Several years ago, a
'well known' endurance vet did a 'study' ... and
concluded;
if, I rememeber right, that it was
best not to feed a ' full grain ration ' ; or any / minimal
grain, within 2 - 3 or so, hrs, before trailering,
especially if going distance, - found more incidence of "ty-ups", immediately
afte trailering and after 'ride' starts.. with horses that had had full
grain meals, before such - trailering or actual rides.
Once arriving at
destination, I don't think it made any difference, as long as not going
for any 'strenuous work out', before digestion could take place,ie,
several hours. >> IE< if feeding ' before a ride'
do so at mid night, or very early ! AM,.
But, why would you feed
before going to 'condition' ride? Once home, as long as horse is 'cooled
out', drinking well, acting normal... it should not be a
factor.
If doing "a ride"
have to consider "glucose curve".( why feed often, small amounts).
May have to have Vets opinion in here - but, think
it was - about 3 to 5 hrs after grain meal, that see
diference in 'glucose curve', ie, after that 4 hrs see glucose hit high
point and sharply drop, in other words, some horse start competing
"hypoglycemically",.........burning too much fat / muscle for energy. When
fed 'regular' grain meal before 'ride', as in hour or so, before
start. ??? They can do better if fed about midnight, by ride
start were more equilibrated with insulin/glucose. ( Gets
into too much metabolic/chemical/ and digestive changes to go into here.) Hmm,
may need to get info from her.......
So to answer question - do not feed
grain before going to conditon, can have hay /water on trailer or before,
probably best. But hold grain til after . Stephanie
M
