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Written by: Jessica Konopinski
Published on: 07/15/2025
Congratulations! You’ve made it to Part Three of the ‘Trust Your Gut’ series: Strategies to Prevent Ulcers in Horses. If you’ve followed along from the beginning, we’ve already unpacked what ulcers are, the signs to look out for, and the most effective treatment options. Now, we finally get to talk about prevention — arguably the most empowering part of this journey.
Let’s be real: equine gastric ulcers are stressful. They’re complex, expensive to treat, and emotionally taxing when you see your horse in discomfort. But here’s the good news. Once you’ve been through the experience, you gain valuable insight that can help you return to the foundations of horse care. Prevention isn’t about reinventing the wheel, but rather simplifying routines and being proactive about gut health.
So grab a notebook, because throughout this article we’ll be dropping actionable tips and golden nuggets that you can start implementing today. Let’s build a prevention plan that works for you and your horse.
The first rule of ulcer prevention: Don’t overcomplicate things. When a horse is dealing with ulcers, the last thing you want is to add stress, especially through drastic diet changes or overwhelming supplement protocols.
The foundation of any healthy diet, especially for ulcer-prone horses, is forage. Research continues to show that a forage-first approach supports not just digestion but also overall wellness.[1][2]
Here are some important questions to ask:
How much pasture turnout does your horse get daily?
Is their hay clean—free from mold, dust, and allergens?
Can your horse tolerate alfalfa? If so, its higher protein and calcium content can naturally help buffer stomach acid.
Make forage available 24/7 whenever possible, as horses are designed to graze continuously. Even soaking hay can reduce irritation and promote better digestion for sensitive horses.
If there’s one thing that helps both physically and emotionally, it’s ample turnout. Nothing supports a horse’s gut and mental health quite like natural grazing, movement, and interaction with other horses.
Of course, not every situation allows for unlimited turnout. Weather, barn policies, or medical conditions may limit outdoor time. In those cases, hand grazing, even for 15-20 minutes at a time, can make a meaningful difference. Make it a mindful ritual for you and your horse.
Consistent movement helps regulate digestion, reduce stress hormones, and encourages more saliva production, which plays a huge role in buffering stomach acid.
✅ 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.
While modern medicine has a rightful place in treating and preventing ulcers, don’t underestimate the power of natural, holistic care.
Start with a clean, forage-based diet and add support from high-quality supplements. If your horse is in heavy work, travels frequently, or is just a more anxious type, a daily supplement can help maintain stomach lining integrity and reduce inflammation before it escalates.
Camelina Plus serves as a great option since its ingredients include:
Cold-pressed camelina meal
Organic alfalfa meal
Turmeric, ginger, licorice root, and black pepper
Each ingredient is intentionally selected to reduce gut inflammation, support immune health, and encourage healing from the inside out.
Other natural remedies often used for ulcer prevention include:
Aloe vera juice
Papaya puree
Chia seeds
Marshmallow root
That said, always consult your vet before adding anything new to your horse’s regimen, especially if they are already on medication.
Stress is one of the biggest triggers for equine gastric ulcers and unfortunately, some horses are just more prone to it. Whether it’s show travel, change in routine, loss of a pasture buddy, or even a simple move to a new stall, stress can wreak havoc on the digestive system.
To stay ahead of the game:
Anticipate stressful events like shows, clinic weekends, or transport.
Use prophylactic treatment, often recommended by vets, such as omeprazole or sucralfate leading up to and during these high-stress periods.[4]
Monitor your horse's behavior closely. Even subtle signs like ear pinning, reluctance to work, or changes in appetite can signal gut irritation.
Ask your vet about preventative protocols specific to your horse’s lifestyle. There are also several combination products that include both traditional medications and natural anti-inflammatory compounds for long-term support.
The most powerful thing you can do as a horse owner? Get informed. Stay curious.
Be proactive.
The entire purpose of the ‘Trust Your Gut’ series is to empower you to ask questions, seek better answers, and advocate for your horse’s wellbeing. You don’t need to be a vet. You just need to care enough to learn, adapt, and trust your instincts.
Still unsure about something? That’s normal. Reread the series, jot down questions, and bring them to your vet or an equine nutritionist. No question is too small when it comes to your horse’s health.
Want to learn how Camelina Plus can benefit your horse's gut health naturally? Read more here.
✅ 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.
