Posted: 24th March 2014 | Back to news feed
All year round it is vital that our equines consume sufficient levels of water but this can become even more paramount in the coming warmer months. Water is a Macronutrient, meaning it is vital to survival and supplying sufficient quantities of this substance is essential to the horse’s functioning. Ad lib fresh water in the stable and the field is essential, but did you know providing ample forage in the diet can help retain water in the body, as grass and hay hold a naturally contain water which helps to keep horses hydrated?
Every equestrian textbook, veterinary manual or riding club teaches that horse owners should always provide plenty of clean, fresh drinking water, but why is this so important?
Water is crucial as it plays a variety of different roles in the body including acting as a solvent and as a delivery mechanism transporting vitamins and nutrients to cells. Water also enables horses to flush out toxins, regulates their body temperature and enables equines to metabolise and digest their food efficiently. Without sufficient water almost all of the horse’s systems will cease functioning and many severe dehydration cases sadly lead to colic.
Horse owners should always provide constant access to water for their horses whether stabled or in the field but if your horse is in competing regularly, in foal or lactating they may require additional water in their diet. Feeding a fibre rich diet can help and hay retains water readily when soaked, so providing your horse with his forage in an Elim-a-Net can provide a simple solution to both ensuring enough water is consumed, and at a slow and steady pace to support digestion.
Elim-a-Net has a unique Inner Net Design, which alters the size and shape of the holes in the hay net to allow you to weigh out your forage quantity, soak sufficiently and provide to your horse without the concern of over consumption. Ideal for using in the stable or when travelling, providing soaked hay in the Elim-a-Net can not only assist in ensuring optimal hydration, but it can help reduce the chance of moulds and spores harming your equine’s respiratory system.
In addition Elim-a-Net has been seen to reduce wastage and keeps your soaked hay in the net rather than falling to the floor and making mess and producing excess waste. Elim-a-Net is available in three different sizes; Pony, Cob or Horse size allowing horse owners to assess and provide exactly the quantity their individual equine needs. Prices start at £10.99
For more information and to find your local stockist visit www.parellproducts.com or call 07715 172 470.
The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.