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Does the Moon Phase Affect Horses’ Colic Risk?

August 30, 2019
Posted by Alexandra Beckstett

Studies have shown a lunar influence on humans and animals, from fertility levels to hormone fluctuations to immune response. More research into its effect on equine colic, however, needs to be done to make a strong association.

Topics: Article, Behavior, Colic, Diseases and Conditions, Equine Science Society Symposium 2019, Horse Care

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Does the Moon Phase Affect Horses’ Colic Risk?

While they found no significant association between colic and any of the weather metrics, Vigouroux did note a weak but significant association between colic and moon phase. | Photo: iStock

While many causes of colic are well-researched and well-known, some cases are still hard to explain. Could they be linked to subtle factors, such as weather changes or moon phases?

Lucile Vigouroux, a student at Centenary University, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and co-authors Danielle Ferriola; Jesslyn Bryk-Lucy, DVM; and Linda Ritchie, MBE, recently conducted a study to investigate. Vigouroux presented their findings at the 2019 Equine Science Society Symposium, held June 3-6 in Asheville, North Carolina

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Written by:

Alexandra Beckstett

Alexandra Beckstett, a native of Houston, Texas, is a lifelong horse owner who has shown successfully on the national hunter/jumper circuit and dabbled in hunter breeding. After graduating from Duke University, she joined Blood-Horse Publications as assistant editor of its book division, Eclipse Press, before joining The Horse. She was the managing editor of The Horse for nearly 14 years and is now editorial director of EquiManagement and My New Horse, sister publications of The Horse.

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Does the Moon Phase Affect Horses’ Colic Risk?

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