Solutions for a Pregnant Mare Who Refuses to Drink in the Stall

The proper care and hydration of a pregnant mare can mean a smooth gestation and a lively, healthy foal at birth. Many horses get sufficient water intake on their own but occasionally need to consume additional water. If you suspect your mare may be dehydrated, perform a skin pinch test. Pinch the skin at the point of the mare's shoulder, let it go and count the seconds until the skin lays flat. If it takes longer than two seconds to return to normal, your horse is slightly dehydrated.

  1. Outdoor Time

    • Allow your mare to move around outside as much as she can. Many pregnant mares, unless they are about to foal, are just as happy outdoors with an open shed or barn they can enter during inclement weather. The more she moves, the more likely she will be to drink when she becomes thirsty. Water naturally found in grass can also have a large effect on your mare̵7;s hydration, so let her graze as much as possible to increase her water intake.

    Apple Juice or Cider Vinegar

    • Apple juice is a sweet option for your pregnant mare.

      Adding a cup or two of apple juice or apple cider vinegar to your mare's water will entice her to drink more. Be sure her water bucket is clean and does not have any strange odors. Apple juice sweetens the water, and cider vinegar adds a sweet and tangy taste that horses find appealing. This is especially true if your mare is in a new or unfamiliar location and the water tastes foreign to her.

    Soaking Hay

    • Well-soaked hay can absorb 1 to 2 gallons of water for your mare to consume. Soaked hay becomes softer, more pliable and easier for your mare to eat and digest. Another option is soaking hay cubes in water to make a soft mash and offering it to your mare. Submerge hay in water for a minimum of 20 minutes for the most benefit. Dunking a hay net filled with hay is a convenient way to offer soaked hay and minimize waste.

    Grain and Salt

    • Add an abundant amount of water to your mare's grain to give her much-needed hydration. Add a few moisture-rich apple slices or carrots to her meal, which also doubles as a treat. Offer your mare free-choice salt in her stall and when she is turned out in her paddock or field. Natural salt increases water consumption and includes essential sodium and chloride, which is not found in grain or hay. If she is not interested in free-choice salt, you may pour a tablespoon of table salt in her grain.