Gastric ulcers affect a majority of performance horses and many leisure horses, causing chronic pain that is often unrecognized by owners and trainers.
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a welfare epidemic hidden in plain sight. The prevalence figures are remarkable — the majority of competitive horses experiencing chronic painful ulceration — yet the condition remains undertreated largely because horses mask pain effectively and because management practices that cause ulceration (restricted forage, high-grain diets, frequent transport) are standard in competitive equestrian disciplines. Prevention through ad libitum forage access, reduced meal-feeding of grain, and stress management is more effective than treatment. Management culture change in competitive equestrian sports is the most impactful lever for reducing this widespread source of equine suffering.