Morning feeding routine

[Jefferson]

I have someone starting in our yard in the mornings to do general duties. She is only working a few hours in the morning so will be tough going to get all the duties done in the time. The plan is to get the horses out to the walker whist she cleans out the stables but I am unsure if the horses need to get something in their bellies before they are put on the walker. Would we need to give a handful of haylage before the walker and then feed up properly after their exercise? I am just thinking what will she do whilst the horses are getting the haylage as she cant even make a start on cleaning out until the horses are out of their stables. All advise would be greatly appreciate on what your morning routine consists of, what you feed before walker (if anything) and how long you wait before and after before feeding. Thanks in advance xx

 

[be positive]

I prefer my horses to have adlib hay/ haylage when they are stabled so they never really run out, they would then get a small fibre based feed for breakfast, which they will eat within minutes before I turn out, don't have a walker, mine go out first thing most mornings in winter unless they are being ridden early.
If they are on restricted hay then I would give them something before they go on the walker a scoop of chop will only take a few minutes to eat and she could start doing rugs while they eat, if they are good or get nets/ waters filled, feeds ready for later, if she knows what she is doing she will be efficient and get on with something rather than standing around.

 

[SEL]

Our yard feed breakfasts before the walker - but horses are hungry first thing because most have eaten their hay. Brekkie buckets made up night before and thrown over doors by first on yard. Most finished within 10 mins so not a big hold up before you can put the first shift on the walker.

 

[Jefferson]

Do you wait a certain period after feeding them before you put them on the walker?