If they can eat without causing me a problem, I’m all for it. If they cause me a problem, the privilege is lost. We often ride for much of the day, so not eating could create its own issues.
I agree if the horse just haphazardly grabs and goes. My best trained horse I will allow it, but only when I feel it’s OK. I’ll give him his head and tell him “Grab a snoot full”. But if he tries to grab and go on his own I don’t allow it.
I was taught by a very successful Endurance rider that stopping periodically along the trail to let them eat is the best practice. It hydrates them and puts something in their stomachs to protect it from the acid they always produce. It also allows them a break to rest. My one horse and I do a lot of 3 to 5 hour rides just for fun. I do stop here and there to let him graze for a few minutes.
I keep a hay bag tied to my trailer so when I tack up they have something to eat before we work. At home I’ll give them a small snack of grain if they aren’t grazing. I won’t work a horse on an empty stomach. I don’t need acid reflux issues.
The endurance riders are correct. Cavalries did that for millennia! The “grab and go” approach, even with permission, is putting the horse in charge however limited the permission may be. That, IMO, is a bad idea as things can “go sideways” is a very short period of time.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!!! 
G.
I can live with that story :lol: And yes, you’re correct about putting the horse in charge during that maneuver.
I wouldn’t do that with 2 of mine (1 I know is a little headstrong yet, the other one I don’t know well enough yet) but the other one I trust to come back quick enough. Plus I’m hyper aware when I give permission to do that despite my slower reaction time. I think for me it’s more of a trust thing after having years together. Though trust has it’s own inherent
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