The Importance of Water in Winter

The Importance of Water in Winter 

Many people are of the belief that in winter their horses don’t need as much water or an electrolyte supplement. We can be tricked into thinking that because temperatures aren’t as high, humidity is lower, our horses aren’t sweating as much and thus it’s normal for fluid intake to reduce. This could not be further from the truth! In fact, our horse’s hydration needs just as much attention in winter as it does in summer!  

Why may you ask? … 

• Water temperatures fall in the colder months, so horses tend to drink less 

• Horses still sweat throughout winter even if it’s not as visible. Especially horses that may be inappropriately rugged. As well as excretion of electrolytes, they are also losing all the important Vitamin B’s that need to be replenished daily. 

• A naturally reduced thirst reflex in winter 

• Decrease in pasture quantity and quality in winter reduces the availability of fluid intake through grazing fresh grass 

• Increased intake of dry feeds such as hay and chaff, used to maintain roughage intake and condition 

What can this reduced water intake lead to? 

• Dehydration can occur as water intake reduces 

• Reduction in gut mobility due to reduced fluid intake 

• Increased risk of impaction colic due to dehydration 

• Effects on body temperature regulation 

What can I do to reduce this risk of winter dehydration? 

• Add 30g of salt to your horse’s feed 

• Ensure access to a salt lick ad lib. Make sure your salt lick is molasses free, such as our Iodised Salt Licks, to avoid your horse overindulging in it the sugars! 

• Monitor daily water intake / supply 

• Monitor water quality and temperature- regularly refresh water troughs and check in the mornings for freeze overs. 

• Add an electrolyte supplement to your daily feed, or have on hand to provide after exercising / travelling your horse. Ranvet Electrolyte Replacer is a great option for targeted electrolyte supplementation, or if you are looking for a premium electrolyte and B-group Vitamin Replacer, Salkavite is a go to! Either of these products can be added to the daily ration from doses starting at 30g.  

Proper hydration is just as important when it is cold as during the warmer months. Dehydration can quickly lead to various health ailments; poor gut health, reduced performance, loss of body condition and poor general health, and can escalate quickly into colic. Continuing to maintain good fluid and electrolyte intake in winter is very important to your horse’s health. Small things such as adding salt to your horses’ diet monitoring water supply and adding some electrolytes are just a few things you can do to help your horse stay hydrated and healthy through the cold winter months.