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Common health problems in horses and how to prevent them

Common health problems in horses and how to prevent them

Written by Mara | January 7, 2026

Horses are strong and athletic animals, but they are also sensitive to a range of health problems. Many conditions develop gradually and are only noticed when a horse clearly shows symptoms. By knowing what to look out for and acting preventively, you can avoid many problems or address them at an early stage.

1. Digestive problems and colic

Colic is one of the most feared health problems in horses. It is a collective term for abdominal pain and can have various causes, such as gas build-up, constipation, sand in the intestines, an imbalance in the gut flora, or even a twisted bowel.

What can you do to help prevent it?

Provide enough good-quality roughage
Feed several small meals per day
Avoid sudden changes in diet
Encourage exercise and turnout
Always provide fresh drinking water

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2. Worm infestations

Worms are common in horses and can cause damage to the intestines, lungs or blood vessels without being noticed. Heavy infestations can lead to weight loss, diarrhoea, colic and reduced resistance.

What can you do to help prevent it?

Arrange regular faecal testing
Worm strategically based on the results
Keep pastures clean by removing droppings
Avoid overcrowding on the pasture

Read more about worms in horses in our blogs Horse worms and deworming schedules and Worming treatment horses.

3. Dental problems

A horse’s teeth grow throughout its life. Uneven wear can lead to sharp edges, hooks or inflammation in the mouth, which can affect feed intake and performance.

What can you do to help prevent it?

Have the teeth checked at least once a year by an equine dentist
Watch for signs such as quidding, poor eating or head shaking
Adjust feeding for older horses with dental problems

Read more in our blog: The importance of proper dental care in horses.

4. Skin problems and allergies

Skin problems such as sweet itch, fungal infections and mud fever are common. Allergies to insects or environmental factors can also cause severe itching and skin damage.

What can you do to help prevent it?

Protect against insects with fly rugs and sprays
Keep skin and coat clean and dry
Support good resistance with suitable nutrition
Limit exposure to known triggers

5. Respiratory problems

Chronic respiratory issues, such as equine asthma, can be caused by dust, mould spores or ammonia in the stable. These conditions affect stamina and wellbeing.

What can you do to help prevent it?

Ensure good ventilation in the stable
Use low-dust bedding
Soak or steam hay to reduce dust
Give the horse as much fresh air as possible

Read more about a healthy stable environment in our blog Healthy stable environment for horses.

6. Lameness and joint problems

Lameness is a common issue and can be caused by overloading, incorrect hoof care or wear in joints and tendons.

What can you do to help prevent it?

Regular hoof care by a good farrier
Build training up gradually
Provide enough variation in surfaces and movement
Maintain a healthy body weight

7. Overweight and metabolic problems

Overweight is increasingly common in horses and ponies, especially in hardy breeds. This increases the risk of laminitis and other metabolic issues.

What can you do to help prevent it?

Limit intake of sugar-rich grass
Adjust ration and turnout
Encourage daily exercise
Monitor weight regularly

8. Stress and reduced resistance

Stress can negatively affect a horse’s immune system and contribute to various health problems.

What can you do to help prevent it?

Keep a consistent routine
Provide enough social contact
Avoid long periods of box rest where possible
Watch for changes in behaviour

Read more in our blog How do you recognize stress in your horse?

Many health problems in horses cannot be completely prevented, but with the right care, attention and preventive measures you can significantly reduce the risk. Regular checks, good nutrition, hygiene and plenty of exercise form the basis for a healthy, vital horse.

Are you unsure about your horse’s health or noticing changes? Always consult your vet in time or contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.

Read our other blogs too

The importance of a good stable environment: Tips for layout and hygiene

A healthy stable environment is one of the most important pillars of your horse’s wellbeing. Fresh air, sufficient space, safe materials and good hygiene all help prevent respiratory issues, skin problems, stress and even injuries. It’s tempting to focus mainly on training, feeding and supplements, but the real foundation starts with the place where your horse lives and rests every day. In this blog you’ll read why a good stable environment matters and get practical tips to optimise your stable layout and cleanliness.

Horse worms and deworming schedules: How do you keep your horse healthy?

Worms occur in almost every horse. In small numbers this is usually not a problem, but heavy burdens can lead to serious health issues, from weight loss to colic. Fortunately, with the right approach and regular monitoring you can keep the worm burden low and keep your horse healthy. In this blog we explain which worm species are most common, how to set up a responsible deworming schedule and why faecal testing and pasture management are essential.

How do you recognize stress in your horse, and what can you do?

Every horse owner knows the feeling: your horse seems restless, looks around nervously, or startles at things it normally ignores. Stress in horses occurs more often than we think—sometimes very subtly, sometimes clearly visible. But how do you know if your horse is really experiencing stress? And more importantly: what can you do to help them relax? In this blog, you’ll learn how to recognize stress in your horse, which signals you should never overlook, and what practical steps you can take to create more calm and balance.

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