Which of the following is not an effective strategy to prevent colic?

Feeding grain on bare ground is not an effective strategy to prevent colic because this practice may lead to the horse ingesting foreign materials such as sand, dirt, or parasites that can contribute to gastrointestinal disturbances. It can create negative conditions in the gut that increase the risk of colic. In contrast, the other options emphasize practices that promote digestive health.

Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy metabolism and encourages proper digestive function, while feeding hay instead of grain usually supports a diet that is easier to digest and promotes natural foraging behaviors. Ensuring that the horse has adequate access to water is crucial, as hydration is necessary for normal digestive processes. Therefore, feeding grain on bare ground lacks the preventative benefits that the other strategies offer in ensuring the horse’s overall digestive health.