For the Health of It
Exercising Your Horse On An
Empty Stomach Is Never A Good Idea
A horse’s stomach produces acid 24 hours a day, a
total of approximately 16 gallons, in preparation for
constant forage uptake. An empty stomach allows
gastric acid to slosh around, causing discomfort and
possibly even ulcers, especially in the upper part of
the stomach. The lower part of the stomach, which
produces the acid, receives protection by also produc-
ing mucus. The upper part has no protection. When
a horse is exce-
rised on an empty
stomach and acid
starts sloshing and
splashing around,
there’s an increased
chance that it will
damage the upper
part of the stomach.
Chewing casues
the horse to to
produce saliva, an
alkaline substance
rich in bicarbon-
ate, which buffers
gastric acid. Addi-
tionally, fiber cre-
ates a mat of sorts
which prevents
acid from slosh-
ing and splashing.
Therefore it is im-
portant to provide
your horse with
forage prior to and during prolonged exercise.
Free Choice Slow Feedeing For Colic Prevention
Slow feeding before exercise requires the horse to
eat smaller amounts of forage over an extended period
of time. More chewing equals increased qauntities of
saliva. In addition to buffering gastric acid, this also
results in a higher overall saliva to forage ratio and a
reduction in the size of the forage particles that the
horse is swallowing. Smaller particle size reduces the
6 • Walking On
risk of impaction colic associated with exercise.
Free Choice Slow Feeding For Better Hydration
When forage is present, a horse’s cecum serves as
a storage resevoir for water and electrolytes. Eating
fiber increases drinking and the extra water is held in
the cecum until it is absorbed. During exercise, when
dehydration may be a possibility, the cecum can help
keep the horse hydrated and supply her with electro-
lytes that are lost in sweat if forage has been consumed.
In Summary
Horses are designed to have contant access to forage.
For domesticated horses, involuntary periods of time
without forage can be mentally stressful and physically
painful. Preventing stress and pain can improve your
working relationship with your horse and ensure that
you’re both able to enjoy your rides and workouts.