12/11/2025
✨“Cobs can’t get ulcers.”✨
I honestly couldn’t believe it when a client told me a vet had said this (I did confirm with the vet also before writing this post).
Her lovely cob had started behaving differently — then bolted on a ride, resulting in a serious rider injury. The vet was called immediately for full investigation, and came out with the statement above. She was referred to me for ‘potentially a bit lame behind at times’
When I assessed the mare, it took just a few minutes of palpation to be suspicious that ulcers were likely - we are NOT vets and cannot diagnose, but any competent physiotherapist will understand how feeling fascia, muscle tone, and reading subtle body language changes can be strong indicators of internal issues.
‼️This isn’t about vet-bashing — there are incredible vets out there, but the idea that “cobs don’t get ulcers” is simply not true.
🚫 ANY horse or pony can develop gastric ulcers, even those on great routines, ad-lib forage, and low-stress lives. There are so many factors — from pain and management to individual physiology — that can trigger them.
Over the years, I’ve seen countless horses diagnosed with ulcers that display:
⚡ intermittent hindlimb lameness
⚡ behavioural changes
⚡ reactivity over specific muscles or fascial chains
💪 As owners, you are your horse’s best advocate. If your vet won’t listen — find one who will. There are exceptional professionals out there who will take your concerns seriously.
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💡 What are ulcers?
Equine gastric ulcers are sores that form in the stomach lining (or sometimes further down the gut).
They can cause pain, poor performance, girthiness, behavioural changes, loss of appetite, and even dangerous reactions under saddle.
They’re often a symptom of something deeper — stress, pain, or imbalance in management.
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How have ulcers affected your horse? I’d love to hear your experiences below ⬇️
