Preventing Colic in Horses: 10 Science-Backed Tips

Just the word “colic” is enough to stop any equestrian in their tracks. Colic is a general term used to describe abdominal pain in horses, but it encompasses a wide range of digestive disorders — from mild gas buildup to serious, life-threatening intestinal twists or impactions. Sometimes it’s just a little discomfort; other times, it can be a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery.

Colic never stops being scary, regardless of your experience level or discipline. If even one horse in the barn starts to show signs, it’s enough to rally everyone into action. Why? Because the equestrian world is a tight-knit community, and we’ve seen how fast colic can escalate. Being informed and proactive is one of the most powerful tools horse owners can have to protect their horses’ health.

A 2023 study by Gilligan and Archer confirmed what many horse owners already know: colic remains one of the leading causes of emergency vet visits and equine fatalities worldwide. And perhaps most alarmingly, colic can strike any horse — regardless of age, breed, or discipline.

Common Signs of Colic

Understanding early warning signs can make a life-saving difference. Some (but not all) signs include:

• Looking at or biting their flank

• Repeatedly lying down and getting up

• Curling the upper lip (Flehmen response)

• Excessive sweating

• Pawing or rolling violently

• Reduced appetite or absence of manure

Because colic can be fatal, prevention should always be top of mind. Here are 10 science-backed strategies you can implement today:

1. Keep Feeding Consistent

Sudden changes in diet can disrupt the delicate balance of the horse’s gut microbiota — the population of bacteria and microbes responsible for digestion, immunity, and nutrient absorption. When these microbes are thrown off balance, digestive upset and inflammation can occur, increasing the risk of colic.

➡️ Science says: Garber et al. (2020) demonstrated that abrupt dietary changes — especially in grain or forage — significantly alter the microbiome and increase the incidence of colic, particularly in the first 7 to 14 days.

Pro Tip: Introduce any feed or supplement change gradually over 7 to 10 days to allow the digestive system to adapt.

2. Keep Your Horse Moving

Horses are naturally designed to move throughout the day — walking miles as they graze. This constant motion stimulates “gut motility,” the muscular contractions that keep food and gas moving through the digestive tract.

Stall confinement, common in many modern management systems, has been shown to significantly reduce gut motility and alter microbial populations, leading to increased colic risk (Costa et al., 2019).

➡️ Research note: A study by Blikslager (North Carolina State University, 2019) emphasized that lack of movement is associated with reduced motility and increased gut inflammation.

Pro Tip: Aim for at least 4 hours of movement daily. If turnout is limited, supplement with hand-walking, lunging, or riding.

3. Provide Continuous Access to Forage

Horses evolved to eat small amounts of fibrous food nearly constantly. Their stomachs produce acid 24/7, even when they’re not eating. Without frequent forage intake, acid builds up and irritates the stomach lining — leading to ulcers and potentially colic.

➡️ Science says: Clauss et al. (2013) found that horses denied forage for prolonged periods experience a significant drop in gastrointestinal fill and microbial diversity, increasing risk of impactions and gas colic.

Pro Tip: Use slow feeders or hay nets to encourage continuous eating and mimic natural grazing patterns.

4. Ensure Access to Clean, Fresh Water

Dehydration is one of the most overlooked but critical risk factors for colic — especially impaction colic. Water is essential to maintain intestinal contents at the proper consistency for movement through the colon.

➡️ Veterinary insight: Erin Malone, DVM, notes that going without water for just 2 to 3 hours can begin to increase the risk of colic by reducing intestinal lubrication and altering motility.

Pro Tip: Use water buckets instead of automatic waterers when possible to monitor intake. In cold weather, ensure

water is warmed or heated to encourage drinking.

5. Limit Grain Intake and Feed Smart

Excessive grain and starchy feeds can overwhelm the small intestine, causing undigested starch to reach the hindgut, where it ferments and produces gas. This disrupts microbial balance and can trigger gas colic or laminitis.

➡️ Evidence-based insight: Jones (2011) and others have confirmed that high-starch diets can significantly alter the pH of the hindgut and kill beneficial microbes which can lead to colic.

Pro Tip: Choose low-starch, high-fiber feed options when possible. For fat and energy supplementation, opt for gut-friendly products like flax or chia-based supplements.

6. Look Out for Parasites

Internal parasites — particularly large strongyles — can cause inflammation and blockage of intestinal blood vessels. As larvae migrate through the intestinal walls, they cause damage that predisposes horses to colic.

➡️ Parasite alert: Lyons and Tolliver (2015) found that Strongylus vulgaris remains a leading parasitic cause of colic due to its migratory damage to the intestinal arteries.

Pro Tip: Use fecal egg count testing and strategic deworming under veterinary guidance rather than rotating dewormers blindly.

7. Limit Stress and Maintain Routine

Stress affects horses on multiple levels — behaviorally, hormonally, and gastrointestinally. A disrupted routine or social environment can lead to altered cortisol levels and stress-induced colic.

➡️ Research says: A Kentucky Equine Research study (2011) found that horses with abnormal cortisol rhythms were significantly more likely to colic, especially following changes in herd dynamics, travel, or competition.

Pro Tip: Keep a consistent schedule. Reduce stress by ensuring social interaction, stable companionship, and a predictable environment.

8. Schedule Routine Dental Care

Chewing is the first step of digestion. If a horse can’t chew properly due to sharp enamel points, dental pain, or missing teeth, large pieces of forage may enter the gut, increasing the risk of impaction.

➡️ Dental link: A 2023 study by Souda Silva et al. found a clear correlation between untreated dental abnormalities and increased rates of colic in Quarter Horses.

Pro Tip: Have your horse’s teeth checked at least once per year — or more frequently for seniors and hard keepers.

9. Monitor Sand Ingestion

Horses housed in sandy areas or dry lots can inadvertently ingest sand when grazing or eating hay placed on the ground. Over time, sand can accumulate in the large colon and cause blockages.

➡️ Scientific support: Green and Grimbleby (2018) reported that sand accumulation impairs gut motility and is one of the most common causes of impaction colic in arid regions.

Pro Tip: Feed hay in tubs or on rubber mats. Use psyllium husk monthly to help clear any accumulated sand from the gut (always consult your vet first).

10. Work Closely with Your Vet

Regular veterinary care is critical for early detection and prevention. Annual check-ups help catch early warning signs like dental problems, weight loss, and chronic dehydration before they lead to colic.

➡️ Quick note: Early intervention is key. Even if you're unsure whether it’s colic, always call your vet — especially if symptoms persist longer than 15-20 minutes or worsen.

Pro Tip: Keep your vet’s number on speed dial and have an emergency hauling plan to the nearest equine hospital.

Final Thoughts

Colic is scary — no doubt about it. But knowledge, consistency, and proactive management go a long way toward reducing your horse’s risk. Keep a routine, feed thoughtfully, encourage movement, and pay attention to the small changes in your horse’s behavior and habits. And most of all: trust your gut. If something feels “off,” don’t wait — make the call.

Being prepared can save a life.

Sources

• Garber, A. et al. “Abrupt Dietary Changes Alter Gut Microbiota in Ponies.” PLoS ONE, vol. 15, no. 8, 2020.

• Costa, M. C., et al. “The Equine Gastrointestinal Microbiota: Impacts on Health and Disease.” J Equine Vet Sci, vol. 79, 2019.

• Clauss, Marcus, et al. “The Effect of Feeding and Fasting on Gastrointestinal Fill in Horses.” University of Zurich, 2013.

• Kentucky Equine Research. “Cortisol Rhythm and Colic in Horses.” 2011.

• Lyons, E. and Tolliver, S. “Strongyle Parasites in Horses.” University of Kentucky, 2015.

• Blikslager, A. T. “Gastrointestinal Physiology and Equine Health.” NC State University, 2019.

• Green, S., and Grimbleby, J. “Colic Caused by Sand Accumulation in Horses.” Equine Vet J, 2018.

• Jones, D. “High Starch Diets and Equine Colic Risk.” Vet Times, 2011.

• Souda Silva, L. M., et al. “Dental Abnormalities and Their Association with Colic in Quarter Horses.” J Equine Vet Sci, vol. 118, 2023.