Colic is one of the most
feared words in the horse world. It describes any form of abdominal
pain, and while sometimes mild, it can also be life-threatening.
Every horse owner, whether they care for one backyard companion or
manage a large boarding barn, must understand how to prevent,
recognize, and respond to colic. Prevention is always better than
treatment—especially with a condition that can strike quickly and
escalate fast.
This article explores the
many causes of colic, the risk factors that make certain horses more
prone to it, and proven management strategies to help reduce the
risk. With proper care, nutrition, and observation, most colic cases
can be avoided or minimized before they become emergencies.
What
Is Colic in Horses?
The term colic
simply means abdominal pain. In horses, this pain usually originates
in the digestive tract—particularly the stomach and intestines—but
can also stem from other organs. Because a horse’s digestive system
is complex and delicate, even small imbalances can create significant
discomfort.
Horses evolved as grazing
animals designed to eat small amounts of forage almost continuously.
In modern management, we often confine them, limit their turnout, and
feed them large meals—all practices that can upset this natural
balance.
There are many types of
colic, including:
Gas colic:
Caused by a buildup of gas in the intestines, often due to rapid
dietary changes or fermentable feeds.
Spasmodic colic:
A result of muscle spasms in the gut, similar to cramps.
Impaction colic:
When feed, sand, or other material blocks part of the intestine.
Displacement or
torsion colic:
When a section of the intestine moves or twists abnormally, cutting
off blood supply—often requiring surgery.
Sand colic:
Caused by ingestion of dirt or sand that accumulates in the gut.
Each type has its own
triggers, but most share similar risk factors. Preventing colic
starts with understanding how and why it happens.
Why
Colic Is So Dangerous
Colic is one of the leading
causes of death in horses that is not related to old age. The equine
digestive system is both powerful and fragile. Once a blockage or
twist occurs, it can restrict blood flow, cause tissue death, and
lead to toxins entering the bloodstream.
Horses also cannot vomit,
which means gas or fluid buildup has nowhere to go. If not treated
quickly, the result can be rupture, shock, and death.
Early recognition and
intervention save lives. But the best outcome comes from preventing
the problem in the first place.
Common
Causes of Colic
Many different factors can
trigger colic. Some are management-related, while others stem from
the horse’s individual biology. The most common causes include:
Dietary changes:
Rapid shifts in feed, such as switching hay types or introducing
grain suddenly, can disrupt gut bacteria and cause gas or impaction.
Dehydration:
A lack of water makes intestinal contents dry and harder to move.
Lack of forage:
Horses need a steady intake of roughage to keep the digestive system
working smoothly.
Overfeeding
grain or concentrate:
Too much starch in the diet can ferment in the hindgut, causing
painful gas and acidosis.
Parasites:
Worm infestations can damage the intestines and cause blockages.
Sand ingestion:
Horses fed on sandy ground or dry lots can swallow dirt or sand with
their feed.
Stress:
Trailering, shows, herd changes, or weather extremes can alter gut
motility.
Poor dental
health: Uneven
teeth can prevent proper chewing, leading to large feed particles
and impactions.
Lack of exercise
or movement:
Stall confinement decreases intestinal movement.
Ulcers:
Gastric discomfort can mimic or contribute to colic.
By addressing these
underlying causes, horse owners can significantly reduce colic risk.
Understanding
the Horse’s Digestive System
To prevent colic effectively,
it helps to understand how the equine digestive tract works.
Horses have a relatively
small stomach compared to their body size, and it empties
continuously when food is present. From there, feed passes into the
small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. The large intestine
and cecum act as fermentation vats, breaking down fiber and producing
volatile fatty acids for energy.
Problems often occur in the
large colon, which loops and twists through the abdomen. Because the
horse’s intestines are long and loosely attached in places, they
can shift or become blocked relatively easily.
The takeaway: the horse’s
system thrives on consistency—consistent feed, water, exercise, and
environment.
Signs
of Colic
Recognizing early warning
signs is vital. A mild case can quickly become severe if ignored.
Common signs include:
Pawing or scraping at
the ground
Looking or biting at the
flank
Rolling or attempting to
roll repeatedly
Kicking at the belly
Restlessness or frequent
lying down and getting up
Stretching as if to
urinate
Lack of appetite
No manure production or
dry, small droppings
Sweating or elevated
heart rate
Unusual gut sounds (too
loud, too quiet, or absent)
If any of these signs appear,
call a veterinarian immediately. Even if the episode turns out mild,
early treatment can prevent it from worsening.
Core
Principles of Colic Prevention
Preventing colic comes down
to creating a stable, natural environment for the horse’s digestive
system. The following strategies address the most important areas of
management.
1.
Provide Consistent Forage
Horses are grazing animals,
meant to eat small amounts throughout the day. Providing free-choice
hay or frequent small feedings keeps the gut active and reduces acid
buildup in the stomach.
Offer high-quality
grass hay or a
balanced hay mix suited to your horse’s needs.
Avoid long periods
without forage.
If pasture turnout isn’t
available, provide slow-feed hay nets to extend eating time.
Avoid sudden changes in hay
type or supplier—introduce any new forage over 7–10 days.
2.
Limit Concentrate Feeds
Grain and pelleted feeds are
convenient energy sources but should be used carefully. Horses digest
starch poorly in large amounts, and excess grain can cause
fermentation and gas colic.
Feed no
more than 0.5% of body weight per meal
in concentrate (about 5 lbs for a 1,000-lb horse).
Divide larger rations
into two or three smaller meals per day.
Choose feeds with added
fat or fiber instead of heavy starch content.
Always feed grain after
hay, not before.
3.
Maintain Clean, Constant Water Access
Dehydration is a major colic
trigger. Horses should always have access to clean, fresh water.
In cold weather, use
heated buckets or tank heaters to prevent freezing.
In hot weather, clean
troughs daily and check for algae buildup.
Horses eating dry hay
may drink more than those on pasture—ensure an adequate supply.
Adding electrolytes or salt
to the diet can encourage drinking, especially during travel or heat.
4.
Exercise and Turnout
Movement stimulates gut
motility. Horses confined to stalls are at much higher risk of
impaction colic.
Provide daily
turnout
whenever possible.
For stalled horses,
schedule hand-walking
or riding sessions regularly.
Avoid long trailer trips
or confinement without allowing the horse to move and drink.
Even light activity helps
keep the intestines working efficiently.
5.
Control Parasites
Internal parasites,
especially strongyles, can damage intestinal walls and cause
blockages.
Follow a strategic
deworming plan
based on fecal egg counts rather than fixed schedules.
Rotate pastures and
remove manure to reduce exposure.
Work with your
veterinarian to select the most effective dewormers for your region.
Keeping parasite loads low is
one of the simplest and most effective colic prevention steps.
6.
Monitor Dental Health
Horses’ teeth grow
continuously and wear unevenly, leading to sharp edges or wave mouths
that hinder chewing.
Schedule annual
dental exams
(or twice yearly for seniors).
Watch for dropped feed,
weight loss, or slow eating—all signs of dental issues.
Properly chewed feed digests
more easily and prevents large particles from clogging the gut.
7.
Minimize Stress
Stress affects gut motility,
water intake, and hormonal balance. Common stressors include
transport, herd changes, or poor shelter.
Provide consistent
routines for
feeding and turnout.
Avoid abrupt changes in
schedule, companions, or feed.
Offer social
interaction—most horses thrive with at least visual contact with
others.
Use gradual
desensitization for trailering and shows.
A calm, confident horse is
far less likely to colic.
8.
Prevent Sand Ingestion
Horses grazing or eating from
sandy ground can accumulate grit in their intestines, leading to sand
colic.
Feed hay in rubber
mats or raised
feeders.
Avoid feeding directly
on dirt.
Use psyllium
husk supplements
periodically to help clear sand from the gut (consult your vet for
dosage).
Conduct a “sand test”
by placing manure in a clear bag with water—if sand settles at the
bottom, it’s a sign of ingestion.
9.
Watch for Ulcers
Gastric ulcers can cause
discomfort and reduce appetite, leading to colic-like symptoms.
Provide consistent
forage and minimize grain.
Allow turnout and social
interaction.
Consider adding buffers
or supplements like alfalfa hay, which naturally neutralizes stomach
acid.
Avoid unnecessary use of
NSAIDs (like bute or banamine) without veterinary direction.
10.
Make Feed and Management Changes Slowly
One of the golden rules of
horse care is: never
change feed suddenly.
When introducing a new
grain, hay, or supplement, take 7–14 days to phase it in.
Gradually increase or
decrease quantities.
If moving to a new barn
or pasture, expect temporary gut changes and monitor closely.
The microbes in the horse’s
digestive tract need time to adjust.
Environmental
and Seasonal Considerations
Certain times of year bring
higher colic risk.
Winter:
Cold weather often means less
drinking and more dry hay. Ensure heated water and adequate salt
intake. Keep horses moving to prevent impactions.
Spring:
Sudden access to lush green
grass can upset the digestive system. Introduce pasture gradually and
limit turnout initially.
Summer:
High heat can lead to
dehydration. Provide shade, electrolytes, and fresh water at all
times.
Autumn:
Changing hay or pasture
quality can cause dietary fluctuations. Transition carefully to new
forage sources.
Monitoring
and Record Keeping
Keeping track of each horse’s
habits helps catch problems early. Maintain notes on:
Normal manure
consistency and frequency
Water intake
Appetite and eating
patterns
Attitude and activity
level
Any deviation could indicate
early digestive trouble. Catching it quickly can make all the
difference.
When
to Call the Veterinarian
Even with the best
prevention, colic can still occur. Never take chances. Call your vet
if:
The horse is in visible
pain for more than 15–20 minutes
There is no manure for
12 hours
The horse repeatedly
rolls or thrashes
Gut sounds are absent or
extreme
Heart rate exceeds 60
beats per minute
The horse refuses food
or water
While waiting for the vet,
remove feed, offer water, and walk the horse if it’s safe to do so.
Avoid giving medication unless instructed by a professional.
Advanced
Preventive Tools
Beyond standard care, several
modern approaches help reduce risk further:
Probiotics and
prebiotics:
Support healthy gut flora and improve digestion.
Automatic
waterers:
Encourage hydration through convenience.
Feed balancers:
Supply vitamins and minerals without excess starch.
Monitoring
technology:
Smart halters and sensors can detect changes in movement or heart
rate associated with colic onset.
While these tools are
helpful, they complement—not replace—good daily management.
Special
Considerations for Senior Horses
Older horses are more prone
to dental problems, slower digestion, and dehydration.
Provide soaked hay cubes
or senior feeds that are easy to chew.
Keep up with dental
care.
Adjust exercise to
maintain mobility without strain.
Monitor manure
consistency and appetite closely.
Senior horses can live long,
comfortable lives with attentive care and dietary adjustments.
The
Role of Routine and Observation
Prevention isn’t only about
feed or turnout—it’s also about consistency
and observation.
Horses are creatures of habit. Sudden disruptions in feeding time,
water source, or herd structure can cause stress that ripples through
their digestive system.
Spend time observing your
horse daily. Small details—a half-eaten meal, dry manure, or
slightly dull eyes—may be the first signs of trouble. The most
skilled horsemen aren’t those with the fanciest equipment, but
those who notice the tiniest changes and act early.
Emergency
Preparedness
Every barn should have a plan
for colic emergencies:
Keep your veterinarian’s
phone number posted clearly.
Know your horse’s
normal vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration).
Have a halter, lead
rope, and flashlight ready.
Know the fastest route
to an equine hospital if surgery is needed.
Preparation can save valuable
minutes in a crisis.
Conclusion
Colic prevention in horses is
both an art and a science. It requires understanding how the horse’s
digestive system functions and respecting its natural needs. By
focusing on consistent feeding, abundant forage, clean water, regular
movement, and attentive care, horse owners can drastically reduce the
likelihood of this dreaded condition.
No management program can
guarantee a horse will never colic—but most cases are preventable.
The best prevention is simple: consistency,
observation, and balance.
Horses thrive on routine, gentle transitions, and a calm environment.
The more we align their care with their natural instincts, the
healthier and happier they will be.
Colic may always be a risk,
but with knowledge and vigilance, it doesn’t have to be a tragedy.
Every small step—from checking water buckets to keeping feed
changes gradual—adds up to a lifetime of better gut health for our
equine partners.
