One way to reduce the dust that your horse is exposed to is to keep your horse outdoors as much as possible. Unfortunately this is not always possible in the winter. However, there are a number of things that can be done to reduce both dust in the stable and to reduce the horse’s exposure to dust. Too much dust can cause respiratory issues such as coughing. Some horses are much more sensitive to dust than others. Here are some ways to help reduce dust levels....

• Turnout when possible. This encourages the horse to move around and reduces their exposure to the dust in the stable.  Horses will not mind a little bit of cold air if they are well rugged and dry.

• Use bedding that’s dust free or virtually dust free. Rubber matting and just a little bit of bedding can make a difference. Alternatively, bedding made from clean and recycled wood could be an option.

• Consider forage. Make sure you buy the best hay that you can and, if it’s dustier than you’d like, look to soak or steam it to reduce the dust. Haylage is also another option.

• Keep the stable clean. Reduce any clutter around the stable.  Anything that is hanging around unused is likely to collect dust!

• Make sure the stable is well ventilated, but make sure the horse is not directly in a draft.

• Don’t store forage or bedding above the stables in a hay loft.

• Groom the horse outside so the dust is blown away and not in the stable. Also, keep the horse away from the stable when mucking out. Dust takes another thirty minutes or so after cleaning to settle so make sure they are out of the stable for that duration of time.