07/18/2026
With the AQI sitting in the 300s and seeing instances of runny noses, wheezing, and increased respiratory rates/nostril flaring, we will be taking the recommended 2-4 weeks off of riding for our horses to recover as noted here. It can be disappointing to derail our rides and plans, but the horses come first and there are so many things we can do to spend time with them and learn outside of saddle time 💙
Quote: Even horses experiencing mild cases of smoke exposure need two to four weeks to recover fully. More severe cases that induce a chronic respiratory condition such as equine asthma might need months to be brought back to health. Long-term effects of smoke exposure and its accompanying dangers can also impair a horse’s immune system—damage that might not be evident for weeks.
“Inflammatory cells react to particulate matter that has settled down in the lung, and now there’s a cleanup going on,” Madigan says. “As the air clears, you need to be aware that the horse’s lung is still responding to that insult and is making corrective immunologic clearance of particulate matter, neutrophils, and other things. There’s no infection, but there’s particulate matter that has to be processed. The average horse owner should be aware that the horse doesn’t have some special nose filter that renders the horse unexposed. Watch for signs like cough, nasal discharge, and an elevated respiratory rate, and then call your veterinarian.”
Learn how air quality issues such as wildfire smoke and pollution can affect equine respiratory health.
