ridecamp@endurance.net: Colic from cold water

Colic from cold water

OLSONML@MAIL.STATE.WI.US
Wed, 31 May 1995 23:15:42 -0700

Hi Group!

I just bought my first horse (Arab) about 6 months ago. Although I've read
books, listened to others, gone to clinics, and took riding lessons, and
subscribe to this list, I still have a few "basic" questions that I hope
aren't stupid ones. I want to learn as much as possible about endurance
riding before going off on my own. So here's the question:

I've heard that after a long, hot ride you are not supposed to give a horse
cold water, for fear of colic. Instead you wait until the horse has a
chance to cool down, before watering. Now I've seen postings here, and even
at the competitive riding clinic I went to, there were mentions of allowing
a horse to drink from streams during/after the ride. How is this, or what
am I missing? Is it just "a given" that the horse is already cool?

Thanks in advance -

Lisa