Horses require a precise balance of nutrients to maintain health and performance, but the one that’s often easiest to access—water—is required for every physiological process. It cannot be overlooked.
With water intake, however, it’s not just about drinking. A horse’s hydration needs will vary according to diet, nutrition needs and performance demands.
“The right nutritional balance starts with high-quality hay and pasture. That essential fiber supports proper digestive function and sustains hydration and electrolytes that a horse needs, especially a performance horse,” said Kristyn Sturken, Sentinel® Product Manager.
Though using diet to influence hydration starts with hay and forage, it doesn’t end there. The type of feed you provide can also positively impact your performance horse’s water intake.
Guidance for Keeping a Horse Hydrated
Simply giving access to water does not guarantee a horse will drink enough. Water taste, smell and temperature all affect a horse’s desire to drink, and diet must also be considered. For example, a horse that is eating a lot of pasture, with a high moisture content, may drink less than if he’s consuming primarily hay, which is drier and could induce thirst.
With that in mind, here are some tips for making sure a horse stays properly hydrated:
- Offer water: Encouraging a horse to drink can help stimulate thirst.
- Monitor sweat loss: High temperatures, humidity and intense exercise make a horse sweat, which might require adjusting electrolyte supplementation to offset what’s been lost.
- A horse that is sweating normally will have a lightly moist, shiny coat, particularly under the saddle.
- Sweat will spread to the neck, chest and legs in a horse that is exercising harder.
- Supplement with electrolytes: Giving a horse a well-balanced electrolyte supplement can help replenish minerals lost during exercise.
- Forage: Forage provides a significant source of potassium, which can help horses maintain water balance.
Additionally, it’s essential to know the signs of dehydration. While fatigue, illness or reduced performance are worrying, if dehydration is not tended to promptly, it could result in grave health issues.
Look for these signs of dehydration and take action immediately if found:
- Elevated heart rate or pulse exceeding 40 beats per minute
- Changes in gum color or loss of moisture on the gums
- Loss of skin elasticity; pinch along the neck in front of the shoulder to test—it should retract without delay
Helping a Horse by Soaking Extruded Feed
Extruded feed is different from pelleted feed; it is pressure cooked with moisture, which produces light, airy nuggets that encourage more chewing and, subsequently, more saliva production. Slower chewing and increased saliva production help maintain the precise nutrient balance healthy horses require and can support hydration.
In addition to easy digestibility making nutrients more accessible to the horse, extruded feeds can be easily soaked and prepared as a mash. This can be done much quicker than it takes to soak pellets and can provide extra hydration in horses who are not drinking enough water, which can also help prevent choke.
Getting a horse to drink more water may help prevent certain digestive upsets associated with high-stress, high-intensity conditions performance horses might experience.
High-Quality H2O and Electrolytes
Performance horses are particularly susceptible to electrolyte imbalances because of significant fluid losses from sweat. Electrolytes are minerals that, when dissolved in water, are vital for a multitude of bodily functions, including nerve transmission, muscle contraction and fluid balance.
Competitive horses face an increased risk of fatigue, reduced muscle efficiency and worsened nerve function if their electrolytes are not replenished. In severe cases, serious health complications can arise.
Key electrolytes and their function:
- Sodium (Na): Regulates fluid balance and is essential for nerve impulse transmission.
- Chloride (Cl): Works alongside sodium to maintain fluid balance and is a component of stomach acid, aiding digestion.
- Potassium (K): Crucial for muscle function and helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance.
- Calcium (Ca²): Necessary for muscle contractions, nerve function and blood clotting.
- Magnesium (Mg²): Involved in muscle relaxation and energy production.
Supplementing Electrolyte Intake
You can buy supplements to help restore your horse’s electrolyte balance. These are available as additives for your horse’s water, or even as an oral gel or paste. When using, always follow the label instructions.
Providing salt is another way to help maintain electrolyte balance. In addition to acting like an electrolyte, salt can also stimulate thirst and encourage a horse to drink more water.
Whichever method you choose, your horse needs free access to water. Electrolytes can encourage your horse to drink water.
Also keep in mind that some horses do not like water with additives in it, so when adding electrolytes to their drinking supply, make sure to have a separate, fresh water source available.
Keep a Horse Hydrated for His Health and Wellness
A horse must stay well-hydrated to maintain proper nutrient balance and support his diet, workload and lifestyle needs. It’s important to recognize the signs of dehydration and understand what behaviors and conditions increase the risk. There are many effective strategies to help keep your horse hydrated. By actively managing your horse’s water intake, you can help prevent serious health issues and ensure they stay healthy, comfortable and performing at their best.
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