A–Z topic · H
Horse health
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- 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.
- Modern UK practice favours faecal worm egg counts and targeted treatment rather than routine blanket worming. Your vet can advise a yard-specific plan.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
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.