Can Horses Throw Up?

Can Horses Throw Up?

It’s a strange question — but one that surprises almost everyone:

Horses can’t throw up. Ever.

Unlike humans and many other animals, horses have a very strong one-way valve between their stomach and esophagus. Once something goes in, it’s not coming back up.

That’s why colic — a term for digestive upset in horses — is taken so seriously. Since horses can’t vomit, even a simple issue like gas or mild dehydration can become dangerous if not caught early.

At TES, every horse’s diet is individually tailored based on their needs, age, and workload. Our professional grooms monitor each horse carefully for signs of discomfort, and a veterinarian is on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

If a case of colic can’t be resolved in the field, horses are transported to a specialist equine hospital — yes, those exist! Just like people, horses can need IV fluids, diagnostic imaging, and surgery if things get serious.

Most of the time, though, good nutrition, careful management, and experienced staff help prevent problems before they start.

And now you know:

Can horses throw up? Nope.

But we’re ready — just in case they need help.