Gastric ulcers are surprisingly common in horses. According to studies, up to half of pleasure horses and a large proportion of actively competing horses may suffer from gastric mucosal lesions at some point in their lives. Often, however, the problem does not appear as dramatic symptoms, but rather as small changes in behaviour, appetite, or performance.
A horse’s stomach functions differently from that of many other animals. Acid is secreted continuously, around the clock, regardless of whether the horse is eating or not. In nature, this is not a problem, because horses graze almost constantly. When there is continuously fibrous forage in the stomach, the acid is bound and remains under control. In everyday stable life, however, intervals between meals can become long, and then the acidity can begin to affect the more sensitive parts of the stomach.
Who is at the greatest risk?
All horses can develop gastric ulcers, but in certain situations the risk increases clearly. In racehorses and sport horses, the problem is especially common, because training, transport, and competition situations place strain on both the body and the nervous system. A horse that has to go long periods without hay is also more exposed to acid-related damage.
Stress plays a surprisingly large role. Changes in environment, being alone, transport, or frequent routine changes can affect how the stomach functions. In addition, the composition of the diet matters: high starch intake and large concentrate meals can increase fluctuations in acidity.
One particularly important group is horses that gain weight easily. Their feeding is often restricted in order to control energy intake, but at the same time fasting periods may unintentionally increase. Weight management and stomach wellbeing are not opposites – both can be taken into account when feeding is planned carefully.
The symptoms are not always obvious
A gastric ulcer does not always mean obvious pain behaviour. Often, the owner notices only small changes. The horse may begin eating more slowly or leave part of its concentrate feed unfinished. It may become more irritable than usual when being saddled or seem unwilling to move forward. In some horses, performance drops for no clear reason. Sometimes there are mild digestive signs or changes in manure quality.
Because the symptoms are often subtle, the owner’s own ability to notice small changes is important. “Something feels a little different than before” is often the first sign that the stomach situation is worth checking.
How is a gastric ulcer diagnosed?
The only certain way to diagnose a gastric ulcer is by gastroscopy performed by a veterinarian. During the examination, the condition of the stomach lining and any lesions can be seen directly. Based on symptoms alone, it is not possible to say with certainty whether the problem is a gastric ulcer or some other issue in the digestive tract.
If necessary, the veterinarian will prescribe medication that reduces gastric acid production and gives the mucosa a chance to heal. Treatment is always planned individually.
The importance of feeding in supporting the stomach
Although medication is sometimes necessary, everyday feeding decisions play a central role in both prevention and recovery. The horse’s stomach is designed for a continuous supply of fibre, so long-fibre forage is the stomach’s most important “protective layer.” The more steadily the horse receives hay throughout the day, the more stable the stomach environment remains.
Large concentrate meals should be avoided, and feed should be divided into several smaller meals. If a horse is prone to gaining weight, reducing energy intake should not mean long periods without forage. Instead, it is possible to choose hay with more moderate energy content or restrict pasture access in a controlled way, while still keeping the feeding rhythm even.
A fibre-based diet increases chewing and saliva production, which acts as a natural buffer against stomach acidity. The balance of the intestinal microenvironment and the correct ratio of minerals are also part of the whole picture.
Stomach wellbeing is usually not about any single product, but about the overall feeding strategy. In some situations, the diet can be complemented with mucilage-producing fibre-based supplements, plant- or herb-based ingredients, or yeast products as part of a broader approach that takes the horse’s natural physiology into account. The goal is to support the stomach’s normal function as part of daily feeding – not to replace the basics.
3 things you can check at the stable today
- How long is your horse without hay during the day?
If the break stretches to several hours, the stomach is left empty and exposed to an acidic environment.
- Is the concentrate meal large in relation to the amount of hay?
Large single meals and a high starch load put more strain on the stomach than small, divided meals.
- Are there sudden changes or stress factors in the horse’s daily life?
Transport, being alone, or frequent routine changes can affect the stomach surprisingly much.
Small changes in feeding rhythm and in the steadiness of daily life can make a big difference over time.
Gastric ulcers do not develop in one day, and stomach wellbeing does not depend on one single solution. It is the result of the combined interaction of feeding, living environment, exercise, and stress management. When the basics are in place and the overall picture is balanced, the horse’s stomach has the best possible conditions to function normally.
If you suspect gastric ulcers, always speak with a veterinarian. Early action makes the situation easier for both the horse and the owner – and gives you an opportunity to review the whole feeding structure calmly and thoroughly.
Source: The Horse Magazine
