FROM NOVEMBER 2005 • VOLUME 3 • HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine

In resting horses, the air entering the upper airway must turn approximately 90º to flow from the nasal passage into the trachea. That change in direction of airflow contributes to the work of breathing [Petsche et al]. During exercise, the effort needed to change airflow direction is reduced by straightening of the upper airway [Petsche et al]. Straightening not only allows air a more direct route to and from the lung, it also tends to stretch and stiffen upper airway tissues, making them more rigid and more resistant to collapse.” Derksen et al

In 1995 Petche et al.  conducted a study on the effects of head position on upper airway function in exercising horses.

This study demonstrated for the first time that head and neck position affects upper airway mechanics in exercising horses.

A follow-up article on Horses Not Breathing Your questions asked and answered by the researcher!

we went straight to the horse's mouth so to speak and spoke directly with one of the researcher's on the phone on the findings of the study. While further research is indicated, and the researchers are interested in doing that research, all indications are - that these horse's would have very real problems breathing. Help the researchers fund further research

Special Thanks to Dr. Derksen to take the time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions directly.

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