Sand accumulation in the equine gut commonly occurs in horses that live in sandy areas and feed off the ground. Tiny amounts of sand in manure may be within normal limits. However, when sand accumulation in the equine gut becomes excessive, horses will often show signs of abdominal pain (colic). A simple test for determining whether sand is present in a horse's gut is the sand sediment test.

Two fresh fecal balls are mixed with two pints of water in a 1-gallon plastic bag. A veterinary obstetric glove or palpation sleeve is better because the fingers of the glove serve to catch the sand and make it easy to see and feel.

The bag or glove is tied to a fence and let it sit for 5-15 minutes. After the sand has been given adequate time to settle, a vet feels the lowest portion of the bag or sleeve for sand granules.