Gastric Health for Horses
Gastric disorders are among the most common digestive conditions affecting horses, particularly sports and racehorses exposed to stress, intensive training, and transportation. They may be promoted by the mismatch between continuous gastric acid secretion and feeding practices that are sometimes irregular or unsuitable. Maintaining a balanced gastric environment therefore plays a key role in the animal’s comfort, health, and performance. To address these challenges, Terresis Agriculture has developed a dedicated solution designed to support gastric balance and digestive well-being in horses.
Gastric ulcers: a common issue in horses
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is widespread within the equine population. It is characterized by lesions of the gastric mucosa resulting from excessive exposure to stomach acid secretions.
Several factors contribute to the development of gastric ulcers:
- Prolonged fasting periods;
- Diets high in concentrates;
- Insufficient forage intake;
- Stress related to transportation or the environment;
- Intensive training and competition;
During exercise, repeated stomach movements can cause acid to splash onto the more sensitive areas of the gastric mucosa, increasing the risk of irritation and lesions.
Provide a suitable diet with regular access to forage and, whenever possible, avoid prolonged fasting periods. Careful management of stress and training conditions also helps preserve your horse’s digestive comfort.
What are the signs of gastric discomfort?
Gastric ulcers can manifest very differently from one horse to another. Some horses show obvious signs, while others develop more subtle symptoms.
Among the most observed signs are:
- Reduced appetite;
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining body condition;
- Decreased athletic performance;
- Reluctance to work;
- Sensitivity when girthing;
- Behavioral changes;
- Nervousness or irritability;
- Discomfort after meals;
- Dull coat or overall poor condition.
However, these signs are non-specific and cannot, on their own, confirm the presence of gastric ulcers. If gastric ulcers are suspected, appropriate veterinary care is essential. It is recommended to consult your veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis and implement a management plan tailored to your horse’s needs.
Why consider magnesium?
Beyond its essential role in energy metabolism, muscle function, and nerve transmission, magnesium is also of particular interest for gastric comfort.
Certain magnesium sources possess buffering properties that may help neutralize excess gastric acidity. This ability can contribute to maintaining a more favorable gastric environment, particularly in horses exposed to high-risk factors.
Magnesium also plays a role in managing physiological stress, a factor often involved in the onset or worsening of digestive disorders.
The value of targeted supplementation
For horses exposed to the demands of training, transportation, or competition, appropriate supplementation can provide an additional nutritional strategy to support gastric comfort.
Combining several complementary magnesium sources allows:
- Rapid acid-neutralizing action;
- A longer-lasting effect over time;
- A readily available source of magnesium for the body.
This approach aims to support the protection of gastric mucosa while promoting the horse’s overall well-being.
Our solution for your horses’ gastric comfort
Gastrimag by TIMRIDE-UP® has been developed to meet the specific needs of horses with digestive sensitivities. Its formulation is based on a combination of carefully selected magnesium sources chosen for their complementary properties.
This technology acts on several levels:
- Helping reduce the impact of gastric acidity;
- Supporting daily digestive comfort;
- Providing high-quality magnesium involved in numerous physiological functions;
- Supporting horses during high-risk periods (training, competition, transport, stress).
When integrated into a comprehensive management strategy that includes an appropriate diet, sufficient forage intake, and stress management, magnesium is now considered a valuable ally in preserving gastric health and supporting a horse’s performance potential.