WEG 2018: Strange Waters

We’ve heard a few stories of horses at Tryon turning their noses up at the water. An occasional whiff of sulfur might be enough to make the grooms of picky horses hustle to the grocer for bottled water.

Getting horses to drink away from home can be a challenge for even the most seasoned travelers. One solution is to get the horse used to a particular flavoring in his water at home, then use the same flavor to make any water seem familiar. Some seem to enjoy apple juice mixed into their bucket—indeed, we’ve had a couple requests for apple juice at the feed office.

It’s usually a good idea to get your horse used to flavor enhancers well before you’re on the road. Several weeks before you plan to travel, mix a small amount of one flavoring agent into a bucket of water and see if your horse will drink it. If he accepts it, add a bit more each day so that he gets used to an amount that can mask an unusual taste or smell. Once you find a taste that is appealing to your horse, remember to reintroduce it a few days ahead of any planned travel.

Electrolytes can also be used to encourage horses to drink—in week one of WEG, we delivered around 300 electrolytes orders. Like all mammals, horses have a thirst response, a physiological trigger that tells them when to drink. This mechanism keeps horses from becoming dehydrated in everyday situations, and is dependent, at least in part, on electrolyte balance.

Encouraging your horse to drink enough water when traveling, competing, or during an illness is crucial in preventing dehydration and associated effects on the horse.