Question

How do I get my weanling to drink water when all she wants to do is eat snow?

Answer

Young horses spend a lot of time engaging in oral activities, so playing in and eating snow is not unusual. One possible explanation for her behavior is that she is “teething” and using the snow for some pain relief, but I bet she’s just exploring the change in scenery.

I can understand your concern about water intake, especially if you do not have a way of monitoring how much water she has been drinking daily (e.g., if she drinks out of a stock tank rather than a bucket, whereby gauging consumption would be more difficult). Insufficient water intake can cause gastrointestinal problems, including colic, and other health concerns.

Ensure proper water intake by offering a source of salt and electrolytes to increase her thirst response. Because your weanling has shown a propensity for investigative behavior, she will likely lick the salt block and drink in response to salt consumption. While I do not recommend adding a commercial electrolyte to her water source, an electrolyte can be given in her feed once or twice daily if she does not show interest in the salt block.

Be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for feeding a commercial electrolyte and abide by those. If there is not a suggested intake for weanlings, call the manufacturer for guidance.

Allow the filly access to multiple sources of fresh, unfrozen water. Every so often, a horse will refuse to drink from an automatic waterer. If her only source of water is an automatic waterer, provide another option.