Water in the Winter

Water. This is a substance that is talked about as much as poop in the equestrian world, #iykyk. The two actually go hand-in-hand. In the winter every equestrian starts obsessively worrying about their horses input and output. We’ve all noticed that our horses tend to drink less water in the winter months. Why is that? It has been found that water that is frozen or near freezing results in decreased intake (Standlee). The “sweet spot” is water that is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (Standlee).

So, what are some simple things you can do to increase water intake?

1. Soak your horses grain with warm water.
2. Fill your horses water buckets with warm water.
3. Wetting hay with warm water.
4. Flavor your horses water with household items like Gatorade powder or peppermints.
5. Salt lick for those horses who can be trusted with it, ie: not Ocelot. Yes, Ocelot knows no chill and once devoured an entire salt lick in one night. It took a few days for the excess salt to leave his system, but definitely not an experience I’d like to relive.

Want to invest in something that you wouldn’t have at your disposable with base board? Look no further, let me rank my Top 5 Favorite water-enhancing, water-drinking-encouraging products on the market. These are all picky eater approved by the King himself, Ocelot. Enzo also serves as a taste tester but is far less selective.

1. Coming in at number 1 is Forage Porridge! What is there not to love? Equestrian owned and operated? Small business? Options for all types of horses, including metabolic ponies!? Connie is ultra-transparent about her ingredients and really takes the time to produce only the most quality product. In the winter months I soak with hot water and let it “marinate” for about 30 minutes. This is why Forage Porridge is ranked #1 by Ocelot and Enzo.
2. Next up, Horse Quencher. This product was introduced to me by my eventer bestie, @theviralequestrian. So if its backed by eventers, you know its a great product. Of course, we are fans of the peppermint flavor. We enhance the peppermint flavoring with adding additional puff peppermints that melt into the water. This is a trick for Ocelot, Enzo would drink it as is without the added peppermint. In the winter months I soak with hot water and let steep for 30 minutes. We call this their “tea.” Disclaimer: This product includes molasses, oats, corn, apple nectar, so I would not recommend use in metabolic horses without consulting your veterinarian first.
3. Electrobites from Equine Elixirs take the bronze. While this product isn’t added to water it does encourage horses to drink. It is picky eater approved by Ocelot himself. Enzo says “heck yes, I love treatos!” This is a no sugar added product, but check with your vet before giving to metabolic horses as it is not marked as metabolic safe. This is a great option for horses who cannot be trusted with salt lick, like Ocelot. While Equine Elixirs does have a steeper shipping cost this product is 10/10 worth it!
4. In fourth is Gallagher’s Water. Enzo is definitely a huge fan. Oce, not so much. This is a product safe for sugar-intolerant horses which I think is where it wasn’t a huge hit for Ocelot. Enzo says his brother is too picky and this green stuff is delish!
5. Chug, from Equine Elixirs takes the 5th place spot. This product is similar to Gallagher’s water. No sugar added, safe for metabolic horses. Similar to our third place winner, the alfalfa taste and no added sugar made it not a fan-favorite for Ocelot. Enzo enjoyed Chug when added to a full bucket of water. You can add Chug first then your water for a foam experience, Enzo was confused by this and gave it 1/10 stars. However, there are some horses that would be intrigued by the foam and might encourage them to investigate and try it out! The steep shipping costs is the primary reason this product is ranked as #5.

Have you tried any of the above products? If so what do you think! Make sure to click the links to shop!