Rescue Horses 101: Understanding Horse Quarantine and Strangles for New Equine Caretakers

Bringing a new horse into your care is an exciting journey filled with hope and compassion. However, responsible horse rescue requires more than just good intentions—it demands knowledge, patience, and a comprehensive approach to health management. Whether you're a first-time horse rescuer or expanding your equine sanctuary, understanding critical protocols like quarantine and recognizing potential health challenges like strangles can mean the difference between a successful rehabilitation and a challenging medical scenario.

We asked Meredith Barrett of Remuda Bodyworks  to walk you through the crucial steps of protecting your new equine friend and your existing herd. From implementing effective quarantine procedures to recognizing and managing strangles. 

Here is what Meredith shared to support your journey

Quarantine & Strangles

It’s well known that horses should be quarantined upon arrival to a new property, after having been in a holding facility, sale barn, or any other location where the horse might have been exposed to infectious disease. The quarantine period is typically a minimum of 10 days, but can extend much longer depending on whether the horse shows symptoms or develops illness.

The horse should not be able to touch other horses, or share water troughs or feed buckets. All of its grooming and feeding supplies should be kept clean and separate from other horse’s supplies. Additionally, you should wash your hands after handling the horse. 

While the horse is alone, you can use this time to connect with your new horse and keep a close eye on their health. If the horse already appears healthy, then be on the lookout for runny eyes, nose, or any wheezing or coughing. Additionally, you should  take their temperature daily, if possible. In many cases it’s not possible, as the horse may be unhandled or wild.

If the horse is already sick or if you are unsure, you should have a vet look over the horse so that you have a sense of what you are dealing with. 

Strangles (streptococcus equi):

Strangles is a common bacterial infection among rescue horses that occurs in the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include profuse nasal discharge, loss of appetite, fever, inflammation of the nasal passages and throat, and most characteristically, abscesses in the lymph nodes around the jaw. Antibiotics are typically not recommended for this disease as they can delay abscesses from forming and increase the risk of  “bastard strangles” where the infection spreads deeper into the body.

The best treatment for strangles is supportive care. Serving a warm mash to encourage them to eat, as well as making sure to support their immune system with whole foods and probiotics is a good idea. Herbs that support immune function, like echinacea, can also be helpful. I have had good success using homeopathic pulsatilla at the initial onset of nasal discharge, as well as homeopathic silica for later stages of the disease. My recommended dosage is 30c 2x/day for up to a week or until you notice a change in symptoms or behavior.

Additionally, where possible, is it important to keep your horse's stress to a minimum. They are likely already very stressed from the transition, as well as having to be kept separate. Ideally it would be best if the horse can see other horses (although not sharing airspace), as well as you spending[ time with them, to provide a calming presence. The horse’s body is already under a great deal of stress while fighting an infection, so the calmer and more relaxed you can keep the horse, the better. This is also why I like the use of homeopathy, because it can address these emotional issues as well. You may also try acupressure points that support the immune system, as well as speak to an animal communicator to help your horse understand what is going on, and if there are any ways you can better help them.

Most horses get through strangles fine within a brief period of time, although depending on the horse’s health, it can take weeks or even months to fully recover. Supportive care requires a multi-pronged approach that incorporates all aspects of the horse’s mental and physical state.

If you are interested in learning more from Meredith visit her at Remuda Bodyworks. As a seasoned equine wellness expert, Meredith offers a wealth of resources, insights, and holistic approaches to horse care that can transform your rescue and rehabilitation strategies. Whether you're seeking advanced healing techniques, comprehensive wellness advice, or in-depth understanding of equine health, Remuda Body Works is a trusted resource for nurturing and supporting rescued horses through their healing journey.