You can lead a horse to water...?!!?

[hudsonw]

My horse doesn't drink when he's in the field...

My 16 month old doesn't drink when he's in the field. Luckly this time of year it's not too much of a problem due to the temp and the fact he's only out for 4 hours a day.
He knows where the buckets are (2 large tub types) as i've shown him and he's dipped his nose in but he just looks at me and then trots off.
I've tried standing with him at the buckets, cupping my hand with water (not a good idea this time of year!!) i've lead his field mate to the water so he can see him drink!!!
I've tried filling the water daily so it's fresh and i've even left it for a week and then i felt guilty!!!
When he comes in the first thing he does is drink!!!
He drinks about 1 and a half stubbs buckets while he's in and over night.
I know he might not be thirsty but i'm worried that when the nicer weather comes and he's out for longer he won't be drinking enough.
He's a happy chappy and i don't know if i'm just being a worry wart and an over protective mummy?!!?

 

[Cazza525]

When he's thirsty, he'll drink!!

Mine don't drink in the stable when they come in in the day.....(they live out).

When they go out, they drink straight away.......

 

[Silverspring]

Is it just your horses in the field? As you say it's not an issue at this time of year but if they got out for prolonged periods in the summer then you really want them drinking happily from the water supply.

The whole 'if they are thirsty they will drink' theory is great til your horse become dehydrated and ties up. I've seen it happen more than once during the summer months. Horse's can cope with only taking in water once or twice a day but for your peace of mind obviously you would rather they drank when ever the fancy took them.

If you have the field to yourself you could try smaller buckets and more of them, putting sugarbeet in the water to sweeten it or peppermint cordial. Just something to encourage them to start with then cut it down til you're not adding anything. I have also heard floating apples in water works but never had to try it as sugarbeet always works a treat.

 

[hudsonw]

Hi,
It's just him and his field mate.
I'll try the extra buckets thing and i'll try adding a flavor to the water...maybe not mint at i must have the only horse in the world who doesn't like mints!!!!
Thanks again

 

[lucindastapleton]

Try putting Horse Quencher (www.horsequencher.co.uk) in a bucket of water in his field. He'll drink this and it will give you reassurance he has drunk something when he is turned out.