A horse can become dehydrated in hot weather and there are some simple tests you can perform to check that your horse is sufficiently hydrated. One is to press gently on the gum near your horse’s upper teeth. The skin will change colour to pale pink or white, but should return to normal when you remove your finger. If it takes longer than a couple of seconds for the colour to return, your horse could be suffering from dehydration. Another top way to test for dehydration is by gently pinching the skin so it creates a ‘fold’. When the fold is released, it should return to its natural position quickly, if not, he could be dehydrated.

There is a saying, “You can take a horse to water...” But is there a way to make him drink?
 

• Try to keep his food near water as a way to encourage him to have a drink. Make sure the water is fresh and clean as horses don’t like to drink unclean water.  Check that it is placed in the shade or under shelter as water can become too warm and intolerable for them in direct sunlight.
• Although electrolytes as a supplement will not increase his desire to drink, powder electrolytes added to a bucket of water may make him more interested in drinking the water. Also consider adding apple juice, molasses, apple cider vinegar or salt to his water, as this may encourage him to drink. When offering flavoured water, it is essential that you offer plain water too, to give the horse a choice.
•  Some horses do not like water that is ‘different’.  If you are taking your horse away from its usual water supply, add some apple juice or apple cider vinegar to the water prior to travel.  When you then add this to the ‘new’ water, it will help to disguise the taste.
• Soak the horse’s hay and add water to feed and supplements. Wetting their hay can help enormously as one section of hay can absorb 1-2 gallons of water. Fresh grass, soup-consistency watery feed and moisture rich treats such as apples and carrots add water to a horse’s diet.
• Make sure the horse has access to a clean salt block.  Natural salt should help increase his water consumption.