14/10/2025
A factor that contributes towards gastric ulcers:
// Friday Fact - Grazing //
Horses have evolved to eat little and often, around 13 hours per day. Grazing activity peaks at certain times of day, primarily early morning (5 – 8am) and mid-afternoon (approximately 4 – 6pm).
Domesticated horses still display the same tendency to eat in bouts, throughout the 24-hour period. Whether they are often grazed in areas with plentiful forage or stabled with all of their nutritional requirements fulfilled in the form of forage and concentrates. Studies have shown that horses will not voluntarily fast for periods greater than 3 to 4 hours.
As food passes through the digestive system, digestion takes place in several locations with the help of various digestive enzymes. In the equine stomach, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is being released throughout the day to assist in the digestion of stomach contents. If a horse does not ingest food, the accumulating hydrochloric acid can cause damage to the sensitive lining of the stomach, resulting in ulceration.
This is rarely a problem in the grazing horse because of their tendency to graze throughout much of the day and night. In the stabled horse, however, if the available forage is eaten by the horse many hours before the next feed is due to be given, the accumulation of HCl is likely to cause problems. Studies have shown high levels of gastric ulceration in stabled horses. One study found that 82% of racehorses in training had gastric ulceration.
This is an excerpt from the Unit NAT10872001 Develop a plan for horse training based on equitation science principles which forms part of 10872NAT Diploma of Equitation Science. Visit our website to learn about our next enrolment period: https://esi-education.com/shop/
