Why hydration matters
Water sits behind almost every process in the horse, digestion, temperature control, muscle function and recovery. Get it right every day and everything else works better.
~70%
of an adult horse's bodyweight is water
25–55L
typical daily water intake for a 500kg horse
10–15L
sweat lost per hour in hard work or heat
The essentials
DID YOU KNOW?
Digestion begins with water
The hindgut relies on a large reservoir of fluid to ferment fibre. When water intake drops, gut contents dry out, motility slows and the risk of impaction rises.
Temperature control
Horses cool themselves almost entirely through sweat. Losing fluid without replacing it makes it far harder to regulate body temperature in warm weather or during hard work.
Muscle function
Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium carry the electrical signals that make muscles contract and release. Sweat strips them out faster than feed replaces them.
Recovery and stamina
A well-hydrated horse maintains blood volume, moves nutrients efficiently and clears waste faster, so recovery after work is quicker and more complete.
Travel and competition
Many horses drink less away from home. Long journeys, unfamiliar water and a busy schedule are common causes of quiet, unnoticed dehydration.
Winter is no exception
Cold water, dry forage and reduced thirst response mean water intake often drops in winter.
Know the signs
DEHYDRATION SIGNS
A horse rarely looks dehydrated until it is well underway. Mild, ongoing fluid loss shows up as small changes long before anything dramatic happens, which is why hydration is best treated as a daily habit, with Equinate Flow. If your horse seems unwell always seek veterinary advice.
- Dry or tacky gums
- Slow skin-pinch recovery
- Firm, dry droppings
- Dull coat and low energy
- Reduced appetite
- Slower recovery after work
Make hydration part of the routine
Equinate Flow is one daily scoop into your horse's normal feed or water, replenishing key electrolytes with 0% sugar, natural ingredients and a taste even fussy horses accept.