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(19th November 2011)

The Italian Horse Protection association is now caring for 63 equines, many of them confiscated due to mistreatment.
If you have visited us you will have seen, among the others, a group of horses living together, all of them suffering from a debilitating pathology: RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction, a recurrent obstruction of the respiratory apparatus, a condition known as “broken-wind”), is a respiratory disease common to horses. It takes the form of chronic bronchitis characterized by severe gasping, coughing and laboured breathing. It is frequently caused by an allergic reaction to substances called allergens, typically dust and mould spores.
The main symptoms are heavy breathing and dyspnea. In some cases the dyspnea is so acute that the horse can barely breathe in enough air. In this case, we speak of veterinary emergency.
At times a dry, persistent cough can be noted, most commonly in association with exercise or eating. In some cases, coughing produces a dense, viscous expectorate. In others, wheezing can be heard.
In chronic cases, a “heave line” may be visible on the ventral abdomen. This is caused by hypertrophy of the respiratory muscles.
We know that wetting the hay before giving it to the horse is only a palliative measure, since it eliminates some of the dust and pollens, but not the dust mites and mould. Hay in the form of pellets and dust-free hay are very expensive; moreover, they contain alfalfa and sometimes molasses, both of which are decidedly not recommended for horses.

A valid solution exists, but our association cannot afford to buy it (remember that IHP operates only through donations from private individuals, and that the costs of upkeep for the horses and our facilities are very high). Well known and much appreciated abroad (and almost entirely unknown in Italy), the hay steamer “cleanses” the hay without destroying any of its nutritional substances.
The advantage of this system is the certainty of feeding horses hay whose allergenic/dust components have been rendered inert, thus eliminating the danger of asthmatic attacks linked to feeding.
In addition, the steaming results in a slight swelling of the vegetal fibers, dehydrated by the sunlight after having been mown. All of the aroma of fresh hay is restored, making it more fragrant and more appetizing.

Hay Steamer Stable, which manufactures these machines, has agreed, since we are a non-profit organization, to sell us a hay steamer at a truly advantageous price. But unfortunately, IHP still does not have funds sufficient to cover this expense.

And this is why we are asking for your help. With a small contribution of 30 euros, you can help us buy this machine, which will let our horses live longer and better, despite the debilitating pathology of RAO.

Click her to make your contribution... adopt a hay steamer!
Our horses will be very grateful to you! Remember to specify the reason for your donation: “hay steamer for asthmatic horses”, and to give us your e-mail address. We will keep you posted on the purchase and utilization of this machine.