Winter – Drinking and Colic

In cold weather, we see an increase in colic in horses and ponies. This is mainly impaction colic due to horses taking in less water. This can be because horses don’t drink as much cold water as warm water in cold weather and/or because water supplies get frozen over. 

You can help reduce your risk of impaction colic by….

• Adding warm water to feeds
• Adding some oil to your horse’s feeds
• Soaking your hay in warm water 
• Steaming your hay 
• Encouraging drinking by providing warm-water (warm, NOT hot, ideally 15-30°)
• Keep water unfrozen for longer by insulating buckets

Check out our various winter videos and content:

• Podcast – Surviving Winter with Dr Gillian Tabor
• Webinar – Winter Horse Care
• Video Short – How Long Should You Soak Hay For In Winter?
• Webinar – Early Season Winter Training by Dr David Marlin
• Video – Winter feeding tips by Dr. David Marlin