A horse's stomach plays a central role in overall vitality and performance. As a sensitive organ, it is not only responsible for digestion but also for the animal's well-being. A disturbed stomach function can quickly lead to problems such as gastric ulcers, colic, or reduced performance. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your horse's stomach vital.

The special features of the horse's stomach

1. Small stomach, big demand:
   Compared to its body size, a horse's stomach is relatively small and holds only about 8 to 15 liters. It is designed to constantly digest smaller amounts of food. Therefore, the horse should be able to eat continuously throughout the day.

2. Continuous acid production:
   The horse's stomach continuously produces gastric acid, regardless of whether the animal is eating or not. Without enough food as a "buffer," the acid can attack the sensitive stomach lining and lead to problems such as gastric ulcers.

3. Two-part structure:
   The horse's stomach is divided into two zones:

• Glandular area: Produces mucus that can protect the stomach lining from acid.

• Non-glandular area: Less protected and particularly susceptible to gastric ulcers.

Why well-being in the horse's stomach is so important

A vital stomach in the horse is the foundation for:

• Efficient digestion: Only a functioning stomach can process food so that nutrients can be optimally absorbed in the intestine.

• Performance: Horses with stomach pain or digestive problems often show reduced performance and are less resilient.

• Well-being: Stomach pain or an inadequate feeding rhythm can trigger stress, which negatively affects your horse's behavior.

• Prevention of diseases: Problems like colic or gastric ulcers can be prevented through good stomach function.

Common problems with the horse's stomach

1. Gastric ulcers:
   Gastric ulcers frequently occur especially in sport horses, as stress, irregular feeding, and a high concentration of concentrated feed strain the horse's stomach.

2. Colic:
   Gastrointestinal colic is one of the most common emergencies in horses. It can be caused by improper feeding, stress, or insufficient chewing of food.

3. Acid reflux:
   An imbalanced acid balance can lead to acid reflux, causing inflammation in the esophagus and pain.

Tips for a Healthy Stomach in Horses

1. Regular Feeding

• Horses should have continuous access to roughage like hay throughout the day to bind stomach acid.

• Long feeding breaks of more than four hours should be avoided.

2. High-Quality Feed

• Rely on fibrous feed such as hay and grass.

• Supplement the diet with products that can protect the horse's stomach and support digestion, e.g. Happy Horse Rice & Sport or Gastro-Balance Products.

3. Avoid Stress

• A calm environment, sufficient exercise, and social contacts not only promote well-being but also reduce stress, which can burden the horse's stomach.

4. Use Concentrated Feed Moderately

• Reduce concentrated feed and divide it into several small portions to avoid overloading the stomach.

• Make sure that feeding concentrated feed is always combined with enough hay.

5. Support through Supplementary Feed

Products like Happy Horse Gastro-Liquid or special stomach pellets can help protect the stomach lining and balance acid production.

Conclusion: The Key to Well-being

Your horse's stomach is a sensitive but crucial organ for health, performance, and well-being. With thoughtful feeding, low-stress management, and targeted support, you can ensure your horse maintains a good and efficient stomach. This lays the foundation for a happy and vital horse life.