Colic affects horses of every breed, age, and discipline. At SmartPak, we’re on a mission to support healthy horses and happy riders, and that’s why we created ColiCare™, a free, veterinarian-directed wellness program that provides up to $15,000 of colic surgery reimbursement when you need it most.

In celebration of ColiCare’s 10-year anniversary, we’re highlighting 10 facts you might not know about the program:

1. ColiCare supplements are backed by Research!

All of SmartPak’s ColiCare Eligible Supplements contain a specialized ingredient shown to support hindgut health, Diamond V Original XPC™ Ultra. Using a laboratory model of the horse’s intestinal tract, the scientists at Diamond V demonstrated that SmartDigest® Ultra, SmartDigest® Ultra Pellets, and SmartGI® Ultra Pellets produce higher levels of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) than hay alone and may support the normal, healthy structure and function of the equine cecum and colon.

Learn more at SmartPak.com/Research. 


2. ColiCare is compatible with your horse’s insurance policy

ColiCare works independently from your existing equine insurance. Depending on the insurance policy, horse owners may choose to use their ColiCare coverage instead of or in addition to their insurance payout, for expenses that have not already been reimbursed. We recommend that you work directly with your insurance provider to confirm their requirements regarding reimbursement programs such as ColiCare, as each underwriter may have different rules or policies.

3. No type of surgical colic is excluded

ColiCare provides reimbursement for all types of surgical colic (surgery related specifically to the digestive tract) including Impactions, Displacements, Torsion/Volvulus, Entrapments, Enteroliths, Strangulating Lipomas and more.

4. ColiCare reimburses for more than just the surgery

Eligible expenses include pre-operative care performed at the surgical facility, the surgery itself, and post-operative care performed at the surgical facility.

5. No pre-authorization required before sending a horse to surgery

When a horse is colicking we understand that time is of the essence, which is why we do not require pre-authorization in order to send the horse to surgery. It is up to the client to work with their veterinarian to maintain compliance with the Annual Wellness Requirements throughout the horse’s enrollment, that way if the time comes they are able to make the best decision for their horse as quickly as possible.

6. There’s no upper age limit!

Senior horses are welcome (and encouraged) to enroll in ColiCare! As long as your horse is at least five months old and weaned, the eligibility requirement for age is met.

7. Leased horses can be enrolled in ColiCare

Leasing a horse but still want peace of mind with ColiCare? No problem! Horses may be enrolled by their owners or an agent. An agent is a designated third party who has the legal authority and permission to submit an application on the horse owner’s behalf. Examples include a trainer, barn manager, or lessee.

8. It doesn’t cost anything to enroll in ColiCare

ColiCare is a free program and there is no fee to participate beyond the cost of the required supplements and veterinary care. The ColiCare eligible supplements are the same price regardless of whether or not you enroll in the ColiCare program.

9. You don’t have to complete the Annual Wellness Requirements before you enroll your horse in ColiCare

We don’t require documentation that you’ve completed the Annual Wellness Requirements to enroll in the program. Should your horse undergo colic surgery, we simply require that your horse has met the Annual Wellness Requirements in the twelve months prior to the claim.

10. There’s no annual paperwork for ColiCare

There’s no paperwork or documentation needed to remain enrolled in ColiCare. The only time you would ever need to submit paperwork for the Annual Wellness Requirements is if you file a colic surgery claim. Otherwise, simply keep your horse’s records in a safe and easily accessible place, in case you ever need them.

Ready to get peace of mind with ColiCare?

Select your horse’s perfect supplement and enroll today!