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How to prevent equine dehydration

Dr David Marlin

3 June, 2010

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Dehydration not only affects a horse's performance — it can also be life threatening.

Dr David Marlin suggests some extra precautions that should be taken during the summer months

• Have fresh, clean water available at all times. Do not restrict your horse's access to water at competitions. If your horse does not like the taste of water when you travel, take some from home or flavour it

• For horses who don't drink well, a switch to haylage can be a good option because of its higher moisture content. This provides the horses with water and may reduce the risk of colic. Soaked hay will also help

• After exercise on a hot day, reduce sweat losses by cooling your horse off thoroughly as soon as possible after exercise. Once the horse stops sweating it will become less dehydrated

• At summer competitions, try to keep your horse in the shade. In hot, dry weather, your horse will lose water without you necessarily being able to see it

For the full article on equine dehydration, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (3 June, '10)

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