Sand colic develops when a horse ingests sand while grazing that accumulates in the lower large intestine and disrupts gut function. The risk increases on bare, short or sandy pastures, especially during a dry summer. This article explains how sand accumulation develops, how to recognise it and how to prevent it with nutrition and management.
What is sand colic exactly?
A horse grazing on short or bare ground inevitably picks up some sand. Small amounts pass through the gut without problems, but with regular intake, sand sinks to the lowest point of the large intestine and accumulates. This sand irritates the gut wall, disrupts normal gut movement (peristalsis) and can in severe cases cause an impaction or even intestinal displacement.
Symptoms of sand colic
- Recurrent, mild colic signs: restlessness, looking at the belly, pawing
- Diarrhoea or drier manure than usual
- Reduced appetite and gradual weight loss
- Dull coat and overall less fit appearance
- Visible sand grains in the manure
- With severe accumulation: severe colic pain and a distended belly
A simple home test: place several manure balls in a glove or bucket with water, knead them loose and let them settle. Sand grains at the bottom indicate ingestion, although a clean test does not rule out accumulation higher in the gut.
Why summer increases the risk
In a dry summer, grass becomes short and scarce. Horses then graze deeper, down to the roots, and pick up more soil. Overgrazed or sandy pastures and feeding roughage directly on the ground also increase sand intake. The less grass, the greater the risk, precisely when pasture turnout is highest in summer.
The role of a healthy gut
A well-functioning gut with a stable flora and smooth peristalsis naturally passes small amounts of sand. When gut function is disrupted, for example by stress, acidification or a one-sided diet, sand stays in place and accumulates more quickly. A stable gut is therefore the first line of defence. Read also our article on gut health in horses.
Prevention: limiting sand intake
Never feed directly from the ground. Use feed buckets, hay racks or rubber mats under hay on sandy ground. This is the single most important measure.
Prevent overgrazing. Rotate pastures and remove the horse from the field before the grass is grazed down to the roots. With short grass: supplement with hay so the horse does not scrape out of hunger.
Provide sufficient roughage. A continuous flow of fibre keeps the gut in motion and helps mechanically move sand through. Fibre is the natural 'broom' of the gut.
Ensure always fresh water. Adequate fluid intake keeps the gut contents supple and promotes passage.
Which support helps
Gut and pH balance. pH+ supports the acid balance and gut flora, so the gut functions better and small amounts of sand are passed more smoothly. A stable gut environment is the basis for preventing recurrent colic.
Recovery after exertion and stress. Lacta Ease supports recovery and helps counteract acidification, which benefits overall gut balance in sport and competition horses that are extra sensitive to stress-related gut issues.
Supplementation, not replacement. Supplements support a healthy gut but do not solve an existing sand accumulation. If you suspect accumulation, always contact your vet first.
When to call the vet
Call your vet when:
- Your horse shows colic signs that do not disappear within a short time
- The belly is distended and the horse is clearly in pain
- Little or no manure is produced
- You repeatedly find sand in the manure
The vet can make an ultrasound or X-ray to demonstrate sand accumulation and treats with psyllium courses, fluid administration or in severe cases surgery. Early intervention prevents a mild accumulation from growing into a life-threatening obstruction.
Conclusion
Sand colic is easily preventable with the right feeding habits. Never feed from the ground, prevent overgrazing and keep the gut in motion with sufficient roughage and a stable flora. Be extra careful during a dry summer, because short grass means more sand intake. Support the gut structurally and contact the vet in time if in doubt.
Browse more articles in our knowledge base or read on about the role of the gut.