Colics are one of the biggest worries for us horse owners because they can range from harmless stomach aches to life-threatening conditions. In this article, I explain how to recognize colic, what the most common causes are, and what you can do in an emergency. We will also look at how good feeding can prevent colic.

What exactly is colic?

Colic is actually just a collective term for abdominal pain – and that can occur for very different reasons. Sometimes something simple like a bit of gas in the intestines is behind it, but it can also be a blockage or even a dangerous intestinal twist. No matter how harmless it looks at first, with colic it always means: stay alert!

Causes of colic

Colics often arise from very everyday things in stable life. Here are the most common triggers:

1. Feeding errors

• A sudden change of feed (for example, from hay to fresh grass) is often too much for the sensitive horse intestine.

• Poor feed that is moldy or contains too many indigestible substances can trigger fermentation in the intestines.

• If there is too little roughage, the intestines become sluggish – and that can promote constipation.

2. Too little water

Especially in winter, many horses drink too little if the water is ice cold. This makes the manure hard and can trigger constipation.

3. Too little exercise

If horses stand in the stall all day, the intestines become sluggish. Exercise keeps digestion going and can prevent colic.

4. Stress

Transport, tournaments, or new stable mates can cause stress – and for many horses, that directly affects the belly.

5. Parasites

Worms or other intestinal parasites can irritate or even block the mucous membrane. A regular worm check is therefore a must to best avoid colic.

How do you recognize colic?

A horse with colic often shows very typical signs:

• It keeps looking at its belly.

• It paws, rolls, or lies down more often.

• It does not eat and has no desire for contact.

• Some sweat, breathe faster, or just seem "different than usual."

If you notice something like this, it is important to act quickly to counteract the colic and help your horse.

What to do if your horse has colic?

If your horse has colic, you can act quickly yourself:

1. Call the vet immediately

Even if it looks harmless, call the vet. Only they can assess whether the colic is serious or not.

2. Keep the horse moving

Lead your horse calmly at a walk as long as it can manage. This can help stimulate the intestines. But do not let it roll if you suspect an impaction or intestinal torsion.

3. Do not feed

Withhold feed for now. But it can drink water as much as it wants.

4. Check vital signs

If you can, measure temperature, pulse, and breathing. This gives the vet important clues about the colic when they arrive.

How to prevent colic

Colic cannot always be prevented, but with the right measures, you can greatly reduce the risk:

• Slow feed transition: When you change the feed, give your horse time to get used to it.

• Sufficient roughage: Horses need hay – and in good quality and sufficient quantity.

• Always fresh water: In winter, offering lukewarm water helps ensure the horses drink enough.

• Exercise: Daily pasture time or exercise in the arena keeps the gut active.

• Regular worming: Have a stool sample checked regularly and only worm when necessary.

• Avoid stress: Fixed routines and a calm stable environment are worth their weight in gold.

If you keep these points in mind, you can best prevent your horse from suffering from colic.

Feed that supports digestion

Sometimes even a small addition to the feed can help keep your horse's stomach vital and prevent colic:

• Mash: Especially after strenuous days, a warm mash can be good for digestion.

• Flaxseed: Can promote the gut and help keep the stool soft.

• Probiotics: Can support the gut flora, especially after a worming treatment or antibiotics.

• Minerals and trace elements: A balanced mineral balance can strengthen the entire digestive system.

With this feed, you can optimally protect your horse from colic.

Conclusion

Colic can affect any horse, but with the right care and feeding, you can prevent a lot. Pay attention to good feed, enough water, and sufficient exercise. And if your horse does have a stomach ache, don't hesitate to call the vet – it can save lives.