Recognizing Colic: The Signs Every Horse Owner Must Know

Ask any seasoned horse owner what scares them most, and a lot of them give the same one-word answer: colic. It’s common, it can turn serious fast, and it has a way of happening at the worst possible hour. The good news is that catching it early changes everything — and you don’t need a veterinary degree to know what to look for.

This guide walks through what colic is, the signs that should put you on alert, and exactly what to do (and not do) while help is on the way. None of it replaces your vet — but knowing it might buy your horse the time that matters.

What colic actually is

“Colic” isn’t a single disease. It’s a catch-all term for abdominal pain, and it can come from a long list of causes — a gas buildup, an impaction, a twist in the gut, a sudden feed change, even sand picked up while grazing. Some cases resolve with a little walking and a dose of medication. Others are surgical emergencies. The tricky part: from the outside, a mild gas colic and the early stage of something life-threatening can look almost identical.

That’s exactly why you treat every colic as serious until your vet says otherwise. You are not overreacting by calling. Vets would much rather drive out for a horse that’s feeling better by the time they arrive than get the call two hours too late.

The early warning signs

Horses can’t tell you their stomach hurts, so they tell you with their behavior. Watch for:

• Pawing at the ground repeatedly, often in the same spot.
• Looking at, biting or kicking at the belly — a horse staring at its own flank is a classic tell.
• Lying down and getting up over and over, or trying to roll more than usual.
• Going off feed — ignoring grain or hay it would normally dive into.
• Few or no manure piles, or a sudden change in consistency.
• Sweating or an elevated heart rate with no other explanation.

One sign alone might be nothing. Several together — or any one combined with a horse that just seems “off” — is your cue to act.

What to do while you wait for the vet

Call your vet first, before anything else. Describe what you’re seeing and follow their instructions. In general, while you wait:

• Take away food so you’re not adding to a possible blockage.
• Note the vitals you can — heart rate, gum color, gut sounds all help your vet over the phone.
• Allow quiet hand-walking if your horse is willing. It can help and discourages violent rolling — but never force a horse or put yourself in danger.

What not to do

Barn-aisle advice can do real harm. Don’t give Banamine or any medication unless your vet tells you to — it masks symptoms and makes the exam harder. Don’t walk a painful horse to exhaustion. And don’t wait to “see if it passes” when signs are escalating. Time is the one thing you can’t get back with colic.

Lowering your horse’s risk

You can’t prevent every colic, but you can stack the deck: keep feeding consistent, make feed changes gradually over a week or more, provide constant clean water, keep up a regular dental and deworming schedule, and keep your horse moving rather than stalled for days. Owners who build a vet relationship before a crisis tend to get faster help when one hits.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly should I call the vet?

Immediately. Don’t wait. Even mild gas colic is worth an early call — it gives your vet the best information and your horse the best outcome.

Can I give Banamine for colic?

Only if your vet specifically tells you to. Pain meds mask symptoms and make assessment harder. Always call first.

Should I walk a colicking horse?

Gentle walking can help if the horse is willing and discourages rolling, but don’t force it, don’t walk to exhaustion, and stay safe.

What raises colic risk?

Sudden feed changes, too little water (especially in winter), long hours stalled, sandy grazing, dental problems and parasite load. Consistency is your best prevention.