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At Equimade, we’re busting a long-standing myth in the equestrian world about how you should feed your horse.
It’s a myth that horses should not be fed at all before riding, exercise or competing. This outdated belief has led many horse owners to withhold food from their equine partners before workouts.
We’re here to set the record straight and explain why feeding your horse before exercise is not only safe but can be beneficial.
Why Did We Ever Think Feeding Before Exercise Was Bad?
The idea that horses shouldn’t eat before exercise has deep roots in equestrian tradition. This misconception has shaped the way many horse owners approach pre-workout nutrition for generations. Let’s explore the origins of this myth and why it has been so persistent.
The Military Origins of Fasting Horses
The origin of this myth traces back to military practices. Cavalry units often rode horses on empty stomachs, believing it would prevent digestive issues during intense activity. They assumed that a full stomach would hinder a horse’s ability to perform at its peak.
However, what worked for short bursts of high-intensity military maneuvers doesn’t apply to the varied exercise routines of modern equestrian sports. The Cavalry’s practices don’t align with our current understanding of equine physiology and nutrition.
Misunderstanding Equine Digestion
Another factor contributing to this myth is a fundamental misunderstanding of how horses digest food. Unlike humans, horses have a continuous digestive process. Their stomachs are designed to handle a constant influx of small amounts of food.
Dr. Sarah Ralston, a veterinary nutritionist at Rutgers University, explains that horses’ stomachs produce acid continuously, whether there’s food present or not. This means that an empty stomach can actually increase the risk of gastric ulcers, especially during exercise when acid splashing becomes more likely.
The Power of Tradition in Equestrian Circles
Equestrian sports are steeped in tradition, which can sometimes slow the adoption of new, scientifically-backed practices. Many riders and trainers simply follow the methods they were taught, passing down the “no food before exercise” rule without questioning its validity.
This adherence to tradition has been reinforced by anecdotal evidence and misattributed cases of colic or poor performance. However, these instances often have more to do with overfeeding or inappropriate feed types (rather than the act of feeding itself).
Breaking the Myth with Science
Modern research has started to challenge this long-held belief. Studies have shown that feeding horses before exercise can actually improve their performance and reduce the risk of certain health issues. For example, one study showed that cortisol levels were lower in horses engaged in exercise compared to horses not participating in any exercise.
Interestingly the correlation was found between cortisol levels and Il-1Ra, WBC and erythrocytes indices open new scenario on the positive role of this hormone on the complex and dynamic physiological adaptation to exercise implemented by the organism to re-establish the homeostatic equilibrium, and, interestingly, to maintain an adequate anti-inflammatory environment after exercise.
Leaky gut syndrome (LGS) is an idiopathic disorder characterised by alterations in intestinal permeability and low-grade systemic inflammation. Factors contributing to development of LGS are not well-understood but physiological stressors such as exercise and transport may play a role which may be of pathophysiological relevance in horses. A study showed that combined transport and exercise increases gastrointestinal permeability and systemic SAA and LPS.
As we continue to learn more about equine nutrition and physiology, it’s time to challenge these outdated practices. The myth of not feeding before exercise is just one example of how traditional beliefs can persist in the horse world. Understanding the science behind equine digestion and exercise physiology will help us make more informed decisions about our horses’ nutrition and care.
Now that we’ve debunked the myth, let’s explore the science behind why feeding horses before exercise can be beneficial.
How Feeding Before Exercise Benefits Horses
The unique equine digestive system
Horses possess a distinctive digestive system that sets them apart from other athletes. As prey animals, they have adapted to a grazing, wandering lifestyle, eating small meals for at least 16 hours each day. Horses are non-ruminant, simple-stomached animals, which underpins why feeding before exercise is not just safe, but advantageous for equine performance.
Horses have evolved as grazers, with their stomachs producing acid around the clock. An empty stomach can lead to discomfort and even ulcers in horses. Feeding only forage before exercise did not adversely affect performance. It was concluded that grain should be withheld from horses before exercise, but that small quantities of hay should be fed to ensure proper gastrointestinal tract function.
Energy Provision and Performance Enhancement
Providing the right nutrients before exercise ensures that horses have readily available energy for their workouts. Exercise conditioning can improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Regular exercise can also facilitate weight loss.
Debunking the Empty Stomach Theory
The notion that horses perform better on an empty stomach has been thoroughly disproven. Providing horses with unrestricted access to forage enables them to eat continuously throughout the day, mimicking their natural grazing behavior. This feeding approach helps ensure that the horse’s stomach is rarely empty, which can have several benefits:
1. Reduced risk of gastric ulcers2. More consistent digestive function3. Better overall gut health4. Improved mental well-being due to natural foraging behavior
Tailoring Nutrition to Individual Needs
Every horse is an individual, and their nutritional needs can vary based on factors such as age, breed, and activity level. While science clearly supports feeding before exercise, it’s essential to tailor your approach to your horse’s specific needs and the type of exercise they’ll be doing. (Consulting with an equine nutritionist can help you develop the optimal feeding strategy for your horse’s performance and health.)
The Role of Proper Hydration
Hydration plays a critical role in a horse’s performance and overall health. Feeding before exercise can actually promote better hydration. Studies have shown that horses given an electrolyte supplement prior to endurance-type exercise drank more water, lost less weight, and maintained higher blood volume.
As we move forward, let’s explore the best practices for feeding horses before exercise, including timing, types of feed, and quantities that can optimize your horse’s performance and wellbeing.
How to Feed Your Horse Before Exercise
Timing Is Everything
The ideal time to feed your horse before exercise is 1-3 hours prior to the workout. This window allows for proper digestion while ensuring energy availability during the activity. If you plan a morning ride, try to feed your horse around 6 AM for an 8 AM workout.
For competition schedules, you might need to adjust. Many successful riders feed their horses a small meal about 30 minutes before entering the arena. This practice helps maintain energy levels without risking digestive discomfort.
Choose the Right Feed
The type of feed you offer before exercise matters greatly. Opt for easily digestible, high-quality forage as the foundation of the pre-exercise meal when you feed your horse. Research has shown that performance horses can be maintained on forage-only diets when fed high-quality, high-energy forages.
For a 1000-pound horse, this translates to about 5 pounds of feed. However, individual needs may vary, so it’s important to monitor your horse’s response and adjust accordingly when you feed your horse.
Avoid large grain meals right before exercise, as they can lead to hindgut acidosis and potentially colic. Instead, focus on providing slow-release energy sources when you feed your horse. You can add a small amount of fat to the pre-exercise meal (such as a quarter cup of vegetable oil) to provide sustained energy during longer workouts.
Hydration: An Essential Factor
Proper hydration is essential for your horse’s performance and health. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available, especially before exercise. Some horses may be reluctant to drink before a workout, so consider adding electrolytes to their feed. Horses need a proper balance of electrolytes for optimal neuromuscular function. While horses will drink when led to water, training them to do so requires patience. A hydrated horse is a healthy horse.
Oral electrolyte supplementation is an effective strategy to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweating. Start with about 1-2 ounces of a balanced electrolyte supplement mixed in when you feed your horse before exercise.
Individualized Approach
These guidelines serve as starting points. Every horse is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Pay close attention to your horse’s individual needs and responses. Don’t hesitate to consult with an equine nutritionist to develop a tailored plan to feed your horse.
Monitor and Adjust
As you implement these feeding practices, observe your horse’s energy levels, performance, and overall well-being. You may need to make adjustments based on factors such as weather conditions, exercise intensity, and your horse’s individual metabolism. Regular assessment and flexibility in your approach will help you find the optimal pre-exercise feeding routine for your equine partner.
Final Thoughts
Modern research disproves the myth that you should not feed your horse before riding, exercise, or competing. Appropriate pre-exercise nutrition enhances performance, reduces stress, and supports overall equine health. However, each horse requires an individualized feeding plan based on factors such as age, breed, fitness level, and exercise type.
We recommend consulting equine nutritionists or veterinarians to create a tailored feeding strategy to feed your horse. These professionals will help determine the right balance of nutrients, meal timing, and quantities for your horse’s specific needs. At Equimade, we promote horse wellbeing through innovative, sustainable products that support performance while prioritizing comfort and safety.
Science-backed practices and individualized care form the foundation of optimal equine nutrition and exercise routines. Feeding your horse appropriately before exercise contributes to their health, happiness, and athletic success (while dispelling an outdated myth). Our commitment to research and development allows us to create equipment that benefits both horses and the environment.