My Horse Has Never Colicked But Still Gets Digestive Supplements
The old adage “don’t fix what isn’t broken” is usually good advice. But there’s another saying that summarizes the battle against colic and gut issues – “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
My journey with horses has had its share of medical issues, but not much colic. I’ve walked lots of horses, done overnight watches through my fingers, and driven white knuckled to our local large animal hospital for colic surgery. Luckily, these were always friends’ or barn mates’ horses, not my own. But just being there when a horse started to colic and go downhill was enough for me to want to take every precaution with my own.
When SmartPak’s ColiCare program first came out, it seemed too good to be true. A free program that horses can enroll in once they start taking one of SmartPak’s ColiCare Eligible Supplement in SmartPaks that provides up to $10,000 in colic surgery reimbursement? Even though my horse had never shown any signs of colic, it was a no brainer. Colic treatment and surgery is expensive, and I want to be covered should my horse ever get sick. Besides, he was already eating (and still does eat) a joint, hoof, and fat supplement. Adding a digestive supplement was easy and the benefits of the program far outweighed the cost! The program also requires routine vet checks, deworming, dental exams, and shots. These are part of regular basic care and are probably services you’re already having done – the ColiCare program just helps you keep track of them.
Since ColiCare can be used on its own or in conjunction with existing equine insurance, it’s an extra cushion or standalone. Now that my horse is a senior and has limited insurance, it’s even more important for us. It’s especially noteworthy that ColiCare covers senior horses with no upper age limit.
What about the supplements? I’ve fed my own personal horses SmartDigest Ultra Powder for nearly 10 years. I have never had trouble getting horses to eat it, not even my sensitive OTTB mare. There are several different ColiCare eligible supplements to choose from, including a few multi-purpose supplements. They vary in price range, but supplements start at around $42 per month.
My horse is 19 years old now, and I would be thrilled to be able to say someday that he had a colic-free life. Even if that’s not the case, I know SmartPak has my back (and my horse’s belly) covered if we should ever need it.