HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY GUT

[@annahalko-angemi]

Over 60% of show horses have ulcers. We set them up in artificial environments (stalls, traveling to shows, etc.). The horse's digestive system is designed to graze and eat constantly (and be moving). When we limit their number of feedings, the gastric acids, which are normally buffered by feed and saliva, destroy the stomach lining and produce the ulcers. Along with stress (traveling to shows, etc) and not being out to free-roam on pasture or to graze, the acids built up and there is erosion of the lining of the stomach and therefore there is a higher chance of ulcers. 90% of racehorses have them. When feeding hay it's helpful to use slow feeding hay nets so your horse doesn't eat too quickly and it takes longer to eat, and offer smaller portions several times a day. It's also good enrichment for them:)

[@mattmillsreining1]

That’s why we use alfalfa cubes! Takes longer to eat! 💪🏾💯〽️

[@LDLutes-tu4yo]

plus though people highly get confused w diagestion of alfa hay.....lets face it results are awsome.....but a horse bidy only utilizes 89% of the protien a passes rest out thus causes looses stools....i mix w good qulity grass hay on a rotation daily......

[@thomascoleman4422]

Did you know that no one cares what you think

[@victoriaoneal2169]

We had our mare scoped - she was diagnosed with mild ulcers. Two weeks of gastroguard and she gained weight and her overall attitude approved exponentially! Our first show is this weekend and will treat her with Ulcerguard to keep her maintained. Amazingly, I've read that something like 90% of race horses have ulcers! Preventive maintenance is the key. Thanks, Matt! Love your weekly tips.

[@Nightgrauen]

I disagree, partly at least. Ulcers are (and that has been proven by studies), in humans as well as in horses, a reaction to some form of stress. Stress can be induced by training, shows, being on the road or not having their natural needs taken care of, such as being allowed to graze and roam around in a pasture or at least in paddock and in companionship with other horses (at least some time of the day). Horses are by nature social and nomadic animals. Not meeting those basic needs always induces stress. Some horses delevop ulcers even though they live in a herd. Most often they are at the low end of the herd hierarchy and are being picked on by other horses, mostly if there isn't enough space in the pasture/paddock or lack of food or simply just "because". I myself have such a horse, hence the reason I read all there is to read about ulcers and their causes. It's the owners obligation to keep careful watch of those things and signs. Of course not every horse develops ulcers because of that, shows outwards signs of ulcers or other symptoms. Also some medications, lack of food of bad food can cause ulcers. Show horses/Sport/racing/competition horses are more prown to ulcers than regular horses because of the afore mentioned reasons: They often have (depending on the owner of course) rigorous training schedules, are on the road a lot, have to take part in shows. That is stress! Wether the owner recognizes it or not. And some owners even keep their "valuable horses" in a stable 24/7, because the horses might injure themselves in the paddock or pasture with other horses. Or, if they are turned out, they are turned out alone. These horses are denied their basic needs - companionship and turnout. In light of these things, it is now wonder that show/sport/event/racing horses have more ulcers and need stuff like ulcer guard. Many of these horses probably wouldn't need it with better understanding for their basic needs (and wants). Does it apply to every competition-horse? No, of course not. Each case should be regarded individually. But many individual cases still make a "pattern". But, to every pattern/rule, there also are exceptions. There are many wonderful competion-riders, who do a lot to meet the needs of their horses. Are all non-competion-horses ulcer-free? No, of course not. Regular "horse-owners" are prown to making mistakes as well. I know I did make a lot of those at the beginning. But I was ready and willing to learn and educate myself. We don't necessarily know everything better and there are many horse owners, who dont't manage their horses' needs correctly. But there are enoug,h who do and the percentage of ulcers is significantly lower than in competion-horses. In the end we should ask ourselves "What would my horse want?" and not "What do I want?". And what does a horse want? We all know the answer to that. To be free, to live in a herd and to roam the land. Since we can't give them that, we (humans) have to compromise and give them as much of what they need as we possibly can. Three of my four horses live in a small herd 24/7/365. During summer they have four big pastures to roam around in and during winter we have a large free-roam-stable/barn with hay 24/7/365. My old horse gets his own stable at night (in winter), because he needs extra rations and he is the lowest in the herd hierarchy. And yes, I work with my horses daily, (lunging, in hand work, dressage riding, groundwork/manners and the occassional trailride here and there).

[@mattmillsreining1]

You’re welcome! That’s fantastic! 💪🏾😎〽️

[@mattmillsreining1]

Wow! Thank you for sharing...

[@CC-xk6cp]

Hi again MATT Great tip! Yes it works! Always finding ways to avoid the vet bills but most importantly that the horse is comfortable. Great tip especially for beginner type owners who aren't aware. Thx as always for sharing...

[@mattmillsreining1]

Horses comfortable = Everybody wins!

[@bethzambone806]

I love being proactive! It will save you in the long run! Thanks!

[@mattmillsreining1]

Preach!

[@coachstephsell]

Thanks for this tip. I've been sending this video to barrel friends!! 🌵🍀

[@mobility63]

Ulcerguard is Uber expensive, but I found a product that works just as well for pennies on the dollar. You do need a vets prescription for it tho. Made by Precision Pharmacy in Bakersfield, CA. It's apple flavored Omeprazole powder. 2 small scoops once a day over their grain or supplements. It's a large tub for $150. It lasts my Invitation Only gelding about 3 months with regular shows. I start just before leaving for a show and all thru out. My horse is very quiet and easy going but at shows he was extremely sensitive sided and this product totally changed him. My last show he was circuit champion in trail, performance halter and reserve in pleasure. Give it a try

[@mattmillsreining1]

I’ve tried Lots of stuff! Ulcer/ GastroGard works best for me! You do what works for you!! 💯💯💯

[@kriszin7777]

Thank you so much for sharing these videos, Matt. You're a great teacher and it's a real treat to see the ins and outs of such a high-end equine facility.

[@mattmillsreining1]

My pleasure ! 👍🏾〽️

[@karissaequine4778]

One of my favorites for ulcers and anxiety is Redmond Daily Gold. I have an anxious high energy type mare and a gelding that likes to get an upset belly quite a bit ( no matter what we do ) Redmond can be given every day and man I just loved the results after the first week.

[@mattmillsreining1]

Cool. If it works. Then go with it

[@aprilcottrell8880]

Good Information. I have one that is quite sensitive and she JUST started to act like she was going to start cribbing, NEVER was a cribber. Older mare. She lost her pasture mate a few months ago. Im suspecting ulcers, or pain so I will be giving her this and calling the vet out to check her teeth and check her over.

[@mattmillsreining1]

Fingers crossed for you

[@3Sanibel33]

Good one. We don't show and were not aware of how handy this is, but see how it could be useful even tho' not showing. Thx for the tip! ❣️🍀

[@mattmillsreining1]

For sure!

[@rodneywroten2994]

Thanks Matt for the tip

[@mattmillsreining1]

You got it

[@truelyequestrian3583]

Great video! My vet literally had me order my horse ulser guard this morning! Hoping it helps my girl out!

[@mattmillsreining1]

It def won’t hurt!

[@JesusGarcia-gx4gi]

Hey Matt love the videos, and out of curiosity how manny stalls are in you’re barn, also how many horses ?

[@mattmillsreining1]

Thanks boss! 34 stalls. 34 horses!

[@nancyhamlin9169]

Very informative Matt thanks

[@mattmillsreining1]

You bet

[@shayleake3546]

Great tip! Is there a benefit to the tube dosing over adding U-Guard pellets to daily feed?

[@mattmillsreining1]

That’s a question for your vet

[@bonnietilley490]

Redmond Daily Gold works great for daily maint !

[@mattmillsreining1]

Then go with it!

[@adrianocintra9524]

Belo animal parabéns🐴🐴

[@coachstephsell]

Do you give in an empty stomach? And how many hours before you give it when your at a show?

[@bearythoughts1849]

Do you give your horses a probiotic powder mixed in their feed to help their gut?

[@mattmillsreining1]

I do that periodically. Yes!

[@LDLutes-tu4yo]

what causes my horse to competly stop eating grain and ecsp drinking on road. i go to north dakota yearly and that whole drive they wont drink a drop till we get there..... abd once upon a time weather cgange was a issue it seamed from mo humid summers whn we go west they got stressed easy.....

[@mattmillsreining1]

I don’t like to feed grain on the road myself. I prefer a bland version of their diet. You might try getting some Jug’s do bringing water from home. I started going that and have found it helps. Truck stop water sometimes taste bad!!!

[@LDLutes-tu4yo]

allow me to say thanks. cause lets face it your a busy man. i may only have 2 here at home.....but i ride 6 outside horses....im nowhere near your level. yet you still make time to make vids and answer and comment..... thats beyond resectful. i try to help people not just for them but to save them from causing harm to future great horses.... and wanna say i apprecate so much. god bless you and yours