28/06/2024
Good advice right here from SPILLERS. All available from us at Lowe’s. Small hay bales, electrolytes & extensive feed list 👍
Ensuring that our horses stay hydrated is crucial for health and performance. Here’s three of our top tips for helping you to keep your horse hydrated this summer.
𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀
An excellent way to ‘sneak’ more water into your horse is to simply add water to their existing feed. However, not all feeds can absorb water easily or quickly so choosing a quick soaking mash such as 𝑺𝑷𝑰𝑳𝑳𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎 & 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒉 may be a more convenient option. This high fibre, low starch mash soaks in less than 2 minutes and the delicious apple aroma may appeal to even the fussiest of eaters. Alternatively, consider 𝑺𝑷𝑰𝑳𝑳𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑬𝑫𝒀-𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑯 𝑭𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒆 for good doers. Did you know feeding a mash may also encourage your horse to drink more water?
𝗜𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
You can lead a horse to water but…
Some horses are reluctant to drink when away from home, so consider taking water with you to shows where possible or flavouring water with molasses, fruit juice or squash (always consider the risk of prohibited substances when choosing a flavour if you are competing under rules).
Isotonic water (water containing electrolytes at the same concentration as body fluids) is an effective way of re-hydrating horses following significant sweat loss.
Try ‘training’ your horse to drink flavoured or isotonic water at home first and always remember to offer plain water as an alternative too.
𝗦𝗼𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘆
Fibre and water – could there be a better combination! If soaking to increase water intake and/ or reduce dust, 10-30 minutes should be sufficient. However soaking also helps to reduce the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) or ‘sugar’ content which may be helpful for good doers and those prone to laminitis. If you’re trying to reduce the ‘sugar’ content, we suggest soaking for 1-3 hours in warm/ hot weather.
We hope these three tips offer helpful ways to increase your horse’s water intake! If you need specific advice, don't hesitate to contact our nutrition team, who are available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, at:
📞 01908 226626
📧 [email protected]
