Respiratory System · Pollen

When the pollen season affects your horse

The Problem: What starts innocently can become established and, without support, develop into chronic issues.
With the pollen season, the strain on every horse's respiratory system increases. Failing to act now risks chronic problems in the worst-case scenario. Therefore, it is crucial to provide early support – both externally and internally.

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Horse in a flower meadow with pollen – Respiratory problems in the summer
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Why It Gets Worse Every Year

More and more horses are affected – what the pollen season does to the respiratory system

+18 weeks
Extended Pollen Season
Warmer springs cause grasses and trees to bloom earlier. This challenging period has now extended from approximately 8 weeks to often 20–26 weeks – lasting from March to September.
↑ Concentration
Higher pollen concentration per m³
Warmer and drier summers promote pollen dispersal. During peak pollen days, grass pollen concentrations can be so high that even short grazing periods put a significant strain on the respiratory system.
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Horses cannot breathe through their mouths – every pollen particle must pass through their nostrils.
As obligate nasal breathers, horses have no choice: pollen inevitably passes through their nostrils and directly reaches their mucous membranes. At rest, this amounts to around 60 liters of air per minute – and up to 180 liters during training. Every hour spent in the pasture means millions of pollen grains directly entering their respiratory system.
The Sensitization Cycle
Continuously irritated mucous membranes become increasingly sensitive, even to minor stimuli. Without support, their irritation threshold lowers each year: the horse reacts sooner, for longer, and more intensely.
The pasture is the biggest area of exposure.
It's precisely where horses love to be – on the blooming summer pasture – that pollen concentration is highest. Grasses, clover, and herbs bloom directly at nostril height.
Possible signs of respiratory tract irritation

Does your horse show any of these signs?

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Frequent sneezing
Especially when out in the pasture—the horse actively tries to remove pollen particles from its nostrils.
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Watery nasal discharge
Clear discharge from one or both nostrils – a possible sign of irritated mucous membranes.
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Coughing When Starting to Ride
Especially when you first start working during pollen season—don't just clear your throat casually.
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Visible abdominal breathing
Clear, controlled side movements—the horse engages its abdominal muscles more intensely.
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Unexplained drop in performance
Getting tired more quickly, having a harder time recovering after work—especially during weeks when pollen counts are high.
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Audible breathing sounds
Whistling or rattling sounds when breathing in or out—a sign of increased resistance in the airways.
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These signs may indicate respiratory problems, but they can also have other causes. Breath Free is a Complementary feed – not a medicine. If symptoms persist or worsen, please always consult a veterinarian.

Why Previous Approaches Have Failed

What Most Horse Owners Try to Do—and Why It's Not Enough

Limit grazing times
They provide short-term relief – but horses need to be exercised. Pollen is equally present on bridle paths, riding arenas, and in the surrounding areas. Complete pollen avoidance is not feasible in everyday life.
Not feasible in everyday life
Barrier-Free Respiratory Support
Complementary feed can provide nutritional support for the respiratory system, but if thousands of pollen continue to stream directly through the nostrils every day, external protection is still missing.
Half a solution
Nose net only, without inner lining
The nose net reliably filters coarse particles – but even the finest pollen can pass through any net. The airways also need nutritional support from within.
Protects, but does not accompany
"It'll end in the fall—we'll just have to wait and see."
Pollen season is coming to an end—but the sensitization cycle continues. Without support, the horse’s threshold for reaction decreases, and it will react earlier and more intensely next summer.
Just putting off the problem
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The complete solution requires both approaches at the same time: Reduce pollen intake from the outside using mechanical barriers—and support the respiratory tract from the inside through nutritional measures. That’s exactly what the combination of the nose net and Breath Free does.
Nose net

Stop pollen before it reaches the nostrils

A fine mesh that sits directly in front of the nostrils, filtering pollen and grass particles before they are inhaled. It contains no active ingredients, has no side effects, and works purely physically. Suitable for use with halters and bridles.

  • Keeps pollen and grass particles out
  • Suitable for pasture, training, and the barn
  • Compatible with halters and bridles
  • No effect on natural breathing patterns
  • Comfortable & easy to apply
  • Free with the product
99%
All coarse pollen is kept away Pollen can no longer directly reach the sensitive mucous membranes – every day of the pollen season.
Alpurial Veterinarian with "Atem Frei" and "Pferd" – Nose Net for Halters and Bridles
Breath Free

Supporting the Respiratory System During Pollen Season

Atem Frei Liquid – Alpurial
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Black Cumin Oil Base
A carrier for all ingredients—traditionally known for its use in treating respiratory conditions.
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Eucalyptus oil 5,000 mg/l
For a feeling of freedom when breathing—cooling and soothing to the mucous membranes.
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Niaouli oil 1,000 mg/L
For nutritional support of the upper respiratory tract.
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Anise oil + fennel oil 25,000 + 10,000 mg/L
Aromatic note – ensures that horses accept it readily.
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Thyme & Rosemary Oil 500 + 100 mg/l
Traditional herbal oils with a long history of use in herbal treatments for the respiratory tract.
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Vitamin E 6,000 mg/l
Contributes to normal cell function and helps protect against oxidative stress.

Base: Linseed Oil Black Cumin Oil Suitable for all ages

Dosage
Large Horse
Normal daily30 ml
Increased load50 ml
1 bottle of 30 ml33 days
1 bottle of 50 ml20 days
Pony / Small Horse
Normal daily20 ml
Increased load40 ml
1 bottle at 20 ml50 days
1 bottle of 40 ml25 days
Recommendation Based on Practical Experience Start 1–2 weeks before the pollen season begins—don't wait until acute symptoms appear. Also suitable for long-term use.
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Breath Free contains essential oils and is not Show safe. Please stop using it at least 48 hours before competitions and check your association's regulations.

Nose Net + Breath Free

Not either – but together

Pollen doesn't respond to half-hearted measures. A horse that inhales millions of pollen grains every day needs protection where the pollen enters—and support where it settles. It's not a matter of more or less. It's a matter of both the outside and the inside.

Why the combination is more than the sum of its parts

The nose net filters from the outside - Breath Free supports from the inside. Together, they cover both sides.

The nose net keeps pollen out of the nostrils every day. Breath Free complements this by providing nutritional support for the respiratory tract. Only when these two approaches are combined do they address external pollen exposure while also providing internal support.

Nose net – exterior
Less pollen, less irritation

Filters pollen and grass particles right in front of the nostrils—using only mechanical means.

Breath Free – Inside
Nutritional Counseling

Supports the respiratory system with selected oils and vitamin E—especially during times of high stress.

99%
All coarse pollen and particles are kept out Combined with the nutritional support provided by Breath Free - the perfect combination during pollen season.

What Horse Owners Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions – Our Answers

My horse only coughs in summer – is that typical for pollen exposure?
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Seasonal coughing, which begins in spring and eases in autumn, is a classic indication of airways affected by pollen. Grasses, herbs, and tree pollen are frequent triggers. While only a veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis, Breath Free can offer nutritional support for the respiratory system during this time.

When should I start feeding - only when symptoms appear?
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Ideally 1-2 weeks before the start of pollen season. This gives the respiratory system time to prepare. If you only start when acute symptoms appear, you can increase the dose to 50 ml (Large Horse) and reduce it to the normal dose once symptoms improve.

Why does the nose net specifically help with pollen exposure?
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Pollen must enter through the nostrils before they can irritate the respiratory system. The nose net acts as a physical barrier right at this point, filtering out pollen and grass particles before they reach the mucous membranes. It works purely mechanically, without any active ingredients.

Does Breath Free also help outside of pollen season?
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Breath Free is designed for the respiratory tract—even outside of pollen season, changing weather conditions can put a strain on the respiratory system. For persistent symptoms, long-term use is recommended.

Is Breath Free allowed at competitions?
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Breath Free contains essential oils and is not Show safe. Please stop using it at least 48 hours before competitions and check the current regulations of your association (FN, FEI).

What if my horse won't eat the liquid?
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The 30-day Taste Guarantee applies—if you’re not satisfied, you’ll get your money back. The high anise oil content (25,000 mg/l) makes Breath Free very appealing to most horses. Tip: Mix it into mash or moistened feed.

For which horses is Breath Free suitable?
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Breath Free is suitable for horses of all ages—from young horses to seniors. It is ideal during pollen season and in changing weather conditions. For pregnant or lactating mares, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.