Colic is the most common cause of premature death in horses. Many colic episodes are preventable through appropriate management, and recognizing early signs saves lives.
Colic prevention is a welfare priority because colic causes intense abdominal pain and, in severe cases, death — and many episodes are genuinely preventable. The management factors that prevent colic — continuous access to hay or pasture, consistent feeding schedules, adequate water at all times, regular exercise, and gradual dietary transitions — are all achievable with appropriate management attention. Stabling practices that restrict foraging increase colic risk by fundamentally conflicting with equine digestive physiology. Matching management to equine digestive needs is both welfare-correct and practically effective.