|
![](../images/stableavatar.gif) |
So on Monday my horse coliced, luckily we caught it early and there were people there able to get the vet out, and heÂ’s recovering well. WeÂ’re suspecting it has something to do with him not getting enough water, but we really arenÂ’t completely sure. Show season is coming up quickly, and I was wondering if anyone knows any good ways to encourage a horse to drink? IÂ’ve heard Gatorade, but thatÂ’s really about it. IÂ’ll look into any suggestions or help you guys have. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
![](showimage.php?loc=../uploads/avatars/122140_2668.png)
|
Hydration Hay. It's a timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa mix that's compressed into blocks. You break off a bit and soak it in water. They love it, works like a charm.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/purina-hydration-hay-horse-hay-block-pack-of-6-12-lb
|
|
|
|
![](../images/stableavatar.gif) |
Ooh those definitely seem like something that could work. Thank you so much!
|
|
|
|
![](showimage.php?loc=../uploads/avatars/139172_3710.png)
|
Does your horse have a salt block? Not only are they great for boredom, but they also really encourage them to drink in my experience. If you don't have one already, I would recommend one of the Himalayan ones with the ropes. They run around $15 dollars, and are small enough to easily bring with you to shows. The rope tie also makes them easy to hang in trailers or in tent stalls. Not every horse loves them, but i would say it's worth a try. I've had friends use this product as well, which apparently works great.
https://horsequencher.com/shop/
I also knew someone who used to put apple slices on the top of the water bucket to encourage drinking. From what I know that worked well. Oh, and powdered gatorade. Only issue with that is you run into the chance of the horse not drinking any normal water after it gets used to the flavoring. I had a friend that happened to, and it was a major hassle for her. Took ages to wean her horse off of the flavored water. Just something to consider. Hope you find something that works!
|
|
|
|
![](../images/stableavatar.gif) |
He does have a Himalayan salt block haha. IÂ’ll definitely have to try using some of the Gatorade or apple slices though! Thanks!
|
|
|
|
![](showimage.php?loc=../uploads/avatars/172539_3967.png)
|
Mix molasses in with water in a bucket. Old show trick to get them to drink in a new place.
|
|
|
|
![](../images/stableavatar.gif) |
Try putting electrolytes in the feed and hay. Gatorade does work; yet, my horse loved apple juice! Pour some apple juice in the water or put a salt block in the feed bucket.
|
|
|
|
![](../images/stableavatar.gif) |
Soak your hay in water. Or use alfalfa cubes and soak them, the only thing with that is that they can get fat.
Gatorade works as well, just substitute it for water until he/she starts drinking water again.
|
|
|
|
![](showimage.php?loc=../uploads/avatars/74895_1013.png)
|
Gatorade, Pedialyte, apple juice. Soaking hay in water is another good way and you could try the rein water from redmond rock but I really recommend gatorade or Pedialyte.
|
|
|