01/07/2025
As we enter into the winter months here in Florida, it’s vital to monitoring the hydration of our horses. Both horses and humans alike tend to slow down their drinking when the sun isn’t heating the body and promoting sweat. By monitoring hydration, we can help promote consistent and healthy digestion in our horses, and reduce risk of colic symptoms or dehydration. One way of testing the hydration of your horse is to pinch their skin on their neck, and if it quickly returns to its normal state, then we can assume the horse is properly hydrating. If the skin holds a pinched shape or takes longer than normal (a few seconds) to return to its normal state, then it may be a sign of dehydration.
Some tricks to promoting water intake in your horses include adding a small scoop of salt to their feeding regiment, or adding Gatorade powder or an electrolyte into their water. Similar to adding an electrolyte supplement, Gatorade powder offers horses both electrolytes and salt, while making them feel like they’re getting a special treat away from standard water. Don’t forget they can always have flavor preferences! You can also use Purina’s “Replenimash” to supplement drinking as well.
The saying has always been “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink” and although that may be true, you can make it more enticing for them to do so.
Stay warm, and stay hydrated! 💧
