Dr Woodward said he has dealt with more cases of ‘Sand Colic’ in horses in the last month than he has in the previous 12 months and it is all due to animals eating so close to the ground due to the dry weather.

Mr Woodward said because there is limited feed on the ground horses are picking up dirt and sand as they eat hay and chaff and advises owners to feed in barrels, bins or to put rubber matting down where they feed animals.

He also wanted to remind owners to worm their animals as they will be more likely to pick up the pests due to being so close to their own faeces.

For more information on horse related ailments contact your local veterinarian for advice.

In Grenfell and the Weddin Shire your local vet contact is Allan Sharrock who can be reached on 0474 511 100.