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 your horse as safe and comfortable as possible, while also providing your vet with valuable information when they arrive.
This guide focuses on practical, safe actions that apply to most situations on UK yards, and just as importantly, explains what not to do.
👉 This article supports: Signs of colic in horses
First Rule: Stay Calm and Act Early
The most important thing you can do is act promptly but calmly.
- Do not wait “to see if it passes”
- Do not panic and rush into unsafe actions
- Call the vet early — even if signs seem mild
Early veterinary involvement saves lives and often prevents more serious outcomes. see colic symptoms explained
Step 1: Remove Feed Immediately
As soon as you suspect colic:
- Remove all hard feed
- Remove hay and haylage unless your vet advises otherwise
- Take away treats
Why this matters:
- Feeding can worsen some types of colic
- Food can interfere with veterinary treatment
- It reduces the risk of further gut complications
Water should remain available at all times, unless specifically advised otherwise.
Step 2: Call the Vet and Give Clear Information
When calling the vet, try to be as clear and factual as possible.
Be ready to explain:
- What signs you’ve seen
- When they started
- Whether the horse is eating or drinking
- Whether the horse has rolled
- Any recent changes (feed, turnout, routine, travel)
Even if symptoms seem mild, it’s always better to call early.
👉 Related reading: Early signs of mild colic in horses
Step 3: Keep the Horse in a Safe Area
While waiting for the vet:
- Keep the horse in a stable or small, secure area
- Remove hazards if possible
- Ensure good footing to prevent slipping
If the horse is turned out and calm, your vet may advise leaving them where they are until arrival.
Safety — for both horse and handler — always comes first.
Should You Walk a Horse With Colic?
This is one of the most common questions owners ask.
Walking can help:
- Prevent violent rolling
- Provide gentle movement
But walking can also:
- Exhaust the horse
- Mask worsening symptoms
- Be dangerous if the horse becomes distressed
Best advice:
👉 Only walk the horse if your vet tells you to.
Never force walking, and never walk a horse that is unstable or repeatedly trying to lie down.
Managing Rolling Safely
Rolling can be dangerous, but preventing it completely isn’t always possible.
If the horse tries to roll:
- Keep them in a safe, enclosed space
- Do not get in a dangerous position
- Avoid tying or restraining
If rolling becomes violent or uncontrollable, inform your vet immediately.
👉 Escalation guidance: When is colic an emergency?
Monitoring Your Horse While Waiting
Careful observation is extremely helpful to your vet.
Watch for changes in:
- Behaviour and pain level
- Sweating
- Breathing rate
- Attempts to roll
- Gut sounds (if experienced)
If safe, note:
- Time of last droppings
- Consistency of droppings
- Whether urine has been passed
Write this down if possible — stress makes details easy to forget.
Checking Vital Signs (If You’re Confident)
Only do this if you are experienced and the horse is calm.
Key vitals:
- Heart rate
- Respiration rate
- Gum colour and capillary refill time
Abnormal readings should be reported to the vet immediately.
What NOT to Do While Waiting for the Vet
Well-meaning actions can sometimes make things worse.
Do NOT:
- Give painkillers unless prescribed
- Give oils, syrups, or home remedies
- Force exercise
- Allow uncontrolled rolling
- Delay calling the vet
Never administer medication without veterinary instruction — it can mask symptoms and complicate diagnosis.
Keep the Environment Calm
Horses are highly sensitive to stress.
- Keep noise levels low
- Limit the number of people around
- Handle quietly and confidently
A calm environment helps reduce anxiety and may ease discomfort.
Prepare for the Vet’s Arrival
While waiting, you can also prepare practically:
- Ensure access to stable or field
- Have headcollar and lead rope ready
- Clear space for examination
- Locate insurance details if applicable
Being prepared helps the vet work quickly and efficiently.
Why Early Action Makes a Difference
Many serious colic cases start mildly.
Calling the vet early:
- Improves treatment success
- Reduces the risk of surgery
- Often lowers overall costs
- Protects horse welfare
Owners never regret calling early — but many regret waiting.
👉 For prevention: How to reduce colic risk naturally
Waiting for the vet during a colic episode
Waiting for the vet during a colic episode is stressful, but knowing what to do — and what not to do — gives your horse the best possible chance.
Early action, calm handling, and good communication with your vet are far more effective than frantic interventions.