Managing Equine Gastric Ulcers with Bodywork and Nutrition
Written in collaboration with Charlotte Jenkins - Clydes Equine Bodywork
How Does Bodywork and Nutrition Complement Each Other?
Proper Nutrition is vital for all horses' overall health and performance. Nutrition impacts everything from immune systems, bone health and energy levels as well their ability to recover from exercise. Nutrition will be different for all horses based on their age, activity levels, behavioral issues etc. Every horse requires a balanced diet that is tailored to its specific requirements, this is something Statera Equine can offer.
Bodywork is crucial for horses, as it improves circulation, reduces muscle tension and pain, enhances flexibility and range of motion. Bodywork supports overall health and performance. Bodywork has many benefits for your horses overall physical and mental wellbeing. One of the key aspects of bodywork is enhanced nutrition delivery, with increased blood flow it allows for better absorption and utilization of nutrients, bodywork can help identify and address potential nutritional imbalances that could be affecting a horse's health and performance.
Ensuring your horse gets the proper intake of nutrients and regular bodywork (1-2 treatments a month), you will experience a happy, healthy and better performing horse.
What are Gastric Ulcers and What are the Symptoms?
Gastric Ulcers in horses are also known as EGUS, Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. EGUS are sores/defects in the stomach lining caused by damage from stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Ulcers can cause signs of discomfort, sometimes making it difficult to diagnose without an Gastroscopic Examination which looks into the stomach with a camera. Ulcers can produce many different symptoms, it will vary depending on the horse and their environment.
What can cause Gastric Ulcers:
Acid Exposure
Exercise
Diet
Stress
Medications
What are the Symptoms of Gastric Ulcers:
Poor Appetite
Change in Attitude or Behavior
Reluctance to Work
Poor Body Condition or Weight Loss
Poor Coat
How Does Bodywork Help Support Gastric Ulcers?
Bodywork plays a supportive role in managing gastric ulcers by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Here's how:
Stress Reduction: Stress is one of the key factors in the development and exacerbation of gastric ulcers. Bodywork therapists can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Improved Circulation: Bodywork techniques enhance blood flow, which may aid in the healing process by ensuring that the affected area receives an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. This can support tissue repair and reduce inflammation around the stomach lining.
Muscle Relaxation: Tension in the muscles, particularly in the abdomen and back, can exacerbate pain and discomfort associated with gastric ulcers. Bodywork can release tightness in these muscles, providing relief from discomfort and improving overall comfort.
Enhanced Digestion: Bodywork techniques can stimulate the digestive system, encouraging healthy bowel function and better digestion. This may help alleviate symptoms such as bloating or indigestion, which can sometimes accompany gastric ulcers.
Emotional Support: Since emotional well-being is closely linked to gastrointestinal health, bodywork can have a positive effect on mood and mental state. Techniques like deep tissue massage can help release emotional tension, supporting overall gastrointestinal health.
Bodywork is definitely a path owners should take when gastric ulcers are present or symptoms are present, however in conjunction with bodywork treatments medical treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
How Does Nutrition Help Support Gastric Ulcers
Nutrition plays an important part in a horse's everyday function especially when medical/health concerns like Gastric Ulcers.
Forage is Essential for Gut & Muscle Function
Horses are designed to graze continuously, producing saliva that helps buffer stomach acid. Long gaps between meals allow acid to build up, which can contribute to girthiness, reluctance to stretch, and muscle tightness. Ensuring consistent access to hay or pasture is key to gut and muscle relaxation.
Lucerne Hay as a Natural Acid Buffer
Lucerne hay is high in calcium and protein, making it an excellent choice for neutralizing stomach acid and supporting muscle repair and topline development. Feeding a small amount before exercise can help reduce acid splash, especially in horses showing back sensitivity or tightness around the girth.
Fiber-Rich, Low-Starch Diets Reduce Gut & Muscle Inflammation
High-starch feeds (like oats, corn, barley, and many complete feeds!) can increase stomach acid and trigger inflammation, leading to digestive discomfort, a short or choppy stride, and tightness through the shoulders and poll. Instead, fiber-based feeds like beet pulp, soybean hulls, lupins, and well-soaked hay cubes support slow digestion, stabilize gut health, and promote relaxed movement.
Hindgut Fermentation Supports a Calmer, More Supple Horse
When horses eat fiber-based feeds, the slow fermentation process in the hindgut provides a steady energy source while helping maintain a more balanced temperament. Blood sugar fluctuations from high-starch diets can contribute to anxiety, tension, and inconsistent muscle relaxation, making fiber an essential part of both digestive and musculoskeletal health.
Hydration & Stress Management Play a Key Role
Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances and muscle cramping, while stress depletes essential minerals needed for nerve and muscle function. A consistent feeding routine, access to clean water, and adequate turnout help keep both the gut and musculoskeletal system functioning optimally.
Final Thoughts
At the heart of every healthy, high-performing horse is balance—and that’s exactly what this collaboration between Statera Equine and Clydes Equine Bodywork aims to highlight. Nutrition and bodywork are not standalone solutions—they’re powerful partners in promoting long-term wellness and managing complex issues like gastric ulcers.
By combining targeted nutrition that supports gut function and tissue repair with consistent, hands-on bodywork to ease tension, boost circulation, and reduce stress, we can create a more complete, supportive environment for your horse.
Whether your horse is recovering from ulcers, showing subtle signs of discomfort, or you simply want to do everything you can to support their wellbeing, starting with these two pillars—nutrition and bodywork—can make a world of difference.
If you’re ready to take a more informed, proactive, and supportive approach to your horse’s care, reach out to either of us. We’re here to help you understand your horse’s unique needs and give them the best chance to feel—and perform—their very best.
Head over to Clydes Bodywork for more insight into Body Work and how it can help your horse.
