Re: Can horses pick their ration?

[flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu (Flemmer, Linda)]

If horses can pick & choose what is best for their current needs, then
why did my old mare refuse to drink at rides until she was already a C
for hydration (skin, mucous membranes, jugular refill)?  She was given
every opportunity.  Did she know best?  She didn't "need" water until
then?  (BTW - she's no longer doing endurance.  I'm riding a "Hoover
Vaccuum" gelding, now.)

NATRC had a rule for a while where the only 'lytes they could offer the
animal was free choice (they drank the water with 'lytes or ate the
powder on their own initiative).  I heard that they switched away to
oral dosing like we do in endurance.  

Most people in the hospital with low potassium or sodium don't crave
"lite salt", bananas, etc.  I've seen selenium deficient horses who
HATED the supplement.  When was he last time you saw an iron deficient
person craving rusty nails?

I can't buy the argument that they self regulate their intake.  We offer
a variety, supplement local/regional deficiencies that isn't in their
grain or forage, and look for a long range homeostasis.

Linda Flemmer