Choke
Similarly to colic, changes to your horse’s diet in the autumn can also increase the risk of choke. “Choke is a problem that a lot of owners don’t think about, but it is something we see a lot of as the seasons change,” confirms Katherine. “The horse has been used to a diet of grass all summer and then they come in to the stable and are introduced to hard feed with dry chaff, chopped up apples and carrots and soaked fibre. These are ideal conditions for choke.”
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
Repeatedly swallowing Coughing/retching Discharge from the nostrils Fluid, often green or brown in colour, from the mouth Visible swelling on the neck Sweating Pawing Box walking Preventing choke is difficult but, as with colic, the best course of action is to avoid changing your horse’s diet too dramatically or too quickly. “Soaking feed helps prevent choke,” advises Katherine. “Carrots and apples are best chopped in straight sections, rather than circles, but making sure your horse doesn’t eat his feed too quickly is key.” A great way to do this is to use a haynet with small holes and food toys like treat balls that help slow down the speed at which your horse eats.