Horse coughs when trotting – what is it and what can you do?
If your horse suddenly coughs while trotting, you, as a responsible rider, naturally pay attention immediately. Is this normal or a sign of a deeper problem? In this article, you'll learn why horses can cough while trotting, what the causes are, and how best to respond to protect your horse's health.
Why does my horse cough when trotting?
Occasional coughing while trotting can be completely harmless—for example, if your horse switches to more intensive breathing after walking, thereby "clearing" the airways. However, if this happens regularly or your horse coughs frequently while riding, you should take the cause seriously.
What are the possible reasons:
- Dust pollution : Dry, dusty bedding or hay releases fine particles that irritate your horse's sensitive airways - especially when breathing deeply when trotting.
- Mucus in the bronchi : Especially after long breaks or when the weather changes, mucus can accumulate and be coughed up when starting to trot.
- Chronic respiratory diseases : diseases such as COB (Chronic Obstructive Bronchitis) or RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction) can manifest as coughing when trotting.
- Infections : Viral or bacterial infections often begin insidiously and become noticeable through the first coughing fits while riding.
- Inadequate warm-up : If your horse is not warmed up sufficiently, the respiratory system will be more sensitive to the sudden exertion.
What should you do if your horse coughs when trotting?
Watch carefully, when and how often the cough occurs:
- Is your horse coughing once or twice at the beginning of work and then no more?
- Or shows it more frequent, wet cough with other symptoms such as nasal discharge, fever or reduced performance?
First measures:
- Ensure dust-free conditions : If necessary, switch to shavings or linen straw as bedding and steam the hay.
- Improve stable climate : Good ventilation, low ammonia odor and regular mucking out contribute to respiratory health.
- Warm up sufficiently : 10–15 minutes of walking before trotting helps to loosen mucus and prepare for breathing.
- Bronchial herbs for horses : Our special herbal mixture for the respiratory tract can help your horse strengthen and cleanse the airways and inhibit inflammation.
If the cough persists or worsens, you should definitely Consult a veterinarian . A precise diagnosis (e.g., by auscultation, bronchial lavage, or endoscopy) will determine whether an infection, an allergic reaction, or a chronic disease is present.
Is it dangerous to cough occasionally when trotting?
If your horse coughs occasionally or a single cough is usually not a cause for concern. However, regular or chronic coughing can be a sign of serious respiratory disease – and, if left untreated, can cause long-term damage. Good lung function is essential, especially for sport or leisure horses.
React in time before a cough becomes a permanent problem
If your horse coughs when trotting, it doesn't necessarily mean something serious is wrong—but you should take a closer look. Good stable hygiene, a well-thought-out warm-up program, proper feeding, and the occasional herbal remedy for the respiratory system can make a big difference. And if you're unsure, a visit to the vet is always the right step. Because: A healthy horse is a productive, happy horse – and you certainly want your four-legged friend to stay fit for a long time.
Source: Martina Hemm June 2025
