🐴 Feeding Alfalfa Hay Before Riding: Smart Ulcer Prevention for 2025 🌿🧪

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

If you're saddling up for a ride, what you feed your horse beforehand matters more than you might think. In 2025, science is clear: feeding alfalfa before riding can help prevent gastric ulcers. Let’s explore how and why. 🧠🐎

🔥 The Stomach Acid Problem in Performance Horses

Horses are trickle feeders. Their stomachs produce acid 24/7, even when empty. Combine this with exercise—where abdominal pressure pushes acid into the upper stomach—and you’ve got the perfect recipe for painful gastric ulcers. ⚠️

🌿 Why Alfalfa Works

Dr. Clair Thunes and researchers from Texas A&M found that alfalfa hay has unique protective benefits thanks to:

• 🧪 High calcium – buffers stomach acid
• 💪 High protein – adds additional buffering power
• 🪵 Long-stem hay structure – creates a “fiber mat” to shield the stomach lining

More chewing = more saliva = more natural acid neutralization. 🧬

🧪 Research-Backed Results

In a Texas A&M study:

• 🔬 12 horses were scoped before and after 28 days on either alfalfa + concentrate or Bermuda + concentrate
• 🔁 Horses switched after a 21-day washout

Results:

• ✅ 11 of 12 horses on alfalfa had NO ulcers
• ⚠️ Only 3 of 12 on Bermuda were ulcer-free

Clear takeaway: alfalfa significantly lowers ulcer risk—likely due to calcium, protein, and chewing effects. ✅

🥕 Alfalfa Pellets vs Alfalfa Hay

Both forms have pros and cons:

• 🟢 Pellets: Quick buffering, easy to feed before riding
• 🔴 Pellets lack long-stem fiber—no protective fiber mat in the stomach
• 🟢 Hay: Provides lasting protection and increased saliva production

If your horse has an empty stomach, alfalfa pellets are a fast fix. But if time allows, alfalfa hay offers superior protection. ⏳

🛡️ Best Feeding Strategy Before Riding

To prevent exercise-induced ulcers:

• 🪵 Feed a flake of alfalfa hay 30–60 minutes before riding
• 🥄 If hay isn’t available, feed alfalfa pellets (1–2 cups)
• 🚫 Never ride on a completely empty stomach

This strategy helps reduce stomach acidity and mechanical acid splash during exercise. 🧪💥

📲 Ask A Vet for Ulcer Prevention Plans

Concerned about ulcers? Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App for feeding guidance, ulcer diagnostics, and supplement advice. 📱🐴

Dr Duncan Houston and the team can create a preventative nutrition program tailored to your horse’s work schedule and stress level. 💬🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts

In 2025, we know that feeding alfalfa—especially before exercise—is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce gastric ulcer risk. Whether hay or pellets, alfalfa helps your horse ride stronger, safer, and happier. 🐴💚

Need a pre-ride feeding guide? Visit AskAVet.com to download it today 🐎🌿