Horse Gastric Ulcer Syndrome Welfare

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is extremely prevalent in performance and leisure horses, causing significant pain and affecting behaviour and performance.

Key Facts

EGUS affects up to 90% of racehorses and 60% of leisure horses in some studies
Gastric ulcers cause pain that manifests as poor performance, girthiness, and behaviour changes
Omeprazole (Gastrogard) is the primary treatment and is effective
Feeding ad libitum hay significantly reduces ulcer prevalence
Stress, dietary management, and exercise all contribute to ulcer development

Welfare Considerations

Gastric ulcers are a pervasive welfare problem in domestic horses, caused primarily by management practices that deviate from their natural feeding pattern. Horses evolved to graze continuously — their stomachs produce acid constantly regardless of whether food is present. When stabled horses go without forage for extended periods, acid accumulates and damages the unprotected squamous mucosa of the upper stomach. The welfare consequences are direct: ulcers cause chronic pain that affects every aspect of the horse's life. The management solution is primarily dietary — providing ad libitum hay access significantly reduces both ulcer prevalence and severity — but requires commitment from owners who may prioritise weight management over welfare.

What You Can Do

Provide horses with ad libitum forage access — never restrict hay to less than 1.5% bodyweight per day
Consider forage analysis to manage calorie intake while maintaining adequate feeding time
Discuss ulcer screening (gastroscopy) with your vet if your horse shows any atypical behaviour
Reduce stress through appropriate turnout, social contact, and reduced stabling time
Support research into management-based ulcer prevention strategies