By Dr. Wellspring

Why Winter Makes It Worse — And How to Support the Breath of Your Herd

Every winter, horse owners across the country notice the same troubling pattern: coughing at feeding time, flared nostrils, labored breathing, reduced stamina, and that unmistakable “heave line.”

Heaves — also known as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) or Equine Asthma — is far more common than most people realize. Studies estimate that up to 1 in 5 mature horses develop some degree of chronic respiratory inflammation. It’s especially prevalent in older horses, horses exposed to dust or molds, and those eating from round bales or living in enclosed barns during the colder months.

Today, we want to empower you with clarity, prevention tools, and natural solutions that honor the way horses were meant to breathe — freely, deeply, and without struggle.

Why Heaves Gets Worse in the Winter

Winter is one of the hardest seasons for horses with compromised lungs. Several factors converge at once:

1. Dustier Hay + Less Ventilation

Horses spend more time indoors, breathing in dust, mold spores, and ammonia that irritate sensitive airways.

2. Round Bales Increase Mold Exposure

Large round bales may seem convenient, but they trap moisture and dust, making them a leading trigger for heaves flare-ups.

3. Cold, Dry Air

Cold air constricts the bronchioles, making breathing harder and encouraging spasmodic coughing.

4. Bedding Irritants

Shavings, straw, and stall dust add yet another layer of airborne particles the lungs have to cope with.

All of this leads to more mucus, more inflammation, more coughing — and more distress for horses and owners alike.

Risk Factors for Heaves

Your horse may be at higher risk if they:

• Are over 10 years old

• Eat round bales or low-quality hay

• Live in a barn or poorly ventilated environment

• Have a history of allergies

• Are exposed to dust, mold, or ammonia

• Share space with multiple horses (higher dust load)

• Experience chronic immune or inflammatory stress

Prevention: Setting Your Horse Up for Breathing Success

Even small changes can make a huge difference:

1. Improve Air Quality

• Increase ventilation in barns

• Turn horses out as much as possible

• Avoid sweeping or cleaning stalls while horses are inside

2. Upgrade the Forage Plan

• Avoid round bales

• Choose low-dust hay

• Soak or steam hay if needed

3. Reduce Stall Irritants

• Use low-dust bedding

• Pick stalls frequently to reduce ammonia

4. Support the Immune & Respiratory System Naturally

Herbs have been used for hundreds of years to open the lungs, reduce inflammation, and clear mucus — all without suppressing the immune system the way steroids do. And this is where Wild Fed shines.

Breathe Freely: Natural Herbal Support for Respiratory Health!

This comprehensive formula is designed specifically for horses suffering from heaves, allergies, and chronic coughing. Each carefully chosen ingredient works in harmony to open airways, soothe spasms, reduce inflammation, and promote natural mucus clearance in the lungs. Experience a gentle yet powerful approach to respiratory wellness that supports your horse's health from every angle.

Testimonials From Horse Owners Who Found Hope Again

⭐ “Beyond Belief — NOTHING Works Like This!” — Karen Jewel

“If you have a horse with heaves, NOTHING WORKS LIKE THIS.

I’ve had two horses develop heaves from round bales. One never recovered. The other I tried everything with and feared I was going down the same road.

My vet said her clients swore by Breathe Freely. I thought, how could herbs work better than expensive heaves meds?

To my surprise my skinny old guy started putting on weight — even topline! He coughs a little at the start of riding but then none, even on long strenuous rides.

His body condition had gone downhill fast before this. Breathe Freely is the only thing that allowed him to gain weight again.

It is miraculous.

Don’t scrimp on dosing — follow the directions exactly. And reduce dust exposure.

TRY BREATHE FREELY. YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!”

⭐ “It’s a Miracle — You Saved My Horse!” — Jo Farmer

“My horse was just days away from me having to make the hard choice. He was that bad.

We live in Florida and many horses suffer from heaves in summer/fall.

After starting Breathe Freely, my guy is completely off the albuterol inhaler and dex shots.

Thank you so much for saving my horse!!

I’ve told everyone I know, including my vet — she’s now recommending it too!”

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