May 7, 2026
Posted by Haylie Pfeffer
Dr. Michael Fugaro discusses when it’s okay to let your horse move around and lie down during a colic emergency and when you should keep him standing.
Allowing a horse to move quietly and even lie down while showing signs of colic is generally acceptable, as long as they’re not putting themselves at risk of injury. Forcing a horse to continuously walk isn’t necessary—rest can be appropriate if the horse remains calm. The priority is monitoring closely and preventing violent rolling while you wait for veterinary care. In this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt, Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, owner and founder of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, describes when it’s okay to allow your horse to lie down versus when you should keep him standing or walking during a colic emergency.
This podcast is an excerpt from our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Equine Colic 101.” Listen to the full recording here.
