You hear it more and more often: "My horse probably has stomach ulcers." Whereas stress used to be associated mainly with humans, it now seems that every sport horse (and even recreational horses and foals) can be affected by it. Recent research has also shown that up to 90% of sport horses in training can develop stomach ulcers.
And to be honest, that's not such a strange idea. Horses are built to graze. They eat calmly, consume a lot of fiber, and experience few major peaks in stress or training. In practice, we often ask for exactly the opposite. Less grazing, more stimuli, fixed feeding times, training, and transport.
Stomach ulcers are therefore not just a "stomach problem." They affect well-being, behavior, and performance. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and a clear plan, you can achieve a lot.
To fully understand what stomach ulcers are and how they develop, it is important to realize that the structure and function of their gastrointestinal tract differs from ours and that of large omnivores and carnivores. In relation to body weight, a horse has a relatively small stomach. A 500 kg horse has a stomach capacity of 15 liters, while a 190 kg lion, for example, also has a stomach capacity of 12-15 kg.
A horse's stomach functions primarily as a passageway to the small intestine, rather than as a storage place for large meals. The horse's stomach is designed to process small amounts of roughage throughout the day. In contrast, the stomachs of predators are designed to process large amounts of food at once.
Because the horse's stomach is designed to continuously process small amounts of roughage, it produces stomach acid throughout the day. In many omnivores and carnivores (including humans), the stomach only starts producing stomach acid when food enters the stomach. This is not the case with horses.
In addition, unlike many other animal species, the horse's stomach consists of two clearly distinct zones:
The upper squamous fundus, or non-glandular part of the stomach, consists of a softer, more vulnerable mucous membrane. This part of the stomach is where the initial digestion of mainly starches and sugars takes place. This softer mucous membrane is less well protected against stomach acid.
The lower glandular or colorful part is the part of the stomach that produces stomach acid and other digestive juices. This part is covered with a protective layer of mucus and is designed to cope with an acidic environment. In this part, the pH is low (acidic), but under normal circumstances, protection is present.
Stomach acid is not the enemy. Stomach acid, in combination with other digestive juices, helps digest food, ensures that minerals are converted so they can be absorbed, and also acts as a smart barrier against unwanted bacteria entering the small intestine. That is precisely why it is not advisable to permanently "neutralize" the stomach. Short-term buffering can help relieve irritation and pain, but structural and continuous buffering can disrupt the natural function of the stomach.
In addition to mucus and buffering, another substance plays a key role in protecting the stomach lining: prostaglandins. These are signaling substances that form the "control center" of stomach protection, as it were. Prostaglandins have three crucial functions:
This is particularly important because the horse's stomach (unlike the human stomach) produces acid 24 hours a day. There is no "on/off" switch. That is precisely why prostaglandins are indispensable: they ensure a constant balance between acid production and protection. Without sufficient prostaglandin activity, that balance can quickly be disrupted, increasing the risk of stomach ulcers. This is also why roughage is so important: a good diet with sufficient fiber indirectly supports healthy prostaglandin function and thus the stomach's natural protection system.
EGUS is the collective name for stomach ulcers in horses. Ulcers can occur in different places in the stomach and vary in cause and treatment.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of stomach problems:
The core issue is simple: horses continuously produce stomach acid. Protection comes mainly through two routes: fiber in the stomach and saliva production.
When eating roughage, a horse chews for a long time and a lot. This produces saliva, which has a buffering effect (including sodium bicarbonate). Roughage also remains in the stomach longer than concentrated feed, which means that there is more "mass" in the stomach for longer, helping to dampen and stabilize the acidic environment. This is particularly useful for a stomach that produces acid 24/7.
Stress is a major trigger. Not only "mental" stress, but also stress caused by intensive training, transportation, and changing routines.
During exercise, the dynamics in the stomach also change. Under normal circumstances, the level of stomach contents remains largely below the dividing line. However, during intense exercise, acidic stomach contents can come into contact with the vulnerable upper part more frequently. If this happens on a regular basis, it increases the risk of damage to the stomach wall.
In practice, you often see this in young horses in training, horses that work intensively, or horses that are experiencing periods of increased stress.
Stomach ulcers can manifest themselves in many different ways. Examples include:
Important: symptoms may overlap with other problems (dental problems, worm pressure, saddle pain, hormonal factors). Therefore, always remain critical.
A supplement works best when the foundation is right. In the case of (suspected) stomach ulcers, this is the foundation:
A logical process: acute support, maintaining recovery, maintenance
Horses with stomach ulcers often need more support than just management and dietary adjustments. To facilitate recovery and maintenance in cases of stomach ulcers as effectively as possible, we have developed the Egusin concept. With our three supplements, you can provide your horse with optimal support during every phase of recovery. We work with a clear structure. Not because "more is always better," but because the stomach must also remain physiologically balanced. Buffering for too long and too strongly is not desirable. That is why there is a process with different goals for each phase.
For horses that require immediate stomach support, for example in cases of pain, significant behavioral changes, or refusal to move.
The name Egusin SLH refers to EGUS and the concept of Stomach Lining Healing: supporting the stomach lining in cases of stomach irritation.
Egusin SLH contains strong buffering components that contribute to a normal acid balance and help support the stomach lining in recovering from the effects of stomach acid. In addition, there are (natural) gel-forming components that can help form a protective layer on the stomach lining. It also contains components that contribute to balance in the intestinal flora and thus support digestion.
Give 50 grams per 100 kg body weight per day, divided between morning and evening rations. A horse weighing 500 kg will therefore receive 250 grams per day. Give a maximum of 350 grams per animal per day.
After approximately 4 weeks (two buckets), it is recommended to switch to Egusin 250 to maintain recovery and help prevent the return of symptoms.
Many relapses occur when you stop as soon as things seem to be improving, even though the stomach lining is often still recovering.
Egusin 250 is intended to:
Egusin SLH contains strong buffering components and is intended for use in the acute phase. Buffering for too long can keep the pH high for too long, which is ultimately not optimal for digestion. That is why you switch to Egusin 250 after the acute phase.
Egusin 250 mainly contains components with gel-forming properties, works with fewer buffering components, and can therefore be used for longer periods of time.
Egusin 250 is recommended for as long as necessary, but for a minimum of two months.
Egusin 250 does not contain fenugreek seeds and can therefore also be safely administered to pregnant mares.
Some horses have recurring stomach sensitivity or are simply "stomach-sensitive" in their management, training, or stress levels. Egusin 365 was developed for this purpose.
For horses that require daily care for recurring stomach problems. Can also be used during feed changes or manure water; it contributes to normal stomach function.
Egusin 365 contains polyphenols from grape extract and natural vitamin E, among other ingredients. This helps support horses during the winter months and during training, as horses may have higher requirements when exercising and winter rations are generally lower in vitamin E than fresh pasture grass in the spring.
Polyphenols and Vitamin E are powerful plant-based antioxidants that help horses combat oxidative stress and inflammation and support the immune system and muscles. Horses in training have an increased need for these nutrients to keep their muscles supple and healthy.
For long-term use, to prevent stomach problems: 100 grams daily, divided over two meals.
If you boil it down to its essence, a practical plan looks like this:
Are you unsure which product or step is right for your horse, its training, and its management? Please contact us if you have any questions or need advice. We are happy to help you come up with a plan that suits your situation.
