By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
Performance horses across the United States face unique nutritional and management challenges, particularly during periods of intense training, travel, competition, heat, and limited access to pasture. One of the most common and impactful health issues affecting these horses is Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). Studies estimate that 60–90% of performance horses may develop some degree of gastric ulceration during their careers.
Gastric ulcers can negatively impact appetite, body condition, behavior, hydration, and athletic performance, making prevention and management a critical part of modern equine care.
Why Fibre Is Essential for Performance Horses
Fibre is the primary and most natural energy source for horses and plays a vital role in:
Maintaining gut motility
Supporting the hindgut microbiome
Protecting the stomach lining
Reducing stress-related digestive issues
A lack of adequate fibre intake can lead to:
Weight loss and poor body condition
Disruption of hindgut bacteria
Increased risk of gastric ulcers
Behavioral changes linked to discomfort or hunger
Performance horses living in dry climates, on sparse pasture, or spending extended time stalled - common scenarios in many U.S. regions - often require additional fibre sources beyond grazing alone.
Gastric Ulcers in Performance Horses
Gastric ulcers commonly develop due to:
High-intensity training
Stress from travel and competition
High-starch, low-fibre diets
Long periods without access to forage
Heat and dehydration
Common Signs of Gastric Ulcers
Clinical signs can vary, but often include:
Poor or inconsistent appetite
Weight loss or failure to maintain condition
Behavioral changes (girthiness, irritability, sensitivity)
Decreased performance
Mild or recurrent colic
Teeth grinding or dull coat
The gold standard for diagnosis is gastroscopy, which allows veterinarians to visualize ulcer location, assess severity, and develop an appropriate treatment and management plan.
Supporting Condition and Gut Health During Training, Travel, and Summer Heat
1. Prioritize Forage Intake
Aim to feed at least 2–2.5% of body weight per day in forage.
Good-quality hay is an excellent grass replacement
Haylage may be higher in quality but must be managed carefully in hot climates
Offer forage in multiple locations to encourage movement and reduce stress
2. Feed Little and Often
Smaller, more frequent meals help:
Mimic the horse’s natural grazing behavior
Prevent acid buildup in the stomach
Reduce ulcer risk
Avoid feeding more than 4.5 lb (2 kg) per meal, especially concentrates.
3. Reduce Starch, Increase Digestible Calories
Research shows performance horses can thrive on high-fibre, high-fat, low-starch diets.
Use fibre-based feeds such as beet pulp, grass pellets, or fibre cubes
Add oils (linseed/flaxseed or vegetable oil) for calorie density
Consider steam-extruded or highly digestible feeds to reduce total feed volume
Always introduce dietary changes gradually and ideally with guidance from a nutrition professional.
4. Maintain Hydration
Hydration is essential for gut motility and ulcer prevention.
Provide constant access to clean, cool water
Encourage drinking during travel (adding a splash of apple juice can help)
Use soaked feeds and fibre mashes to increase fluid intake
Dehydration significantly increases the risk of impaction colic and digestive upset.
5. Manage Stress During Travel and Competition
Stress is a major contributor to EGUS.
Travel with hay nets whenever possible
Schedule breaks on long journeys
Replicate the horse’s normal routine at stay-away shows
Allow turnout, hand walking, or hand grazing when feasible
Social interaction and downtime are critical for reducing stress hormones that affect gastric health.
6. Support the Hindgut
A healthy hindgut helps stabilize the entire digestive system.
Maintain consistent fibre intake
Use yeast, prebiotic, or probiotic supplements when appropriate
Avoid sudden feed or management changes
Monitor manure consistency, coat condition, and attitude for early warning signs.
7. Work With Your Veterinarian
Some performance horses require veterinary treatment or preventative strategies during high-risk periods.
Discuss pharmaceutical options when needed
Schedule regular check-ins if ulcers are suspected
Tailor management to your horse’s discipline, workload, and travel schedule
Pink Mash: A Practical Tool for Performance Horses
At the end of the day, not all fibre feeds are created equal. A fibre mash must be:
Safe to feed in larger quantities
Low in starch and sugar
Highly digestible
Supportive of hydration and gut health
Pink Mash is a soaked, high-fibre mash designed to support:
Gastric health and ulcer-prone horses
Increased water intake during heat and travel
Weight maintenance and condition
Safe calorie intake without excess starch
Soaked fibre mashes like Pink Mash are especially beneficial:
During competition season
In hot climates
When forage intake is inconsistent
For horses with poor appetite or digestive sensitivity
Example Feeding Guidelines
Gastric Ulcers – Underweight Performance Horse
Sensi Care: 2.8 kg/6.2 lb (2 scoops)
Pink Mash Conditioning: 500 g/1.1 lb (2 cups)
± KeyPlus: 500 g/1.1 lb (2 cups)
Gastric Ulcers – Normal Weight Performance Horse
Sensi Care: 2.8 kg/6.2 lb (2 scoops)
Pink Mash: 500 g/1.1 lb (2 cups)
Conclusion
Gastric ulcers are common in performance horses but are also highly manageable with the right combination of forage, fibre, hydration, stress management, and veterinary support. Whether your horse competes in eventing, show jumping, dressage, racing, or western disciplines, maintaining gut health is fundamental to performance, longevity, and welfare.
If you’re unsure whether your current feeding program is meeting your horse’s needs, consult your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist for a tailored approach.
United Kingdom
International Stockists
