Gastric ulcers are extremely common in racehorses, including Standardbreds. The racing lifestyle; high-grain diets, structured schedules, stall time, and training intensity, puts consistent stress on the stomach. When a horse leaves the track, that stress changes, but the stomach doesn’t automatically change overnight.
That’s why the transition period matters so much. Even if a horse isn’t showing obvious signs like girthiness, weight loss, or resistance under saddle, their digestive system is still adjusting. What can look like tension, inconsistency, or sensitivity during retraining, may sometimes be discomfort.
Proactive gut support during this phase is a smart move and one that we highly recommend. Gradual feed changes, constant access to forage, increased turnout, and a predictable routine can all help reduce stress on the digestive system. We also highly recommend to add a quality probiotic during the transition period to help stabilize the hindgut while everything else is changing. However, caution, probiotics don’t treat stomach ulcers directly if your horse does have them, they can however support overall digestive balance as the horse adapts to retirement life.
If you do suspect ulcers, veterinary guidance is always most important. But supporting gut health from day one, through management and supplementation, can set the stage for a smoother and more comfortable retraining process for your new partner.
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