18yo TB/WB gelding lost to colic

Submitted by Shannon

In the early hours of Thursday morning, November 13th I lost my lovely horse, Jay, to colic.

He had colic surgery eight weeks previously and had 17 feet of intestines removed. Everything was the same in his routine back in September, he was living out at night and came in for a few hours in the daytime. He survived the surgery, came home, and I had six lovely weeks looking after him. He was the perfect patient.

Unfortunately, since returning home, he had a few bouts of colic and the vets advised turning him out earlier than the usual six weeks box rest. After four weeks we turned him out in a small paddock twice a day. It was lovely to see him being like a normal horse, so calm just grazing.

All was going well and we went two weeks without colic.

Then, Wednesday night, November 12 and into the early hours of Thursday morning it just didn’t pass. The vet came out twice and even the heavy pain relief wasn’t helping. It was so stressful to see him in pain when I couldn’t do anything for him.

I’m just glad I was there for him throughout the colic. I miss him so much. He was the most gentle horse I had ever owned.

The Crusade Against Equine Colic celebrates the life of Jay and thanks Samantha for sharing her story. Share your personal colic story today or download our FREE Guide to Equine Colic Awareness.