Horse owners may not change colic beliefs even when shown evidence

Horse owners may not change colic beliefs even when shown evidence

A new mixed-methods cross-sectional study in Equine Veterinary Journal suggests that evidence alone may not be enough to shift horse owners’ misconceptions about colic. In a survey of 1,544 UK horse owners, Burrell, England, Burford, and Freeman found widespread misunderstandings around colic recognition, surgery outcomes, costs, and insurance, and many respondents remained reluctant to change their approach even after being shown evidence-based information. The study also found that intent to pursue referral to an equine hospital was significantly shaped by insurance status, horse age, and perceived pressure from veterinary professionals or peers. (madbarn.com)

Why it matters: For equine veterinarians, the findings reinforce that client education on colic can't rely on facts alone. The Nottingham group’s broader colic research has previously shown that horse owners often struggle to recognize early signs of colic, and the university says owners commonly filter new information through prior experience, persistent false beliefs, and fear of social criticism. That means conversations about referral, surgery, prognosis, and cost may need to be repeated, tailored, and supported by practical decision tools rather than delivered only in the moment of crisis. (nottingham.ac.uk)

What to watch: Expect more focus on behavior-change strategies, pre-emergency planning, and practice-led colic education rather than information campaigns alone. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)