Posted: 13th January 2026 | Back to news feed
Connemara pony returns to full soundness following six months of pain and discomfort
West Sussex equine charity warns of rising risks posed by modern horse-management practices
A leading equine rehabilitation charity in West Sussex is drawing attention to the growing impact of modern management practices - such as intermittent feeding, high-grain diets, intensive exercise and long-term medication - on equine digestive health, which can increase the risk of gastric ulcers.
Over the last six months, Moorcroft, based in Slinfold, West Sussex, has been involved in a dedicated rehab programme with Corrib, an eight-year-old Connemara pony, who arrived at its centre in June suffering from severe gastric ulcers. He has since undergone a marked transformation and is now back jumping, moving with a longer and easier stride on the flat, and is feeling much more comfortable to ride.
The charity believes Corrib’s ulcers and their associated pain and behavioural issues could have been avoided - or at least significantly reduced - with more traditional practices and care that work more closely with a horse’s natural digestive and grazing patterns. These can include, increased turn-out, more opportunities to forage, and ensuring horses are fed before they exercise.
Mary Frances, CEO of Moorcroft, says: “Some horses show very few signs of gastric discomfort, but many, like Corrib, make it clear that they’re unhappy. He arrived weak, lame and with a tight, sore back linked to low-grade pain in both hocks and stifles. This is an issue easily missed because it affects both sides equally. He was worryingly stiff and inactive for an eight-year-old, more like an older horse.”
Working with its vet, physiotherapist and specialist team, Moorcroft developed a tailored programme to resolve Corrib’s ulcers and restore full soundness. Treatment included:
- Careful long-reining to stretch and strengthen his back
- Regular physiotherapy to support postural changes and improve comfort and is key to help support and back-up the changes
- P.R.P. (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy in both hocks and stifles to address low-grade joint pain often linked to back tightness
“Ulcers are driven by stress and persistent pain, which disrupt normal gastric function,” Mary added. “They do not heal until the underlying pain is addressed. We’re delighted that Corrib’s latest test shows he is now ulcer-free. His journey highlights what compassion, dedication, and expertise can achieve. We’re thrilled that he can now look forward to a healthier, happier, and far more comfortable life.”
Gastric ulcers can affect 1 in 3 horses[i] and Moorcroft is calling on horse owners to adopt key management practices to reduce ulcer risk:
- Feed hay from the floor at all times. This is vital to support correct neck and back development
- Prioritise a high-fibre diet and avoid high-grain rations. Keeping things as close to their natural habitat is better for their gut health and their mental health.
- Maximise turnout with appropriate companions. Horses are herd animals and need time to graze and relax. Modern management practices often restrict a horse’s need for near constant-grazing.
- Ensure correct shoeing or trimming by qualified professionals. It’s crucial the correct angle of pastern to foot is maintained to establish and maintain soundness at all times.
- Keep work sessions short, calm and empathetic, avoiding force or pressure. Ride with empathy and respect. Take feedback from your horse and he or she will thrive.
Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre can provide schooling and rehabilitation for any length of time, for all breeds of horses, whether as a result of lameness, time-off, or following surgery. The charity also runs educational courses for both horse owners and professionals in the equine industry, including long reining courses and equine massage.
[i] British Horse Society
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