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Discussion on Working after eating
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Member:
Mosttime
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 22, 2004 - 8:35 pm:
I know this must be an age-old question that you've answered a thousand times, but is it really true that you should wait a period of time before riding/working after your horse has eaten his grain? Likewise, is it dangerous to feed a horse grain after working? If true, how long should you wait in each case?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Aug 23, 2004 - 7:03 am:
There is surprisly little research into this question Carole and so for other than specific conditions that have been tested we have to use common sense and tradition.
In general the research shows that horses race faster with a 2 hour break after feeding grain and digest better with a 1 hour pause following moderate exerercise. A pause was not needed following 48 minutes of light exercise.
Certainly the amount fed per meal and the type and amount of exercise we are talking will effect the importance of timing.
DrO
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Member:
Lhenning
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Posted on Monday, Aug 23, 2004 - 9:57 am:
I was told a horse can colic if worked, even light work, right after eating grain. Is there any truth to this?
Linda
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Member:
Goolsby
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Posted on Monday, Aug 23, 2004 - 11:16 am:
I have fed mine grain right before trail riding and have never had a case of colic or any other problem for that matter. I guess it would be concidered light work. We usually go about 20 miles on hilly terrian. I was told once by and old fellow I use to ride with not to feed them before a ride, but he never said why. I usually get myself a biscuit before we leave out and I've never coliced either.
Colleen
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Monday, Aug 23, 2004 - 1:24 pm:
I've seen many a school horse pulled out of his stall right after eating grain/pelleted feeds and worked for an hour at various levels, including jumping,depending on the student--no colic. I've also worked my horse right after a meal with no problems (hard enough work that we were both sweaty). However, I'm always EXTRA careful about returning the horse to it's dinner after a workout. Can't really say why...someone must have told me something at somepoint, but I have no idea if it's really a concern or not. I figure better safe than sorry.
Fran
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 - 7:09 am:
Well since a horse can colic at anytime, then I would have to say, "yes horses can colic when fed after light work." I suspect what you really want to know is if there is a increased incidence if fed following exercise. Following light exercise and properly cooled out I would say no there is not a risk of a increased incidence of colic. I would not want to feed a exhausted horse a huge meal of grain until he rested rehydrated himself somewhat, and looked perky.
DrO
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Member:
Mosttime
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 - 7:59 pm:
Thanks Dr. O and everyone for your posts. Sounds like there's no hard evidence out there, but, as with everything equine, common sense should prevail!
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