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Offering a horse hay before he’s transported can lower the risk of gastric ulcer development before long-distance trailer rides, reports The Horse.
An Italian study has found that horses that don’t eat before getting on a trailer for longer-distance hauls are more likely to have reduced plasma oxidant levels, as well as to develop ulcers. The correlation between transport and fasting has a marked increase on stomach ulceration – more than just fasting alone, the scientists determined.
Hay ingestion before the trip helps absorb stomach acid, protecting the horse’s stomach. Eating hay also allows more antioxidants to be released into the bloodstream, balancing out free radicals, which can have physiological impacts on the body (like developing ulcers).
