What is cornage in horses?

Cornage in horses mainly affects large, male horses. It can also occur after a throat infection or strangles. What exactly is cornage and how can you support your horse if it has a form of cornage?

Cornage in horses is a condition characterized by a (often partial) paralysis of the vocal cords. The causes are often hereditary or damage to the nerves that control the vocal cords. A severe throat infection can cause this nerve damage. The paralysis of the vocal cords produces a typical whistling sound during exertion and can affect your horse's endurance. The paralysis usually affects the left vocal cord. Cornage occurs in five degrees, ranging from mild deviations to complete vocal cord paralysis. In higher degrees, the horse may visibly struggle to breathe, limiting physical activity.

Training with cornage?

Whether you can train a horse with cornage depends on the severity of the condition. With a mild form, the animal can often live and be ridden without restrictive symptoms. More caution is needed in severe cases. There are surgeries, but they are only performed in very severe cases. Complete recovery is usually not possible, and it is also a major operation. Support and adjustments in training and management are recommended for milder forms of cornage.

Supporting a horse with cornage

To support your horse with cornage, you can take various measures. These can be divided into measures related to stable management, training, nutrition, and supplements.

Stable management

Ensure good ventilation in the stable. No drafts, but fresh air. Avoid dust, molds, and allergens in the horse's environment. For example, use dust-free bedding and steamed or rinsed hay. Also, minimize stress for your horse as much as possible, as stress can exacerbate the symptoms of cornage.

Training and exercise

Give your horse sufficient rest after exertion to promote recovery. Adjust the intensity of the training based on the severity of the cornage. Consult with a veterinarian or specialized trainer to develop a suitable training program. Avoid overheating in warm weather; this can make breathing difficult.

Nutrition and supplements

Provide your horse with high-quality forage, preferably dry and unpackaged hay of good quality. In addition to good forage and sufficient vitamins and minerals, an herbal extract can support and soothe the airways. Suitable herbs include eucalyptus, echinacea, white willow, and schisandra. Some horses with cornage often experience cold symptoms or are more prone to being short of breath. You can support these horses with a supplement based on black cumin. The active ingredient thymoquinone has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps with asthmatic symptoms, especially in combination with clove. Furthermore, black cumin strengthens the immune system, helping to prevent respiratory infections.