Winter Colic Prevention: Protecting Your Horse During the Cold Season

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, horse owners face increased risk of one of the most dreaded equine health emergencies: colic. Winter conditions create a perfect storm of risk factors that can lead to digestive disturbances and potentially life-threatening colic episodes. Understanding these seasonal challenges and implementing preventative strategies can help reduce your horse's risk during these months.

Why Winter Increases Colic Risk

Several factors make horses more vulnerable to colic during winter, these include:

1. Decreased Water Consumption
When temperatures plummet, horses naturally drink less water. Cold water is less palatable, and frozen water sources may be completely inaccessible. Even mild dehydration slows gut motility and increases impaction risk.

2. Reduced Movement
Many horses experience decreased turnout and exercise during winter. Limited movement slows digestive transit and reduces the natural stimulation that helps move feed through the intestinal tract.

3. Dietary Changes
Winter often brings changes in forage type and quality. Transitioning from pasture to hay, or between different hay types, can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbiota.

4. Irregular Feeding Patterns
Severe weather can disrupt regular feeding schedules. Horses thrive on consistency, and sudden changes can trigger digestive upset.

5. Increased Hay Consumption
Most horses consume more hay during winter to generate body heat. This higher fibre intake requires adequate water to process properly.

Prevention Strategies

Water Management: Your First Line of Defense

Water intake is arguably the most critical factor in preventing winter colic. Implement these practices to ensure proper hydration:

Keep Water Unfrozen and Accessible
Invest in tank heaters, heated buckets, or insulated water containers to prevent freezing. Check water sources multiple times daily during extreme cold. Remember that a horse's daily water requirements (typically 15-40 litres) don't decrease in winter—in fact, horses eating dry hay need more water than those on pasture.

Warm Water Options
Offering lukewarm water (approx. 18°C) can increase consumption by up to 40% compared to ice-cold alternatives. Consider adding a second water option with warm water, particularly after feeding.

Monitor Consumption
Track each horse's typical water intake so you'll notice decreases promptly. Measuring water consumption can provide early warning signs of potential problems.

Salt Supplementation
Ensure free-choice salt is always available, either through blocks or loose salt. Some owners add a tablespoon of salt to daily feed to encourage drinking. Electrolyte supplementation may be beneficial for some horses, especially those in work.

Water Additives
If your horse's water consumption reduces, there are additives that can be added to water to increase consumption. These include molasses or apple juice for horses suffering from metabolic disease. Supplements such as KER Drink-Up can also be added to entice horses to drink.

Feeding Management

Dietary considerations form the second pillar of winter colic prevention:

Consistent Feeding Schedule
Maintain regular feeding times even during challenging weather. The equine digestive system functions best on a consistent schedule.

Gradual Transitions
Plan ahead for any feed changes, implementing them gradually over 7-14 days. This includes transitions between hay types or batches.

Forage Quality and Quantity
Provide high-quality forage that's free of mould and dust. Ensure adequate amounts—winter maintenance typically requires 1.5-2% of body weight in forage daily. For a 500kg horse, that's approx. 10kg per day.

Multiple Small Meals
When possible, divide hay into multiple feedings rather than offering one large daily portion. Slow feeders and hay nets can extend foraging time, mimicking natural grazing behavior.

Soaked Feeds
Consider soaking hay cubes, beet pulp, or complete feeds, which adds water to the diet. These wet feeds can be especially valuable for older horses or those with dental issues.

Movement and Exercise

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy gut function:

Maximize Turnout
Provide as much turnout as safely possible. Even in bad weather, short daily turnout periods allow natural movement and environmental stimulation.

Create Movement Opportunities
When turnout isn't possible, hand-walking, lunging, or riding in covered areas provides essential exercise. Some owners spread hay piles around a paddock to encourage movement during feeding.

Strategic Barn Layout
For stalled horses, position water and feed at opposite ends of the stall to promote movement. Consider increasing stall size temporarily during extended confinement periods.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs

Despite best prevention efforts, early recognition of colic symptoms remains essential:

Subtle Indicators

• Reduced appetite or disinterest in food
• Decreased manure production or drier-than-normal manure
• Mild lethargy or depression
• Reduced water consumption
• Pawing or looking at the flanks

More Urgent Signs

• Lying down and getting up repeatedly
• Rolling or thrashing
• Kicking at the abdomen
• Sweating without exercise
• Elevated heart rate or respiratory rate
• Absence of gut sounds

Monitor each horse's normal vital signs and behavior patterns so you can quickly identify deviations. During particularly cold spells, increase observation frequency.

Special Considerations for At-Risk Horses

Some horses require additional preventative measures during winter:

Senior Horses
Older horses often have decreased dental function and may struggle with long-stem hay. Provide easily digestible forage alternatives like chopped hay, hay cubes, or complete senior feeds. Ensure adequate water consumption with frequent offerings of warm water.

Previous Colic History
Horses with prior colic episodes have higher recurrence risk. Implement more aggressive prevention strategies, including more frequent small meals, regular exercise even in inclement weather, and probiotics to support gut health.

Stall-Bound Horses
Horses confined due to injury or rehabilitation face increased colic risk from reduced movement. Work closely with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive management plan that might include hand-walking, specialized feeding protocols, or preventative medications.

Emergency Preparedness

Despite prevention efforts, emergencies can occur. Prepare by:

• Keeping your veterinarian's contact information readily available
• Knowing your nearest equine surgical facility
• Maintaining an emergency kit with a stethoscope, thermometer, and pain management medications (as prescribed by your veterinarian)
• Having transportation available if referral becomes necessary

While winter presents increased colic challenges, proactive management significantly reduces risk. Prioritise consistent water intake, implement thoughtful feeding practices, and ensure adequate movement. Close observation allows for early intervention if problems develop.

By adapting management strategies to winter's unique challenges, you can keep your horse's digestive system functioning optimally through even the coldest months. The time invested in prevention is minimal compared to the potential cost—both financial and emotional—of treating a serious colic episode.