10/28/2026
🍂🐴HORSE OWNER EDUCATION: FALL WEATHER & COLIC AWARENESS!🐴🍁
Fall is here, y’all! The temperatures are dropping, the weather is changing, and while we LOVE this time of year, it’s important to remember that seasonal changes can bring an increased risk of colic in horses!❤️
Here at Sadie’s Horse Haven, we know how important it is to stay ahead of potential problems, especially with horses recovering from neglect or needing extra nutritional support.
🐴WHY CAN COOLER WEATHER INCREASE COLIC RISKS?
When temperatures drop, some horses drink less water. Combine that with changes in pasture grass, increased hay consumption, or sudden feeding changes, and you may have a recipe for digestive trouble!
🍁TIPS TO HELP PREVENT COLIC:
💧WATER, WATER, WATER! Make sure your horses always have access to clean, fresh water. Check troughs regularly, and consider offering slightly warmed water during colder weather to encourage drinking.
🌾KEEP FEEDING CONSISTENT! Avoid sudden changes in grain, hay, or supplements. Introduce new feeds gradually over 7–14 days.
🐎FORAGE IS YOUR FRIEND! Provide plenty of good-quality hay as pasture grass begins to decline. Make changes gradually, and avoid feeding moldy or dusty hay.
🧂DON'T FORGET SALT! Ensure horses have appropriate access to salt to help support normal hydration.
🚶KEEP THEM MOVING!Regular turnout and movement help support healthy digestive function.
❤️ KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF COLIC!
🚨 Pawing or repeatedly looking at their belly
🚨 Rolling, kicking, or biting at their sides
🚨 Refusing feed or showing a sudden loss of appetite
🚨 Lying down more than usual or appearing uncomfortable
🚨 Reduced manure production or changes in normal manure habits
🚨 Sweating, restlessness, or repeatedly getting up and down
⚠️ COLIC CAN BECOME LIFE-THREATENING QUICKLY!
If your horse shows signs of colic, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not administer medications or attempt home treatments without veterinary guidance. Even mild symptoms deserve attention!
🐴 A LITTLE EXTRA ATTENTION CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
At Sadie’s, several of our horses are on carefully managed feeding programs to help them regain healthy weight. That means monitoring their appetite, water intake, manure, and overall comfort every single day.
Remember, horses can't tell us when something hurts. It's our job to pay attention!❤️
Stay warm, keep those water troughs full, and give your horses a little extra love this fall!
🍂 From all of us at Sadie’s Horse Haven — Rescue, Rehome & Care!🐴❤️