Understanding common equine health problems helps you spot early warning signs and act fast. Colic alone accounts for the highest average insurance payouts in the UK at £1,081 per claim, while gastric ulcers are the most frequently claimed condition. Here are the 10 issues every UK horse owner should know about.
1. Colic
Colic is the #1 emergency in horses — a broad term for abdominal pain that can range from mild gut spasm to life-threatening twisted bowel.
Warning signs: Pawing the ground, looking at flanks, rolling repeatedly, refusing food, sweating without exercise, increased heart rate (normal: 28–44 bpm), reduced or absent gut sounds.
Action: Remove food, walk the horse gently (don’t force it), call the vet immediately. Colic can deteriorate rapidly. Surgical colic at a referral hospital costs £5,000–£8,000 — without insurance, this is financially devastating.
2. Laminitis
A painful inflammatory condition of the laminae (tissue connecting hoof wall to pedal bone). The most common cause in UK ponies and native breeds is obesity and excessive sugar/starch intake from rich spring and autumn grass.
Warning signs: Reluctance to walk, shifting weight, “pottery” gait, increased digital pulse in feet, warm hooves, standing with front legs stretched forward.
Prevention: Maintain correct body condition (BCS 4.5–5/9), restrict grazing during high-sugar periods (sunny days after frosty nights), use a grazing muzzle, monitor for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Cushing’s disease.
3. Gastric Ulcers (EGUS)
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome affects an estimated 60–90% of performance horses and 50%+ of leisure horses. They were the #1 cause of insurance claims from 2020–2024, with almost half costing over £3,000.
Warning signs: Poor appetite, weight loss, dull coat, sensitivity when girthing, behavioural changes, poor performance, mild recurrent colic.
Diagnosis: Gastroscopy (typically £300–£500). Treatment: Omeprazole (GastroGard) for 28+ days (£200–£600 per course).
4. Mud Fever (Pastern Dermatitis)
Extremely common in UK winters. Caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis entering softened skin through wet, muddy conditions.
Warning signs: Scabs and crusty lesions on heels and pasterns, swollen legs, pain when touched, hair loss in affected areas.
Prevention: Avoid prolonged standing in mud, dry legs thoroughly (don’t wash daily — it removes natural oils), use barrier creams, rotate paddocks to prevent poached ground.
5. Sweet Itch
An allergic reaction to midge bites (Culicoides species), causing intense itching along the mane, tail, and topline. Worst from April to October.
Management: Sweet itch rugs, stable at dawn and dusk (peak midge times), fly repellent, fans in stables. There is no cure — it’s a lifelong management condition. Severely affected horses may need veterinary antihistamines or steroid treatment.
6. Dental Problems
Horses’ teeth grow continuously and develop sharp points and hooks that cause pain and difficulty eating. Dental problems are one of the most underdiagnosed issues in UK horses.
Schedule a dental check every 6–12 months (£89–£180 with sedation and rasp). Signs include dropping food (“quidding”), bad breath, head tossing under bridle, and weight loss.
7. Respiratory Issues (RAO / Equine Asthma)
Recurrent Airway Obstruction (now called Equine Asthma) is triggered by dust, mould spores in hay and bedding. Common in stabled horses during winter.
Warning signs: Cough (especially at the start of exercise), nasal discharge, increased respiratory rate, “heave line” along the abdomen. Management: Soak or steam hay, use dust-free bedding, maximise ventilation, minimise stabling time.
8. Tendon & Ligament Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common in performance horses. The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is most frequently affected.
Warning signs: Heat, swelling, or “bowing” of the tendon; lameness (may be subtle initially). Requires veterinary ultrasound for diagnosis. Recovery typically takes 6–12 months of controlled exercise. Rushed rehabilitation leads to re-injury.
9. Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
A metabolic disorder characterised by obesity, insulin dysregulation, and predisposition to laminitis. Very common in UK native ponies, cobs, and good doers.
Diagnosis: Blood insulin and glucose testing (£60–£200). Management: Strict weight control, restricted grazing, low-sugar diet, regular exercise. EMS horses should never graze unrestricted spring or autumn grass.
10. Cushing’s Disease (PPID)
Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction affects older horses (typically 15+) but can occur earlier. It causes hormonal imbalance and increased laminitis risk.
Warning signs: Curly coat that doesn’t shed properly, excessive drinking and urinating, recurrent infections, fat deposits above eyes and along crest, muscle wastage.
Diagnosis: ACTH blood test. Treatment: Pergolide (Prascend) — a daily tablet, typically £40–£60/month for life. Early treatment dramatically improves quality of life.
Routine Preventative Care Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Flu & tetanus vaccination | Annual (initial course: 2 jabs 4–6 weeks apart, then 6 months) | £48 |
| Dental check | Every 6–12 months | £89–£180 |
| Worming programme | Based on faecal egg counts (3–4x per year) | £50–£70/year |
| Farrier | Every 4–6 weeks | £40–£144 per visit |
| Body condition scoring | Monthly | Free (learn the 1–9 scale) |
