05/08/2026
When it comes to one type of gastric ulcer disease in horses, management can make a very real difference.
In Webinar 1 of 'From Gut Health to Good Welfare', Dr Benjamin Sykes explained that Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, or EGUS, is an umbrella term. When we get more specific, there are two main types of gastric ulcer disease in horses: squamous gastric disease and glandular gastric disease.
Ben described them as “the odd couple” - they live in the same apartment, but they are not really related to each other.
That distinction matters.
Squamous gastric disease occurs in the top part of the stomach, where the lining does not tolerate acid well. This is the type most strongly linked to day-to-day management.
As Ben put it: “I think of squamous disease as being 80% management, 20% horse.”
For Pony Club horses, that is an important message. Owners may have more ability to reduce the risk of squamous gastric disease than they realise.
And one of the biggest practical levers is forage.
Referring to the three Fs - friends, forage and freedom - Ben said: “The centre one of those is forage.”
He also described forage as “the most important one that we have from a squamous point of view” and “one of the most fundamental welfare needs of a horse.”
Forage is not only about helping keep roughage in the stomach and reducing acid splash. It is also about welfare, grazing behaviour, gut health and giving horses more of what they are designed to do.
That means practical day-to-day choices can make a difference, including reducing long periods without forage, making sure the horse is actually eating enough suitable roughage, and thinking about forage before work, travel and competition.
Glandular gastric disease occurs in the lower part of the stomach. Ben described this as more horse-specific, and more closely linked to the individual horse’s response to stress, pain, sleep and environment.
The takeaway?
Ulcers need proper veterinary investigation, diagnosis and treatment. But especially with squamous gastric disease, long-term prevention and management are not just about reaching for a product.
As Ben put it: “The answer is management, management and management.” That is exactly where we will go next.
WEBINAR 2: FORAGE, ROUTINE & THE MODERN HORSE
Monday 10 August
7pm AEST
This session builds on Webinar 1 and looks more closely at the everyday management foundations that support gut health, behaviour and welfare.
Register via the link in the comments.
