Horse Gastric Ulcer Risk in Different Disciplines

Gastric ulcer risk varies significantly across equestrian disciplines, with endurance, racing, and eventing horses showing the highest prevalence and requiring discipline-specific prevention strategies.

Key Facts

Gastric ulcer prevalence in racehorses exceeds 80% in most studies
Endurance horses show increasing ulcer rates during and after competition seasons
Eventing horses show ulcer prevalence of 40-70% with peaks during intensive competition preparation
Leisure horses and those with regular pasture access have substantially lower prevalence
Feeding hay before exercise reduces acid splash onto vulnerable squamous mucosa during work

Welfare Considerations

The relationship between equestrian discipline and gastric ulcer prevalence reflects how management practices required by different sports affect equine digestive physiology. High-intensity exercise increases gastric acid secretion while empty stomachs during training create periods of unprotected acid exposure. The welfare response to discipline-specific ulcer risk requires discipline-specific prevention strategies - feeding schedules adapted to training times, stress reduction at competitions, and monitoring for early signs of gastric discomfort during intense training periods.

What You Can Do

Provide hay within 30 minutes before exercise to buffer gastric acid during work
Monitor for signs of gastric discomfort including reluctance to work, girthing sensitivity, and poor appetite
Schedule gastroscopy at the start and end of competition season for high-risk disciplines
Discuss preventive omeprazole use with your vet during particularly intensive training periods
Advocate for equestrian competition schedules that allow horses adequate feeding and rest breaks