Some horses are too wound-up after hard exercise to drink water at new venues, such as a competition or riding clinic in unfamiliar surroundings. Here are four ways to entice your reluctant drinker to take those necessary mouthfuls.

1- Bring Your Own Water

It helps to carry water from home with you. Horses often don't like the different flavor of water offered at the venue and prefer what they're used to. For many equines, giving them a taste of home is sufficient to lure them into drinking.

2- Use that Used Bit

A trick I learned in Germany was to dunk the bit - with the horse's saliva still on it - into the water. You will be surprised at how many horses are happy to stick their muzzles in after you do this, and it's an easy way to clean the bit after use!

3- Add Electrolytes

Horses lose all-important electrolytes when they sweat profusely. Many kinds are available on the market today and it's a good idea to take some with you when traveling with your horse. Adding electrolytes to your horse's water will support his system in cases of excessive sweating and dehydration. Choose one of the flavored types, such as apple or cherry, and you will optimize the chances of your horse drinking after work.

4- Apple Bobbing

One of my horses still refused water even after I'd tried all the above. He was perfectly happy to eat treats but would not drink. So I used his greed to tempt him.

I chopped up an apple, offered him one piece and placed the others in a bucket of water, where they floated on the surface. Looking for more, he followed my hand as I dipped it in the water and half lifted out an apple slice. He ate it with a small mouthful of water. I turned the other fruit pieces flesh side up and removed my hand. The apple bits were now in white contrast to the water, easily visible. My gelding quickly discovered and devoured them. He soon got the hang of finding them without that visual aid: it didn't matter whether the apple chunks floated flesh or skin side up. Whilst enjoying his treat he was also drinking water. This made him realize how thirsty he was and he continued to drink even when the apple was gone.

After a couple more sessions, I only had to tap the side of the bucket and he understood where his apple chunks were. Now he dives into that bucket as soon as I remove his bridle!

Note: Carrots won't work because they sink.

I use this technique with all my equines now. It's a great way for a horse to feel pampered because he gets his treats, and the owner to feel relieved because her animal is re-hydrating.

Copyright 2009 by Hilary Walker