Horses

We have 2 horses.

Colic kills fast

If you suspect colic, call the vet. See Animal Emergency for the protocol.

Daily Routine

Hay: good quality, off-ground, not dusty/moldy. Same standard as alpaca hay.
Water: always available, clean, fresh.
Pasture / movement: horses need movement. If stalled, daily turnout.
Hooves: pick out daily — check for stones, thrush, abscess.
General check: eyes, nostrils, manure, demeanor.

Health Signs

✅ Good signs

Eating, drinking, pooping normally
Bright eyes, alert
Normal gum color (light pink, capillary refill < 2 seconds)
Hooves cool to touch (not hot — heat = inflammation)

⚠️ Watch closely

Reduced appetite or water intake
Mild lameness
Heat in a hoof
Cough or runny nose

🚨 Emergency — see Animal Emergency

Colic signs (see below)
Severe lameness, can’t bear weight
Severe bleeding
Choke (food stuck — drooling, distress, food/saliva from nose)
Eye injury
Can’t stand
Heart rate ≥ 60 bpm and rising

Colic warning signs (call vet immediately)

Restlessness, pawing the ground
Rolling, thrashing
Looking at or kicking the belly
Sweating without exertion
Stretched-out or hunched posture
Loss of appetite
Reduced/no manure
Lying down and getting up repeatedly
Quiet gut sounds (no rumbling) + bloating

Before the vet arrives (colic)

Remove all food.
Water is OK unless told otherwise.
Calm walking can help mild gas pain — stop if pain worsens or it’s unsafe.
Don’t give Banamine, sedatives, or any drug without vet approval (masks symptoms).
Note the time symptoms started.

Vital Signs (for the vet)

Vital	Normal range
Heart rate	28-44 bpm at rest
Respiration	8-16 breaths/min at rest
Temperature	37.5-38.5 °C (99.5-101.3 °F)
Capillary refill	< 2 seconds
Gum color	Light pink

Periodic Care

Task	When	Notes
Hoof trim / farrier	Every 6-8 weeks	TBD: farrier contact
Dental check	Annual	TBD: vet contact
Fecal exam	Every 3-4 months	Targeted deworming — see Natural Care
Vaccinations	As needed	Natural-first; only when necessary