Increased duration of ownership or care of horses was
associated with increased likelihood of a history of colic
(ever). This would appear to reflect increased opportunity
for horses to suffer from colic rather than any direct
effect on colic risk. However, this variable was considered
to be a plausible factor in altered risk of colic (e.g. a horse
that has only been in the owners care a short time may
be at increased risk of colic) and is the reason why it was
considered to be worthy of investigation. Increasing age
did not have any significant effect on likelihood of colic
nor did the number of carers or time spent with horses
on a daily basis.