Why Your Horse’s Flaring Nostrils Matter More Than You Think
At first glance, nostril flaring might seem like no big deal—just your horse reacting to a bit of exercise or excitement. But take a closer look, and those flaring nostrils can be one of the first signs your horse is trying to tell you something’s not quite right.
In this guide, we’re diving into when nostril flaring is totally normal… and when it could be a red flag that deserves your attention.
What’s Normal?
Horses naturally flare their nostrils when:
- They’re working hard and need more oxygen
- They’re excited, nervous, or alert
In these moments, flaring is just part of the horse’s “get ready to move” response. As long as their breathing returns to normal when they settle, there’s no cause for concern.
When to Worry: Flaring at Rest
If your horse is standing still, calm, and still flaring their nostrils—it’s time to pay attention. This could signal:
- Respiratory distress
- Pain
- Heart or circulatory problems
Look for signs like rapid or shallow breathing, flaring without exertion, coughing, nasal discharge, or reluctance to move. These could all point to something more serious happening under the surface.
How to Check Your Horse’s Breathing
Knowing your horse’s normal breathing rate is one of the easiest ways to spot trouble early. Here’s how:
- Watch the flank or feel airflow at the nostrils
- Count breaths for 30 seconds
- Multiply by two to get breaths per minute
A normal resting rate is about 8–15 breaths per minute. Anything consistently over 20 at rest, or laboured breathing, is worth a call to your vet.
Red Flags to Act On
Seek urgent veterinary help if you see:
- Flared nostrils at rest
- Noisy, laboured breathing
- Nasal discharge with pus, blood, or feed
- Respiratory rates over 30 or under 8 per minute
- Extended neck posture, sweating, or signs of pain
Common Causes of Abnormal Flaring
🔹 Equine Asthma (RAO/IAD) – Horses with respiratory sensitivity may flare their nostrils to cope with reduced lung function.
🔹 Pneumonia – Serious infections of the lungs or pleura, often with fever and coughing.
🔹 Strangles or Upper Airway Obstruction – Blocked airways from swelling or infection can trigger extreme flaring.
🔹 Pain or Stress – Any type of systemic pain can alter breathing patterns.
🔹 Heart Disease – Conditions like congestive heart failure can make breathing harder, leading to persistent flaring even at rest.
How to Help Prevent It
Good stable management is key to healthy breathing:
- Ventilate your barn – fresh air helps prevent respiratory flare-ups
- Soak or steam hay – to reduce airborne dust
- Maximise turnout – fresh outdoor air is the best medicine
- Clean stalls regularly – to control ammonia and moisture
- Stay on top of vaccinations – to reduce risk of infection
Final Word from Rider Guider
At Rider Guider, we believe good horsemanship is about understanding your horse—reading the small signs before they turn into big problems. Flaring nostrils can be one of those quiet warnings, and when you know what to look for, you’re in a much stronger position to keep your horse healthy, happy, and ready to ride.
Got a horse with breathing concerns? Don’t wait and wonder—get a professional opinion. And if you’re training regularly, our audio guides can help you ride with more awareness of how your horse is feeling, physically and mentally.
Download the Rider Guider App today to build your best ride, one breath at a time.