Coli-Shield - Frequently Asked Questions
The Products
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1 |
What are Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets? |
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Coli-Uls-Gard Plus provides a comprehensive, multi-action approach to whole gastrointestinal tract health and comfort, with key ingredients to support not only the stomach but also the hindgut. It is designed to be used daily as a proactive digestive health and stress management supplement for horses and ponies competing at all levels, as well as those that travel nationally and internationally. Coli-Uls-Gard Plus is the gold standard nutritional support to complement veterinary treatment for gastric ulceration (squamous and glandular), as well as supporting daily microbiome health. Formulated for daily long-term use and eligible for Coli-Shield. |
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2 |
What is Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Powder? |
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Coli-Myco-Biome Plus provides targeted nutritional support for the microbiome, from prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics plus a Mycotoxin Binder to help bind mycotoxins in the digestive tract and support normal gut function where mycotoxin exposure may occur. A healthy microbiome is intrinsically linked with overall health and wellbeing. Ideal for daily use to support a healthy digestive system, immune system and stress management. Formulated for all horses and ponies, including competition and performance horses, and those prone to digestive disturbances and stress, as well as during management or seasonal routine changes. Eligible for Coli-Shield. |
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3 |
Should I choose Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus? |
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Coli-Uls-Gard Plus is ideal for comprehensive whole-gut support and is the gold standard nutritional support to complement veterinary treatment for gastric ulceration. Coli-Myco-Biome Plus is ideal for targeted microbiome support, immune function and stress management. Still not sure? Speak to our helpful and friendly technical team — our in-house Vets and Nutritionists are more than happy to help you decide the best option for your horse or pony. Contact the technical team at vet@equine-america.co.uk or 01403 255809. |
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4 |
Should I feed both Coli-Uls-Gard Plus and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus? |
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In most circumstances we would suggest choosing either Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus, but we would recommend a free consultation with our in-house Vets and Nutritionists, over the phone or by email, to help you choose the best option for your horse or pony. Contact the technical team via vet@equine-america.co.uk or 01403 255809. |
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5 |
What is the difference between Coli-Uls-Gard Plus and the original Uls-Gard Pellets? |
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Coli-Uls-Gard Plus is based on the best-selling and much-loved Uls-Gard Pellets formulation, but with key additions based on the latest research: high levels of Boswellia to support anti-inflammatory processes; advanced Postbiotics (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product (SCFP)); and dual Prebiotics (FOS and MRF). Plus, Coli-Uls-Gard Plus is eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. All Equine America supplements are BETA-NOPS accredited, FEI and BHA compliant — Coli-Uls-Gard Plus is no exception. Please note the original Uls-Gard Pellets are not part of the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. |
Ingredient comparison: Coli-Uls-Gard Plus vs Uls-Gard Pellets
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Nutrient / Ingredient |
Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Per 100g serving |
Uls-Gard Pellets Per 100g serving |
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Hyaluronic Acid (HA) — high molecular weight |
280mg |
280mg |
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Beta Glucans |
180mg |
180mg |
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Boswellia serrata |
7000mg |
— |
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Postbiotic (SCFP) |
11500mg |
— |
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Postbiotic (from high nucleotide yeast) |
— |
1100mg |
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Prebiotic (Fructo-Oligosaccharide (FOS)) |
5000mg |
5000mg |
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Prebiotic (Mannan Rich Fraction (MRF)) |
2000mg |
— |
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Probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae MUCL 39885) |
2.5 x 10¹⁰ cfu |
2.5 x 10¹⁰ cfu |
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Marine Algae (Maerl) |
15000mg |
15000mg |
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Calcium |
5000mg |
5000mg |
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Magnesium |
2300mg |
2300mg |
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Lecithin |
2750mg |
2750mg |
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Pectin |
2000mg |
2000mg |
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Glycine |
500mg |
500mg |
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Liquorice |
500mg |
500mg |
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Marshmallow |
750mg |
750mg |
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Rosemary Extract |
200mg |
200mg |
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Eligible for Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee |
YES |
NO |
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6 |
What is the difference between Coli-Myco-Biome Plus and the original Opti-Biome Powder? |
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Coli-Myco-Biome Plus is based on the ground-breaking original Tribiotic Opti-Biome Powder, successfully used and trusted by Vets, Nutritionists and Riders. Coli-Myco-Biome Plus has the same advanced Tribiotic blend of Pre, Pro and Postbiotics, plus the addition of a Mycotoxin Binder to help bind mycotoxins in the digestive tract and support normal gut function where mycotoxin exposure may occur. Plus, Coli-Myco-Biome Plus is eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. All Equine America supplements are BETA-NOPS accredited, FEI and BHA compliant. |
Ingredient comparison: Coli-Myco-Biome Plus vs Opti-Biome Powder
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Ingredient |
Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Per 40g serve |
Opti-Biome Powder Per 30g serve |
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Prebiotic (Fructo-oligosaccharide) |
10g |
10g |
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Probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) |
2.75 x 10¹⁰ cfu |
2.5 x 10¹⁰ cfu |
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Postbiotic (SCFP) |
11500mg |
11500mg |
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Mycotoxin Binder |
10g |
— |
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Eligible for Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee |
YES |
NO |
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7 |
I already feed Uls-Gard Pellets — should I switch to Coli-Uls-Gard Plus? |
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You should choose either Uls-Gard Pellets or Coli-Uls-Gard Plus — not both. Coli-Uls-Gard Plus has the same advanced formulation but with added extras based on the latest research, including the option to join the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee for peace of mind should your horse need colic surgery (T&Cs apply). Please note the original Uls-Gard Pellets are not part of the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. |
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8 |
Are Coli-Uls-Gard Plus and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus suitable for all horses? |
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Yes — including performance horses, horses under stress, and those prone to digestive issues. |
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9 |
Are Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Powder suitable for use in competition and racehorses? |
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Yes, all Equine America supplements are BETA NOPS and UFAS accredited, suitable for use in competition and racehorses competing under FEI rules or the BHA Rules of Racing. For those travelling internationally, we would recommend checking the local rules. |
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10 |
Can Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus be fed to pregnant mares? |
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Both Coli-Uls-Gard Plus and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus can be safely fed to pregnant mares. In fact, we would recommend either to support a healthy microbiome and ultimately benefit the health of the unborn foal. Please feel free to contact our technical team about your pregnant mare before feeding to confirm it is suitable as part of a balanced diet. Contact our in-house Vets and Nutritionists via vet@equine-america.co.uk or 01403 255809. |
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11 |
How long should I feed Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus for? |
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Both Coli-Uls-Gard Plus and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus have been carefully formulated by our experienced Nutritionists and Vets for daily long-term use. To make this easy for you, both supplements are available on subscription, saving you time and money. |
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12 |
What is the daily serve rate for Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets? Does the size or age of my horse matter? |
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The serve rate is 100g of Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets daily, ideally split into 2–3 feeds. This serve rate is for all sizes of horses and ponies aged 2 or over. Coli-Uls-Gard Plus can be fed to younger foals and yearlings, but we would recommend speaking to our technical team for advice on the serve rate. Please note horses and ponies under the age of 2 are not eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. |
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13 |
My horse is only fed one meal a day — can I feed the full 100g of Coli-Uls-Gard Plus at once? |
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We appreciate that in some yard set-ups, feeding more than one meal a day is difficult, so yes you can feed as a single serve if necessary. However, for best results we recommend splitting 100g between 2 or even 3 meals due to the way the product works and the horse’s digestive tract. Coli-Uls-Gard Plus pellets are very palatable, so you can often feed them alone if necessary — some horses will even eat them straight out of your hand! |
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14 |
My horse or pony is prone to laminitis and is on a very strict diet — can I feed Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus? |
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Yes, both Coli-Uls-Gard Plus and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus can be fed to those on a restricted diet, as part of a balanced diet. As with all ponies and horses on a restricted diet, it is important to consider the benefits and the risks and ensure that the diet is properly balanced. Our in-house Vets and Nutritionists are happy to advise on your horse or pony’s individual diet. Contact the technical team at vet@equine-america.co.uk or 01403 255809 for further advice. |
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15 |
My horse can be fussy — are Coli-Uls-Gard Plus and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus palatable? |
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Yes, both Coli-Uls-Gard Plus and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus have undergone extensive palatability testing to ensure that they are palatable to all breeds and sizes, from the smallest companion pony to the elite performance horse. But we know all horses are individuals with their own tastes, so we offer a no-quibble 30-day money-back guarantee. |
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16 |
Are there any known side effects with either Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus? |
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No, there are no known side effects with either Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus. As with any diet change, we would suggest introducing gradually. |
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17 |
Can Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus be fed with medication? |
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Please consult with our in-house Vet or your treating Vet for advice on specific cases. |
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18 |
Can Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus be fed with other supplements? |
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In many cases, yes, as part of a balanced diet, but please contact our technical team for individual advice. |
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19 |
Are Coli-Myco-Biome Plus and Coli-Uls-Gard Plus eligible under your 30-day money-back guarantee? |
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Yes. Our 30-day money-back guarantee applies to these products. If you are not 100% happy with a product for any reason, simply notify us within 30 days (vet@equine-america.co.uk), return any unused product directly to us along with the original proof of purchase (order number) and we’ll refund the purchase price. No catches and no fine print. Please note your subscription and Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee will be cancelled accordingly. |
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20 |
Why choose Equine America? |
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Equine America is trusted by Vets, Nutritionists and Riders, backed by research, BETA-NOPS accredited, FEI and BHA compliant, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a dedicated expert Nutrition Helpline, and is Made in Great Britain. We are a family-run company with three generations of expertise. |
About Coli-Shield
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1 |
What is Coli-Shield? |
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Coli-Shield is a ground-breaking Colic Surgery Contribution Guarantee as an added benefit to two of our new next generation Vet Range digestive health supplements — Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Powder. By supporting your horse’s long term digestive health through feeding either product on subscription, Equine America will contribute up to £5,000 towards the cost of emergency colic surgery (T&Cs apply). With the cost of horse ownership rising, planning for the unexpected is important. Colic surgery is one of those situations to be prepared for, as it can be a matter of life and death and difficult decisions need to be made quickly. Coli-Shield will remove some of the financial pressure, so that you can make the best decision for your horse with your Vet. |
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2 |
Is Coli-Shield an insurance policy? |
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No. Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee is not an insurance policy — it is a contribution guarantee offered by Equine America to eligible customers, linked to subscription of Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus. Coli-Shield is not available to purchase separately. |
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3 |
Is there any additional cost to join the Coli-Shield scheme? |
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No, there is no extra charge — it is an added benefit as part of your subscription to either Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Powder. |
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4 |
Which supplements do I have to purchase to be eligible for Coli-Shield? |
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Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Powder on subscription are the only two supplements currently eligible for Coli-Shield. Coli-Shield is not available to purchase separately. |
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5 |
Can I purchase the supplement monthly, or do I have to subscribe? |
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Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Powder are only available on subscription, but you are free to cancel your subscription at any time. |
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6 |
How do I become eligible for Coli-Shield? |
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Eligibility requires feeding a qualifying supplement on subscription and meeting the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee terms and conditions. To register, you will need to subscribe to an eligible product, obtain a vet code from your practice (or we will issue a temporary one), complete your horse’s registration including the health questionnaire, agree to the Terms and Conditions and complete checkout. Your guarantee becomes active 30 days after registration is confirmed. |
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7 |
How do I get a vet code? |
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If you are a horse owner, please contact your usual Vet and ask them for their Equine America Vet Code. If your practice does not already have an existing Vet Code, Equine America will issue a temporary vet code to allow you to proceed with purchase. Our team will follow up to get your Vet practice signed up with a valid Vet Code within 30 days. You must provide us with contact details of your veterinary practice without delay and authorise us to contact them directly. If you are a Veterinary Surgeon looking to set your practice up with a Vet Code, please contact us directly at vet@equine-america.co.uk or 01403 255809. |
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8 |
When does my Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee start? |
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The Contribution Guarantee only becomes active 30 days after a customer’s registration has been completed and their subscription is confirmed. No contribution will be made for any Emergency Colic Surgery costs and fees that take place within this 30-day qualifying period. |
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9 |
How do I keep the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee active? |
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To remain enrolled in the Contribution Guarantee, a customer must: maintain an active, uninterrupted Subscription to Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus; notify Equine America at vet@equine-america.co.uk within 14 days of any changes to a horse’s health, location, or use; and respond to our annual renewal reminder and confirm each horse’s details and that the horse’s health status is unchanged. |
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What is the cancellation policy for my subscription? |
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You are able to cancel your subscription at any time by contacting us at vet@equine-america.co.uk. Please note that your Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee will end with immediate effect upon cancelling. Cover cannot be reinstated for the same horse without a new Subscription and registration and a new 30-day qualifying period. |
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11 |
Can I register more than one horse? |
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Yes, but a separate subscription and registration is required for each horse. The Contribution Guarantee covers one horse per subscription only. |
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12 |
If I accidentally run out of Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus, will my Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee be invalidated? |
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With the subscription, this should never happen. In the event that we are unable to supply you due to circumstances out of your control, such as a delay with delivery due to adverse weather, we will contact you to ensure that your Coli-Shield remains active. |
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Where can I read the full Terms and Conditions? |
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The full Terms and Conditions can be found on our website at www.equine-america-vet.co.uk and are included in full at the end of this document. |
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Who do I contact with questions? |
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Please contact our friendly and helpful team at vet@equine-america.co.uk or 01403 255809, and we would be happy to help. |
Eligibility
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Who is eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee? |
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Horses and ponies with an active subscription to Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Powder. To be eligible, the horse being registered must meet all criteria at the time of registration. We understand that a customer may not have full details of a horse’s history prior to their ownership, but the customer must answer all questions honestly and to the best of their knowledge. |
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How is my horse’s age calculated? |
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Year of birth is calculated from 1st January. Once a horse reaches 16 years old, they will no longer be eligible and able to benefit from the Contribution Guarantee. |
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3 |
Is there a minimum age for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee? |
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Yes, horses and ponies need to be 2 years old or over to be eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. Horses and ponies younger than 2, including foals, can be fed Coli-Uls-Gard Plus Pellets and Coli-Myco-Biome Plus Powder at a reduced serve rate, but they will not be eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. For advice on feeding foals and youngstock, please contact our Vets and Nutritionists at vet@equine-america.co.uk. |
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4 |
Is there a maximum age for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee? |
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Yes, horses over 15 years of age are no longer eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. If your horse is over 15 years old, we would still advise continuing to feed the recommended supplement, as the nutritional benefits for your horse’s digestive health will be ongoing into their veteran years. This upper age limit will be reviewed annually, and we hope to be able to increase the eligibility in the future. |
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5 |
My horse has previously had colic — will they be excluded from the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee? |
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During the registration process, we will ask about your horse’s medical history. Your horse must not have had any incident of Colic requiring veterinary attention in the 24 months preceding either the date the Subscription was purchased or the date of completion of the registration application form (whichever is the later date)*. Your horse must never have undergone Emergency Colic Surgery or digestive tract resection at any point in its life. If they have, they will not be eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee but can still continue to be fed Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus for the nutritional benefits to digestive health. *If the horse has received veterinary attention for Colic in the last 24 months, the customer must provide the additional information requested during registration. Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. |
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My mare is pregnant — is she eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee? |
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Yes, pregnant mares are eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee, providing the eligibility criteria are met. |
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7 |
If I am abroad competing, is my horse still eligible for the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee? |
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Providing your horse normally resides in the UK, and is only taking a short trip (up to 30 days) to the following countries — Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland — then the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee will remain in place, providing your subscription remains active. If you are travelling abroad with your horse, please notify us via vet@equine-america.co.uk. |
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8 |
What if my horse already has vet fee insurance cover? |
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Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee is not an insurance policy — it is a contribution guarantee offered by Equine America to eligible customers, linked to subscription of Coli-Uls-Gard Plus or Coli-Myco-Biome Plus. Coli-Shield is not available to purchase separately. Should your horse require emergency colic surgery, please note that any existing insurance you have in place covering Emergency Colic Surgery must be exhausted in the first instance. The Contribution Guarantee will then cover any eligible costs, up to a maximum of £5,000, for Emergency Colic Surgery. |
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Are there any requirements such as vaccinations, dental care or preventative worming to register for Coli-Shield? |
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During registration we will ask you specific questions about your horse’s general health and colic history, but we do not ask for detailed information on vaccinations, dental care or worming programme. All of these are important as part of your horse’s overall health and wellbeing management, and we would recommend that you discuss these with your vet. |
What’s Covered
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How much will you pay out in the event of emergency colic surgery? |
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If your registered horse requires emergency colic surgery, we’ll contribute up to £5,000 towards: the cost of the surgery itself; and aftercare costs while your horse remains at the veterinary hospital — up to 15 days from the date of surgery. We’ll cover costs based on what’s considered a fair and normal fee for that type of treatment in your area. If your horse doesn’t survive, eligible costs up to the point of death are still covered. If you have existing insurance for your horse, you must claim from your insurer first. We’ll contribute towards any remaining eligible costs up to the £5,000 limit. |
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2 |
How do you define emergency colic surgery? |
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Emergency Colic Surgery is any invasive corrective or surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia, used to treat acute abdominal pain (colic) of the equine stomach or large and/or small intestine, and certified by the operating veterinary surgeon as an emergency attempt to save the life of the horse. |
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3 |
What is a medical colic? |
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A medical colic is abdominal pain caused by a gastrointestinal issue that can be resolved without surgery — for example, through pain relief or fluid therapy. Medical colic treatment is not covered under the Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee. |
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4 |
Does Coli-Shield contribute to all types of colic? |
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No, only emergency colic surgery will be eligible for the £5,000 contribution. Medical colic (those treated by medication not surgery under general anaesthetic), such as spasmodic colic or impactions, are not eligible. |
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5 |
Does Coli-Shield contribute to aftercare following emergency colic surgery? |
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Yes. Aftercare costs while the horse is kept at the veterinary hospital where the Emergency Colic Surgery was performed, limited to no more than 15 days from the date of the first Emergency Colic Surgery after diagnosis of Colic, up to a maximum of £5,000, will be covered. |
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6 |
My horse was hospitalised with colic but did not require surgery — are they covered? |
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Unfortunately not. Under the Coli-Shield scheme, only vet fees (up to £5,000) relating to emergency colic surgery will be covered. Fees relating to medical colic or surgery not due to colic will not be reimbursed. |
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7 |
What if emergency colic surgery exceeds £5,000? |
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Coli-Shield Contribution Guarantee will only contribute up to £5,000 towards emergency colic surgery. Any additional costs will be your responsibility. |
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8 |
Does Coli-Shield contribute to the emergency vet visit fee before my horse is hospitalised for colic surgery? |
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No. Veterinary Surgeon call-out charges and diagnostic tests such as examinations, palpations or x-rays are not covered. Only emergency colic surgery performed by a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and the associated aftercare costs whilst the horse is kept at the veterinary hospital that performed the surgery (for up to 15 days from the date of surgery) will be eligible for the £5,000 contribution. |
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9 |
If my horse dies during colic surgery, will you cover the costs of cremation or disposal? Do you cover the cost of post-mortem? |
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Eligible emergency colic surgery costs will be reimbursed up to the point of death, even if the horse sadly does not survive the procedure. Cremation, disposal and post-mortem costs will not be reimbursed. |
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10 |
If my horse has emergency colic surgery, will they then be ineligible for the Contribution Guarantee? |
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Up to £5,000 per eligible horse is available for a single emergency colic surgery, and any future colic surgeries would not be eligible for further contribution. |
Making a Claim
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1 |
Do I need to notify you before my horse goes for colic surgery? How quickly do I need to submit a claim? |
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No, we understand that emergency colic surgery often happens in anti-social hours, and you will be busy looking after your horse. We just ask that you notify us as soon as practically possible, and that a claim is submitted within 30 days of colic surgery. |
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2 |
How long after starting my subscription can I make a claim for colic surgery? |
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The Contribution Guarantee only becomes active 30 days after a customer’s registration has been completed and their subscription is confirmed. No contribution will be made for any Emergency Colic Surgery costs and fees that take place within this 30-day qualifying period. |
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3 |
What documents do I need to submit a claim? |
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A completed claim form; a signed report from the operating Veterinary Surgeon describing the condition and surgical procedures performed; written confirmation from the Veterinary Surgeon that the Horse had not required veterinary attention for Colic in the last 24 months; and copies of all itemised invoices for Emergency Colic Surgery and any other information we may request as per Ts & C’s.. |
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4 |
Will you pay me or the vet directly? |
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Please contact our team at vet@equine-america.co.uk or 01403 255809 for details on how payment is made in your specific case. |