Colic Season

Fall can be a tough time for horses in Central California. Our mornings have just now begun to be cool, and by just now, I mean Saturday. While this week is forecast to be fantastic, we're not out of the hundred degree wood yet. We could still get some really hot afternoons before the end of the month.

Spring and summer are absolutely glorious here in the California's central valley.

That means it's colic season here in Bakersfield. With temperatures suddenly twenty degrees cooler, our horses often quit drinking as much. This of course leads to tummy aches. I am being ultra vigilant of my boys' water intake during this week of cooler mornings.

On Friday afternoon, which was pretty warm, Speedy stood sweating as I tacked him up. His winter coat is coming in quickly, so I wondered if he was just hot, or if he was not feeling well. I pulled out a thermometer and gave him a quick check.

I use a basic human thermometer that you can pick up at Target or other drug store.

A horse's normal body temperature runs between 99℉ and 101℉ , but after a workout or on a hot day, it can be several degrees higher. Short thermometers like the one I use also read a bit cooler as they don't reach far enough to get a true internal reading. My thermometer gives me a good idea of where he is though. The display topped out at 99.3℉, well within the normal range. I knew it was safe to ride.

Good time to give it a once over.

As fall makes its appearance here in my neck of the woods, I like to reevaluate my guys' feed, winter coats, and even the health of their skin. I also took a peek in my Med Kit to see if anything had cracked, oozed, or leaked. Everything looked good so I cleaned my thermometer and tucked it back into it's little pouch.

Hopefully that will be the last and only  "scare" of the season. Anyone else starting colic season?