| We all know that you can lead a horse to water but | | | | will optimize the chances of your horse drinking after |
| you can't make him drink. One of the times you need | | | | work. |
| him to is after hard exercise, when he's lost body | | | | 4- Apple Bobbing |
| water and electrolytes through heavy sweating. It's | | | | One of my horses still refused water even after I'd |
| vital to avoid dehydration, which can lead to problems | | | | tried all the above. He was perfectly happy to eat |
| such as kidney damage and colic. | | | | treats but would not drink. So I used his greed to tempt |
| Some horses are too wound-up after hard exercise | | | | him. |
| to drink water at new venues, such as a competition | | | | I chopped up an apple, offered him one piece and |
| or riding clinic in unfamiliar surroundings. Here are four | | | | placed the others in a bucket of water, where they |
| ways to entice your reluctant drinker to take those | | | | floated on the surface. Looking for more, he followed |
| necessary mouthfuls. | | | | my hand as I dipped it in the water and half lifted out |
| 1- Bring Your Own Water | | | | an apple slice. He ate it with a small mouthful of water. |
| It helps to carry water from home with you. Horses | | | | I turned the other fruit pieces flesh side up and |
| often don't like the different flavor of water offered at | | | | removed my hand. The apple bits were now in white |
| the venue and prefer what they're used to. For many | | | | contrast to the water, easily visible. My gelding quickly |
| equines, giving them a taste of home is sufficient to | | | | discovered and devoured them. He soon got the hang |
| lure them into drinking. | | | | of finding them without that visual aid: it didn't matter |
| 2- Use that Used Bit | | | | whether the apple chunks floated flesh or skin side up. |
| A trick I learned in Germany was to dunk the bit - with | | | | Whilst enjoying his treat he was also drinking water. |
| the horse's saliva still on it - into the water. You will be | | | | This made him realize how thirsty he was and he |
| surprised at how many horses are happy to stick their | | | | continued to drink even when the apple was gone. |
| muzzles in after you do this, and it's an easy way to | | | | After a couple more sessions, I only had to tap the |
| clean the bit after use! | | | | side of the bucket and he understood where his apple |
| 3- Add Electrolytes | | | | chunks were. Now he dives into that bucket as soon |
| Horses lose all-important electrolytes when they sweat | | | | as I remove his bridle! |
| profusely. Many kinds are available on the market | | | | Note: Carrots won't work because they sink. |
| today and it's a good idea to take some with you | | | | I use this technique with all my equines now. It's a great |
| when traveling with your horse. Adding electrolytes to | | | | way for a horse to feel pampered because he gets |
| your horse's water will support his system in cases of | | | | his treats, and the owner to feel relieved because her |
| excessive sweating and dehydration. Choose one of | | | | animal is re-hydrating. |
| the flavored types, such as apple or cherry, and you | | | | |