E UINE ELIXIRS

You can lead a horse to water … and now, you can make them drink!

WE ALL KNOW WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE. But do you know the many ways in which water impacts your horse on a daily basis? Water forms a layer along the length of the gut through which the absorption of nutrients is initiated. But that’s just the beginning.

It also provides the medium in which all biochemical and metabolic reactions are conducted; transports hormones, antibodies, and the components regulating essential metabolic factors throughout the body; is integral in secreting substances onto the outer layer of skin and hair in order to maintain a barrier against infection and pathogens; helps regulate body temperature via evaporative heat loss of sweat; and carries waste out of the body.

An average horse consumes between five and fifteen gallons of water a day, the volume of which is impacted by many factors including weather, exercise, and diet. Horses grazing on lush grass will consume less direct water because of the moisture content of the pasture. And horses eating dry hay will have higher direct water requirements. Typically horses consume more water during the heat and humidity of summer. But during the winter months in places where grass isn’t available, the moisture horses would have received from grazing needs to be replaced with drinking more direct water.

Unlike human sweat, which is composed mostly of water, horse sweat is hypertonic, which means it contains more mineral salts than water. The major electrolytes in equine sweat are sodium chloride and potassium (with smaller amounts of calcium and magnesium). The combination of high electrolyte concentration and sweating rates means that horses experience significant electrolyte loss during times of heat stress. Effective hydration requires the supplementation of both electrolytes and adequate amounts of water. Electrolytes play a vital role in helping maintain the proper osmotic balance of fluid in and around cells, and are necessary for normal muscle contraction and relaxation. Without proper electrolyte balance and hydration, horses are at risk of fatigue and muscle cramping.

Not all electrolytes are created equal. Electrofresh is a combination of mineral rich pink Himalayan and red Hawaiian salt with banana extract that is designed to mimic the minerals lost in equine sweat. Unlike other electrolytes that are high in sugar, dextrose, and color dyes, Electrofresh is a concentrated electrolyte with no added sugar that horses love.

Testimonial

I was introduced to Chug when treating a horse that was not drinking enough and having issues staying hydrated. I was amazed by how much he liked the Chug and how easy it was to get him to drink with it. Since then, I have recommended it to clients and I find it extremely helpful for picky horses because it is so palatable. And because it contains no sugar, it is safe for horses with metabolic syndrome.”

—DR. AXEL BECCAR VARELA, Paddock Equine Veterinary Services

December 2023/January 2024 THE PLAID HORSE 17

AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO FEED ELECTROLYTES ON THE GO…

For horses who don’t like any salt added to their grain, or for “on the go” administration, Electrobites are a revolutionary way to feed electrolytes to your horse…in gummy form. They are designed for the equestrian that wants the most convenient and delicious way to administer electrolytes.

IN ADDITION TO FEEDING ELECTROFRESH, HOW ELSE CAN YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR HORSE TO DRINK?

To start, you should always provide easy access to fresh, clean water. That means frequently checking, scrubbing, and refilling buckets and troughs. Horses are sensitive to changes in the taste and smell of water, which can make hydration especially challenging when traveling to different locations.

WHOEVER SAID “YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER BUT YOU CAN’T MAKE HIM DRINK” DIDN’T HAVE CHUG!

Chug is designed to encourage horses to drink water and stay hydrated. A delicious smelling and tasting alfalfa extract combined with a hint of Himalayan salt forms the perfect flavor profile to entice the reluctant drinker to chug!

Great for encouraging hydration while traveling, during and after heavy workouts or competition, or just as part of daily hydration management, Chug is the healthiest and most reliable way to deliver the fluids that your horse needs. Other hydration products are loaded with sugar, starch, or both, making them unhealthy and unsafe for metabolic horses. Chug, however, is safe for metabolic horses because its combined NSC content is only 0.6%.

TO FOAM OR NOT TO FOAM…

If you’ve seen “Chug Shots” full of green lips and foamy whiskers and asked yourself whether your horse likes foam or no foam, there’s only one way to find out…do a taste test! If you’re looking to entice your horse with a foamy topper, add Chug to the bucket first and then spray with water to fill. If your horse prefers a foam-free beverage, fill a bucket with water first and then stir in Chug.

Testimonial

When it’s hot and humid and our horses are competing week after week, they are sweating and losing the electrolytes they need. Just as I am focused on hydrating and replenishing myself, it is important to maintain the horses’ systems and make sure we are replenishing what they need so they can perform at the highest levels.”