One of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of horse care is understanding just how vital forage is to your horse’s health. Horses are designed to be grazing animals. Their digestive systems were built for small, continuous amounts of forage moving through the gut at all times. When that natural process is interrupted, problems begin quickly.
Unlike humans, horses constantly produce stomach acid. This means they cannot go long periods without forage. Even a few hours with an empty stomach leaves the sensitive upper portion of their stomach exposed to acid, dramatically increasing the risk of gastric ulcers. Studies show that a high percentage of horses — especially performance horses — struggle with gastric ulcers at some point in their lives. Many owners don’t even realize their horses are dealing with discomfort until the signs become more obvious.
This is why consistent access to hay or grazing isn’t optional — it’s essential. Slow-feed hay nets, pasture turnout, and thoughtful management during travel or training days all play a huge role in protecting your horse’s digestive system.
And when you head to a show or event, remember this: tying a horse to a trailer for long stretches without forage is one of the quickest ways to create stress, acid buildup, and potential ulcers. They may look calm, but their stomach is working against them. Always bring hay, use slow feeders, and make forage available anytime your horse is standing still for extended periods.
Healthy gut, healthier horse — it truly starts with forage. Your horse’s comfort, performance, and long-term wellbeing depend on it.
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