Many of you will have heard a blowing/puffing noise when a horse canters. It is called high blowing, and is caused by vibration of the nostrils or false nostril. The air moving when the horse breathes out causes these structures to vibrate and make a sound. It is one of the only noises your horse will make when exercising that is considered as normal!
What is the false nostril?
It’s is a blind ending skin sac approximately 5-7cm long positioned on the inside of the normal nostrils along the outer wall. It is lined by mostly hairless skin.
Ask me next time I see your horse and I can show you how to feel it.
What other noises are heard?
There are other respiratory noises that are pathological/abnormal. The most common is a condition called ‘roaring’. This is a very different sound and in contrast to high blowing, it is heard when your horse breathes in. I’ll post on this one next week.
If you are at all concerned about a noise your horse if making, or if they are having breathing or performance issues then it is important to ask for help.