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Stomach Support and Sand Management for Horses

Fiebe De Win

5 min

Maagondersteuning en zandbestrijding bij paarden

Why stomach support matters 

Stomach issues are far more common than most horse owners think. It’s not just sport horses that struggle with them, leisure horses, broodmares and even young foals can develop discomfort. When the stomach lining becomes irritated by excess acidity, inflammation or ulcers can appear. And your horse feels that right away. 

How do you recognize stomach complaints in a horse?

Horses with stomach problems (such as stomach ulcers) often show subtle signs, such as:

  • Reduced appetite
  • Less energy or performance
  • A dull coat
  • Teeth grinding or frequent yawning
  • Weight loss
  • Sensitivity or tension when girthing or touching the belly

An extra challenge: horses that spend a lot of time indoors 

If your horse spends many hours in the stable and has limited access to fresh grass, it chews less, and therefore produces less saliva. Saliva naturally protects the stomach. Add stable stress or busy indoor arenas, and the risk of stomach issues increases quickly. 

Stomach support for your horse all year round

By paying attention to your horse's stomach health early on, you can prevent a lot of discomfort. Solutions are available for both acute complaints and long-term support.

Year-round stomach support for your horse

By paying attention to your horse’s stomach health in time, you can prevent a lot of discomfort. There are solutions for both acute situations and long‑term support. 

Acute gastric support for horses

When your horse needs immediate relief

Sometimes you notice it immediately: your horse eats less willingly, looks uncomfortable or shows mild colic‑like signs. In those moments, you want to act fast to calm the stomach and prevent further irritation. 

Why acute stomach support for your horse is sometimes necessary

Horses are sensitive to changes, stress and irregular feeding routines. Small signals can already indicate that the stomach is out of balance. Acting early helps your horse recover more quickly. 

Fast‑acting solutions available at Equicom 

Equicom has a number of emergency products designed to help the stomach quickly relax and protect:  

  • Reverdy Gastric Gel Pack: convenient tubes that you can administer directly. This gel helps moderate the acidity of the stomach, supports the stomach lining, and stimulates natural mucus production. The formula contains aloe vera gel and aluminum phosphate, known for their soothing properties.
  • TRM GNF Paste: a paste in tubes that helps maintain healthy digestion. Ideal when your horse needs extra support quickly, for example, during stressful moments, changes in diet, or when you notice your horse has sensitive stomachs.

Long-term stomach support for horses

Stomach health for your horse: long-term maintenance

Quick solutions are useful, but daily support is what truly makes the difference. A healthy stomach contributes to your horse’s comfort, performance, and overall wellbeing. 

Your horse benefits greatly from: 

  • Fiber-rich feed: constant access to forage helps stabilise stomach acidity. A hay net your horse can nibble on all day works wonders. 
  • Supplements and probiotics: to support digestion and maintain a healthy stomach. 
  • Stress management: predictable routines, regular movement and a calm environment reduce tension on the stomach. 

For extra support, you’ll find several long‑term products in our shop: 

Reverdy Care Poudre 

Reverdy's Care Powder is a combination of stomach acid regulators and L-glutamine. L-glutamine is an important energy source for rapidly regenerating cells, such as those in the digestive tract. This amino acid therefore helps maintain the integrity of the gastric mucosa and aids in the healing of ulcerated lesions.

Discover all Reverdy products at Equicom .

Gastro-Care+ from Global Medics

Global Medics ' Gastro - Care + is an excellent support for healthy stomach function. Gastro -Care+ neutralizes excess stomach acid and protects the stomach lining from irritation. It supports this in several ways: sodium bicarbonate helps neutralize excess stomach acid, while glutamine promotes the repair of damaged stomach lining. Camille (Matricaria) Recutita and magnesium soothe the stomach and intestinal lining, reducing abdominal discomfort. Thanks to this combination, the product has a powerful protective effect on the stomach lining and helps reduce the frequency and occurrence of stomach problems.  

Discover all Global Medics products at Equicom .

Gastrocare Horse by Navalis

Navalis' Gastrocare Horse supports the natural pH balance of the stomach with sodium bicarbonate and magnesium hydroxide, two mild buffers that help to remove excess pickles at neutralize. The product is liquid, and is therefore easy to apply. Suitable for horses of all ages .

Discover all Navalis products at Equicom .

Alfalfa as a natural buffer against stomach acid

Adding alfalfa to your horse’s ration is simple and highly effective. It acts as a natural buffer against acidity and stimulates chewing, which increases saliva production. Saliva protects the stomach lining and helps keep the stomach in balance. 

Vitalbix Pure Lucerne + is 100% pure alfalfa without molasses, enriched with 3% linseed oil. The mix of coarse stems and nutrient‑rich leaves supports digestion and provides valuable proteins and amino acids, contributing to muscle development, immunity and strong hooves.

Sand management for horses

When your horse eats less fresh grass and more hay from the ground, it can ingest more sand without you noticing. That sand can accumulate in the intestines and cause discomfort or colic‑like symptoms. 

A few simple habits help: 

  • Regularly check manure and observe your horse's behavior
  • Pay attention to changes in appetite or manure consistency
  • Give sand-clearing cures regularly, especially for horses on sandy paddocs

Sand control products at Equicom

For additional support, you'll find products in our webshop that help you remove sand safely and efficiently:  

  • SANDXPELL from TRM: supports the natural removal of sand from the digestive tract
  • Psyllium Mash: a tasty mash made from psyllium fibers that bind sand and help eliminate it

Healthy stomach and gut for your horse

With the right stomach‑supporting supplement, preventive habits and a sand‑clearing cure, you can optimise your horse’s wellbeing and reduce the risk of digestive issues. 

And remember: every effort you make for your horse's well-being is appreciated. Your horse will thank you. 💚 

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