A Redmond Story: How Alyssa Helped Two New Horses Drink More Water

May 10, 2021

Clichés exist for a reason, and the one about leading a horse to water is true. Sometimes horses  just won't drink!  No matter how we coax, entice, or beg. Most horse owners have dealt with a horse refusing water, and  know it can quickly escalate into a scary situation.

Alyssa Fleming, a horse owner and Redmond customer, experienced a dehydration scare when she brought home two new horses who refused to drink. Read how she used Redmond Rein Water to get them drinking again.

Alyssa's Story:  My Horses Were Not Drinking Water

I decided to purchase two ponies—Al Capony and Nacho Libre—to keep my mare company. They were absolutely adorable horses, and very sweet. However, they had trouble adjusting to their new surroundings.

I provided them with a special, shorter water trough, kept the trough in the shade. I even placed a salt lick next to the trough to encourage them to lick and drink. They refused. I was at a loss! I'd never had a horse refuse to drink before. The ponies were already in need of some extra weight. So the fact that they were also refusing to drink water was worrisome.

I did some research and came across Redmond Rein Water. I'd never seen anything like it. Other products focused on offering horses something to lick before they drank. However, Rein Water was a natural mix added to water to encourage horses to drink.

Eager to find a solution, I gave Rein Water a try. I mixed some into a trough, and also had a plain-water trough available right next to it. I gave the ponies some time to check out both.

They continued to ignore the plain water, but to my surprise, started drinking from the trough with Rein Water. I monitored their water consumption throughout the day, and they continued to drink from the Rein Water trough.

It was such a relief to find something that encouraged my stubborn ponies to drink. Now, they're much better about keeping themselves hydrated. But whenever they do decide to be difficult, I know I have a reliable and safe product that keeps all of my animals healthy and hydrated.

– Alyssa Fleming

Why Weren't Alyssa's Horses Drinking Water?

Like Alyssa's situation, a horse that's dehydrated or refusing water can be a frustrating and worrisome thing. Mild dehydration can cause lack of energy in horses, loss of appetite, and lack of focus. If it progresses, it may result in serious problems like colic and blockages, even death.

It's difficult to always know exactly why a horse isn't drinking. But knowing some of the causes can help.  Here are some specific situations that may effect a horse's desire to drink:

• Smell. A strange smell emanating from water (like chlorine) or a new water container.  
• Flavor. Strange-tasting or unfamiliar water.
• Temperature: Water that's too cold or hot. 
• Acidity. Water that's too acidic. 
• Dirty. Debris-laden, scummy, or stagnant water.
• Travel. Hauling, a disrupted schedule, or new environment.
• Weather. Intense or prolonged heat, cold, or sudden storms.
• Stress.  A bully in the herd, competing, a new feed schedule, new environment—or many other situations. 

How to Get Your Horse to Drink More Water

Being mindful of your horse's environment can help you alleviate what may be causing uncertainty,  stress, or an aversion to certain water. Here are six tips to encourage your horse to take a sip of the wet stuff.

• Bring “home water.” If possible, bring two five-gallon containers of water from home. This helps your horse transition to “away water” and decreases the chance he'll be put off by unfamiliar smells or tastes.
• Change water containers. Is your horse drinking (or not drinking) from a new or strange container? Try switching to a more familiar metal trough or plastic bucket, whichever your horse is used to. 
• Peak your horse’s interest. Toss a few carrot or apple pieces into your horse’s water bucket to tempt his nose in to take a sip.
  
• Try giving salt. Provide a salt lick or loose mineral salt for your horse to trigger drinking. If your horse isn't licking or eating loose minerals, rub loose salt over your horse’s tongue. Some suggest this encourages a horse to drink soon after. 
• Keep tubs clean. Horses prefer fresh water. Clear your horse’s water of debris and change the water frequently. If you’re using a bucket, rinse and wipe it daily. Clean troughs and large containers weekly with a bristle brush to clear algae and contaminants.
• Change the temperature:  Horses like their water a moderate 68°, especially in winter. Try filling your horse's bucket with tepid water and keep water in the shade if it's hot outside.
• Add flavor to water. Horses prefer tastes that are sweet or salty. Adding a flavor like apple juice or a natural equine electrolyte drink mix like Redmond Rein Water can encourage drinking. 

Try Rein Water, a Natural Equine Electrolyte Supplement

Redmond Rein Water is an all-natural equine electrolyte drink mix that and eliminates many factors that make horses aversive to water.  Our thirst quencher stirs easily into water and is simple and natural. Ingredients include Redmond loose salt, Redmond clay, and essential trace minerals and electrolytes for horses. Here are the benefits Rein Water provides:

• Appeals to horses' taste and need for salt.
• Alkalizes water, making it more palatable.
• Masks the taste of chlorination and chemicals.
• Clay buffers stomach acid and reduces effects of stress.
• Includes 60+ trace minerals for superior horse health.
• Natural equine electrolytes encourage hydration.
• Horses love the natural flavor. 

Decrease your worries over dehydration and keep your horse drinking at home, on the road, and in every situation. Click the button below to purchase Rein Water and keep your horse hydrated!

Learn More

• Is your horse finicky about water? Get tips on how to hydrate horses by horse clinician Julie Goodnight.
• Salt is essential for horses! Learn more about choosing a quality horse salt lick to combat dehydration. 

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