When is colic an emergency?

Call your vet immediately if your horse rolls repeatedly, paws the ground, looks at the flank, fails to pass droppings, or appears distressed. Do not wait — colic can be fatal.

How often do UK horses need vaccinations?

Most receive tetanus and influenza vaccines on a schedule set by your vet — often annually or six-monthly for influenza depending on competition and yard rules.

Should I worm my horse on a fixed schedule?

Modern UK practice favours faecal worm egg counts and targeted treatment rather than routine blanket worming. Your vet can advise a yard-specific plan.

Horse Health

Horse Health Basics in the UK — Colic, Vaccinations & Emergencies

Published 1 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20261 min read

Quick answer

Colic (abdominal pain) is the most common equine emergency in the UK — call your vet immediately if your horse shows distress, rolling or failure to pass droppings. Register with an equine practice before emergencies arise.

Daily health checks

Observe appetite, droppings, water intake, digital pulse, and hoof heat. Know your horse's normal temperature (37.5–38.5°C). Report subtle changes early.

Vaccinations

Core UK vaccines typically include tetanus and equine influenza. Your vet records boosters in the horse's passport. Discuss additional vaccines (e.g. herpesvirus) for breeding or high-risk yards.

Laminitis

Painful inflammation of the hoof laminae — common in overweight ponies on spring grass. Signs: reluctance to walk, rocked-back stance, hot hooves. Emergency vet care and strict diet restriction.

Donkeys

Donkeys need specialist hoof care and diet management — they are not small horses. Register with a vet experienced in donkey medicine.

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

Related guides

When to See an Emergency Vet in the UK — Signs You Should Not Wait

Frequently Asked Questions

When is colic an emergency?: Call your vet immediately if your horse rolls repeatedly, paws the ground, looks at the flank, fails to pass droppings, or appears distressed. Do not wait — colic can be fatal.
How often do UK horses need vaccinations?: Most receive tetanus and influenza vaccines on a schedule set by your vet — often annually or six-monthly for influenza depending on competition and yard rules.
Should I worm my horse on a fixed schedule?: Modern UK practice favours faecal worm egg counts and targeted treatment rather than routine blanket worming. Your vet can advise a yard-specific plan.