What to Do When Your Horse Colics: An Owner’s Action Guide

Last updated: October 26, 2025

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

Medical Disclaimer: This article shares my personal experience and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary advice. Colic is a life-threatening emergency. Always contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your horse has colic. Never attempt any treatment without professional veterinary guidance.

When your horse colics, it’s a terrifying experience for any owner. The sudden onset of pain, the frantic pacing, the desperate attempts to lie down and roll – it’s a scene that no horse lover wants to witness.

On the morning of her race, my three-year-old Thoroughbred filly was the picture of health and excitement. She was the morning line favorite, and the anticipation was palpable. After the vet administered her usual pre-race Lasix, she seemed fine. However, a few hours later, my world turned upside down.

A Note from the Author: What follows is my personal experience as a racehorse owner and trainer, not veterinary medical advice. Everything described here happened under direct veterinary supervision and care. Every horse and every colic episode is different—what worked for my filly may not be appropriate for your horse. The purpose of sharing this story is to help you recognize signs and understand the urgency of veterinary intervention, not to provide treatment instructions.

Recognizing the Signs: Colic Strikes

I found my filly lying in her stall, clearly distressed. She was pawing, trying to roll, and biting her belly. The signs were unmistakable: colic.

The Dreaded “C” Word: What is Colic?

Colic is a broad term for abdominal pain in horses, and it can range from mild gas to life-threatening intestinal twists. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), colic is one of the most common emergencies in horses. When your horse colics, it’s crucial to recognize the signs early, as timely intervention can be lifesaving.

• Lack of appetite
• Pawing or kicking at the belly
• Lying down and getting up repeatedly
• Sweating or shivering
• Reduced or absent manure
• Stretching out as if to urinate

When your Horse Colics, Take Immediate Action: Call Your Vet FIRST—Nothing Else Matters

This is the single most important thing you can do when your horse colics: Call your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait to see if it gets better. Do not try home remedies first. Do not Google treatments. Pick up the phone. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine emphasizes that only a veterinarian can properly assess the severity of colic and determine the appropriate treatment.

When my filly colicked, I immediately called the vet, who rushed over to assess the situation. When your horse colics, every second counts. Time is literally life or death—some types of colic require surgery within hours to save the horse’s life. While we waited for the vet (typically 20-45 minutes in my area), I tried to keep her calm and comfortable, but the pain was evident. I did NOT administer any medication, supplements, or treatments without veterinary instruction.

What to do while waiting for the vet:

• Remove all feed (but keep water available unless vet instructs otherwise)
• Keep your horse in a safe area where they won’t injure themselves
• Try to keep them quietly walking if they want to roll excessively
• Do NOT give any medications, oils, or home remedies
• Monitor vital signs if you know how (heart rate, respiratory rate, gut sounds)
• Stay calm—your horse can sense your anxiety

Vet’s Assessment & Treatment: A Multi-Pronged Approach

After the vet assessed her condition and determined it was gas colic (not a surgical emergency), another experienced trainer suggested a unique approach: a trailer ride. I discussed this with my vet before proceeding. For gas colic specifically, movement can sometimes help shift gas bubbles and provide relief. We loaded her into our slant load, and she showed remarkable improvement after a bumpy 15-minute ride.

We also administered Karo syrup—again, only after consulting with the veterinarian who had assessed her. Critical warning: This approach is ONLY appropriate for certain types of colic and can be deadly for others. As Penn State University notes, professional assessment is critical because different types of colic require different treatments—some are medical emergencies requiring surgery. For example, if a horse has an intestinal twist (torsion), movement could make it worse. Never attempt this without veterinary assessment and approval.

Prioritizing Welfare: A Difficult Decision

Though she was the race favorite, scratching her was the only option. The safety and well-being of our horses must always come first.

A Night of Vigilance and Relief

We monitored her closely throughout the night. By morning, she was back to her usual self, much to our relief.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: The trailer ride and Karo syrup were administered only after veterinary assessment and with the vet’s knowledge of my specific horse’s condition. These approaches can be dangerous or even fatal with certain types of colic (such as intestinal torsion or impaction). Never attempt any treatment without veterinary guidance. What helped my horse could harm yours.

The Unpredictable Nature of Colic

Colic can strike even when everything seems perfect. There was no change in her feed or routine, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this condition. The vet suggested nerves might be a factor, but the exact cause remains a mystery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Colic

Conclusion: What to Do When Your Horse Colics

My filly’s experience serves as a reminder of what to do when your horse colics: swift action and prioritizing their well-being are paramount. Colic is a constant threat, but we can protect our equine companions with knowledge, vigilance, and swift action. Share this article with fellow horse owners to help spread awareness. Have you faced a colic scare? We’d love to hear your story in the comments below.

Lessons Learned: Key Takeaways for Horse Owners

1. Know Your Horse’s Normal: Know their typical behavior, eating habits, and manure output.
2. Don’t Hesitate to Call the Vet: Early intervention is critical in cases of colic, as emphasized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
3. Prioritize Welfare Over Winning: Your horse’s health is more important than any competition.
4. Consider Stress Management: Minimize stress, especially during events or travel, as the University of Minnesota Extension notes that stress can contribute to colic.
5. Be Open to Unconventional Approaches: Sometimes, thinking outside the box can make a difference, but always consult with your veterinarian first.

Remember, your horse’s health is in your hands.

Further Reading:

• Colic in your horse – University of Minnesota Extension
• Colic Updates and Prevention – American Association of Equine Practitioners
• Colic in Horses – Merck Veterinary Manual