.

How does it show itself?

In most cases it doesn't, and may go undetected. You may however see the following:


- Occasional coughing

- Reduced performance (e.g. reluctance to respond to aids)

- Mucus from the nose

- Increased respiratory rate

- Increased abdominal effort

- Abnormal lung sounds

Why does it matter?

Horse heaves is a chronic condition and can threaten your horse's long-term health and performance. 

How can Haygain help?

Taking steps to minimise exposure to the airborne respirable dust will undoubtedly reduce the risk of Heaves.


The dust in hay is a key cause of respiratory inflammation. Steaming hay with a Haygain hay steamer eliminates respirable dust particles, killing mould, bacteria, fungal spores and mite faeces.


Reducing stable dust and ammonia off-gassing is also important. Haygain's ComfortStall sealed, orthopaedic flooring reduces bedding requirements by up to 75% and being sealed and hydrophobic, removes ammonia off-gassing caused by urine.