I think one of the big differences is back in the southeast we normally
have a lot of water available. I happen to train in an area with not a
lot of water but the sand hills are an anomaly rather than the norm -
but here I can arrange my trip so I can get to water every five miles -
especially in the rainy season.
I don't want my horse to get into the mode - ho hum more water, there
will be plenty more so I don't need to worry, because when I go out
west there will not always be frequent water available. I want water to
become very important to him. The other benefit is if they drink small
amounts much more often there is not big swings in hydration status and
associated fluid shifts in and out of the gut associated with dirinking
large amounts infrequently. It is important to humans in prolonged
exercise to drink early and drink smaller amounts more often and I
suspect it is just as important to horses.
Truman
Jim & Drin Becker wrote:
Truman wrote
" Again if they drink they get rewarded. This type of work
usually doesn't take that long till they learn that drinking is as much
a part of the regiment as going down the trail and every time they see
water - they should at least take a few sips. "
That is why my method works for me
also , my horses learn that they better take a drink when water is
offered or they will get thirsty . I start my colts out this way riding
them in the mountains and by the time I take them to a ride there is no
hesitation about drinking whenever water is offered . Their reward is
quenching their thirst . No way does this teach them that drinking is
not important , far from that . This has been a training method that
has worked well for me as I am sure yours has worked well for you .
