Myra Angerman, owner of Rocky Ridge Ranch Equine Centre near Steinbach, has had to cancel up to 80% of her summer horse riding programs due to hazardous wildfire smoke from Manitoba wildfires. The smoke has caused respiratory issues in her horses, particularly Dash, a 12-year-old quarter horse, who struggles to breathe and shows signs of labored breathing and flared nostrils. Despite efforts to shelter the horses indoors and treat them with herbal remedies, the smoke and accompanying dry, dusty conditions continue to aggravate their lungs, potentially shortening their lifespans and causing long recovery times.

Veterinarian Michelle Husulak explains that wildfire smoke contains particles that trigger inflammation and equine asthma, narrowing horses’ airways and making breathing difficult. Unlike typical asthma triggers like dust or mold, wildfire smoke is harder to control, with limited options beyond keeping horses indoors. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues such as scar tissue formation and weight loss due to the energy horses expend just to breathe. The smoke also affects other animals and humans, causing widespread airway inflammation and posing a universal health challenge.