Here's why:
* Their digestive system: Horses have a large, long digestive tract that is adapted to digest grasses and other fibrous plants. This process requires slow and steady digestion.
* Their natural behavior: In the wild, horses graze for up to 16 hours a day, eating small meals. Their digestive system isn't designed for large, infrequent meals.
* Risk of digestive issues: If a horse gorges, it can lead to various health problems, including:
* Colic: A severe abdominal pain caused by digestive upset.
* Laminitis: An inflammation of the laminae in the hoof, which can be very painful and debilitating.
* Obesity: Excess food intake can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Instead of gorging, horses are designed to graze. This means consuming small amounts of food throughout the day, which is the healthiest and most natural way for them to eat.