“Choke” can be a very alarming experience for both the horse and the owner. Despite the name, it does not involve the airway; instead, it refers to a blockage—usually food—in the oesophagus (food pipe), not the trachea (windpipe).
The most common signs include sudden coughing, retching, and signs of discomfort shortly after eating. This is often followed by saliva and food material coming from the nostrils. Although it can appear quite distressing, many cases resolve quickly on their own.