Dehydration in horses during the winter is more of an issue than most people tend to think. Horses tend to be thirstier in the winter. A horse’s thirst mechanism does not always work as effectively in the winter as it does in the summer, especially if the humidity is high. Some horses will eat snow if it is available which will cut back on their water intake. This is not an adequate water source. Water should be always offered to horses. Horses tend to drink, on average, five to six gallons of water per day.
Here are some helpful tips to find out if your horse is dehydrated:
Why do horses have the stamina to run for extended periods? Horses can accommodate great oxygen demands with a specialized circulatory and respiratory system. This means they can provide the oxygen their muscles need during exercise. While the respiratory system transports oxygen, the equine circulatory system is a bit more complex.