In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common horse health concerns, what signs to look for, and practical steps you can take to prevent them.
Colic
Colic is one of the most dreaded words in the horse world. It refers to abdominal pain, which can be caused by gas, impaction, twisted intestines, or other digestive issues.
Signs of Colic:
- Restlessness—pawing, rolling, or lying down frequently
- Looking at or biting at the flanks
- Reduced or no appetite
- Little or no manure output
- Sweating or heavy breathing
Prevention Tips:
- Provide constant access to clean, fresh water
- Feed high-quality forage and limit sudden changes in diet
- Avoid feeding moldy hay or grain
- Maintain a regular exercise routine to keep digestion active
- Schedule regular deworming and dental care to reduce impactions
Colic can range from mild to life-threatening. If you suspect colic, contact your vet immediately—early intervention often makes all the difference.
Laminitis
Laminitis is a painful condition that affects the sensitive laminae inside the hoof, which connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone. When these tissues become inflamed, the horse may experience extreme discomfort and, in severe cases, permanent lameness.
Signs of Laminitis:
- Reluctance to move or shifting weight from one hoof to another
- Standing with front feet stretched forward (“sawhorse stance”)
- Heat in the hooves and a strong digital pulse
- Lameness, especially in the front feet
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid feeding excessive grain or lush pasture, especially in spring
- Keep overweight horses on a controlled diet to reduce stress on hooves
- Provide regular farrier care to maintain proper hoof balance
- Manage underlying conditions such as Cushing’s disease or insulin resistance
Laminitis is a true emergency—if you see signs, call your vet immediately and keep your horse on soft ground until help arrives.
Respiratory Issues
Horses have sensitive respiratory systems, and problems like heaves (similar to asthma), influenza, and strangles can spread quickly in barns and boarding facilities.
Signs of Respiratory Trouble:
- Frequent coughing or wheezing
- Nasal discharge (clear, yellow, or thick depending on cause)
- Labored breathing, especially after exercise
- Reduced stamina and lethargy
Prevention Tips:
- Provide good ventilation in stables to reduce dust and ammonia buildup
- Soak hay or feed haylage for horses with dust allergies
- Keep barns clean, with dry bedding and proper airflow
- Vaccinate against equine influenza and other infectious diseases
- Quarantine new arrivals before introducing them to the herd
Respiratory health is essential for a horse’s performance and overall well-being, so proactive management makes a huge difference.
Skin Conditions
From minor irritations to persistent infections, skin problems are very common in horses. Conditions like rain rot, ringworm, sweet itch, and mud fever are often seen in different climates.
Signs of Skin Problems:
- Hair loss in patches
- Scabs, crusts, or lesions on the skin
- Excessive scratching or rubbing against fences and posts
- Swelling or open sores
Prevention Tips:
- Groom daily to spot early signs of irritation
- Keep horses dry when possible; provide shelter in wet weather
- Wash and disinfect grooming tools to prevent the spread of fungal infections
- Use fly sheets, sprays, or masks to reduce insect irritation
- Maintain a balanced diet to support skin and coat health
While many skin issues are more irritating than dangerous, they can quickly escalate if left untreated.
Parasites
Internal parasites (worms) and external parasites (lice, mites, ticks) are common concerns for horse owners. Left unchecked, parasites can cause weight loss, colic, poor coat condition, and anemia.
Signs of Parasitic Infestation:
- Dull coat or weight loss despite good feed
- Tail rubbing or excessive scratching
- Diarrhea or digestive upset
- Visible worms in manure (in severe cases)
Prevention Tips:
- Follow a vet-guided deworming schedule (avoid over-worming to prevent resistance)
- Rotate pastures and avoid overcrowding to reduce parasite exposure
- Regularly clean stalls and paddocks
- Groom frequently to check for external pests
A proactive parasite control plan is one of the cornerstones of horse health.
Hoof Problems
A horse’s hooves are often described as the foundation of its health. Conditions such as thrush, white line disease, and hoof abscesses can cause pain and lameness if not managed properly.
Signs of Hoof Issues:
- Foul odor from the hoof (common with thrush)
- Lameness or tenderness when walking
- Heat in the hoof or swelling in the lower leg
- Discharge or abscess breakthrough at the coronet band
Prevention Tips:
- Schedule regular farrier visits (every 6–8 weeks)
- Pick out hooves daily to remove stones, mud, and debris
- Keep stalls dry and clean to prevent bacterial growth
- Provide balanced nutrition with adequate biotin, zinc, and amino acids
Healthy hooves are critical to your horse’s mobility—regular care and attention are non-negotiable.
Dental Issues
Horses’ teeth grow continuously, and sharp edges or uneven wear can cause pain, difficulty chewing, and even weight loss.
Signs of Dental Trouble:
- Dropping feed or chewing awkwardly
- Excessive salivation
- Undigested grain in manure
- Head tossing or resistance to the bit
Prevention Tips:
- Schedule routine dental exams (at least once per year, sometimes twice for younger or senior horses)
- Watch for changes in eating habits or weight
- Ensure horses chew evenly by monitoring wear patterns
Dental health is often overlooked, but it plays a huge role in digestion and comfort.
Eye Problems
Horses’ large, sensitive eyes are prone to injuries, infections, and conditions such as conjunctivitis or uveitis.
Signs of Eye Trouble:
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Squinting or sensitivity to light
- Swelling or cloudiness in the eye
- Rubbing the eye against objects
Prevention Tips:
- Check eyes daily for foreign objects or irritation
- Use fly masks during insect season
- Maintain safe fencing and stalls to prevent injuries
- Seek veterinary care promptly for any swelling, cloudiness, or vision changes
Eye problems can worsen quickly, so fast intervention is crucial.
Weight Management and Metabolic Disorders
Conditions like equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and Cushing’s disease (PPID) are increasingly common, especially in older or easy-keeper horses. These disorders affect how horses process sugar and can increase the risk of laminitis.
Signs of Metabolic Issues:
- Obesity or difficulty losing weight
- Cresty neck or fat deposits along the body
- Excessive drinking and urination (common with Cushing’s)
- Lethargy or repeated bouts of laminitis
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain a proper diet with limited sugars and starches
- Provide regular exercise, even for retired or light-use horses
- Work with your vet to monitor bloodwork and hormone levels
- Use grazing muzzles or dry lots for overweight horses in lush pastures
Early management can prevent long-term complications.
Final Thoughts
Being a responsible horse owner means staying proactive about health care. Many of the most common horse health issues can be prevented—or at least managed—through good nutrition, routine veterinary and farrier care, proper housing, and daily observation.
Remember: horses often hide discomfort until problems are advanced. By getting to know your horse’s normal behavior, appetite, and movement, you’ll be able to spot changes quickly and act before a small issue becomes a major one.
A healthy horse isn’t just a joy to ride or work with—it’s a beloved companion who deserves the very best care you can provide.
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