We mainly associate equine gastric ulcers (EGUS) with the hot competition season and transport stress. Yet winter is a real testing ground for your horse's digestive system. No grass, confinement to a stable and changes in feed rations create an "explosive mixture"
1. The "empty stomach" trap and the lack of a natural buffer
Research by Dr Nanna Luthersson (2009) forms the foundation of our understanding of winter ulcers. It showed that gaps in access to forage exceeding 6 hours (which unfortunately often happen in winter, when the last hay is given in the evening and the first in the morning) correlate directly with worsening ulceration. Why is this so dangerous? Horses produce stomach acid continuously. Grass, rich in water and natural buffering substances, is almost always available in summer. In winter, your horse relies on hay, and when it runs out, acid damages the unprotected, non-glandular part of the stomach. Why is this so dangerous? Horses produce stomach acid continuously. Grass, rich in water and natural buffering substances, is almost always available in summer. In winter, your horse relies on hay, and when it runs out, acid damages the unprotected, non-glandular part of the stomach.
2. The medication withdrawal trap (Rebound Hyperacidity)
Many owners finish omeprazole treatment just before winter. Research by KER (2023) conducted by Dr Catherine Whitehouse and Dr Joe D. Pagan warns of "rebound hyperacidity" Suddenly stopping proton pump inhibitors in winter, when your horse has no access to buffering grass or enough other hard feed, leads to a sharp rise in gastrin production. The result? A rapid recurrence of ulcers. My advice: Never stop medication "overnight" without appropriate dietary protection!
3. Starch versus Fibre - science supports Spillers
Waltham Equine Science Institute (working with the brand Spillers) conducted a key study on dietary changes. It showed that horses not switched to a high-fibre diet after omeprazole treatment experienced a dramatic worsening of gastric ulcers within just 6 weeks. Horses receiving a low-starch, high-fibre diet maintained healthy stomachs.
That is why at VETfactory we strongly promote products such as:
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Spillers Ulca Fibre - a chaff that extends eating time and mechanically,
by buffering acids, protects the stomach lining.
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Spillers Alfalfa Pro - a chaff made exclusively from the soft parts of alfalfa (without tough
stems), rich in calcium and oil, ideal for horses needing safe energy.
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Spillers Ulca Power Cubes - a low-starch hard feed, ideal for horses
needing energy in winter but with sensitive stomachs.
4. The magic of oils - support from AniVero
In winter, we often want to give horses extra calories "to keep warm". Instead of increasing oats (starch!), choose fats. Experts at Kentucky Equine Reserch emphasise that winter is a time for "risk management". Research suggests that maize oil protects the stomach lining, provides a safe source of energy and also gives a shiny coat. Our range includes AniVero Corn Oil +. It is stabilised and refined, making it the safest choice for a horse prone to ulcers.
How can you get through winter without ulcer problems? See VETfactory's recommendations:
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Unlimited hay: Use small-holed haynets so your horse can nibble hay
all night.
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Chaff with every meal: Add at least 200g of Spillers Ulca Fibre or Spillers
Alfalfa Pro to every meal to slow down hard feed consumption and increase
saliva production.
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Probiotics: Research by KER and Waltham indicates that gastric ulcers
(EGUS) rarely occur alone - they are often accompanied by dysbiosis (a disruption
of the microbial balance) in the large intestine. To address this, use probiotics that,
alongside beneficial bacteria, contain threonine. An excellent choice here is
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Access to water: A horse that does not drink (because the water is too cold) eats less hay, which
leads to ulcers and colic. Try to keep water in the bucket or drinker between
7°C and 18°C
Winter is a time of increased vigilance for us as owners. Remember that prevention is always cheaper and less stressful than treatment. If you need help choosing the right diet for your horses, we are here for you at vetfactory.pl!
Keep warm (and keep your horses warm too)!
