We've hung around water stops for 15 minutes waiting for him to drink. It
doesn't seem to matter whether other horses are around or not. He'll put his
nose down to the water occasionally but otherwise shows no interest.
He does enjoy a bran mash if available at the first vet check. Once he does
start to drink, he drinks a lot. We ride slow and his recovery times are
minimal. He has never had a hydration problem at any vet check. At the end
of the Camp Pendleton ride last month, the vet reported slightly depressed
gut sounds and opined that a lack of drinking on the ride could have been a
cause.
I would like to start fifty mile rides early next year. I realize we will
probably need to use electrolytes on these longer rides. I am afraid to use
electrolytes or ride these longer distances if my horse doesn't drink more or
drink earlier. Does anyone have any explanations or suggestions?
Thank you.
John Parke
Santa Barbara, CA.