It is not uncommon for horses shipped to other areas to develop respiratory irritations, bacterial infections that cause drainage, etc. Obviously, diagnosis will require observation from a veterinarian and appropriate therapy suggested by the attending veterinarian. One common recommendation is to provide a broad-spectrum antibiotic to reduce the infection; however, if the cough persists for several days, you will need more detailed followup. There isn't much to do to prevent some of these conditions other than ensuring that contaminants are as low as possible, i.e. dust, etc. and keeping a close watch to make sure temperature doesn't rise, lymph nodes don't become enlarged, etc., which are signs of more serious problems.

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