10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Battling gastric ulcers that sap your horses comfort and performance? This guide shows the proven, easy fixesfeed 1.5% bodyweight in forage with 80% given 7am7pm, keep starch under 1g/kg per meal, and offer alfalfa 2025 minutes pre-ridefor calmer tummies and better work. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Forage Minimums What To Do: Feed at least 1.5% bodyweight in forage daily (about 9kg hay or 1012kg haylage for a 500kg horse). Prioritise long-stem hay as the base. Why It Matters: Adequate fibre and chewing buffer stomach acid and lower ulcer risk. Common Mistake: Underfeeding forage or relying on sporadic, small haynets. Area: Daytime Forage Bias What To Do: Offer about 80% of the days forage between 7am7pm and keep nets topped up to avoid daytime gaps. Why It Matters: Daytime is the highest-risk window for acid exposure. Common Mistake: Leaving horses to fast through busy daytime yard hours. Area: Pre-Exercise Fibre What To Do: Give 300g hay or a large handful of alfalfa chaff 2025 minutes before riding or travelling. Why It Matters: A fibre mat reduces acid splash onto the squamous lining during work. Common Mistake: Exercising on an empty stomach, especially at midday. Area: Add Alfalfa What To Do: Include chopped alfalfa in every bucket feed and a double handful before exercise. Why It Matters: Alfalfas calcium and protein help buffer gastric acid. Common Mistake: Avoiding alfalfa due to myths or using only grass hay. Area: Keep Starch Low What To Do: Limit starch to 2 g/kg/day and 1 g/kg/meal; swap cereals for high-fibre, high-oil feeds plus a vitaminmineral balancer. Why It Matters: Lower starch reduces ESGD risk while maintaining condition and performance. Common Mistake: Using cereal-heavy mixes to chase energy. Area: Build Rest Days What To Do: Schedule two to three full rest days each week and avoid working more than five days in a row. Why It Matters: Frequent work increases ulcer incidence and hinders recovery. Common Mistake: Training six or seven days without breaks. Area: Manage Straw Use What To Do: Keep straw under 25% of total forage and ensure adequate hay/haylage is available first. Why It Matters: Excess straw can dilute nutrition and replace protective fibre. Common Mistake: Letting straw bedding become the main forage source. Area: Post-Treatment Routine What To Do: After omeprazole, keep a high-fibre, alfalfa-inclusive, low-starch diet and prevent fasting longer than six hours. Why It Matters: Consistent management prevents rebound and supports long-term gut health. Common Mistake: Returning to cereal-heavy feeds or allowing long gaps between forage. In This Guide Why ulcers happen and whos at risk How much forage and when Is alfalfa safe for ulcers? Fuelling work without starch What to feed around exercise UK winter yard strategies that work After omeprazole: keeping ulcers away Common mistakes to avoid Gastric ulcers are frustratingly common in hard-working UK horses, but smart feeding and management dramatically reduce the risk. With a few high-impact changes more daytime fibre, less starch, and a scoop of alfalfa before you ride you can protect your horses stomach and performance.Key takeaway: Feed at least 1.5% bodyweight in forage daily, bias 80% of it to daytime, keep starch low, and include alfalfa fibre especially before exercise.Why ulcers happen and whos at riskUlcers are driven by acid exposure during daytime activity, high-starch feeding, frequent exercise, and any management that allows long fasting. In actively training populations, gastric ulcer incidence can reach up to 90%, underscoring how quickly things go wrong without buffering fibre and routine-friendly feeding. SourceHorses produce gastric acid continuously, so when the stomach sits empty especially during the day when theyre alert, moving, travelling, or ridden acid can bathe the unprotected squamous lining. UK research summaries highlight that even a short daytime fast is risky: horses starved from 7am to 7pm developed ulcers, while the same 12 hours at night did not. SourceTraining schedules matter too. Horses exercised for more than five days a week had a 10% higher ulcer rate than those exercised four days or fewer, so factoring in rest days is protective. Source Combine frequent work with cereal-heavy rations and long gaps between forage and you have the classic recipe for equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD).If you want to make stomach ulcers, starve the horse. Its really easy, you can do it in two to five days... The risk period for ulcer formation in horses appears to be the daytime. Richard Hepburn, Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine SourceHow much forage and whenFeed a minimum of 1.5% of bodyweight in forage every day, with 80% of that forage offered between 7am and 7pm. For a 500kg horse without grazing, thats about 9kg of hay or 1012kg of haylage daily, fed to keep the stomach buffered during active daylight hours. Source SourceLong-stemmed fibre is a must. Aim for 11.5% of bodyweight as long-stemmed hay, and if you use straw for chewing time or bedding, keep it under 25% of the total forage to avoid excessive lignin intake and variable nutrition. Source In practice, that means a constant trickle of hay or haylage during the day, especially on livery yards where exercise, farrier visits, travelling, or lessons happen in daylight.In UK winters when grazing is limited and many horses are stabled, daytime forage access is non-negotiable. Slow-feeding haynets or small-hole nets help extend chewing time, stimulate saliva, and buffer acid naturally. Spread forage feedings (or hang multiple nets) to remove long gaps, particularly from morning muck-out to late afternoon schooling.Pro tip: If your horse wolfs down nets, double-net or hang two smaller nets a few metres apart to encourage movement and slow the rate of intake. For winter management that keeps weight steady without compromising gut health, combine consistent forage with appropriate winter turnout rugs and cosy stable rugs to reduce calorie demand from cold stress.Is alfalfa safe for ulcers?Yes alfalfa hay or chopped fibre is protective for ulcer-prone horses because its higher calcium and protein help buffer stomach acid. Studies show horses on alfalfa plus grain had fewer ulcers and lower gastric acidity than those on grass hay without grain; and adding short-chopped alfalfa to meals supports the stomachs top (squamous) region. Source SourceAlfalfa may actually be protective by virtue of its higher calcium and protein content that act as buffers of the gastric acid. Dr. Merritt, equine researcher SourceIn the real world, a double handful of alfalfa chaff before exercise and a small amount added to each bucket feed can make a clear difference. Katie, a nutrition specialist contributor, puts it simply:Adding short chopped fibre, ideally containing alfalfa, to every meal can be hugely beneficial as the high protein and calcium content in alfalfa is thought to help buffer stomach acid. SourceUK owners can also look for the BETA feed approval mark for EGUS-prone horses (developed with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate). Options such as SPILLERS Alfalfa Pro Fibre and WINERGY Equilibrium Growth carry this independent certification, making label choices simpler. SourceFuelling work without starchSwap cereals for high-fibre, high-oil, low-starch feeds, and limit starch to 2g/kg bodyweight per day (or 1g/kg per meal) split into at least three meals. For a 500kg horse thats a maximum of 1kg starch per meal, but in ulcer-prone horses, keeping starch as low as practical is best. SourceStarch, such as found in concentrated cereal feeds, is strongly associated with an increased risk of gastric ulcers. Therefore, stick to the high-fibre diet, supplemented to balance the micronutrients. If additional energy is required then this is best fed through a high-oil diet. Kate Hore, Head Nutritionist at NAF SourceAfter youve met the forage minimum, add calories via oil or high-oil cubes/mixes and a good vitaminmineral balancer to keep starch load low. This approach maintains condition and performance once ulcers have healed, reducing relapse risk. UK owners can also incorporate targeted gut-support products from trusted ranges; browse our carefully selected digestive and gut supplements and popular support from NAF.Pro tip: Build in two to three full rest days each week where possible. Horses exercised more than five days weekly are at higher ulcer risk; rest supports repair, appetite, and temperament. Source SourceWhat to feed around exerciseGive a small fibre meal 2025 minutes before riding as little as 300g of hay or a large handful of alfalfa chaff buffers stomach acid and reduces splash onto the squamous lining. This simple step helps guard against ESGD during schooling, hacking, or travel. Source SourceBefore you tack up, offer a small net or a scoop of a fibre-based product (for example, those containing alfalfa). During longer sessions, brief walking breaks and water access help comfort. After exercise, return the horse to forage promptly, and avoid riding on an empty stomach in the middle of the day the highest-risk window for acid exposure.Heading out on the lanes? Protecting your horses stomach and your safety go hand in hand. Keep hacks relaxed, plan your route, and make yourself seen with high-visibility riding kit. Dont forget correctly fitted riding helmets and supportive horse boots and bandages to keep training consistent without adding stress.UK winter yard strategies that workUse slow haynets, frequent top-ups, and turnout where possible to keep chewing continuous without overfeeding; combine with appropriate rugs to reduce cold stress and unnecessary calorie demand. In restricted grazing conditions, plan for 912kg of hay/haylage per day for a 500kg horse and deliver most of it in daylight. SourceDaynight balance matters. Implement an 80:20 daytime forage bias (80% of the days total offered 7am7pm) to buffer acid during busy yard hours, lessons, and travel. This aligns neatly with typical UK livery routines. SourceManage straw intake by providing sufficient hay first and keeping straw under 25% of the total forage. If your horse hoovers straw bedding, add an extra daytime net to prevent gaps. For weather resilience, shop proven rug brands like WeatherBeeta rugs and comfort-focused stablewear from LeMieux to keep horses warm without cranking up cereal calories.After omeprazole: keeping ulcers awayPost-treatment, maintain a high-fibre, alfalfa-inclusive, low-starch diet and never allow fasting periods longer than six hours. This prevents rebound problems and supports long-term mucosal health. Source SourceStick with the basics that work:Forage first: 1.5% bodyweight minimum, biased toward daytime.Alfalfa buffer: Include chopped alfalfa in every bucket feed and before exercise.Low starch: Keep to 2g/kg/day or under 1g/kg/meal; the lower, the better.High oil: Replace grain calories with oil-based feeds and balancers as needed.Rest days: Build in two to three per week to reduce ulcer pressure.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend choosing BETA EGUS-approved feeds where relevant, and bolstering everyday fibre with a gut-friendly regime. Our team can help you pair the right feed plan with supportive supplements and practical yard tools like slow nets to keep the programme consistent.Common mistakes to avoidAvoid daytime fasting, cereal-heavy rations, and cramming work into seven days a week these are the fastest routes to trouble. Instead, programme in fibre, rest, and pre-ride buffering.Skipping daytime forage: Daytime is the high-risk ulcer window; aim for an 80:20 day bias. SourceOverdoing starch: Keep below 2g/kg/day and below 1g/kg/meal; pick high-fibre, high-oil alternatives. SourceNot feeding before work: Even 300g of hay or a handful of alfalfa 2025 minutes pre-exercise helps. SourceRiding six or seven days straight: More than five days increases risk; schedule two to three rest days. SourceLetting straw become the main forage: Keep straw under 25% of the total forage. SourceQuick tip: If your horse needs more energy for winter training or competitions, choose high-oil, low-starch performance feeds and BETA EGUS-marked options over cereals your horses stomach will thank you. For competition days, pack a small alfalfa chaff and fibre tub to feed 20 minutes before you get on. While youre at it, make sure your show kit is ready with comfortable competition clothing so you can focus on your ride, not your horses tummy.Finally, remember this expert-backed principle:Feed hay or a fibre-based product before exercise to prevent acid splashing; aim for a handful of chaff or a haynet 2025 minutes prior. Source SourceWith the right plan, most horses stay comfortable, keen to work, and easier to keep in condition through the UK seasons.FAQsIs alfalfa safe for ulcer-prone horses?Yes. Alfalfas higher calcium and protein help buffer gastric acid, reducing ulcer severity compared with grass hays. Include chopped alfalfa in meals and offer a handful before exercise. Source SourceHow much forage does my horse need daily to help prevent ulcers?Feed at least 1.5% of bodyweight in forage every day about 9kg hay or 1012kg haylage for a 500kg horse delivered as continuous access with an 80:20 daytime bias. Source SourceShould I feed before exercise, especially in winter?Yes. Provide a small fibre meal 2025 minutes before riding as little as 300g hay or a handful of alfalfa chaff to buffer acid and reduce splash during work. This is particularly helpful when stabled in damp UK winters. Source SourceDoes daytime vs nighttime fasting really matter?Yes. Daytime starvation (e.g., 7am7pm) induces ulcers rapidly, while the same period at night does not. Prioritise daytime forage to match UK routines and protect the stomach when risk is highest. SourceWhat if my horse needs extra energy for work?Choose high-oil, low-starch feeds and balancers instead of cereals, and keep starch below 2g/kg/day (1g/kg/meal). Look for BETA EGUS-certified options to support performance without increasing ulcer risk. Source SourceHow often should my ulcer-prone horse be worked?Plan two to three full rest days per week. Horses exercised more than five days had a 10% higher ulcer rate than those worked four days or fewer. SourceCan straw be my horses main forage?No. Keep straw to under 25% of total forage and ensure adequate hay/haylage first to maintain nutrition and chewing time. SourceReady to tighten up your ulcer-prevention plan? Stock up on the right fibre, choose proven supplements, and set your winter yard up for success. Our team is here to help and while youre refreshing your routine, check your safety kit too with essential hi-vis and reliable helmets for confident winter miles. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop SupplementsShop NAF SupplementsShop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop WeatherBeeta