Listed below are some of the management factors which are thought to reduce colic incidence. All cases of abdominal pain should be taken seriously, this is because it is difficult to distinguish the mild cases from the potentially fatal cases of colic.Tips to prevent equine colic include:
Maintain a regular feeding schedule
Allow as much turnout as possible
Ensure constant access to clean water
Provide at least 60% of digestible energy from forage
Do not feed excessive digestible energy
Do not feed moldy hay or grain
Provide access to forage for as much of the day as possible
Do not over graze pastures
Do not feed or water horses before they've cooled out
Maintain a consistent exercise regime
Make all changes in diet, exercise level, and management slowly
Control intestinal parasites and assess efficiency periodically
Horses which fall into high-risk categories, such as fit horses recently injured and stabled horses in intense training should be monitored extra closely. All horse owners should be aware of these prevention methods.
