Sometimes a city horse won't drink from a mountain stream, regardless how clear the stream is. The water tastes different from city water so the horse has to get used to that fresh, clean, clear water smell and taste!
Big, green water cans are great for hauling water! They're rectangle so they store easily and can be filled from any hose, stream or river
WATER ON THE MOVE
Use a bucket hanger on a trailer to keep a horse from spilling water. Bucket hangers won't scratch a trailer and the horse can't get them loose. You can also use these in water tubs so any critters that fall in have a 'life line' to crawl up
half. All I want is the water flavoured so the horse will drink.
Another way to get water into a horse is by dipping the hay or soaking feed pellets, grains, brans, etc in it. Measure out the hay and then stuff it in a water tub. Let it set for awhile (about an hour is good). The dry hay will absorb some water and you can either hang the hay in a net over the water tub to catch the dripping water as the horse eats or leave the hay in the water tub for the horse to fish out. When the horse eats the hay, he’ll have water with it. You can do the same with pellets, grains, brans, etc. Measure the feed into a pail then dump in enough water to make it a mush. You can add as much water as you like to determine the ‘slush’ consistency. On a cold day, I’ll add some warm water to the feed so it gives the horse
a warm feeling like eating oatmeal on a cold morning. It warms the tummy!
Just remember that when feeding anything from hay to mashes to ‘slushes,’ feed the horse with it at home first. Never, never try something new or add anything to the horse’s diet when out camping. A sudden addition or deletion can bring on a case of colic. Out camping is the last place in the world you want a horse to develop colic!
To find any of the items mentioned in article, go to website Two Horse Enterprises –
www.twohorseenterprises.com or send an e-mail to Bonnie at
horsecamping@comcast.net
BONNIE DAVIS Bonnie is a horsecamping guru with over 40 years experience. She is a
guest editor of Trail Rider magazine and runs Two Horse Enterprises, an online store for all your trail riding needs
www.twohorseenterprises.com
When riding, let the horse drink where he wants. If you are crossing a stream, let him drink. Just beware when he starts to paw and play in the water it can mean he is about to lay down in the stream really quick! Wet green grass is good but again, watch that feed change. What you may consider a dirty
puddle, a horse may want to drink from. Let them. I’ve had Nic drink from the water puddle forming from the horse manure pile runoff (his water requirements aren’t as high as mine!) But if you come upon water that is crystal clear, no bugs or plants growing – steer clear! It can be what is called ‘bad water’ – poison. Wild water should have some plants and bugs floating around on the top and growing from it. One should always carry a 1/4 inch
rope about 30 feet long plus a folding canvas water pail on their saddle (also available from Two Horse Enterprises). The rope is used to toss the pail into a water source if your horse isn’t able to get down to it. The pail will open when it hits the water. Pull it up to you and let your horse drink. When done, the pail can be squished down and then tied to the saddle strings so you always have something to water the horse from. Personally, I like canvas because it dries quicker and, unlike plastic water pails, will not mold or get mildew in spots that don’t get completely dry. Canvas ‘breathes’ so the pail dries quickly and holds about a gallon to two gallons of water depending on its size. Again, I also use my folding canvas water pail for grain on the trail. Simply pour a measured amount in, fold it down, tie it on the saddle and it’s there for a noon lunch break.
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