Kathleen Raine's Veterinarian Dr. Markell Offers Advice On How To Keep Your Horse Ulcer and Stress Free

After USET Bronze Medalist at the 1994 World Equestrian Games, Kathleen Raine, Laguna Hills, CA, discovered her horse had ulcers while competing in Europe in 1999 it made her more aware of this serious condition. Now, having been named the alternate dressage rider for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, September 16-October 1, Raine and her veterinarian have put a lot of thought into how they can keep her horse Fidelia, lovingly known as "Fiddle," free of ulcers and of stress.

Dr. Richard Markell, Kathleen's veterinarian, received a call a year ago after Raine noticed her 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare was not herself. "She was in Europe traveling and was having problems. The horse just didn't feel right," explained Markell, who immediately suspected ulcers. "Based on what I heard, I suggested starting the horse on GastroGard®, (the only FDA approved product for the prevention and recurrence of ulcers in horses) which she did and immediately the horse started feeling better."