Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Title: Training to drink

I have a question.
         I just bought a 6 year old Arab and I haven't had a chance to ride him yet but his previous owner was proudly telling me what an easy keeper he is.  He stays fat just a little grain and hay and hardly drinks any water.  I kept the horse stalled the first night so we could get to know each other and I was concerned he only drank about a quarter of a bucket of water in about 18 hours.  He ate well, loved the grass and carrots.  I checked his hydration and his skin was tenting.  He's out with the other horses now and even though I don't see him at the trough his hydration when checked is better.  It still isn't snapping right back.

        Are there tricks to get him drinking on the trail.  I know the standard-give him time and ride long enough to make him thirsty.  Could I have just bought a horse that prefers to stay a little dehydrated? 

Cassie