Gradually increase the volume of hay fed over the next few feedings, continuing to monitor water intake and manure. Walking your horse for 5-10 minutes per hour will help improve gut motility as well as attitude. Do not hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns. If your horse has had an episode of sand colic, it is very important that your horse continues to receive 2-3 cups of psyllium daily for at least 6 weeks to prevent recurrence. Metamucil only contains a relatively small amount of psyllium and is not a good substitute for pure psyllium.
Some horses resist eating psyllium.
Adding molasses, applesauce, corn syrup, honey, apple or carrot pieces, or grain will sometimes encourage them to eat it. Check your horse's manure several times as described on the next page for sand before discontinuing psyllium treatment. Checking manure for Sand Collect the equivalent of one full stool. Make sure that you do not collect any dirt or sand from the ground with the sample. Place the sample in a large bucket and add enough water to completely fill the bucket, then dissolve the sample thoroughly.