Colic Is In The News

Understandably, the word "colic" is one of the most feared diagnoses a horse owner hears from the veterinarian. And as autumn transitions to winter with colder temperatures and dry forage replaces lush pasture, the incidence of colic increases.  

"This year in particular, whether it's cyclical or due in part to the drought conditions that are plaguing many parts of the country, we're seeing many more colic claims this year," said EMO President E. Sue Bopp. "So, we believe it's important for our clients to keep that in mind as we approach the winter, when colic tends to increase anyway."

While the term colic refers to the abdominal pain itself, the cause of the pain is the problem and can run the gamut from bothersome gas to parasite infestation to a severe torsion or twist of the colon that may require surgery.

Unfortunately, colic remains the leading cause of premature death in domesticated horses, and although researchers continue to explore the many causes and treatments, colic in the general horse population still remains a significant issue. Therefore, insuring a horse following a colic episode remains a continuing challenge.  

To continue reading about colic, recent studies and insurance, click here.

 EMO: Tip of the Month

Ten Tips to Prevent Winter Colic 

• Transition horses gradually when introducing new grain or hay into their diet (two weeks or more).
• Provide abundant fresh, clean water as horses often drink more in the winter due to drier forage intake.
• Use a tank or bucket heater if necessary to prevent ice from forming at night or during cold days.
• Inspect fields or paddocks for poisonous plants and clean out weeds if necessary.
• Closely monitor your horses' water intake, especially during cold snaps, to make sure they remain hydrated.
• Feed more frequent but smaller meals to help aid in their digestion.
• Consider wetting a horse's hay if you suspect he's not drinking enough water.
• Consider adding a wet bran mash or soaked beet pulp to your horse's rations on a regular basis to help prevent dehydration.
• Discuss proper parasite control with your veterinarian and consider fecal testing to help your horse maintains his health during the more challenging winter months.  
• Prevent the danger of sand colic or impaction by monitoring your pastures and paddocks for overgrazing.

To learn more about colic, its causes, prevention and treatment, there are many useful online resources such as articles and videos at The Horse and more technical information in the Merck Manual. 

Debbie Stephens, left, accepted the USHJA Owner's Legacy Trophy on behalf of Mr. Harry R. Gill. The trophy is donated by The EMO Agency and was presented by EMO President Sue Bopp.

 EMO: Honors

Harry R. Gill

Each year, The EMO Agency, Inc., is proud to present the Owner's Legacy Trophy to a deserving horse person during the United States Hunter Jumper Association Annual Meeting. This year, EMO President E. Sue Bopp was on hand in Miami, Florida, on December 4 to honor the 2012 recipient, Harry Rittenhouse Gill.

Mr. Gill is a lifelong horseman who has been a major force in the horse show world. A longtime supporter of some of show jumping's leading riders, Harry owned many of the country's most famous horses. 

His collection of champions is headed by the legendary Idle Dice, a charter inductee into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. Ridden to greatness by the legendary Rodney Jenkins, "Ike" won honors as the AHSA Horse of the Year, competed at the 1974 World Championships, and won the American Gold Cup three times. 

Harry also owned the great jumpers Gustavus, Beanbag and Viktor. Other horses ridden under Harry's ownership included such superstars as Number One Spy, Sloopy, Brendan, Philco, French Rapture, Ping Pong, Robin Hood, Another March and Twist du Valon. 

As owner of these horses, Harry created partnerships with some of the nation's leading riders including Jenkins, McLain Ward, Michael Matz, Katie Monahan Prudent, Debbie Stephens and Beezie Madden.

Harry grew up on a family farm riding ponies and workhorses. As a young man, he enjoyed fox hunting as well as showing. He ran a successful show stable in Pennsylvania with his wife Marjorie Gill as rider.

Harry has contributed to the sport by serving on the Board of Directors for Stadium Jumping, Inc., the American Grandprix Association and the Devon Horse Show, to name a few. 

He played an enormous role as a member of the Organizing Committee for the 1981 FEI World Cup Final held in Baltimore, Maryland, the first time a World Cup Final was held in the United States. He was also a member of the Organizing Committee for the Baltimore Jumping Classic, Devon Horse Show and the American Gold Cup.