Around 70% of competition horses suffer from stomach ulcers!

At Equimade, we’re deeply concerned about the health of competition horses. Recent studies show that around 70% of competition horses have stomach ulcers due to excessive competition stress.

This alarming statistic highlights a serious issue in equestrian sports. In this post, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for equine gastric ulcer syndrome in high-performance horses.

Why Are Stomach Ulcers So Common in Competition Horses?

The high prevalence of stomach ulcers in competition horses isn’t just a statistic – it’s a wake-up call for the equestrian community. This issue affects horses’ wellbeing and performance significantly. Let’s explore why this problem is so widespread and what it means for our equine athletes.

The Numbers Paint a Clear Picture

Studies have reported that more than 70% of horses in race training have gastric ulcers. This issue isn’t limited to one discipline – from dressage to show jumping, endurance to eventing, stomach ulcers plague horses across the board.

Equine gastric ulcers are a significant health concern in the horse industry, affecting both high-performance and leisure horses. The prevalence of this condition varies depending on the horse’s activity level and lifestyle:

High-Performance Horses: Racehorses and Olympic-level competitors, who engage in intense exercise regimens, show an alarming prevalence of gastric ulcers. Studies indicate that 90-100% of these equine athletes may be affected by this condition.
Pleasure Horses: Even horses not subjected to rigorous training routines are at risk. Research has found that 11-59% of pleasure horses, despite their less demanding lifestyle, also suffer from gastric ulcers.

When we compare these figures to non-competition horses, the difference is striking. The prevalence of gastric ulcers in horses at pasture is significantly lower than in competition horses. This dramatic contrast underscores the impact that intensive management and competition stress have on equine digestive health. These statistics highlight two critical issues:

1. Welfare Concerns: The high prevalence of ESGD across various horse populations underscores the need for improved management practices and preventive measures to ensure equine well-being.

2. Economic Impact: Gastric ulcers can significantly affect a horse’s performance, potentially leading to underachievement in competitive settings. Moreover, the costs associated with diagnosing and treating this condition can be substantial, impacting both individual owners and the broader equestrian industry.

This widespread occurrence of gastric ulcers in horses emphasizes the importance of regular health monitoring, appropriate nutrition, and stress management in equine care practices.

Risk Factors for Competition Horses

Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of ulcers in competition horses:

Intense Training Schedules: High-intensity exercise increases stomach acid production and reduces blood flow to the gut, creating an ideal environment for ulcer formation.
Stress from Travel and Competition: Frequent transportation and the pressure of competitions significantly elevate stress levels, further exacerbating ulcer risk.
Feeding Practices: Many competition horses eat high-grain, low-forage diets, which can increase stomach acidity and reduce the natural buffering effect of saliva.
Limited Grazing Time: Stall confinement and restricted grazing disrupt the horse’s natural eating patterns, leading to prolonged periods of an empty stomach.

Addressing the Issue

Proactive care plays a crucial role in managing this widespread issue. Stress reduction during travel and competition can potentially lower ulcer risk. Additionally, creating a more natural feeding environment, even in stall settings, can help mitigate some of the risk factors.

The Path Forward

Understanding the prevalence and causes of gastric ulcers in competition horses marks the first step in addressing this widespread issue. The unique challenges faced by these equine athletes require a comprehensive approach to prevention and management. In the next section, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of EGUS, helping owners and trainers identify potential issues early on.

Spotting EGUS: Essential Signs for Horse Owners

Physical Red Flags

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) often presents subtle yet significant physical symptoms. Weight loss stands out as a common indicator, even when horses maintain a good appetite. You might observe a dull, rough coat or poor body condition. Some horses exhibit signs of mild, recurrent colic, particularly after meals. Pay attention to excessive salivation or teeth grinding, which can signal discomfort.

Behavioral Changes

Ulcers can dramatically alter a horse’s demeanor. Increased irritability, especially during girthing or grooming around the belly area, serves as a telltale sign. Changes in eating habits (such as leaving grain or picking at hay) often occur. Some horses develop stereotypies like crib-biting or wind-sucking to cope with discomfort. These behaviors sometimes alleviate pain by stimulating saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid.

Performance Issues

For competition horses, EGUS often manifests as a decline in performance. Riders might notice a reluctance to extend or collect, especially in disciplines that require significant abdominal engagement. Decreased stamina, unwillingness to go forward, or sensitivity to leg aids can all point to underlying gastric discomfort.

Variability in Symptoms

It’s important to note that these signs can vary greatly between individuals. Some horses with severe ulcers may show minimal outward symptoms, while others with mild cases might exhibit significant behavioral changes. If you suspect your horse might suffer from EGUS, consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can prevent further complications and help maintain your horse’s wellbeing and competitive edge.

The Role of Professional Diagnosis

While recognizing these signs helps in early detection, a definitive diagnosis requires professional veterinary assessment. Veterinarians typically use gastroscopy to confirm the presence and severity of ulcers. This diagnostic tool proves invaluable in developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your horse’s specific needs.

Fact - What are the key signs of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome?

Understanding these signs marks the first step in addressing EGUS in competition horses. The next section will explore effective prevention and management strategies to keep your equine athlete healthy and performing at their best.

Effective Strategies to Prevent and Manage EGUS

Optimizing Feeding Practices

Feeding practices play a key role in preventing gastric ulcers. Increase forage intake to provide horses with continuous access to high-quality hay or pasture.

Feeding Practices

When managing your horse’s diet, it’s crucial to control sugar and starch intake to maintain optimal health. Here’s a simplified guide to calculating appropriate sugar and starch levels in your horse’s feed, using kilograms:

Let’s look at some general guidelines:

– Per meal: Limit sugar and starch to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight

– Daily total: Cap sugar and starch at 2 grams per kilogram of body weight

Practical Example

Let’s consider a 450-kilogram horse:

– Per Meal Limit: 450 grams of sugar and starch

– Daily Limit: 900 grams of sugar and starch

Calculating sugar and starch from hay, assuming:

– Hay contains 10% sugar and starch

– Horse eats 1.5% of body weight in hay daily

Sugar and starch from hay: 675 grams/day

(450 kg x 1.5% = 6.75 kg hay; 6.75 kg x 10% = 675 grams)

This leaves 225 grams available for grain (900 – 675 = 225).

Grain calculation

If using a grain with 15% combined sugar and starch:

– Each kilogram of grain contains 150 grams of sugar and starch

– Maximum grain allowance: 1.5 kg per day (225 ÷ 150 = 1.5)

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your horse receives a balanced diet without excessive sugar and starch intake, promoting better overall health and reducing the risk of metabolic issues.

By providing forage throughout the day, both the saliva and forage act as a buffer against stomach acid and can decrease the risk of squamous ulcers.

Fact - How does diet impact equine gastric ulcers?

When it comes to grain, less is more. High-grain diets increase acidity in the stomach, so reduce grain intake to lower ulcer risk. If your horse requires additional calories, consider adding fat sources like vegetable oil instead of increasing grain.

Alfalfa hay shows promise in reducing ulcer risk. A study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that horses fed alfalfa hay had a lower incidence of gastric ulcers compared to those fed grass hay. The high calcium and protein content in alfalfa acts as a natural buffer against stomach acid.

Smart Training and Competition Strategies

Modify training and competition schedules to impact ulcer prevention. Increase exercise intensity gradually to allow the horse’s body to adapt without excessive stress. Avoid long periods of fasting before exercise, as this leaves the stomach vulnerable to acid damage.

During competitions, maintain as much of the horse’s regular routine as possible. Familiar feeding times and types of feed can reduce stress and maintain digestive health. Allow for grazing or hay consumption between classes or events if possible.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress contributes significantly to ulcer formation in horses. Implement stress reduction techniques to make a difference. Provide ample turnout time to allow horses to engage in natural behaviors and reduce confinement stress.

Social interaction is essential for equine mental health. Ensure your horse has opportunities to interact with other horses (even if it’s just visual contact). This can greatly reduce stress levels and promote overall wellbeing.

Use calming supplements or pheromone products during high-stress situations like travel or competitions. While research on their effectiveness continues, many horse owners report positive results.

The Role of Medications

While prevention is key, some horses may require medication to manage or prevent ulcers. Work closely with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate treatment plan for your horse.

Innovative Products for Horse Comfort

Consider using specialized products designed to provide comfort and reduce stress during travel and competition to contribute to horse wellbeing and performance optimization.

Final Thoughts

The statistic that a high percentage of competition horses have stomach ulcers due to excessive competition stress highlights a critical issue in equestrian sports. This prevalence of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) among high-performance horses requires immediate attention from the entire equestrian community. We must prioritize proactive care and management to combat this widespread problem effectively.

Fact - How Can We Prevent Equine Ulcers?

Horse owners and trainers must stay vigilant for signs of EGUS, consult with veterinarians regularly, and create an environment that promotes digestive health. This includes implementing strategic feeding practices, modifying training routines, and employing stress reduction techniques. We can dramatically reduce the risk of ulcers in our equine athletes through these measures.

The EasyConnect Travel system by Equimade offers a safer and more comfortable way to secure horses, potentially reducing stress during travel and competition. This innovative solution aligns with our goal of promoting overall equine well-being (and preventing potential injuries). We encourage the equestrian community to embrace such advancements and commit to positive changes in horse care and management.