How To Prevent Gastric Ulcers In Show Horses

Gastric ulcers are a frequent concern for show horses, especially due to the stress and unique routines they face during competition seasons. Feeding plays a big role in helping to lower the risk of ulcer development. From my own time managing performance horses, I know how important a feeding strategy can be for their health, comfort, and ability to perform well in the ring. In this article, I will take you through practical feeding strategies to help prevent gastric ulcers in show horses.

Understanding Gastric Ulcers in Show Horses

Gastric ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the stomach, leading to discomfort and a decreased willingness to eat or train. Show horses are particularly susceptible due to factors such as:

• Frequent Travel and New Environments: Exposure to unfamiliar settings can increase stress levels.
• Routine Changes: Inconsistent feeding and training schedules disrupt natural digestive processes.
• Limited Pasture or Hay Access: Reduced grazing opportunities lead to prolonged periods without food intake.

Studies indicate that between 50% and 90% of performance horses develop gastric ulcers during their careers, especially in disciplines involving intense training and competition. Although the mayority of horses with gastric ulcers will appear healthy and show no clinical signs, these are some subtle signs you may see:

• Poor appetite
• Attitude changes
• Poor body condition and/or coat
• Low grade colic
• Decreased performance
• Dullness

How Ulcers Are Treated

Fortunately, the prognosis for horses with gastric ulcers is generally good. With proper treatment, most ulcers heal within about four weeks, and both treatment and prevention are relatively straightforward.

Omeprazole is the only FDA-approved pharmaceutical for treating equine gastric ulcers and is highly effective at preventing and treating gastric ulcers. However, it can be quite expensive, which often leads owners to seek out cheaper alternatives. Unfortunately, many of these off-brand products contain less active omeprazole than advertised, making them less effective at acid suppression. Inconsistent results can lead to prolonged discomfort and, ultimately, higher costs if the ulcers worsen—so it’s wise to be cautious when considering unregulated options.

In addition to medication, horses with gastric ulcers benefit from reduced training intensity and as much pasture turnout as possible. It’s also important to minimize the use of NSAIDs and avoid extended fasting periods. Dietary adjustments can further support recovery—offering a small amount of alfalfa 30 minutes before intense exercise and supplementing with fish and/or flax oil (under veterinary guidance) can help buffer stomach acid. In the next section, we’ll cover more strategies for preventing ulcers through smart feeding practices.

Basics of Feeding Management for Ulcer Prevention

Smart Ways to Feed More Frequently Without More Labor

Even if you can’t be at the barn all day, there are easy tools to help your horse eat slowly and consistently:

• Slow-feed hay nets: These mimic grazing by limiting bite size and extending meal time.
• Hay balls and small-hole hay bags: Keep the horse mentally engaged while feeding.
• Slow feeders: Many are made to last 24-36 hours.

Tip: Aim to never let your horse go longer than 4 hours without access to forage. Even overnight, a tightly packed slow feeder or haynet can help maintain digestive comfort.

Choosing the Right Type of Forage

Forage quality and availability can make a big difference for horses prone to ulcers. Here are a few choices I recommend based on my own experience and what research supports:

• Good Quality Grass Hay: Nonlegume hays like timothy and orchardgrass are gentle on the stomach while still providing enough chew time to encourage saliva production.
• Alfalfa Hay: Alfalfa hay, rich in calcium and protein, has been shown to buffer stomach acid effectively, making it beneficial for ulcer-prone horses. I use small amounts of alfalfa in my horse’s diet, especially before travel or competition, to give an extra layer of protection.
• Pasture Access: When possible, turnout on pasture is the gold standard. Grazing not only supports digestive health but also reduces stress levels.

Concentrates and Feed Additives: What to Know

High-performance horses may need extra calories—but concentrates can trigger ulcers if not handled carefully.

Limit Cereal Grains:
Too much starch increases acid and fermentation in the stomach.

• Use low-starch, high-fat feeds instead (e.g., beet pulp-based)
• Feeding of beet pulp is a source of dietary pectin and its inclusion in the diet has been shown to reduce the risk of ESGD  (Pedersen, et al., 2018) ulcers or lesions specifically found in the squamous (non-glandular) portion of a horse’s stomach.
• Avoid corn, oats, and barley if your horse is prone to ulcers.

Feed Fats Instead of Starch:
Add calories using:

• Rice bran
• Vegetable or fish oils
• Flaxseed

Horses use fat efficiently for energy, and this approach supports ulcer prevention.

Look for Ulcer Friendly Feeds:
Some commercial feeds are formulated for horses with gastric sensitivity. Look for commercial feed that are:

• Low in starch and sugar
• High in digestible fiber
• Fortified with buffers, such as calcium carbonate or marine-derived ingredients

While supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics, and buffering agents can support gastric health, they should complement—not replace—fundamental management practices like proper feeding routines and stress reduction.

• Buffer Supplements: Calcium, magnesium based buffers can help maintain stomach pH, especially during stressful periods.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: These help keep the gut balanced and may offer an extra line of defense, especially for horses with past issues.

Daily Routine Adjustments to Reduce Ulcer Risk

Training and travel demand special routines. I’ve learned a few habits that really lower the risk of ulcers in show horses:

• Feed Before Work and Traveling: Offering a small meal of alfalfa hay approximately 30 minutes before exercise or travel can help buffer stomach acid and reduce ulcer risk. This keeps the stomach padded and buffered.
• Stick to a Routine: Regular schedules for feeding and turnout help keep my horses relaxed and reduce stress triggers associated with ulcer flareups.
• Hydration: Water intake supports healthy digestion. If a horse is picky about water away from home, bringing familiar buckets or flavoring the water can help avoid dehydration and gut problems.
  And watch for dehydration, especially during heatwaves or cold snaps.

Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Ulcer Prevention Diets

It’s easy to overlook some small details that can make a big impact on stomach health. Here are a few extra things I always remember when building a feeding plan for show horses:

• Monitor Body Condition: Horses that are underweight or overweight might have other digestive issues that can complicate ulcer management. Regularly checking weight and condition gives insight into how well a diet is working.
• Watch for Early Signs of Ulcers: Noticing picky eating, mild colic, changes in behavior, or a drop in performance can be a clue that stomach issues are starting. Early action is important.
• Minimize Fasting:
• Partner with Your Vet: Regular checkups and honest communication with your veterinarian are key to catching and managing ulcers early. A vet can offer guidance on medications, diet changes, and other interventions based on your horse’s unique needs.

🏆 Feeding Around Competition Days🏆

Show days can bring extra stress and interruptions to normal routines. I keep these strategies in mind during busy competition weeks:

📦 Pack Plenty of Hay: I always bring enough of my horse’s regular hay to shows and travel stops to maintain consistency.

🕒 Offer Small, Frequent Meals: If full meals aren’t possible, I hand out handfuls of hay, hay cubes, or soaked beet during the day to avoid an empty stomach.

🐴 Stick With Familiar Feeds: Sudden changes in feed right before or during a show can disturb gut health, so I avoid any big diet switches during stressful periods.

🧾 Monitor Digestion After Events: Horses can have digestive upsets following the excitement of being at a show. Watching manure consistency and appetite in the days following competition can help spot problems before they worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Horse owners sometimes have questions about preventing gastric ulcers, especially when their horses are in full training and competition. Here are a few common ones I hear:

Investing the time to build a feeding strategy—one that fits your horse’s needs and your competition schedule—pays off with horses that feel good and are ready to perform at their best.

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