Respiratory mechanics were compared using conventional and forced oscillation techniques in six conscious horses and a mechanical model of the equine respiratory system. The parameters calculated from conventional airflow and esophageal pressure measurements were pulmonary resistance and dynamic compliance. The impedance of the respiratory system was measured at 1, 2, and 3 Hz with the forced oscillation technique, and respiratory system resistance, compliance, inertance, and resonant frequency were calculated. Pulmonary resistance was 1.0 +/- 0.3 cmH2O.l-1.s, and pulmonary dynamic compliance was 2.4 +/- 0.6 l/cmH2O. With the use of the forced oscillation system, respiratory resistance was 1.61 +/- 0.50 cmH2O.l-1.s at 1 Hz, compliance was 0.195 +/- 0.075 l/cmH2O, inertance was 0.026 +/- 0.0095 cmH2O.l-1.s2, and resonant frequency was 2.40 +/- 0.25 Hz. Data collected from a model of the respiratory system showed a close correlation between resistance and compliance measured with the two systems. This study demonstrates that the forced oscillation technique is a useful method for noninvasive measurement of respiratory mechanics in horses.