Drinking Cold Water and Tying-Up

A common belief among horse owners is that drinking cold water after exercise can trigger tying-up, colic, or even laminitis. But is there any truth to it? We break down the science, tackle the myths, and share what the research really says about cold water and your horse’s health.

A Member Asked….

I’m an endurance rider and often there is iced water around for cooling horses at competitions. We usually have a bucket of non-iced water ready to give horses as soon as they pull up at a crew point or vet gate, but sometimes my horse pulls me towards the ice water for cooling. I have heard vets and riders say that you shouldn’t let horses drink cold water as it can cause colic, laminitis or tying-up. 

Dr David Marlin Replies

This is an interesting and very old myth that seems to have persisted and even become more confused over time.