Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is extremely common in performance horses and affects welfare significantly. Understanding causes and prevention is essential for horse owners.
Gastric ulcers cause chronic, daily pain in affected horses. The burning sensation from acidic erosion of the stomach lining is continuous and worsens with exercise, making performance horses particularly vulnerable. Yet the pain is internalised - horses rarely show obvious distress, instead becoming quieter, less willing to work, or displaying subtle behavioural changes. Veterinary treatment is effective but expensive and temporary if the underlying management is not changed. Prevention through free-choice forage access, management of stress, and avoiding prolonged fasting is both welfare-protective and cost-effective.