We’ve had two cases of colic at our barn in the last week. Why? Is it the weather? Is the pasture too dry? Is there too much/too little grass? Was there something different growing/blooming/going to seed? Are the horses not drinking enough? Should the salt blocks be changed? Was the moon in the wrong phase the week before summer started the same day the barn manager wore the red shirt instead of the blue one?

Colic is a frustrating disease. It’s hard seeing our horses in pain and not being able to do much about it. Even the best, most meticulous management can’t guarantee that a horse won’t colic.

This month, we delve in-depth into the mysterious disease that is colic. The cover story is written by one of the “gurus” of the belly, Nat White, DVM, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons, of the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Virginia. He looks at all the recent studies on colic, compares and contrasts the findings, and explains what they mean.

Having someone of his caliber review all the current literature on the subject, then translate that information into something we can understand and use, is a tremendous help for those of us who want to know more about protecting our horses from this disease