Less-than-optimal performance, resistance to work and difficulty training are all common issues that may be associated with gastric ulcers1,2 which can develop in as few as five days.3 If you have noticed behaviors such as your horse pinning his ears while being groomed, or kicking out when the girth is tightened, equine stomach ulcers could be a possibility, and it may be time to contact your veterinarian.

The project also indicated: 1) Therapy horses do not differentiate between humans with PTSD and those without.  2) Therapy horses display more stress behaviors when they are alone in a round pen. 3) Therapy horses are more attentive to humans who are experienced around horses. 4)  Therapy horses are calmer with humans who are inexperienced around horses.

Then use an equine safe disinfectant to kill any pathogens that may have been left behind. Even at facilities which remove the bedding and manure, it’s a good idea to disinfect the stall before your horse enters.