electrolyes to make a horse drink

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From: Kristi 
Email: iluvdez@yahoo.com

I need info from anyone out there (Susan, Heidi, Truman?) who can 
SCIENTIFICALLY explain why you 
shouldn't force electrolytes on a  horse to try and make him drink.
I participate on
a competitive trail list serve, and
there are lots of "new" riders who
rely on it for advice. Someone has
just posted a reply that says you 
SHOULD give electrolytes to a
horse to try to make him want to drink, (she believes that to trigger thirst response, the horse should have electrolytes added and then he'll drink to balance the ratio). I learned from ride camp
(and in Dr. Loving's book maybe? can't remember) that that's not a good idea,
but I need the WHY'S so I can reply.  Also, please tell me if I'm remembering my info wrong! Thanks

Kristi  


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