After a scary day today at the barn with one of the horses, we are left a little curious.

Here's the situation and maybe someone knows what it was or what caused it:

This morning one of the horses was fed, he ate all of his feed and hay. One of the stable hands saw that the horse was lying down which is unlike him, however the horse wasn't rolling or sleeping.

We brought the horse down to the arena and walked him for an hour. The whole time he had his tail up like he was going to poop. He kept curling his lips and pawing the ground and occasionally biting around his sheath.

His breathing was normal, however his gums were pale, showing dehydration? He wouldn't eat until two hours later and wouldn't dare drink for another hour. Now he is fine and passing regular droppings.

What was it? A mild case of colic perhaps? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Sounds to me like it could be a mild case of colic. His gums may have been pale due to poor circulation, which often accompanies colic. It could have been gas colic, which sometimes passes on it's on, causing mild discomfort until it is resolved.

If he were mine I'd be watching him like a hawk for the next few days, just to make sure everything goes as it should.

Hope it doesn't happen again, fingers crossed for you and the horse.