Need Help w/ This One.....

Tami · 06-22-2007, 01:57 PM

If there is a downhill path with some bush that leads to a river of water, will the horses know enough to go there? They are in a 10 acre fenced in area. I have been filling a tub w/ water mainly because the 27 yo who has lived here all his life has arthritis and does not seem to move around as much and also have my yearling who I am not sure would go down by himself. I keep getting grief from family (in a funny, loving yet serious way) that if I stop bringing them water they will find the source. I did lead them down the path today and all went well.

My yearling turned around and headed back up the hill and Sockie took a drink. I'm just concerned about dehydration. Let me know what you think...

Thanks. Tami

LuckyAshley · 06-22-2007, 02:02 PM

If it were me, I'd be sure to keep a tank filled at all times. IMO.
-Ashley

Deb · 06-22-2007, 04:11 PM

I'd keep a tank full too. Older horses can get really dehydrated because they don't want to do the long walk...or can't.

imacowgirl2 · 06-22-2007, 04:18 PM

I was worried about my gelding when I moved him to my FIL's house, as its "free range" on 20+ acres, depending on what gates are opened/closed, and the only water available is a creek, and my guy had only ever drank out of tank. There was no need to worry for my guy...he paired up with my FIL's horse and donkey and did just fine. However, he's not aged, and the FIL's horse & donkey knew to drink out of the creek...not sure how well it would work if they both have to get used to drinking out of it at the same time, though if they know it is there I would bet they will use it...our horses have a tank but will drink out of the creek if the tank gets dumped (they have a tank because the creek is tiny and not always flowing).

06-22-2007, 01:57 PM	#1
Tami Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 426 Images: 34	Need Help w/ This One..... If there is a downhill path with some bush that leads to a river of water, will the horses know enough to go there? They are in a 10 acre fenced in area. I have been filling a tub w/ water mainly because the 27 yo who has lived here all his life has arthritis and does not seem to move around as much and also have my yearling who I am not sure would go down by himself. I keep getting grief from family (in a funny, loving yet serious way) that if I stop bringing them water they will find the source. I did lead them down the path today and all went well. My yearling turned around and headed back up the hill and Sockie took a drink. I'm just concerned about dehydration. Let me know what you think... Thanks. Tami

06-22-2007, 04:18 PM	#4
imacowgirl2 Senior Member+ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: here, there, and everywhere! Posts: 2,798 Images: 233 Blog Entries: 17	I was worried about my gelding when I moved him to my FIL's house, as its "free range" on 20+ acres, depending on what gates are opened/closed, and the only water available is a creek, and my guy had only ever drank out of tank. There was no need to worry for my guy...he paired up with my FIL's horse and donkey and did just fine. However, he's not aged, and the FIL's horse & donkey knew to drink out of the creek...not sure how well it would work if they both have to get used to drinking out of it at the same time, though if they know it is there I would bet they will use it...our horses have a tank but will drink out of the creek if the tank gets dumped (they have a tank because the creek is tiny and not always flowing). __________________ Interested in horse nutrition and have Facebook? Check out my Facebook group: Understanding Horse Nutrition

06-22-2007, 04:11 PM	#3
Deb Senior Member+ Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 1,145 Images: 1	I'd keep a tank full too. Older horses can get really dehydrated because they don't want to do the long walk...or can't.