Horse with breathing problems?

Question

my horse makes this really really wierd gasping sound sometimes after he has done something "scary" like go in water (hes terrified of it...were trying to work on it) or lunge him with sidereins?

im sure its not heaves...he is a little bit out of shape...it kind of sounds like when a horse chews on a rubber bit. it may be nothing but it makes me nervous. he'll do it if another horse passes him and he wants to run too and i hold him back, he like gets super upset and starts breathing wierd.

any info is helpful!

thanks!

Answer 1

i cant tell you exactly what the problem is but i wouldnt get too woried about it, hes probably just excited

Answer 2

Is it maybe grunting as opposed to gasping?? This is something a horse does when he suddenly tenses up, or is holding his breath. Some horses do it only on the longe line, others only do it at the lope or canter, but they are basically contracting their stomach muscles hard and you hear it come out the front end in a way such as you describe. He is most likely just fine, but this is a good way to let you know when he's a bit tense, so you can work with him accordingly to get him to trust new situations. Doing it while working may go away over time as his fitness level changes.

Answer 3

alright my horses do that too sometimes when they're upset. I think it is just a natural response to somethng really scary.

Answer 4

open up a can of whoop-*** on him!

hahah

Answer 5

Talk to your vet just to be sure it isn't anything serious. It might just be that he's hyperventilating because he's scared or excited. I call the vet for every little thing - better safe than sorry. Until the vet comes look at him, be careful with him and stay out of the water.