Text: With JD du Preez at JME Veterinary Clinic Thank you to JD du Preez of JME Veterinary Clinic for this quick chat on dehydration in horses. JME is a family-oriented vet clinic based in Sun Valley near Inanda Country Base in Kyalami. They are a mixed animal practice that treats both horses and small animals. JD…
Q: My horse never seems to drink enough water. I already soak his hay and add water to his feed but I’ve been advised to try a mash as well. Should this replace his usual concentrate feed? A: Horses are generally very good at regulating their own water balance and, while this can go awry when…
Q: Why are people worried about the iron level in horse food? A: Concerns about the iron level in horse feeds stem from the potential adverse effects of excessive iron on horse health. Here are the main reasons why people are worried: Iron overload Horses require only a small amount of iron for healthy blood…
Q: My horse hates water, even tiny puddles. If we encounter water on an outride, I have to find a way to go a long way around it, or sometimes even turn back. What can I do to make him more confident? A: Many horses are wary of putting their feet into a puddle because they…
Q: How can I encourage my horse to drink? A: The simplest way to encourage your horse to drink is to ensure that he has clean, fresh water at all times. Frequently cleaning and refilling buckets is essential to keep water fresh and palatable. Other ways to up your horse's water intake include soaking hay, adding water…
As this Nutrition Guide is a bit of a marathon production, we thought it wise to give you the option of diving in and out according to your needs and interests. Here's a breakdown of the contents with the relevant links so that you can rummage around and find the bits that interest you, or…
By Lalique Lemberger The ancient Bedouin legend of the Prophet's Thumbprint has been carried over through the generations and to this day horses who bear this mark are believed, by some, to be exceptional in some way. The myth originated with the Arabian horse, but today the mark is borne by many varieties of equines, including Thoroughbreds…
Q: What are the signs of dehydration? A: Dehydration is a serious threat to your horse's well-being, as this loss of water also means the loss essential minerals such as sodium and potassium. In serious cases, if the horse is not quickly rehydrated, it could lead to colic, kidney failure, cardiac problems and even death. A horse's…
Q: Do horses need water in the paddock? A: All horses need water in the paddock, even if they are only out for a couple of hours, and even in winter. Horses must have 24/7 access to water - they do not drink when we would like them to, hence, even if they have had access…
Q: How can I get my horse to overcome his fear of water? A: Fear of water is a very common issue in horses. They can't see how deep it is, and being prey animals by nature, they're not inclined to get themselves into any situation that might threaten their survival. Once a horse has got…
