Colic and Riding
October 27, 2009
You should never ride a horse in colic distress.
Question:
One day, my young horse was colicking, and I didn’t know it. I took him out for a ride, thinking he was just misbehaving. Since then, I’ve always made sure not to ride colicking horses, but I wondered, does riding affect them at all if they are colicking? Does it worsen the colic?
Answer:
Considering that it wasn’t easy for you to tell your horse was having a bout of abdominal pain, this must have been a very mild colic, something like a gaseous or spasmodic event.
In general, it isn’t safe to get on a horse that is experiencing colic, primarily because the horse is focused on his inner pain and will not notice you on his back if he decides to drop and roll. This puts you in jeopardy.
However, one useful strategy to use when a horse is noticed with colic is to put him on the longe line or in the round pen and ask him to move out in a vigorous trot for 10 to 15 minutes, assuming he isn’t on strict rest due to a musculoskeletal problem. The trotting action may relieve gas or spasms of the intestinal smooth muscle, and when the horse stops, he feels no more pain and goes about his normal business.
It is possible, in this case, that if you had asked your horse for a trot, you might inadvertently have done him some good. But, a general rule is that you should never ride a horse in colic distress. If you are away from the barn, get off and lead your horse to where he can receive prompt medical attention. If the horse doesn’t respond quickly to the trotting attempt or within an hour of starting to colic, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Dr. Jennifer Schleining, Ames, Iowa, is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners
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