In the world of horse care, there’s a growing understanding that everything begins in the gut. From performance and behaviour to immunity and nutrient absorption, your horse’s digestive system plays a central role in how they feel and function. And at the core of this system is the gastric health—the condition of the stomach and, just as importantly, the hindgut.
Whether you’re managing a high-performance eventer or a beloved happy hacker, supporting optimal digestive health isn’t just about preventing ulcers—it’s about unlocking your horse’s full potential from the inside out.
Why Gastric Health Matters
The equine digestive tract is complex, delicate, and significantly different from our own. Horses are herbivores designed to forage (not just graze on grass) throughout the day, producing stomach acid continuously. This evolutionary design works beautifully when horses are eating small amounts of forage all day long—but modern management often disrupts this natural process.
When gastric health is compromised, it doesn’t just affect digestion. It impacts:
- Behaviour (irritability, girthiness, reluctance to work)
- Appetite and weight maintenance
- Nutrient absorption
- Immune function
- Joint, skin, and coat condition
- Performance and recovery
Even low-grade digestive discomfort can show up as inconsistent performance, reduced willingness, or vague signs that something just isn’t right.
The Role of the Stomach
The equine stomach is divided into two sections:
- Non-glandular (squamous) region: This upper part has no protective mucus lining and is highly susceptible to damage from stomach acid splash.
- Glandular region: This lower area secretes acid and has better protection but is still vulnerable under stress or if blood supply is compromised.
Because horses produce gastric acid 24/7—even when they’re not eating—any period without forage potentially allows the stomach to empty and acid to splash up into the sensitive upper region during exertion or exercise. Over time, this can cause Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), a widespread issue particularly in performance horses.
Signs of Gastric Discomfort or Ulcers
Gastric discomfort is often subtle. Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Changes in appetite (fussy eating, leaving hard feed)
- Weight loss or poor topline despite feeding well
- Irritability, girthiness, or sensitivity when grooming
- Reluctance to go forward under saddle
- Frequent mild colic symptoms
- Lying down more than usual
- Yawning, teeth grinding, or stretching as if to urinate
- Loose droppings or foul smelling manure
- Changes in coat condition or behaviour
If you suspect ulcers, speak to your vet. Diagnosis via gastroscopy remains the gold standard, especially for performance horses.
The Often-Overlooked Hindgut
While stomach health gets most of the attention, the hindgut—comprising the cecum and colon—is just as important. This is where fibre is fermented by billions of beneficial microbes, releasing volatile fatty acids (VFAs) that fuel energy production.
Disruption to the hindgut microbiome can result in:
- Weight loss
- Loose stools or watery droppings
- Laminitis
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Behavioural changes
- Reduced immune resilience
Conditions like hindgut acidosis, leaky gut, and dysbiosis (an imbalance in the microbial community) are increasingly recognised as contributors to poor performance and chronic health problems.
Why Microbiome Diversity Matters
Just like in humans, the horse’s gut microbiome—the vast ecosystem of bacteria that live in the digestive tract—is essential for optimal health. A diverse microbiome helps with:
- Digesting and fermenting fibre
- Producing essential vitamins
- Preventing colonisation by harmful bacteria
- Extracting nutrients from feed
- Modulating inflammation
- Supporting immune function
Antibiotic use, abrupt feed changes, stress, high starch diets, and poor-quality forage can all disrupt this delicate balance.
Increasing microbiome diversity creates resilience—allowing your horse to better cope with changes in management, workload, weather, and diet.
Top Management Tips for Optimal Gastric and Hindgut Health
- Feed Little and Often
Horses are trickle feeders by nature. Aim to provide constant access to forage—ideally 24/7 turnout or ad lib hay—to buffer stomach acid and support hindgut microbes.
- Limit Starch and Sugar
Grain-heavy or high-starch feeds can increase acid production, disrupt the hindgut microbiota, and raise the risk of ulcers or hindgut acidosis. Opt for fibre-based feeds and keep non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) below 12% where possible.
- Use a Quality Gut Balancer for Horses or Gut Supplement
Look for supplements containing:
- Lecithin and pectin – these combine to form a hydrophobic barrier that helps support the delicate stomach mucosa
- Prebiotics and probiotics – to support hindgut microbial balance
- Vitamin E – aids normal cell functions and oxidative stress response
- Fenugreek – a natural antacid for PH maintenance
- Psyllium – creates a gel like substance to support digestion and transit through the hindgut
- Glutamic Acid – helps to maintain the integrity of the gut lining and support the hindgut microbiome
One of the best gut supplements for horses currently available on the market is Equell Ulceraid. This comprehensive, stomach focused product contains good levels of all the above ingredients and is backed by a money back guarantee on palatability. Manufactured in a BETA NOPS approved facility making it suitable for competition horses as well as leisure riders.
- Avoid Long Fasting Periods
Even 4–6 hours without forage increases acid exposure in the stomach. Always provide hay in the stable, during transport, and at competitions. Allow horse’s to nibble at a hay net and/or feed a scoop of chaff before riding. Forming a fibre raft in the stomach is one of the best natural defences against acid splash.
- Turnout Where Possible
Grazing supports natural behaviour, digestion, and mental health. If full turnout isn’t possible, try stable enrichment like hay balls, foraging toys, or small-holed haynets.
- Provide Water and Electrolytes
Hydration is essential for gut motility and function. Horses should always have access to fresh, clean water. Electrolytes may be needed during travel, hot weather, or heavy work.
- Watch for Stress Triggers
Competition, travel, new environments, changes in herd dynamics—all can elevate stress hormones and disrupt digestion. Calm handling, consistent routines, and calming support can help.
- Be Cautious with NSAIDs
Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (like Bute) can impair the protective mucus layer in the stomach and colon. Use under vet guidance and consider gut support alongside.
- Transition Feeds Gradually
Changes to feed or hay should be made over 7–14 days to allow the gut flora to adapt. Sudden changes increase the risk of colic and dysbiosis.
- Monitor Droppings and Coat
Manure consistency, smell, and shape offer valuable insights into digestive health. A glossy coat and good body condition are also signs of a well-functioning gut.
The Performance Link
A healthy gut doesn’t just prevent problems—it supports optimal performance.
- Better nutrient uptake = more energy, stamina, and muscle development
- Balanced behaviour = improved trainability and focus
- Stronger immunity = fewer sick days and quicker recovery
- Faster post-exercise recovery = less risk of overtraining or injury
In short, a healthy digestive tract builds a more resilient athlete.
Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Powerful
Gastric and hindgut health is one of the most powerful, yet underused, areas of performance management. With a proactive approach—based on natural forage, smart feeding, and strategic supplementation—you can reduce the risk of gastric ulcers occurring, support a diverse microbiome and long-term wellness.
Whether you’re aiming for the top level or simply want your horse to feel their best, it all starts with the gut.