Key Points Details Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) A condition akin to a "thrifty" gene in horses, common in breeds like ponies, Arabians, and Mustangs, involving insulin resistance similar to Type 2 diabetes in humans. Early Warning Signs Includes obesity and abnormal fat deposits, laminitis, increased thirst and urination, loss of muscle mass, appetite changes, and reproduction issues. Diagnosing EMS Involves physical examination for obesity and fat deposits, and laboratory tests for insulin and glucose levels. Managing and Preventing EMS Strategies include dietary adjustments, exercise, and possible medication under vet guidance. Reducing starches/sugars and managing pasture access are part of the diet plan. Conclusion Early recognition of EMS allows for effective management with the help of veterinary assessments and personalized care to ensure equine well-being. Identifying Early Warning Signs of Equine Metabolic Syndrome: A Horse Owner's ExperienceHorses are magnificent creatures, known for their grace and strength. As a horse owner, one of your primary responsibilities is to ensure your equine friend remains healthy and happy. However, being vigilant about the small signs of potential health issues is just as important. One such concern that needs attention is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).In this article, we'll explore the early warning signs of EMS, offering insights and management strategies to keep your horse healthy. Let's gallop through the essential knowledge every horse owner should have.Understanding Equine Metabolic SyndromeEMS is akin to having a super-efficient economy in the equine world. Horses affected by EMS tend to gain weight even on minimal diets, leading to obesity and other health issues. It's often referred to as having a "thrifty" gene.This condition is prevalent among breeds like ponies, Arabians, and Mustangs, yet it can also affect other horses. Similar to Type 2 diabetes in humans, EMS involves insulin resistance, where a horse's body doesn't respond well to insulin, resulting in elevated blood insulin levels [2].Early Warning Signs of EMSRecognizing the early signs of EMS can be a game-changer. Heres what you should look for:Obesity and Fat DepositsHorses with EMS often exhibit a high body condition score, typically over 6 out of 9. They may have abnormal fat deposits, commonly observed in the neck, over the ribs, and at the tailhead. Unique deposits can also be seen in geldings (in the sheath) and mares (around the mammary glands) [3].LaminitisLaminitis is a frequent complication of EMS, characterized by painful inflammation of the laminae in the hooves. Look for subtle changes like a wider white line or slighlty dished hooves. High-carb feeds or lush pastures can trigger this condition [1].Other Clinical SignsLook for increased thirst and urination, loss of muscle mass, appetite changes, and reduced exercise tolerance. Infertility or erratic reproductive cycles may also be indicators [4].Diagnosing EMSDiagnosing EMS involves a combination of physical examination and laboratory tests. Here's how you can do it:Physical ExaminationAn examination will involve checking for signs of obesity and unusual fat deposits. The body's condition score and history of laminitis are crucial factors.Laboratory TestsTests would typically measure baseline insulin and glucose levels. Methods may include fasting, or conducting a glucose challenge test like the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Additional tests might be necessary to exclude similar conditions like Cushing's disease [2].Managing and Preventing EMSEarly diagnosis is followed by a personalized management plan. Here's how one can manage and prevent EMS:Dietary ChangesReducing starches and sugars in your horse's diet can accurately limit insulin spikes. Consider reducing access to lush pastures and incorporating low-carb hay and supplements [4]. Our Equestrian Supplements may also help balance nutritional needs.ExerciseEngage your horse in gradually increased physical activities. Regular exercise assists in managing weight and enhancing insulin sensitivity [2]. Consider our Jodhpur Collection for comfortable rides!MedicationSome cases may require medication to regulate insulin levels efficiently. This should always be in consultation with your vet.ConclusionAt the end of the pasture, recognizing the signs of Equine Metabolic Syndrome early allows for timely and effective management. Understanding the symptoms, obtaining a proper diagnosis, and implementing appropriate strategies make a huge difference in your horse's stable health and well-being. Regular veterinary assessments and consultation with equine nutritionists provide tailored advice to meet specific needs.Own a horse? Love horses? Don't trot another mile without considering your equine companion's health! Browse through our collections of riding boots, gloves, and even delightful gifts for your treasured friend!

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Working horse and donkey charity Brooke asked Senegal to take a stand against the donkey skin trade by hosting an event at the British Embassy in Dakar last month.Members of the Brooke in West Africa team attended the event alongside journalists, activists and animal welfare advocates who pledged their commitment to ending the slaughter of donkeys for their skins.The demand for donkey skin has grown alarmingly in recent years due to the popularity of ejiao, a gelatin product used in traditional Chinese medicine and commonly found in cosmetics, which is obtained from boiling donkey skin.In 2021, the Ejiao Act was reintroduced in the House of Representatives to ban the sale and trade of ejiao in the US, which Brooke USA is lobbying to be implemented.Animal welfare groups including Brooke USA Foundation gathered outside Amazons headquarters in Virginia last October to deliver a petition of over 370,000 signatures to protest its sales of donkey skin products.In February 2024, thanks to lobbying from Brooke and other animal welfare organisations,the African Union banned the donkey skin trade across their continent.Honouring Brooke at 90The event at the British Embassy in Dakar,which took place on Thursday 30 January, also commemorated Brookes 90thanniversary and celebrated the charitys founder Dorothy Brooke.Dorothy Brooke is an inspiration to us all,saidBrooke West Africas director, Emmanuel Sarr,She reminds us that each of us can play a role in building a fairer world for the animals who share our daily lives.Let us remember Brooke and Dorothy Brooke and renew our commitment to the causes that were so dear to her.It is recognising that this fight is far from over in tackling the devastating donkey skin trade.Brooke is the worlds largest working equine welfare organisation and improves the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules across Africa, Asia and Latin America.Image Brooke.Further readingThis is what a horses ear positions tell you about how theyre feelingHow to take care of a horseHow to tell if a horse is happyHorse owners guide to equine health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Charity asks Senegal totake a stand against the donkey skin trade appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details Eco-Friendly Movement Equestrian world shifts towards sustainability with eco-friendly horse rugs. Eco-Friendly Rug Benefits Made from recycled materials, maintain durability and comfort, environmental impact reduction. Leading Brands Horseware Ireland, Weatherbeta, and Bucas offer eco-friendly rug options. Standout Products Amigo Hero Revive rug by Horseware crafted from leftover materials. Material Considerations Opt for recycled or organic materials like bamboo or cotton. Fit and Functionality Ensure a well-fitting rug, consider detachable neck covers and versatile liner systems. Arena Footing Use eco-friendly materials like hemp for better traction and comfort. Water Conservation Implement water-saving measures, use repurposed materials for arena footing, collect rainwater. Mud and Erosion Management Use products like PaveCore or BaseCore GeoCell to manage mud and minimize environmental impacts. Conclusion Choosing eco-friendly horse rugs supports sustainable equine care, advocates eco-conscious lifestyle. Navigating the World of Eco-Friendly Horse Rugs: How to Make Sustainable Choices for Your Equine Companion The rising tide of sustainability has not left the equestrian world behind. As more horse enthusiasts become aware of their ecological footprint, they seek ways to make environmentally friendly choices for their equine companions. One such trend is the adoption of eco-friendly horse rugs, which serve as a sustainable alternative while ensuring comfort and protection. Why Shift to Eco-Friendly Horse Rugs? Choosing eco-friendly rugs certainly makes an impactful environmental statement. Such rugs are often crafted from recycled materials, like plastic bottles and organic fibers. These alternatives maintain durability and comfort, rivaling traditional options. Leading Brands in Eco-Friendly Horse Rugs Various brands spearhead this sustainable shift. For instance, Horseware Ireland's Eco Collection boasts products made from recycled plastic bottles and sustainable cotton. Standout Products The Amigo Hero Revive rug by Horseware offers another excellent eco-friendly option, crafted from leftover materials to minimize waste. Such products not only protect your horse but also the planet. Benefits of Eco-Friendly Horse Rugs Beyond environmental benefits, these rugs offer durability and superior comfort. Eco-friendly materials often result in lightweight yet warm products that enhance the riding experience. Choosing the Right Eco-Friendly Rug Material Considerations When selecting a rug, ensure it is composed of recycled or organic materials like bamboo or cotton. Brands like Weatherbeta and Bucas offer such options. Fit and Functionality A well-fitting rug is essential to prevent discomfort. Consider models with detachable neck covers and versatile liner systems. Beyond Rugs: Additional Sustainable Practices Arena Footing Consider eco-friendly arena footing materials like hemp, which are not only sustainable but also provide better traction and comfort. Water Conservation Implementing water-saving measures such as using repurposed materials for arena footing or collecting rainwater can save resources. Mud and Erosion Management Products like PaveCore or BaseCore GeoCell help efficiently manage mud, minimizing frequent repairs and environmental impacts. Conclusion Eco-friendly horse rugs symbolize a significant move towards sustainable equine care. By choosing these products, you advocate for an eco-conscious lifestyle that benefits both the environment and your horse. As demand grows, expect more options from brands aiming to cater to conscious consumers. The future of equestrianism is green, and it starts with choices you make today.

Spring has sprung at Gransha Equestrian! It's the perfect time to saddle up on our beautiful horses. Our March lessons are now open for booking on our website and mobile app. Whether you're a novice or an experienced rider, our team of dedicated instructors is here to help you reach your equestrian goals. Plus, our friendly community of riders is always welcoming and ready to make new friends. So what are you waiting for? New Riders must fill out our Rider Registration Form and we'll see you soon!

These days, we have many options when it comes to treating our horses if they are in pain. Of course, its always good to see your vet and get a full evaluation, but many horse owners have found that also including alternative therapies can really make a difference in your horses care. Learn about five of the most popular therapies and when they may benefit your horse.Table of ContentsToggleBodyworkMassageChiropracticAcupuncturePEMFExpert ResourcesKey TakeawayBodyworkMassage may be considered part of bodywork, but not all bodywork is massage.Bodywork is more of a broad term incorporating a lot of different modalities, like stretching, acupressure, myofascial release, manipulative therapy, breath work, or energy medicine, explains Meghan Brady, a certified Masterson Method practitioner for equinebodywork, among many other therapies, based in Virginia.Meghan Brady is a certified Masterson Method practitioner for equine bodywork based in Virginia. Photo by KTB Creative GroupBodywork techniques also aim to assess or improve posture, promote awareness of the body-mind connection (an approach that sees the body and mind as a single integrated unit), or to manipulate the electromagnetic field alleged to surround the body and affect health, says Brady.Because of the wide range of techniques, the list of benefits is lengthy. These include relaxation and stress reduction, improved posture, activating under-used muscles and deactivating over-used muscles, increasing joint flexibility and range of motion, encouraging faster healing, improving blood and lymph fluid circulation, strengthening the immune system, and more.Brady performs bodywork on a client horse. Photo by KTB Creative GroupSara Hassler, a client of Bradys, has seen a vast improvement in her barn full of horses.Meghan has worked on my horses for the past few years and has made a tremendous difference both in their training as well as day-to-day demeanor, she says. The horses have an overall sense of peace and relaxation as she works on them, and their minds and bodies feel ready for action! They consistently feel softer and more elastic through their bodies after a session, and the feeling lasts a long time.Brady adds that bodyworkers dont treat injuries or ailments, and all horses should see a vet before being started on bodywork.MassageMost of us are familiar with massage therapy. A therapist uses different pressures to manipulate muscles, tendons and ligaments. Its known to help relieve stress, tension, tightness and soreness. Leda Mox, a certified equine sports massage therapist and owner of Armstrong Equine Massage LLC in Minnesota has been using massage on horses for over 25 years with great results as a treatment, but also as a preventative.There are many reasons why your horse would need a massage, she says. The first and most important reason is to prevent injuries. She adds that massage also helps increase blood flow, boost the immune system, increase range of motion, improve flexibility, and assist with pain management.Leda Mox is a certified equine sports massage therapist who finds that injury prevention is a top reason to use this therapy for your horse. Photo by HarrissMikayla Tibbetts, a client of Mox, found massage a blessing for her horse Moseby, an off-track Thoroughbred.He came to me lacking muscle, strength and balance, and was sore in multiple areas, she says. Since his massages, he has become so much happier in his work. As hes developed muscle, Leda has helped identify his sore spots and given me new stretches to target those areas. After his massage, he picks up his canter leads so much easier.ChiropracticChiropractic adjustmentthe manipulation of bones and jointshave become almost mainstream as a human treatment, and is rapidly gaining popularity with horses as well.Anne Marie Ray, DVM, is a veterinarian at Ridgefield Equine Clinic in Washington state who also practices chiropractic care.In simple terms, chiropractic care is to adjust the chiropractic subluxations affecting the nervous system to allow the body to heal itself, she explains. I like to think of it as a tool in our toolbox for treatment for a variety of issues. It may be used complementary to other treatment options to ensure the best care for our patients.Anne Marie Ray, DVM, is a veterinarian at Ridgefield Equine Clinic in Washington state who also practices chiropractic care. Photo by Dr. Meg BrintonHer favorite patient story happened while she was in chiropractic school during a hands-on lab class where the students, including her, were supposed to be palpating the cervical vertebrae on a horses spine.It was cold and windy that day, and the horse we were trying to work on appeared anxious, uncomfortable, and did not want to stand to allow us to palpate him, she says. Our professor asked the owner if she could adjust the horse, and after adjusting the horses neck, he took a deep breath and stood perfectly for the rest of the afternoon. Ill never forget that moment, because it showed me that chiropractic care has a place in veterinary medicine, and that we need to keep an open mind about modalities that will keep our patients healthy.Ray says that while most horse owners come to her after an injury or an issue such as lameness, back pain, or a change in behavior, she says it works best as way of decreasing the chance of these problems occurring.AcupunctureAcupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that uses thin metallic needles inserted into the skin at very precise locations. These are then moved gently and specifically to stimulate tissue, muscles and nerves.Linda Cimetti, DVM, is a veterinarian at South Shore Equine Clinic & Diagnostic Center in Massachusetts who is also certified in equine acupuncture. She says most of her acupuncture patients are suffering from musculoskeletal injuries, although she also helps horses that have routine pains from training and showing. I see a lot of clinically sound horses get that last 10 to 15 percent of performance that you cant achieve without alternative medicine, says Cimetti. A lot of horses in training have sub-clinical neck, back, or hip pain, as well as joint pain that can be identified and addressed with regular acupuncture treatmentsbefore it develops into a clinical unsoundness.Dr. Cimetti says that acupuncture can get the last 10 to 15% improvement in performance that alternative medicine provides. Photo by Melissa RuscioCimetti helped the owners of Equinox Bossanova, a Morgan stallion, find the cause of his lameness using acupuncture when no other vets had been successful. She found his stifle acupoints to be very reactive.After the treatment he was better, but not 100 percent sound, so Cimetti combined acupuncture with stifle joint injections.We got the horses stifles injected and he was fixed, says his owner, Christine Nava- Moulthrop of Timber Hill Stables in Kingston, Mass. It took Lindas non-traditional methods to find the problem. If it wasnt for her, Id still be trying to figure out what was wrong.Boss went on to a successful show career and was inducted into the American Morgan Show Horse Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Connecticut Morgan Show Horse Hall of Fame in 2023.If youre interested in alternative therapies for your horse, its always good to start by discussing it with your vet to see which type they think might work best for your particular situation.PEMFPEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field. Each of the cells in your horses body has an electric charge; when the charge gets low, the cells cannot heal and are dysfunctional. PEMF technology uses a pulsing electromagnetic charge to stimulate cells and essentially recharge them, allowing for tissue healing and reducing inflammation and pain.Amy Perez, owner/trainer of Stellar Equine Solutions LLC in Washington state, is certified in PEMF therapy and helps people, horses and small animals with PEMF treatments.I firmly believe there is not one injury or ailment that doesnt benefit from PEMF, she says. From sore muscles to broken bones, arthritis, Cushings, navicular, or just daily maintenance for our hard-working horses, PEMF can help it all.She has seen many horses have incredible reactions to treatments.I have treated a horse with a broken leg through a cast, [which] helped speed up the healing process and the horse fully recovered. I have treated horses that could barely walk due to a Cushings flare-up, and by the end of the session, they trotted off in their pasture. Every horse starts to get a soft eye, begins yawning, and lets out a huge sigh of relaxation during treatment. Most of their owners reactions start with a wow and end with I am so glad to see my horse happy again.The main benefit for PEMF with horses would be pain relief, Perez continues. PEMF oxygenates the blood cells to promote healing in the body. The body naturally heals itself, but sometimes it cant get back to complete repair without help. PEMF does just thatit helps the body heal itself.Summer Crosby has seen incredible results.My horse, Shooter, receivesPEMFtherapy on a regular schedule from Amy Perez, she says. Shooter has had ongoing issues in his right shoulder for some time: soreness, short striding and frequent lameness. After a year of vet visits and no real diagnosis, it was suggested to start Shooter onPEMFtherapy. The changes Ive seen following his treatments have been nothing short of amazing. Shooter has received both chiropractic and massage therapy, and thePEMFhas helped him achieve even greater progress. We have been able to continue competing on a regular basis.Expert Resources Amy Perez:facebook.com/stellarequinesolutions Anne Marie Ray, DVM: ridgefieldequine.com Leda Mox: armstrongequinemassage.com Meghan Brady:meghanbrady.us Linda Cimetti, DVM:ssequineclinic.comKey TakeawayTherapies outside the standard western medical options are continuing to gain steam as horse owners discover their complementary benefits to equine health and soundness. You may find that trying out these alternative therapies in your horses care routine may do wonders for his health.This article about alternative therapies for horse care appeared in the August 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Horse Care: Alternative Therapies appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Section Key Points Understanding Equine Grief - Horses form deep social bonds and show distress when a companion is lost. - Behavioral changes and anecdotal evidence indicate they experience grief. Signs of Grief in Horses - Anxiety and stress: Increased anxiety and changes in appetite and social interactions. - Social withdrawal: Evidence of withdrawing from activities. - Searching behavior: Confusion or separation anxiety if the body is removed too quickly. Supporting a Bereaved Mare - Allow Her to Process the Loss: Exposure to the body helps minimize anxiety. Provide time and space. - Maintain a Consistent Routine: Stability through routine and encourage social interaction. - Provide Emotional Support: Spend quality time, offer gentle interaction, consider professional help if needed. - Environmental Enrichment: Access to natural environment and mental stimulation. Conclusion - Empathy, patience, and understanding are key to supporting a grieving mare. - Tailor your approach to her specific needs for better support. Coping with Grief: Supporting a Bereaved Mare During Difficult Times When a beloved companion is lost, its not just humans who feel the weight of grief. Horses, particularly mares, can strongly experience this sorrow too. Understanding how to support a bereaved mare is essential for her emotional and physical health. In this article, we'll explore the nuances of equine grief and provide comprehensive guidance on comforting a grieving mare. Understanding Equine Grief Horses form deep social bonds within their groups, and when a member passes away, the surviving horses may show signs of distress. The concept of equine grief is observed through changes in behavior and emotional responses. Though it's challenging to quantify these emotions, anecdotal evidence supports the idea that they indeed experience something akin to grief. Signs of Grief in Horses Several behavioral changes may signify grief in horses. Anxiety and Stress: A grieving horse might display increased anxiety, loss of appetite, or altered interactions with peers. Social Withdrawal: For some, withdrawal from social activities becomes evident. Searching Behavior: Horses may engage in searching behavior if their deceased companions body is removed too quickly, signifying confusion or separation anxiety. Supporting a Bereaved Mare Help a grieving mare through empathetic and informed strategies. Here's what you can do: 1. Allow Her to Process the Loss Exposure to the Body: If feasible, allow her to see her companion's body to help her understand the loss, minimizing anxiety. Time and Space: Provide her a quiet space to process her emotions. Each mare is unique; some might need company, while others prefer solitude. 2. Maintain a Consistent Routine Strive to maintain stability and familiarity through a consistent daily routine. Routine can comfort and reduce stress. Social Interaction: Encourage her to interact with other horses. Such social support can be quite beneficial. 3. Provide Emotional Support Spending quality time with her offers comfort. Gentle interaction and physical contact are often soothing. For significant distress, contacting an equine behaviorist or veterinarian for professional advice is advisable. 4. Environmental Enrichment Access to a natural environment allows her to engage in behaviors like grazing and exploring, which can be very therapeutic. Introduce mental stimulation through activities or toys. Keeping her engaged helps alleviate boredom. Shopping for Grief Relief While addressing her emotional needs is paramount, ensuring your mare is well-outfitted is also beneficial. Explore our range: Equine Supplements Jodhpurs Collection Riding Boots Conclusion Supporting a bereaved mare through empathy, patience, and understanding can help her navigate these challenging times more smoothly. Each horse grieves in her unique way, so it's crucial to tailor your approach to her specific needs. Embracing the right strategies and tools ensures she feels loved, protected, and supported. For more support or a little equestrian retail therapy, visit our Horse Treats And Gifts page for treats and gifts that can help brighten her day.```html```

According to Dr Ben Sykes, associate professor in equine internal medicine at Massey University in New Zealand and a vet for more than 20 years, the time of day you feed and ride your horse is very important when it comes to managing the symptoms of ulcers in horses.Once thought of as a condition that mostly affected racehorses and high-performance horses (between 80% and 100% of horses in training), vets and researchers are now increasingly seeing equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in everyday horses and ponies (up to 60%).In fact, gastric ulcers is one of the top reasons for owners making a claim on their horse health insurance. Data from SEIB Insurance Brokers shows that the average cost of a claim for digestive problems was 2,459 and 59% of those claims were related to symptoms of ulcers in horses.Two syndromesThere are two types of gastric ulceration: squamous and glandular, both of which are diagnosed and treated separately.Research has also shown that there are two distinct gastric syndromes in horses, one affected by intensity of exercise and the other by the amount. In short, intensity of exercise influences squamous disease, whereas the amount of exercise influences glandular disease.Squamous diseasePrimary squamous ulceration occurs as a result of acid damage to the non-glandular lining in the top portion of the horses stomach.Causes include intense exercise, high concentrate/low forage diets, starvation, water restriction, and overuse of electrolytes.Feeding strategies used for managing squamous ulceration include ensuring horses have access to a high fibre diet ad lib and that they actually eat it (more on this below).Feeding concentrate feeds isnt a problem in itself, as long as they are fed in conjunction with plenty of fibre and the amount of non-structural carbohydrate (sugar and starch) in the feed is minimised.Exercise is also an important factor for squamous ulcers.When a horse exercises acid is pushed up onto the squamous mucosa, so thelonger the horse exercises the more damage is done.Over the course of a week, the total number of minutes a horse spends at trot, canter or gallop will contribute to the risk ofsquamous disease.Glandular diseaseThe exact causes of glandular ulcers in the glandular mucosa (bottom portion of the stomach) remain unclear, although one theory is that there is a failure in normal defence mechanisms against the acid.Exercise is also significant in relation to glandular ulcers, but for these ulcers its the number of days exercised per week, not the intensity or duration that is relevant.In one study, showjumpers exercised six or seven days a week were found to be three-and-a-half times more likely to have glandular disease than horses exercising five days or less per week.A similar study looking at racehorses found that horses working five or more days had a 10-fold increase in the risk of glandular disease when compared with horses exercising four or less days per week.This shows that rest days are important, and the current recommendation is that horses should have a minimum of two, ideally three, rest days built into their weekly routine. During training periods, it is ideally one day on and one day off, and the exercise should focus on quality rather than quantity.When to exercise a horse with gastric ulcersIts also a good idea to feed a small haynet, ideally alfalfa hay, or a fibre-based hard feed while grooming and tacking up to buffer the stomach from acid during exercise.Exercising in the afternoon rather than the morning is ideal as this is when the horse is more likely to have been eating and have food in his stomach to buffer the gastric acidity.Most horses dont eat in the early hours of the morning because they are resting and sleeping, so the morning means they may have less food in their stomachs, increasing their risk of squamous disease.The amount of chewing is also a factor high-fibre chaffs and hay encourage more saliva production than grain or concentrate meals, which buffers acid.Horses with glandular disease have a more pronounced cortisol response to stress testing and behavioural stress is an important contributor to glandular disease.For this reason, management includes trying to reduce daily stress, including by allowing co-habitation with other horses without rugs on to enable mutual grooming keeping handlers and riders consistent, and allowing an expression of natural behaviours, as well as ensuring an enriched environment.Ad-lib forage for horses with symptoms of ulcersAd-lib forage is effective only if horses are actually eating it. Horses should consume a minimum of 1% of their bodyweight per day in roughage, and ideally 2% depending on their caloric needs.Large periods of time (six hours or more) without eating can considerably lower the intra-gastric pH and increase the risk of squamous ulceration due to acid damage.Placing several piles of hay in the field or haynets in the stable will encourage the horses natural feeding pattern of moving while grazing and entice them to eat more for longer, especially overnight. Cafeteria-style feeding is a good way to encourage horses to trickle feed little and often while stabled.Main image: copyright ShutterstockRelated contentHorse diet: why they shouldnt go for longer than 4 hours without foodWhy saliva is key to preventing gastric ulcersHow a horses digestive system worksConcern about overweight horses being ulcer prone is on the riseHay vs haylage: which is best?The post Why the time you ride and feed affects the risk of gastric ulcers appeared first on Your Horse.