Rolling

The horse lies down and rolls over its back. Usually normal comfort behaviour, but violent repeated rolling can be colic.

Rolling: The horse lies down and rolls over its back. Usually normal comfort behaviour, but violent repeated rolling can be colic.
Read the combination and the context. Always read this signal together with the rest of the body and the situation.

What you see

The horse lies down, rolls over its back from one side to the other and often gets up afterward to shake itself.

What it can mean

  • Normal comfort and grooming behaviour: relieving itch, caring for the coat and feeling good.
  • After being turned out to pasture or after sweating, often followed by a shake.
  • Repeated, violent going down and rolling without shaking can be a sign of belly pain.

What this does not prove

Rolling does not prove colic by itself, nor a problem; it is usually just pleasant behaviour. It is the manner of rolling and the whole picture around it that give meaning.

Read the combination and the context

Compare relaxed rolling followed by shaking and grazing with repeated, tense going down and rolling without eating, together with looking round at the belly, pawing or sweating.

When to seek help

Repeated, violent rolling together with other colic signs, such as looking round at the flank, not eating, sweating or restlessness, is a reason to call a vet at once.

This section helps you observe; it does not diagnose. Behaviour alone does not prove pain or illness. New or clear signs of pain and unexplained changes in behaviour should be assessed by a veterinarian.

Discover more

PawingRest and sleepTest your knowledge in the quizAll signals

Sources: McDonnell, S. (2003), University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (New Bolton Center) · World Horse Welfare.