SPARAO - How to help your horse’s breathing

With the pollen season in full swing, it’s not just us humans who are suffering… Summer Pasture-Associated Recurrent Airway Obstruction (SPARAO), often referred to as “heaves” or equine asthma, can be a real issue for your horse and their wellbeing. Thankfully, there are several ways to both treat and mitigate this in your horse or pony.

What is SPARAO? 

SPARAO is caused by allergens commonly found in pastures during the warmer months. These include pollen, airborne mould spores, and dust, all of which can cause reactions in affected horses. When horses that are sensitive to these allergens breathe them in, their airways can become inflamed, narrow, and produce excess mucus, restricting their airways.

Recognising the Signs 

The signs of SPARAO usually depend on the seriousness of the problem. Keep an eye out for:

- Persistent coughing (particularly during or after exercise).

- Nasal discharge.

- Heavy breathing.

- A visible “heave line” that develops along the horse’s abdominal muscles, caused by the effort required for them to breathe.

- Fatigue and an aversion to exercise.

- A poor coat in some chronic cases.

It’s important to keep in mind that a horse that performs well in winter may suddenly begin showing signs of respiratory stress when turned out during pollen months. Contact your vet for an accurate diagnosis if you feel your horse may be exhibiting symptoms.

Treating SPARAO

There are several steps you can take to manage SPARAO. These include:

- Limiting the amount of time they’re outside during high pollen or dusty periods.

- Providing dust-free forage, such as soaked or steamed hay.

- Avoiding straw bedding and choosing low-dust alternatives.

- Keeping stables ventilated and clean.

- Using air purifiers or misting systems to reduce airborne allergens.

- Modifying exercise regimes to avoid peak allergen times.

Nutritional Support – Products That Can Help 

Nutritional supplements can help support the respiratory system of your horse in dealing with the issue. Natural antioxidants can help neutralise oxidative stress in the lungs and maintain clear airways for your horse, helping them breathe more easily.

NAF Respirator can provide valuable nutritional support to the respiratory mucosal immune system and the delicate capillary blood vessels that surround the lungs. It contains a concentrated solution of natural antioxidants, alongside herbs such as ginger, rosehip and blueberries, chosen for their targeted support of healthy lung function.

NAF Shake Relief can also help your horse manage some of the symptoms related to SPARAO. Their scientifically backed formulation of natural antioxidants and soothing herbs with bioavailable magnesium helps them stay calm, collected, and healthy throughout the warmer months.

Helping Your Horse

SPARAO can certainly be a serious issue for horses, and it’s important to contact a veterinarian if you think your horse is suffering. Thankfully, help is available. With good hygiene, limiting their exposure to dust, and incorporating nutritional supplements into their diet, you can help your horse breathe easier and enjoy a more comfortable pollen season.