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 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.
Basics of Feeding Management for Ulcer Prevention
Feed Small, Frequent Meals (Better Option than two meals)
Horses are natural grazers, designed to consume small amounts of forage continuously. Feeding multiple small meals throughout the day helps maintain a stable gastric environment, reducing ulcer risk. Aim for at least three to four meals daily if full-time grazing isn’t available.
Ensure Continuous Forage Access (Best Option of all)
Providing constant access to high-quality forage stimulates saliva production, which naturally buffers stomach acid. Utilize slow-feed hay nets or hay balls to extend feeding time and mimic natural grazing behaviors.
⚠️ Important: If your horse is prone to laminitis or has a metabolic condition (like insulin dysregulation or Cushing’s), not all forage is safe for free-choice feeding. In these cases, use low-NSC hay, consider soaking hay to reduce sugars, and consult your veterinarian to create a safe, tailored feeding plan.
Reduce or Space Out Concentrates
High-starch feeds can increase acid production. When concentrates are necessary, divide them into smaller portions and feed them after forage to slow digestion and minimize acid spikes.
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)
- 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, and bicarbbased 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.
Top Tips for Ulcer Prevention
Never leave your horse without forage for more than 4 hours.Feed a small flake of alfalfa before hauling or riding.
Use slow-feed hay nets to mimic grazing behavior.
Reduce starch and use fat-based calorie sources when needed.
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:
Question: Can I use omeprazole all the time to prevent ulcers?
Answer: Omeprazole can help prevent ulcers, especially during stressful periods, but it should be used under veterinary advice. Relying on feeding strategies is the foundation for longterm success, with medication supporting horses only when needed.
Question: What signs might suggest my horse is developing gastric ulcers?
Answer: Look for reduced appetite, sour attitude, poor performance, mild colic after eating, and weight loss. Any of these might mean you need to review the current diet and check in with a vet
Question: Is pasture turnout always better for ulcerprone horses?
Answer: Turnout is usually very helpful, but it isn’t always possible for show horses or at certain facilities. When turnout isn’t available, slowfeed hay nets and splitting forage into several feedings can make up for a lack of grazing time.
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.
References:
- Geor, R. J., Harris, P. A., & Coenen, M. (2013). Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition: Health, Welfare and Performance. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Harris, P. A., et al. (2017). Feeding Management Strategies for Horses with Gastric Ulcers. Purina Mills.
- Smarsh, D. (2024). Using Nutrition to Manage and Prevent Stomach Ulcers in Horses. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/using-nutrition-to-manage-and-prevent-stomach-ulcers-in-horses
- Utah State University Extension. (2024). Preventing and Managing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. https://extension.usu.edu/equine/research/preventing-and-managing-equine-gastric-ulcer-syndrome
- Smarsh, D. (2024). Using Nutrition to Manage and Prevent Stomach Ulcers in Horses. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/using-nutrition-to-manage-and-prevent-stomach-ulcers-in-horses
- UK-VET Equine. (2022). Nutritional management of equine gastric ulcers. https://www.ukvetequine.com/content/clinical/nutritional-management-of-equine-gastric-ulcers/