ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

Story by: Jackie Bellamy

Equine Guelph is pleased to announce that Intercity Insurance is joining forces with Equine Guelph to combat colic – the number one killer of horses (other than old age).

The impact of colic is well understood by Intercity Insurance, Equine Guelph and the entire equine community. Not many surgeries strike as much fear into the heart of a horseperson. Not only is colic surgery expensive with a subsequent long lay-up, but re-occurrence is a major concern as well.

Fortunately, the majority of colic incidents can be avoided through preventative stable management strategies and that is where Equine Guelph’s Colic Prevention programs, including the Colic Risk Rater and Colic Prevention eWorkshop, become indispensable tools.

The two-week Colic Prevention eWorkshop helps horse owners reduce the risk of colic in their horses by increasing their knowledge of risk factors and developing sound management plans.

Equine Guelph student, Natalie Price, says, "This course is a must for all horse owners as knowledge is the first and best defense against colic!"

Participants learn about the different types of colic and how to implement practical ways to reduce the risks of colic in this two-week online short course. Introduced in Spring 2013, this eWorkshop continues to be a hot topic horse owner’s request. The next offering is scheduled for April 13 -26, 2015.

Equine Guelph’s free online health care tool, the Colic Risk Rater, helps horse owners reduce their horse’s risk of Colic. In ten minutes, the tool calculates risk factors in ten categories providing feedback on management practices.

Intercity Insurance has also sponsored the printing of a colic prevention brochure which will be distributed at EquiMania! at the upcoming Can-Am show as well as through several equestrian federations across Canada.

The digestive system of a domestic horse faces many challenges not present in their natural environment but there are many best management practices that can help horses cope. Owners must be aware of the risk factors, especially the ones we can manage such as feeding, housing, parasite control and stress.

To check out the Colic Risk Rater or to find out more about Equine Guelph’s Colic Prevention Programs including the upcoming eWorkshop, scheduled for April 13 - 26, visit EquineGuelph.ca/eworkshops/colic.php

Equine Guelph thanks Intercity Insurance for partnering with our Colic Prevention program.