31/05/2025
From the Inside Out : How Gut Health Shapes a Horse
When we think about musculoskeletal health, it is easy to focus on bones, joints and muscles, but what about the gut? The digestive system plays a massive, often overlooked role in a horse's overall health, movement, behaviour and even posture.
A compromised gut doesn't just affect digestion, it influences inflammation, immune response, hydration, nutrient absorption and tissue repair. Simply put, a horse with poor gut health cannot develop or maintain musculoskeletal soundness effectively.
The gut houses 70% of the immune system, the microbiome which regulates digestion, mood and inflammation, and the absorption pathways for critical nutrients that build muscle, maintain fascia and support recovery.
If the gut is compromised, the horse may experience chronic low grade inflammation, poor nutrient uptake, behavioural changes due to discomfort and a reduced energy, stamina and tissue repair.
Protein and amino acid absorption cannot take place if your horse does not have efficient digestion. Your horse may not access enough building blocks for muscle development and tissue repair. Imbalances affect electrolyte and mineral regulation, affecting muscle contraction, joint fluid viscosity and hydration. Leaky gut or dysbiosis can cause low grade inflammation that irritates joints, fascia and soft tissues, often presenting as general soreness or mystery stiffness and p**t gut health = poor fuel supply = fatigue and crankiness under saddle.
Signs of gut health issues can include;
- Bloating
- Loose manure or chronic diarrhoea
- Girthiness or flank sensitivity
- Intermittent colic or low grade discomfort
- Dull coat, poor topline or poor hoof growth
- Behavioural changes, tension ,reactivity and reluctance to work
The skin is often a mirror of internal wellness. Dull coat, scurf, persistent rain scald or brittle hooves can be indicators of nutritional gaps, toxin build-up, gut dysfunction and liver overload. With a healthy gut and optimised digestion, you are more likely to see a glossy, hydrated coat, strong resilient hooves, clear eyes and soft muscle tone and an increased recovery and training tolerance.
True musculoskeletal wellness starts in the gut. You can't build a strong topline, recover from training, or support soft tissue healing if your horse isn't absorbing what they need. By supporting digestive health, you're not just helping their belly, you are strengthening every system from fascia to focus.
Next in the series:
Manure, Parasites & Paddock Hygiene : Monitoring the Tail End
