A silent, widespread problem
Equine gastric ulcers — classified under Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) — are among the most common conditions in competition horses. Scientific studies report prevalences of up to 90% in Thoroughbreds in training and between 60% and 80% in sport horses of other disciplines. These are striking numbers, especially considering that many cases go undiagnosed for months or years.
The problem is structural: the horse's stomach produces hydrochloric acid continuously, 24 hours a day, regardless of meals. In nature, constant grazing buffers this acid production. In the modern sport horse — stabled, fed concentrates, trained intensively — the stomach is often empty and the pH drops dangerously.
The main causes
Understanding the causes helps you act on several fronts at once:
- A concentrate-based diet: cereals ferment quickly and lower the gastric pH. Hay fibre, by contrast, buffers the acidity.
- Prolonged periods without food: any feeding gap longer than 4–6 hours exposes the gastric mucosa to acid attack.
- Transport and competition stress: cortisol reduces the production of protective gastric mucus and increases acid secretion.
- High-intensity work: during the gallop the stomach compresses, pushing acid into the upper (non-glandular) areas of the mucosa.
- NSAIDs and medications: prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs compromises the protective barrier of the mucosa.
- Insufficient water: dehydration concentrates the gastric juices and reduces the buffering capacity.
Recognising the symptoms: the checklist
The signs of gastric ulcers are often subtle and easily confused with behavioural or musculoskeletal problems. Here is what to watch for:
- Reduced appetite or selective refusal of food, especially concentrates
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) during or after the meal
- A dull, less reactive attitude, “off” compared to usual
- Progressive weight loss despite adequate feeding
- A dull coat that does not respond to topical treatments
- Recurrent colic, often mild but frequent
- Resistance to work, especially at the gallop or over fences
- Sensitivity to pressure on the left flank, the stomach area
- Increased salivation or licking behaviour
Prevention through diet
The first line of defence is dietary. The most effective strategies:
- Hay always available: ideally free access. If that is not possible, frequent meals and never gaps longer than 4 hours.
- Reduce concentrates: every kg less of starch is a step towards a more stable gastric pH. Supplement with fats and fibre to maintain energy.
- Hay before training: at least 500g of hay 30 minutes before work to create a physical buffering “raft” in the lower part of the stomach.
- Fresh water always available: hydration maintains the protective gastric mucus.
- Small, frequent meals: 4–5 meals a day are much better than 2 large feedings.
The role of Equilibrium in natural prevention
Equilibrium is Miraclay's answer to the need for natural gastric support for the sport horse. The formulation combines Nocera Umbra clay with plant-based active ingredients selected for their ability to support the gastric mucosa and restore the correct pH balance.
The clay, taken orally, acts mechanically as a physical shield over the surface of the gastric mucosa, absorbing excess acidity and releasing alkaline minerals. This direct protective mechanism is different from, and complementary to, proton pump inhibitors: it does not block acid production (which has important physiological functions), but neutralises the excess.
Equilibrium is given as granules mixed into the feed, which makes it easy to integrate into the daily routine without stress for the horse. It is particularly suited to competition weeks, long transports and periods of dietary transition.
“I introduced Equilibrium two months before the main season. My horse regained his appetite, his coat became glossy again and the night-time colic — which had become almost weekly — disappeared.” — Federica M., amateur rider
Veterinary note
Miraclay products, including Equilibrium, are natural feed supplements and are not veterinary medicines. They do not replace veterinary diagnosis or the pharmacological treatments prescribed (such as the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole) in cases of already diagnosed gastric ulcer. For any clinical suspicion, always turn to your trusted veterinarian.