Wise up on ailments

With winter upon us, Emily Bevan explores some of the most common ailments that horses experience at this time of year, and how you can prevent them

- Emily Bevan

Impaction colic

What it is: a specific type of colic caused by a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. This is typically caused by a dried mass of food or other material. If a horse is kept on straw and they eat some of the bedding, then this risk can be exacerbated.

“The horse evolved as a trickle grazer and its digestive system works optimally when eating and concurrently ambling around gently,” explains NAF head nutritionist, Kate Hore. “Spending longer in the stable, which reduces walking significantly, can be a risk even when forage is provided, and this results in an increased risk of impaction colic occurring.”

How to spot it: know your horse’s poo. In impaction colic cases, droppings are often passed less often, are fewer in number and drier in consistency. The horse may also have a reduced appetite, paw the ground or roll on the floor.

How to prevent it: “Split the horse’s forage quota into several different feeders around the stable with the water in another corner to encourage natural movement while eating. Ensure clean, fresh water is always available and take steps to ensure the source isn’t frozen,” adds Kate.

How to treat it: colic is a veterinary emergency so if you suspect it’s occurring then call a vet immediately.

Mud fever

What it is: an often complex skin disease that affects a horse’s lower legs. Mud fever occurs as a result of standing for prolonged periods in wet and muddy conditions.