• A pregnant mare may have typical colic symptoms.horse 8 image by Harvey Hudson from Fotolia.com
  
  The term "colic" applies to a range of different equine digestive problems. At its base, colic refers to a stomachache, usually resulting from blockage in the horse's gut. Blockages consist of manure, compacted hay, sand, and even trapped gas. Colic is always a serious issue, and always presents some specific symptoms.
  
  

Pawing, Pacing, and Lying Down

• Mares that experience colic are naturally inclined to pacing and pawing. These are attempts to relive the pain in their gut. Pacing usually progresses to the mare trying to lie down, where she will roll and thrash. It's important that mares with colic be walked, because they may develop additional complications if they lie down.
  
  

Absence of Gut Sounds

• Because colic is a disruption in the digestive system, all gut sounds cease. Normally a mare's stomach gurgles as it moves and digests food. During colic, there is no movement or sound in the stomach. Vets often put their ear to a horse's belly to listen for movement during a colic diagnosis and treatment.
  
  

Looking at Belly

• Many horses turn to stare or lip at their bellies when they colic. A mare who does this is sometimes trying to communicate to her owner or the vet that something is wrong there, and sometimes trying to find a way to ease the cramping. This is not normal mare behavior, whether she is pregnant or not.
  
  

Unwillingness to Eat

• Pregnant mares are consistently hungry, as they work to support the baby in their belly. But the stomachache and cramping that accompany colic make a horse highly unwilling to eat. This is both a reaction to the pain and a natural reaction to the body's understanding that something is wrong with the digestive system. Pregnant mares that won't eat are exhibiting a clear symptom of colic.