What Is Colic in Horses? Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Colic in horses is one of the most common and potentially serious health concerns facing horse owners in Australia. Put simply, colic refers to abdominal pain — but behind that simple definition lies a wide range of causes and outcomes, from mild discomfort to life-threatening intestinal rupture or death.

Symptoms of Colic in Horses

Recognising the early signs of colic in horses can make a significant difference to the outcome. Common symptoms include:

• Pawing at the ground
• Reduced appetite
• Attending to or biting at the belly
• Lying down or rolling
• General signs of distress or restlessness

If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet promptly. Colic can escalate quickly.

What Causes Colic in Horses?

A horse’s digestive system evolved for a life of near-constant movement and grazing. This means the modern domesticated horse — often confined to a stall and fed grain-heavy diets — can be at higher risk of digestive problems.

Key contributing factors to colic in horses include:

• Insufficient forage: Horses need plenty of roughage — grass, hay or chaff — to keep their digestive system functioning well. A low-fibre, high-grain or concentrate diet significantly increases colic risk.
• Lack of movement: Exercise and free movement support healthy digestion. Horses kept in stalls for extended periods are at greater risk.
• Abrupt feed changes: Any change in feed type or quantity should be introduced slowly and gradually.
• Inadequate salt and hydration: Horses need sufficient sodium in their diet to stay well hydrated. Dehydration is a common trigger for colic.
• Internal parasites: Worm burdens can disrupt gut function and contribute to colic. A consistent worming programme is an important part of prevention.
• Poor gut health: Probiotics added to your horse’s feed can support a healthy gut microbiome and help reduce colic risk.

What Is Sand Colic in Horses?

Sand colic is a specific and common form of colic in horses across many parts of Australia, particularly in regions with sandy soils and sparse vegetation.

Sand colic occurs when horses ingest sand while grazing — usually unintentionally. Over time, sand accumulates in the digestive tract, causing irritation, blockages and abdominal pain. The risk is highest in summer when pasture and ground cover thin out, leaving horses to graze closer to bare soil.

In some cases, horses may intentionally consume sand — this can be a sign of mineral deficiencies and warrants investigation.

How to Test for Sand Colic at Home

If you suspect your horse may have a sand load, you can perform a simple faecal sand sedimentation test:

1. Collect a few fresh manure balls that haven’t contacted the ground.
2. Place them in a plastic bag and fill it halfway with water.
3. Squeeze the bag to mix the manure into the water.
4. Hang the bag and allow the contents to settle for several hours.
5. Check the bottom corner of the bag — a significant sand deposit indicates a moderate to severe sand load.

No bag on hand? Mix the manure balls with water in a bucket and look for sand settling at the bottom.

How to Prevent Sand Colic in Horses

The most effective prevention for sand colic is regular use of psyllium husk supplements. Psyllium husk is a highly soluble fibre that forms a gel-like mass when it contacts moisture in the digestive tract, helping to move sand and food through the gut and prevent dangerous build-up. It’s the same active ingredient found in Metamucil®, the well-known constipation remedy for humans.

A range of high-fibre psyllium husk products are now available specifically formulated for horses, making it easier than ever to incorporate into your feeding routine. Always ensure your horse has access to ample clean, fresh water to support the benefits of psyllium husk supplementation.

Psyllium Husk Products for Horses at FarmCo

At FarmCo, we stock a range of psyllium husk products to help manage and prevent sand colic in horses:

• Vetafarm Equilax (1.5kg) — An apple-flavoured psyllium husk supplement in easy-to-feed pellet form, great for fussy horses.
• Sand Flush Psyllium Husk Pellets (1.5kg) — Highly palatable pellets with a low sugar content (water soluble carbohydrate score of just 13.6%).
• Equine Technology Psyllium Husk (1kg) — A cost-effective pulverised psyllium husk that mixes directly into feed. Add a splash of canola oil to boost palatability for fussier horses.

For personalised advice on managing colic in horses or to find the right product for your situation, drop into FarmCo Moora any time or call us on 1300 327 626.