Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and a major source of acute suffering. Many cases are preventable through management changes and owner education.
Colic causes acute and sometimes extreme pain — horses with severe colic roll violently, sweat profusely, and may injure themselves in attempts to relieve discomfort. The welfare impact is compounded by the fact that many cases are preventable. Management practices that departed from evolutionary feeding patterns — large concentrate meals, limited forage access, irregular feeding times, and insufficient water availability — substantially increase colic risk. Horses in high-performance settings are particularly vulnerable due to dietary management requirements. Simple management changes including free-choice hay access, reliable water provision, gradual dietary transitions, and regular dental care dramatically reduce colic incidence.