15/02/2026
Summer in New Zealand brings long days, dry paddocks, and often dusty conditions—especially when horses are eating dry hay or chaff. While we often focus on hydration and electrolytes during hot weather, fibre choice plays a surprisingly important role in respiratory comfort and overall well being.
Why dust is more than just a nuisance
Dry forage and dusty feeding environments can irritate the airways, particularly in:
• Horses in regular work
• Horses stabled or yarded part-time
• Older horses or those with sensitive airways
Repeated exposure to fine dust particles can contribute to coughing, nasal discharge, and reduced performance—especially when combined with heat stress.
One of the simplest ways to reduce dust exposure is to change the form of fibre, not just the amount.
Fiber Fresh feeds are:
• 🌱 Naturally moist – helping bind dust rather than release it
• 🌬️ Dust-free – no soaking required
• 🌾 Packed with nutrients – optimising your horse's body condition and gut health while being gentle on airways
Unlike dry chaffs or brittle hay, moist fibre reduces airborne particles around the feed bin—an often-overlooked source of daily dust inhalation.
Summer bonus: hydration + gut health
Fiber Fresh feeds don't just support the airways. They also:
• Encourage greater water intake*
• Support hindgut fermentation and hydration
• Help horses stay comfortable in hot conditions
This makes it especially useful during summer when pasture quality fluctuates and water intake can drop without obvious signs.
Practical summer tip
If your horse:
• Coughs more in summer
• Looks dull or uncomfortable in dusty conditions
• Is sensitive to dry hay
👉 Start by changing the fibre format, not just adding supplements.
In dry NZ summers, fibre choice matters—for breathing, digestion, and comfort. Choosing dust-free, moist Fiber Fresh products is a simple change that can make a meaningful difference to your horse’s wellbeing.
