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Written by: Jessica Konopinski
Published on: 07/09/2025
Welcome to Part One of the Trust Your Gut series: Recognizing the Signs of Ulcers in Horses.
If you’ve spent any amount of time in the horse world, chances are you’ve heard someone mention ulcers. Maybe it was a friend at the barn. Maybe it was your vet. Or maybe you’ve had a horse of your own struggle with them. The thing is ulcers are incredibly common, yet so many horse owners are still left confused about what they are, how they happen, and what to look out for.
This series is here to break it all down starting with the basics: what gastric ulcers are, what causes them, and how to spot the signs before they turn into something more serious.
Now for the question that comes up again and again. What actually causes gastric ulcers? Unfortunately, there's no single answer, but we do know some of the major contributing factors.
Modern horsekeeping often limits a horse’s natural grazing behavior. Without consistent access to hay or pasture, horses produce excess stomach acid that has nothing to digest causing irritation and, eventually, ulcers. Alfalfa hay, in particular, has shown protective benefits thanks to its higher calcium and protein content, which helps buffer stomach acid.
While horses love their grain, it’s not always their friend. Highly processed feeds can disrupt the gut microbiome and increase acid production. Forage should always be the foundation of a horse’s diet with grain added thoughtfully and only when necessary. Always consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist for a tailored plan.
NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Bute and Banamine can be lifesavers when used appropriately, but overuse or long-term use can irritate the stomach lining. If your horse needs NSAIDs, talk to your vet about buffering strategies to reduce the risk of ulcers.
Competition horses or those in heavy training are at a higher risk for ulcers, not just from the workload, but from fasting before rides, stress from travel, and inconsistent forage availability.
A horse’s day-to-day environment plays a huge role in their gut health. Factors like limited turnout, lack of social interaction, or even dusty, unclean stalls can contribute to stress and inflammation making ulcers more likely.
✅ Reduce ulcer symptoms
✅ Restoring weight on horses who have suffered with ulcers.
✅ Reduce frequency and amount of water passed in horses with FWS
✅ Reduce swelling in the gastrointestinal tract.
So how do you know if your horse has ulcers? The tricky part is that symptoms vary wildly, and many are easy to miss or mistake for something else. Some horses show subtle mood changes. Others may colic repeatedly without warning.
Below are common signs grouped by severity. If you’re noticing any of these, it’s time to call your vet and have a conversation about next steps.
Biting or kicking at the belly
Girthiness or sensitivity while tacking up
Pinning ears
Reluctance to move forward under saddle
Stomping or pawing
Drop in body condition or weight
Muscle loss, especially along the topline or hindquarters
Reduced appetite
Increased time spent lying down
Dull coat
Depressed or withdrawn behavior
Recurrent colic episodes
Performance issues (resistance, refusals, general sourness under saddle)
Drastic changes in personality or willingness to work
If your horse is showing any of the signs above — don’t panic. You’re not alone, and there are many effective treatments and preventative strategies available.
Most importantly, speak with your veterinarian. This guide is meant to give you a solid starting point so you can walk into that conversation informed and confident. Take notes, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your horse’s health.
This is just the first step.
In Part II of the Trust Your Gut Series, we’ll dive into the different types of gastric ulcers and how to treat them based on their location and severity. Stay tuned.
✅ Reduce ulcer symptoms
✅ Restoring weight on horses who have suffered with ulcers.
✅ Reduce frequency and amount of water passed in horses with FWS
✅ Reduce swelling in the gastrointestinal tract.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ's.
Jessica is a brand consultant who brings awareness and intention to equestrian and pet platforms. As a former collegiate equestrian athlete and animal lover, Jessica leads with passion and experience through her writing and brand work for companies who advocate for creating a difference in their space. When she's not riding her horse or walking her dog (with iced coffee in hand), you can find her sharing her love for health and wellness with others and integrating these practices in her everyday work.
