How long do you have to wait after feeding a horse to work them?

Question

just moderate work, like walk-trot lungeline

Answer 1

If you are only doing light work like you said above, I would wait about 20-30 minutes. That is if they haven't spent an hour in the hay bale or a ton of grain. Just let them have a little time to digest. It is not bad to work them after they eat, but it is best to wait a bit.

Answer 2

I always wait an hour after my horse has a hard feed. This is for two reasons, firstly, the horses intestines may weigh heavily on the horses diaphragm, when full, and so restrict it's ability to breathe correctly whilst exercising. Secondly, when being worked, the horses blood supply will be directed away from the digestive system, and toward the muscles, which prevents the proper absorption of nutrients.
This web site gives good advice on the correct basic rules of feeding horses;
http://www.ilph.org/advice/feeding.asp

Answer 3

I usually feed 1 hour before or after moderate work... I mean think of it this way, would you run a mile if you had just eaten your dinner?

Answer 4

having owned a horses for many years, I find it is best to feed them a small amount early in morning before any stenuous exercise, afterwards give them a bucket a grain or feed them hay while you are rubbing them down, it is good quality time for both of you and less stressful on the horse

Answer 5

i usually wait sbout 20 min to 30 min. Depends how much. A meal 30 min if a snack maybe 10.

Answer 6

it depends on how much grain you give your horse. if they just get a small amount, 20-30 mins should be fine. If you give them a lot, you need to wait at least an hour, if not longer. when you start working them, their digestion shuts down. (not good..)

(c: good luck!

Answer 7

1 hour

Answer 8

Somewhere around a half hour.