Horses are hindgut fermenters. What does this mean, exactly? To most, this simply means the fecal matter you clean up comes packaged in nice little balls. But it is a bit more complex than that. Let’s dive into the details of hindgut fermentation so you can better understand and improve your horse’s digestive health. What is Hindgut Fermentation? Rhinos, rabbits, some […]
Category: Digestive Health
Understanding the Equine Digestive System
The horse’s digestive system can be divided into two main sections – the foregut and the hindgut – both which are specifically designed for the horse to graze for the majority of each day. Let’s take an in-depth look at each portion and their overall role in providing nutrients to the horse. The Foregut: Stomach […]
Hindgut vs. Gastric Ulcers in Horses
Jan Byyny, professional eventing trainer and rider, recently said, “I think the more you can care for the horses to meet their gut health needs, the better and more relaxed they are going to be when they perform.” She’s right. Isn’t a healthy, comfortable horse going to be a happier, more competitive animal? Of course, […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Equine Gastric Health
Gastric health is achieved when the stomach is free of disease and discomfort. Unfortunately, in performance horses the incidence of gastric discomfort is high. The horse’s stomach continuously secretes hydrochloric acid throughout the day and night, regardless if feed has been ingested. High acid in the stomach, especially in an empty stomach, predisposes the horse […]
