Horse Gastric Ulcers: A Widespread and Painful Welfare Problem in Performance Horses

Gastric ulcers affect a significant proportion of horses, particularly those in training. Recognition, prevention, and treatment are essential for welfare in performance horse populations.

Key Facts

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome affects an estimated 37 to 93 per cent of performance horses depending on discipline
Racehorses in training have the highest prevalence, with some studies finding ulcers in over 90 per cent
Horses have continuously acid-producing stomachs, making them inherently vulnerable to ulceration without constant forage buffering
Signs include poor performance, weight loss, attitude changes, girthiness, and intermittent colic
Omeprazole is the gold standard treatment, with full courses requiring 28 days typically
Dietary management including frequent small forage meals and avoiding prolonged fasting is the primary prevention
Stress associated with training, transport, and competition contributes significantly to ulcer development

Welfare Considerations

Gastric ulcers cause chronic pain that significantly impairs the welfare and performance of affected horses. The high prevalence in sport and racehorses reflects the combination of management factors that predispose to ulceration: prolonged periods without forage, high concentrate rations, intensive exercise on empty stomachs, frequent transport, and competition-related stress. The stoic nature of horses means that significant ulceration may cause only subtle signs that owners attribute to training problems or bad attitude rather than pain. Welfare-centred management addresses ulcer prevention through forage-first feeding, frequent small meals, stress reduction, and appropriate medication support around periods of elevated risk. The economic costs of poor performance in affected horses align with the welfare costs of untreated chronic pain, creating incentives for proactive management.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses always have access to appropriate forage and avoid prolonged fasting periods
Feed forage before and during exercise to reduce acid splashing in the stomach
Seek veterinary assessment including scoping for horses showing poor performance or attitude changes
Discuss prophylactic omeprazole use with your vet around periods of elevated risk including transport and competition
Reduce unnecessary stressors in management including frequent transport and rapid changes in routine