Eating problem...

Question
Hi first off i dont know much about horses, I met someone that has a horse she loves and I would like to try and help her out. Its a male, I think 12 years old. She barrel races with him. The last two times she has raced him after the competition she has noticed he his holding large amounts of food in his mouth and not swallowing. He just sits there with it in his mouth. I believe its hay or just the grass in the area. She has to open his mouth and take it out for him. As we speak she is sleeping in her barn with the horse very worried. Any other details i can provide let me know i will do my best.

Answer
Hi Trevor, You are a good friend. Has your friend had the horse checked out by a veterinarian?  If not, she probably should.  Also, I am wondering if the horse is drinking properly. Sometimes stress can bring on a colic and the horse will be hungry but instinctively know not to eat because it hurts. The other thing to mention to her is that she should have the horse checked by either an equine dentist or a vet that does dentistry. The horse could be having difficulty chewing. It also could be having difficulty swallowing. The horse should be checked for any swelling in the face, mouth, and neck. Horses that compete can have not only stress related problems, but also pick up all kinds of diseases from being in contact with other horses. I do not think this is a behavioral problem, it does indeed sound medical or dental. Please leave me some feedback and follow-up. I would really like to know how they are doing. Thank you for posting. Your friend should be very happy to have a concerned friend like you. Regards. Susan