How To Keep Your Racehorse Hydrated for Great Track Performance

A racehorse can consume the healthiest diet with the proper balance of vitamins and minerals. However, dehydration is a robber of great track performance, causing muscle fatigue and overheating.

We humans are mammals, just like horses. Think about how you feel when you are out in the heat for too long without a refreshing drink of water. Keep yourself hydrated while navigating horse racing betting sites. Hydration provides energy so you can make the best wagering decisions based on your research. Live betting is more effective than pre-race betting, so you can consider all the updated odds before placing a wager.

Here are the ways to keep your horse hydrated during race day. Jockeys and trainers, don’t forget your water bottles either!

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Always Offer Fresh, Cool Water

Horses usually weigh 1,000 pounds or more. They need at least 5 to 10 gallons daily for proper hydration. Check their drinking trough and fill it with fresh water regularly. Check it at least every few hours to ensure it hasn’t gotten too low. Clean water buckets and their drinking troughs daily to reduce algae build-up and bacteria.

Electrolyte Supplements for Increased Hydration

While fresh water is the best way for hydrating horses, electrolytes can replace essential minerals. They lose potassium, sodium, and chloride when in the intense heat or undergoing rigorous exercise. Hence, electrolyte powders or pastes in their horse grain can replace these necessary minerals.

Sprinkle some salt blocks into their feed to naturally increase sodium levels. Certain foods can provide natural electrolytes without over-the-counter supplements, including soaked beet pulp.

Hydrate Before Training or a Race

Let your horse take a breather and hydrate before a training session or upcoming race. Don’t wait until after a training or event to provide your horse the hydration it needs.

Offer fresh water and electrolytes in their horse feed. Some trainers like to give their horses a soaked feed or mash the night before a race and during the morning to bolster hydration levels.

Monitor How Much Your Horse Drinks Daily

Note how many gallons your horse drinks every day. Any drastic increases or decreases in water intake could indicate an illness, stress, or environmental problems.

While automatic water machines are convenient with less maintenance, they make it difficult to track a horse’s water intake. Pour gallon buckets into their trough, a few at a time, and refill throughout the day. Track how much they’re drinking at least for one week to discover their average daily intake.

Adjust Water Intake Based on Weather and Travel

Horses should drink more water during the hotter months of the year. Check their water trough more often when the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Even going a small time without water can cause fatal heat stroke.

Ensure there’s enough shade in their stable for them to stay as cool as possible even when it’s humid outside. When traveling to a race, take regular breaks during the commute to check their water trough. Even though there’s ventilation in their travel stable, the horse could still feel hot and thirsty.

Collaborate With Your Veterinarian

Every horse has different nutritional needs. Their nutrition plan depends on their weight, breed, and age. Ask your veterinarian how much water they recommend for your horse to drink every day. Collaborating with your veterinarian ensures proper hydration for your horse year-round.

Remember to Hydrate Horses Habitually

Horses are mammals in need of hydration, just like us humans. Remember to check their drinking trough often throughout the day to refill with water as needed. Hydration is one of the keys to great track performance.