Managing a horse with gastric ulcers requires a consistent daily routine that prioritizes a calm environment and a stomach-friendly feeding schedule. Ulcers are common in performance and stalled horses due to stress, limited turnout, and high grain diets, so addressing these factors is essential for healing and prevention.
Our editorial team emphasizes that daily management focuses on maximizing forage intake, minimizing stress, and using veterinary-prescribed treatments consistently. With careful attention to feeding times, turnout, and social needs, most horses can recover and maintain comfort.
Feeding Schedule and Forage First
For horses with ulcers, the single most important daily practice is providing free choice or near-constant access to forage. Hay or pasture should be available 24/7 because a horse’s stomach continuously produces acid, and forage buffers that acid. Without forage, stomach acid splashes against the unprotected lining, worsening ulcers.
Feed small, frequent meals of hay or haylage rather than large grain meals. If grain is needed, choose low starch feeds and split them into multiple small portions. Avoid long periods without food, even overnight. Soaking hay can reduce dust and sugar but ensure it is fed immediately to prevent spoilage.
Reducing Stress Through Turnout and Routine
Stress is a major cause of equine ulcers, so daily turnout is critical. Horses are social animals and benefit from at least a few hours of free movement with a companion. Turnout reduces cortisol levels and allows natural grazing behavior, which helps maintain stomach pH.
Establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, turnout, and exercise. Horses thrive on predictability, and sudden changes can trigger stress. If stabling is necessary, ensure the stall has a window or view of other horses, and provide a hay net to encourage slow, continuous eating.
- Turn out for a minimum of 6 hours daily, ideally with a buddy.
- Maintain the same feeding times every day.
- Use slow feeder hay nets to extend eating time.
Medication and Veterinary Follow Up
Daily management of ulcers typically involves veterinary-prescribed medications, most commonly omeprazole. This drug suppresses stomach acid production and is often administered once daily via syringe. It is crucial to follow the veterinarian’s dosage and duration exactly, even if the horse seems better.
Do not stop medication abruptly, as rebound acid production can occur. Schedule follow up gastroscopy to confirm healing. Additionally, avoid overusing non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like phenylbutazone, as they can cause or worsen ulcers. Always consult your vet before giving any pain reliever.