High breathers?

["Budler, Cindy" <natcon@afrox.boc.com>]

Hi all,

general question for you . My mare is what somebody has called a "high
Breather". It is difficult to explain, but I will have a bash;
When we are cantering and she is straining (for example going up hill)
her breathing is very noticeable with nostrils flared and almost a
panting sound. Can someone explain why some horses do this and some
don't? She has not lost this even as her fitness increases. Her
recoveries are great , pulses really low and no thumps or anything. I
haven't seen any explanation of this anywhere , but have noticed many
endurance horses doing it( this is not grunting like some of the
showjumpers do)
Any ideas?
Regards,
Cindy Budler
National Contracts Department
Fabrication Division
Afrox
South Africa
Tel :27 011 871-1000
e-mail: natcon@afrox.boc.com