Water Question.

[Rides 2 Far <rides2far@juno.com>]

> So far we've been out around three hours at a stretch but we'd like  to
go out  for longer training rides.
> True, when we get back, the horses often don't even head straight > for
the > water...

Give them electrolytes the night before, then mix their grain with beet
pulp the morning you ride. I also give some chopped alfalfa soaked in
water before the ride.  I rode 6 hours in heat and humidity today. :-P 
We were lucky there was plenty of water (heck, you could just inhale it
out of the air)  But last week I did a dry ride and the horses still had
nice clear urine after 5 hours with no drink.  I actually rode him way
out of the way after 3 hours and found him some water, which he totally
ignored.  There is plenty of moist grass out here right now and I let him
grab quite a bit during the ride.

Just make sure you take them out there very well hydrated.  You can tell
by looking at their manure.  Moist is a good sign. If it bounces when it
hits the ground that's *bad*. >g<  By the way, I live in a very humid
climate.  If there's something about this that doesn't apply in dry
climates somebody let her know. I wouldn't know.

Angie
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