Changing Temperatures, Hydration, and Why To Keep EOR on Hand
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When the weather starts bouncing between warm afternoons and cold nights, hydration is one of the things to pay closer attention to. Horses do not always drink as consistently when temperatures drop and this is one of the reasons we suggest having EOR strips on hand.
EOR is designed to encourage a horse to drink which is especially important during this time of year. Our initial study shows that horses who received EOR strips drank more water, and more importantly, the test horses maintained water consumption during a drop in ambient temps. For us, that makes it a useful tool during these shoulder seasons that can have us fluctuating between warm and cold snaps.
Research has found associations between recent weather changes and increased colic risk, particularly around seasonal transitions. Weather is only one piece of a much larger picture, and changes in water intake, feed, turnout, and routine may all be happening at the same time.
A 2025 Journal of Animal Science conference abstract reviewing more than 1,200 colic cases from clinics in Texas and Montana found that the largest percentage of reported cases occurred during early winter, in November and December. Among the horses that had bloodwork performed, 56% were considered clinically dehydrated. The researchers did not find a clear statistically significant relationship between rapid temperature change and colic, but the findings add another reason to pay attention to hydration as the weather changes.
That does not mean hydration alone can prevent colic. It does mean supporting normal water intake is an important part of good cold-weather management.
EOR is designed to encourage a horse to drink which is especially important during this time of year. Our initial study shows that horses who received EOR strips drank more water, and more importantly, the test horses maintained water consumption during a drop in ambient temps. For us, that makes it a useful tool during these shoulder seasons that can have us fluctuating between warm and cold snaps.
Research has found associations between recent weather changes and increased colic risk, particularly around seasonal transitions. Weather is only one piece of a much larger picture, and changes in water intake, feed, turnout, and routine may all be happening at the same time.
A 2025 Journal of Animal Science conference abstract reviewing more than 1,200 colic cases from clinics in Texas and Montana found that the largest percentage of reported cases occurred during early winter, in November and December. Among the horses that had bloodwork performed, 56% were considered clinically dehydrated. The researchers did not find a clear statistically significant relationship between rapid temperature change and colic, but the findings add another reason to pay attention to hydration as the weather changes.
That does not mean hydration alone can prevent colic. It does mean supporting normal water intake is an important part of good cold-weather management.
Why Cold Weather Can Make Hydration Easier to Miss
During summer, most of us are already thinking about water. Horses are sweating, temperatures are high, and concerns about hydration are more obvious.
Cold weather can be different but horses still need to drink consistently. Knowing your horse's normal can become important here because the signs might be as simple as the water bucket needing fewer refills.
EOR and weather changes
In the clinic if we have a client who is concerned about a horse displaying early signs of colic, our first suggestion is using an EOR strip right away. This can help support hydration while they are addressing the situation.
That recommendation is always in addition to veterinary care, not instead of it. If your horse is showing signs of colic, call your veterinarian. EOR is not a treatment for colic and should never delay an evaluation from your vet.
What it can do is give you another way to encourage hydration while you are waiting for your veterinarian or following their recommendations. That is one of the reasons we suggest keeping EOR readily available. It is simple to administer and can be used during those moments when you want an additional option without relying on the horse to eat or drink something first.
During summer, most of us are already thinking about water. Horses are sweating, temperatures are high, and concerns about hydration are more obvious.
Cold weather can be different but horses still need to drink consistently. Knowing your horse's normal can become important here because the signs might be as simple as the water bucket needing fewer refills.
EOR and weather changes
In the clinic if we have a client who is concerned about a horse displaying early signs of colic, our first suggestion is using an EOR strip right away. This can help support hydration while they are addressing the situation.
That recommendation is always in addition to veterinary care, not instead of it. If your horse is showing signs of colic, call your veterinarian. EOR is not a treatment for colic and should never delay an evaluation from your vet.
What it can do is give you another way to encourage hydration while you are waiting for your veterinarian or following their recommendations. That is one of the reasons we suggest keeping EOR readily available. It is simple to administer and can be used during those moments when you want an additional option without relying on the horse to eat or drink something first.
Diakakis, N., & Tyrnenopoulou, P. (2018). Correlation between equine colic and weather changes. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 68(3), 455–466. https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.15542 ResearchGate
Midler, S. L., Jones, T. N., Leatherwood, J. L., Bradbery, A. N., & Wellmann, K. B. (2025). PSV-14 Equine colic and winter weather changes. Journal of Animal Science, 103(Supplement_3), 405–406. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf300.464