How to Perform a Sand Test

     Sand in the horses intestinal tract can cause anything from irritation and diarrhea to a complete obstruction depending on how much sand he ingest over time. You can  do a sand test on the horses manure on a regular basis to see how much sand he is  ingesting.

    To begin take the equivalent of one horse apple of manure from the top of a pile of manure and place it in a clear glass jar with water.

     Float off all of the food material and visualize the sand in the bottom of the jar. If there is more than 1/4 of a teaspoon of sand in the bottom of the jar, the horse is ingesting too much sand and is at risk for sand colic.

 

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns please call our office at:

(907) 688-9303