Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is one of the most common—and often overlooked—wellness challenges in modern horses. Research from leading veterinary institutions, including UC Davis, shows that gastric ulcers are closely linked to stress, inflammation, and nervous system imbalance, not just stomach acid alone.
While veterinary diagnosis and treatment remain essential, emerging wellness technologies are increasingly used to support the horse’s internal balance, comfort, and recovery environment. At Resona Health, we focus on non-invasive, whole-body support protocols designed to work with the horse’s physiology.
Below are the top three core wellness protocols we recommend to support horses under gastric stress.
1. General Inflammation Support
Calming the Root Cause
Inflammation is a central driver in gastric discomfort. Repeated acid exposure, stress hormones, NSAID use, and feeding schedules can all contribute to chronic irritation of the stomach lining.
The General Inflammation protocol is designed to:
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Support the body’s natural inflammatory response
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Promote tissue comfort and recovery
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Help create an internal environment more conducive to healing
For horses showing signs such as girthiness, sensitivity, reduced appetite, or behavioral changes, reducing systemic inflammation is often the first and most important step.
Why it matters:
When inflammation is reduced at a whole-body level, the digestive system is better able to regulate itself, improving overall gastric comfort.
2. Vagus Nerve Support
The Stress–Digestion Connection
Stress is one of the strongest predictors of gastric ulcers in horses. Transport, competition, stall confinement, herd dynamics, and training pressure all activate the sympathetic “fight or flight” response, which directly impacts digestion.
The vagus nerve plays a key role in:
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Regulating stomach acid secretion
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Supporting healthy gastric motility
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Shifting the body into a parasympathetic “rest and digest” state
The Vagus Nerve protocol is designed to support autonomic balance and stress recovery, helping the horse’s body transition out of chronic stress patterns that may contribute to gastric discomfort.
Why it matters:
A calmer nervous system supports more efficient digestion and helps reduce the physiological stressors associated with gastric irritation.
3. Relax and Balance
Supporting Whole-Body Regulation
Horses with gastric ulcers often show signs of nervous tension, reactivity, or difficulty settling, even outside of training. These behavioral cues are frequently linked to underlying nervous system imbalance.
The Relax and Balance protocol supports:
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Nervous system regulation
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Physical and emotional calm
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Improved adaptability to environmental stressors
This protocol is especially useful for performance horses, horses in training, or those transitioning between environments.
Why it matters:
When the nervous system is balanced, the body is better able to allocate energy toward digestion, recovery, and overall wellness.
A Supportive, Non-Invasive Approach
It’s important to note that these protocols are intended to support general wellness and are not designed to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. They are best used as part of a comprehensive care plan that includes veterinary guidance, proper nutrition, and thoughtful management practices.
By addressing inflammation, stress response, and nervous system balance together, we can help support horses in maintaining greater comfort, resilience, and digestive wellness over time.
