Most horse owners recognise the connection between diet and behaviour, but many overlook a critical factor affecting equine temperament and gastric ulcers. In this blog, we explore the hidden connection between gastric ulcers and your horse’s behaviour.

While we’ve long understood how the hindgut microbiome influences behaviour through the microbiome-gut-brain axis (MGBA), gastric ulcers represent another significant piece of this complex puzzle.

Research shows that up to 90% of performance horses and 60% of leisure horses suffer from gastric ulcers, often without obvious clinical signs. Instead, these painful lesions frequently manifest as behavioural changes that owners might misinterpret as training issues or temperament problems.

Lisa Elliott, MSc from Equine Nutrition Solutions explains: “Gastric ulcers create constant discomfort that significantly alters how horses respond to their environment. Pain from ulceration in the stomach lining triggers stress responses that cascade through the entire nervous system, affecting everything from attention span to reactivity under saddle.”

Common behavioural indicators of gastric ulcers include:

• Increased irritability or aggression
• Resistance to girthing or saddling
• Reluctance to extend at the trot or canter
• Poor concentration during training
• Teeth grinding or excessive yawning
• Changes in eating patterns

The stomach-brain connection works through similar pathways as the hindgut-brain axis. Pain signals from ulcerated stomach tissue travel via the vagus nerve directly to the brain, triggering heightened stress responses. This creates a vicious cycle where stress hormones like cortisol further compromise gastric health, exacerbating both ulceration and behavioural issues.

Supporting Both Gastric and Hindgut Health

This is essential for optimal equine behaviour and wellbeing. A comprehensive approach includes:

1. Providing constant access to forage to buffer stomach acid

2. Minimising starch intake which can increase acid production

3. Ensuring adequate fibre to support healthy hindgut function

4. Considering supplements that support gastric health alongside hindgut support

Coligone’s range of products, particularly Coligone Powder and Liquid, contain ingredients that support the entire digestive tract, including prebiotics and probiotics that promote beneficial microbes throughout the GI system. This comprehensive approach helps maintain both gastric and hindgut health, creating the foundation for balanced behaviour and optimal performance.

For personalised advice on managing your horse’s digestive health, contact Coligone support team – 0333 0503785/07986 183616 or sales@hbradshaws.co.uk