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Re: [RC] methods to encourage drinking in ridecamp - heidiNow that I've purchased something I must return- (Equi-ade), I need to get ideas of how to encourage my horse to drink in camp so he's got a full tank on race day. Anyone have a very excited pony who can't focus on taking care of himself in ridecamp? I already have a buddy in camp with him, but this hasn''t proven to help him take care of himself any better. Do rides. Do SLOOOOOOW rides. Do LOOOOONG rides. Get him used to the concept that it is gonna be a LOOOONG day out there. I've seen several that did not get the idea to relax in camp until they either did multidays (so that they were tired, hungry, and THIRSTY in camp), or until they did longer distances (may mean 50 miles, may mean 75 miles) so that they did not perceive the upcoming day as being a lark. And by doing SLOW miles with them, they have a longer and thirstier day, which makes them think about it a lot more the next time--but also does not risk overriding them if they are dehydrated. The buddy thing can backfire sometimes--have you always had a buddy with this horse? I am riding a horse now that was a nervous nellie to start with, and always had a buddy in camp because hubby was riding him at rides where I was riding another horse. I was really pleased to see how much BETTER he was by himself--I was dreading it, but it was actually a big improvement. Heidi ============================================================ Of course things aren't perfect, perfect doesn't exist on this earth. Doesn't mean we won't go on trying to get better at what we do. Besides, if everything was perfect today, what would you do tomorrow? Slamming each other doesn't get anything done. ~ Dot Wiggins ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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