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[RC] Since we are on the subject of water - Tracey Smith

Since we are on the subject of water, I need some advice on how to get my
mare to drink better on the trail.  

She drinks great at my trailer when I offer her water (comes from home of
course) but has not been drinking on the trail like I'd like her to.  So
far, we have just been doing 25's but we are training harder as either this
fall or after the first of the year I want to do a 50 on her.  At MOON ME a
couple weeks ago she drank NOTHING on the first loop and or when we got back
in camp.  Still when the vet checked her he said she was just an A- in
hydration and told me she'd likely drink on the second loop...well she did
not, but finally did when we went to the water tanks at the vet check and
then after we vetted out (still with the A- at end of ride) she about drank
my water tank in my trailer dry!!! 

She eats great on the trail but just seems really "picky" about drinking on
the trail.  Also she gets easily "distracted" when we are at a stream or
pond trying to get a drink so if there's a horse there splashing in the
water or whatever....she will get distracted and not want to drink.  I do
give her e-lytes as needed before, during and after a ride, but only if
she's drinking well as I have heard it's dangerous to give to them if they
are not drinking.  

Any suggestions on how to get her to drink better so she will be prepared
for the longer distances?  Other than that she's very good at taking care of
herself on the trail...tells me when she needs to slow down the pace, or eat
or pee or whatever...but the not drinking thing is driving me nuts.  Will
she naturally just get better at the longer distances we do?

Suggestions?

Tracey

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