Colic

Every horse owner’s worst nightmare is colic, a word that sends chills down spines for good reason. Colic, simply put, is abdominal pain that can range from mild discomfort to a life-threatening emergency. New owners are often blindsided, thinking they’re doing everything right, only to be faced with a suddenly sick horse and huge veterinary bills. The most heartbreaking truth? Many cases could have been prevented with straightforward changes in care and awareness. 

It’s not just about the money, colic delivers an emotional blow. Hours spent watching your horse in pain, struggling to get a vet out, and that helpless feeling when you wish you could turn back the clock to do something differently. I’ve seen good friends break down in tears, and I’ve been there myself. Behind every emergency is a story of love, regret, and the stubborn hope for just one more chance.

Knowledge is power. Once, as a new horse owner, I believed as long as I fed my horse and kept water in the trough, he’d be safe. Then, one chilly morning, I found my gelding sweating and pawing in his stall, classic signs of colic. I panicked, called the vet, and spent the next twelve hours praying he’d make it. That day changed everything. Determined never to feel that helpless again, I set out to learn, adjust, and build a daily routine that put prevention first. The results spoke for themselves, my horses were healthier, calmer, and our barn stress faded away. 

Our system isn’t magic, but it works. It’s built on daily habits: clean, tempting water, smart feeding, stress-busting routines, and a five-minute stable check you can do on autopilot.

Check out my ebook on colic and colic prevention to master the system we utilize to prevent colic on our farm. The New Owner’s Colic Trap (And How To Avoid It) on Amazon. Link below!

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and nowhere is that truer than in the world of horses.” Jon at Birch Springs Farm