Gastric ulcers are quite common in horses of any discipline. The highest numbers are found in horses undergoing intensive training, seemingly but complacent steeds, suffer too. Why? To a large part, it is how we manage them. A horse GI tract is designed to handle a slow steady influx of forage, mainly grasses. Many horses eat twice daily in their stalls. This is hard on them as their stomach acid production is not properly buffered. Drugs such as cimetadine, ranitidine and omeprazole are useful to treat and prevent ulcers.

Ideal feeding regimines include 24-hour access to good quality pasture, trace minerals and salt. Since that is not possible year round in Wisconsin nor feasible for the "easy keeper", try some of the following: