What is one reason to avoid working a horse immediately after feeding?

One reason to avoid working a horse immediately after feeding is the increased risk of digestive upset. When a horse eats, especially a large meal, the digestive system begins to work hard to break down the food. If a horse is exercised right after eating, the physical activity can disrupt the normal digestive process, leading to conditions such as colic or other gastrointestinal issues.

The horse's body needs time to properly digest food without the additional strain of exercise, as the movement can cause the stomach and intestines to become agitated. Therefore, allowing a period of rest after feeding helps ensure the horse's digestive system functions optimally, minimizing the risk of discomfort and serious health issues.

In contrast, while the other options present valid points, they do not directly relate to the immediate concern of digestive health following feeding. For instance, while it is true that horses may become overly energetic or that feeding contributes to weight gain, these are not as critical to the horse's immediate health and wellbeing as the risk of digestive complications. Similarly, the relationship between feeding and water consumption is less direct and not typically a major concern immediately after feeding when compared to potential digestive problems.