1. Reduce Stress & Support the Nervous System
Chronic stress is one of the biggest contributors to gastric irritation in horses. Constant stabling, herd instability, high training loads, travel, pain, and even subtle discomfort from tack or mineral imbalance may all contribute to ongoing sympathetic (“fight or flight”) activation.
A naturopathic approach focuses on:
- Maximising turnout and natural movement
- Supporting social interaction with compatible horses
- Reducing unnecessary stressors in training and management
- Assessing pain sources such as saddle fit, hoof balance, dental discomfort, or musculoskeletal tension
- Supporting the nervous system with appropriate mineral balance and calming herbal support where needed
A horse living in a constant state of stress will often struggle to fully heal the digestive tract.
2. Feed the Digestive System Correctly
The equine stomach is designed for near-constant forage intake. Long fasting periods and high-starch diets may increase gastric acid exposure and irritation.
Key nutritional strategies often include:
- Free access to appropriate forage where possible
- Feeding small frequent meals
- Reducing excess starch and sugar intake when appropriate
- Adding fibre sources that help buffer stomach acid
- Providing forage before exercise
- Avoiding long periods with an empty stomach
Every horse is different, and diet should always be adjusted according to workload, metabolism, body condition, and individual needs.
3. Support the Gut Lining & Digestive Environment
Many nutritional protocols focus on soothing and supporting the gastric mucosa while encouraging a healthier digestive environment.
Depending on the individual horse, this may include herbs and nutrients traditionally used to support:
- Mucosal integrity
- Inflammation regulation
- Digestive comfort
- Microbiome balance
- Hindgut function alongside stomach support
Examples commonly used in integrative practice may include:
- Marshmallow root
- Slippery elm
- Aloe vera
- Chamomile
- Milk thistle
- Pre- and probiotics
- Glutamine
However, supplementation should ideally be tailored to the horse rather than applied as a generic protocol.
4. Investigate the Underlying Cause
Ulcers are often a symptom — not the root issue.
Many horses continue to relapse because deeper contributing factors are never addressed, including:
- Chronic stress physiology
- Mineral imbalances
- Iron overload or copper deficiency patterns
- Poor forage quality
- Pain and compensation patterns
- Digestive dysfunction
- Inflammatory conditions
- High training intensity
- Environmental stressors
This is where functional testing such as Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), forage analysis, or broader nutritional assessment can become incredibly valuable in helping identify what may be driving ongoing imbalance.
5. Support Long-Term Whole-Body Balance
True healing often involves improving the horse’s overall resilience — not simply suppressing symptoms temporarily.
Long-term support may involve:
- Correct mineral balancing
- Appropriate herbal protocols
- Optimising hydration and salt intake
- Improving movement and biomechanics
- Ensuring tack comfort
- Supporting recovery and sleep
- Gradual conditioning programs
- Ongoing dietary refinement as seasons and workloads change
The stomach does not function in isolation. Stress physiology, the nervous system, mineral balance, musculoskeletal comfort, and digestive health are all deeply interconnected in the horse.
Natural support for ulcers should always be approached thoughtfully and alongside veterinary guidance where needed, particularly in severe or chronic cases. A holistic approach works best when management, nutrition, stress reduction, and internal balance are addressed together.