Blowing refers to the deep, audible exhalations a horse makes — most commonly heard after a period of fast work, during a cool-down, or when a horse settles its breathing following exertion or excitement. The sound is produced as the horse exhales forcefully through both nostrils, creating a characteristic snorting or huffing sound. Blowing is a completely normal physiological response and is one of the more familiar sounds of an active yard or exercise session.
Why Horses Blow After Exercise
During exercise, a horse’s oxygen demand increases substantially. The equine respiratory system is highly efficient — a galloping horse can breathe at a rate precisely synchronised to its stride — but recovery after intense effort requires increased respiratory activity to clear carbon dioxide and restore blood oxygen levels. This recovery breathing often produces the characteristic blowing sound as the horse takes deep, forceful breaths through relaxed nostrils.
The degree of blowing after exercise is influenced by the horse’s fitness level, the intensity and duration of the work, ambient temperature, and the horse’s individual respiratory health. A fit horse working within its capacity will cool down and stop blowing relatively quickly. An unfit horse, or one worked harder than its condition allows, will blow for longer. Monitoring recovery time after exercise is a useful fitness indicator — progressive conditioning work shortens recovery times.
Blowing as a Communication Signal
Horses also blow in a softer, more controlled way as a form of communication and social signalling. A gentle, slow blow through the nostrils — often accompanied by a lowered head — is typically a sign of relaxation, curiosity, or social greeting. Horses will blow towards each other during introductions and mutual grooming. Some horses blow softly towards their handlers as a sign of trust and contentment, and experienced horse people often respond in kind.
A sharp, explosive blow or snort — usually a single forceful exhalation — is more often an alert signal. The horse has detected something suspicious through smell or sight and is essentially clearing the nostrils for a better read on the scent. This type of blowing is common on a spooky hack when the horse encounters an unfamiliar object, sound, or smell. See also: spooking and napping.
When Blowing Is a Concern
While blowing after exercise is entirely normal, abnormal breathing patterns warrant attention. Laboured breathing at rest — rapid, shallow breaths or noticeably exaggerated abdominal effort during exhalation — can indicate respiratory disease, cardiac issues, or significant pain. Horses with equine asthma (formerly COPD or heaves) may show a characteristic “double lift” of the flank on exhalation, a heave line, or a persistent low-grade cough.
A horse that is blowing unusually hard after minimal work, or that takes a disproportionately long time to recover respiratory rate after light exercise, should be assessed by a veterinary surgeon. The BEVA recommends that respiratory rate at rest (normal: 8–16 breaths per minute) and recovery time post-exercise are monitored as part of routine health surveillance.
Blowing in Different Situations
The context of blowing matters for interpretation. A horse blowing steadily while being cooled down after a hard cross-country round is unremarkable. The same horse blowing at rest in the stable is not. Horses returning from endurance riding competitions are assessed by vets partly on their respiratory recovery rate — a horse that is still blowing significantly at the compulsory vet gate may be eliminated on welfare grounds if recovery does not meet required criteria within the time allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my horse to blow when I approach the stable in the morning?
Yes, particularly if the horse is anticipating feeding or turnout. A soft blow on approach is often a greeting. Some horses are simply more expressive vocally than others. If the blowing is accompanied by distressed behaviour, pawing, or visible respiratory effort, it warrants further investigation — but a relaxed, curious blow as you arrive is perfectly normal horse behaviour.
How long should it take a fit horse to stop blowing after a canter?
A fit horse in good health should have its respiratory rate return toward resting levels within five to ten minutes of finishing canter work, depending on intensity. After a full jumping or cross-country round, fifteen to twenty minutes of active walk cool-down is typical before breathing normalises. If a horse is still blowing hard after thirty minutes of walking, it was worked beyond its current fitness level or there may be an underlying issue to investigate.
What is the difference between blowing and a cough?
Blowing is a controlled exhalation through the nostrils — deliberate, often repeated, and produced by the horse voluntarily. A cough is an involuntary, forceful expulsion of air through the mouth and nostrils triggered by irritation of the airway. A single cough at the start of exercise is common in most horses and not alarming. Repeated coughing during or after exercise, coughing at rest, or coughing accompanied by nasal discharge all warrant veterinary attention.