01/27/2026
With fluctuating temperatures right now, we’re seeing an increase in colic cases in horses. Colic risks rise during weather changes due to factors like reduced water intake (horses often drink less when water is very cold), shifts in feeding routines, and sometimes less movement. Here are some practical, vet-aligned tips to help keep your horse healthy, hydrated, and less prone to colic during this variable weather:
1. Prioritize constant access to clean, fresh water.
Always ensure your horse has plenty of unfrozen, clean water available. Even in milder areas like ours, check buckets and troughs multiple times a day—especially during colder snaps—to prevent freezing or stagnation. Horses drink less when water is very cold (below about 45°F), so if possible, provide slightly warmer water (around 45–65°F) to encourage more intake. This is one of the biggest factors in preventing impaction colic during temperature swings.
2. Encourage drinking with salt or electrolytes.
Add a tablespoon or two of regular table salt (or an equine electrolyte supplement) to your horse’s daily feed as a top-dressing. This stimulates thirst and boosts water consumption without flavoring the water bucket directly (which some horses might avoid). It’s especially helpful during colder or fluctuating periods when natural intake drops.
3. Boost hydration through feed.
Soak hay pellets, cubes, or grain in warm water before feeding to add extra fluids to the diet. This increases overall moisture intake and can make dry hay easier to digest, reducing the risk of impactions when horses are eating more forage to stay warm.
4. Consider “alfalfa soup” as a hydration boost.
A warm mash made from soaked alfalfa pellets or cubes (sometimes called “alfalfa soup”) can be a favorite during cold weather. In addition to adding water back into the digestive tract, alfalfa provides calcium, which may help buffer stomach acid and support gut comfort. As always, introduce any new feed gradually and feed appropriate amounts based on your horse’s needs.
5. Maintain consistent forage and movement.
Provide plenty of high-quality hay or forage (ideally free-choice or frequent small meals) to keep the gut moving and generate internal heat. Avoid sudden changes in diet or routine if weather forces indoor time. Encourage daily exercise or turnout—even light movement in a paddock or arena helps promote gut motility and prevents slowdowns that contribute to colic.
6. Use blankets appropriately to help maintain body temperature.
Blanketing can help horses stay warm during cold snaps, especially seniors, thin horses, clipped horses, or those with limited shelter. By reducing the energy needed to stay warm, blanketing may help horses maintain normal eating and drinking habits. Be sure blankets fit well, stay dry, and are adjusted as temperatures fluctuate—over- or under-blanketing can cause stress.
7. Have an emergency plan ready.
In severe cases, colic can require advanced care like hospitalization, fluids, or even surgery. Know your vet’s emergency contact, have a plan for quick transport to a referral hospital if needed, and monitor your horse closely for early signs (e.g., restlessness, pawing, reduced manure, or looking at flanks). Acting fast makes a big difference.
These simple steps can go a long way toward reducing colic risks during unpredictable weather. If you notice any changes in your horse’s behavior or appetite, contact your vet right away—better safe than sorry. Stay warm out there. 🐴
