Caring for a horse’s health can feel overwhelming at times. From sudden issues like colic to ongoing concerns such as stiffness, weight changes, or general wellbeing, horse owners are often expected to spot problems early and make the right decisions quickly.
This Horse Health section is written by a horse person, for horse people. It focuses on clear, practical advice that helps you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to take action — without panic or guesswork.
Here you’ll find health guides designed for real-life yards, not textbook situations.
Many health issues start with small, easily missed signs. Understanding these early warnings can make a huge difference to outcomes.
Our aim is to help you feel more confident recognising when something isn’t quite right.
Colic is one of the most common — and worrying — health problems horses face. Knowing the early signs and understanding what increases risk can genuinely save lives.
Joint health is a concern for many horse owners, particularly as horses age or remain in regular work. This section looks at joint care from a practical, welfare-focused perspective.
Horses don’t always show pain in obvious ways. Subtle behaviour changes are often the first clue that something isn’t right.
Many health issues can be reduced through consistent, thoughtful management.
Good horse health is rarely about quick fixes — it’s about small, steady habits.
Horse health can feel daunting, but you don’t need to be a vet to be a good horse owner. Paying attention, trusting your instincts, and learning what’s normal for your horse goes a long way.
This section is here to support you with calm, honest information — so you can make the best decisions for the horse in front of you.
Suspecting colic is one of the most stressful moments a horse owner can face. Your horse might seem unsettled, slightly uncomfortable, or simply “not quite right” — and suddenly you’re standing there wondering whether you should call the vet immediately or wait and see. Many owners search for ways to “treat colic at home”, but … Read more
Laminitis is one of the most frightening conditions a horse owner can encounter. The pain can be severe, the progression unpredictable, and the long-term consequences potentially life-changing. Once the immediate crisis is under control, most owners are left with a difficult and emotionally loaded question: can horses fully recover from laminitis, or is the damage … Read more
What to Do If You Suspect Laminitis (While Waiting for the Vet) Suspecting laminitis is one of the most stressful situations a horse owner can face.The signs may be subtle, you may not be completely sure, and yet you know that acting quickly matters. While veterinary guidance is always essential, there are important steps you … Read more
Laminitis is one of the most serious and time-sensitive conditions a horse can develop. Yet for many owners, the early signs are confusing, subtle, or easy to second-guess. Horses may not appear obviously lame at first, and discomfort can come and go, leaving owners unsure whether the situation truly warrants urgent veterinary attention. The reality … Read more
What Causes Laminitis in Horses? A Clear Explanation for Horse Owners Laminitis is one of the most feared conditions among horse owners, and for good reason. It is painful, potentially life-changing, and in severe cases can be life-threatening. Despite this, many owners are still unsure why laminitis develops or what actually causes it. Although the … Read more
Colic is one of those words that instantly makes horse owners uneasy — and for good reason. It’s one of the most common reasons for emergency vet call-outs, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood problems on UK yards. One of the hardest parts is that colic doesn’t always look dramatic at first. Many … Read more
Laminitis is one of the most serious and worrying conditions a horse can face. It can develop suddenly or slowly over time, and it affects horses, ponies, and donkeys of all types. This guide is the main laminitis reference on HorseTrainingAndTips.com. It explains what laminitis is, how to recognise early warning signs, what causes it, … Read more
Colic is something no horse owner ever wants to deal with, yet most horses will experience some form of digestive discomfort at least once in their lives. While it’s true that not all colic can be prevented, good daily management can significantly reduce the risk. Learning how to reduce colic risk naturally isn’t about expensive … Read more
One of the hardest parts of dealing with colic as a horse owner is knowing when to wait and when to act immediately. Many horses show mild digestive discomfort from time to time, but some colic episodes escalate rapidly and become life-threatening. Understanding when colic is an emergency can save your horse’s life. This article … Read more
Few situations are more stressful for a horse owner than suspecting colic and waiting for the vet to arrive. Time can feel painfully slow, and many owners worry about doing the wrong thing — or not doing enough. Knowing what to do while waiting for the vet if your horse has colic can help keep … Read more