Horse Gastric Ulcer Prevention: Welfare Through Management

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is among the most common welfare problems in horses, and it is substantially preventable through evidence-based management that aligns with horses' natural feeding biology.

Key Facts

Gastric ulcers affect approximately 60-90% of racehorses and 30-50% of sport horses
Horses evolved to trickle-feed for 16-18 hours daily, keeping continuous stomach acid buffered by saliva and forage
Stabling, restricted forage access, and high grain diets are primary risk factors for ulcer development
Behavioral signs of ulcers include reluctance to work, girthiness, behavioral changes, and poor performance
Omeprazole treatment is effective but prevention through management change is more sustainable
Providing ad libitum hay access and maximizing turnout dramatically reduces ulcer incidence

Welfare Considerations

Equine gastric ulcers are a welfare problem substantially created by management practices that conflict with horses' evolutionary feeding physiology. Horses with empty stomachs have no forage buffer against continuous gastric acid production, causing mucosal damage. The welfare-aligned management approach prioritizes continuous forage access, maximizes turnout, minimizes concentrate feeding, and avoids prolonged exercise on empty stomachs. These changes represent a closer alignment with natural feeding patterns rather than simply adding medication to an unchanged harmful management system. Ulcer prevalence as a welfare indicator should inform broader equine management norms.

What You Can Do

Provide continuous hay access to your horse - never leave them without forage for more than 4 hours
Maximize turnout time on grass pasture wherever possible
Reduce concentrate feeding and divide what is fed into multiple small meals
Avoid training horses on completely empty stomachs - provide hay before exercise
Monitor horses for behavioral signs of ulcers and consult an equine vet for scoping if concerned