This message is from: S Sexton <ssext...@hotmail.com>
Hi Mary O,Just my opinion, but nah, keep working for now. It's probably unfair to compare your fjord to the arabians too - they're kind of like those skinny people we see at the mall and make us regular sized people feel fat! LOL But really, I'm in south central Kansas and we're riding in the mornings mostly when it's high 80's low 90's and probably 30% humidity as it is really drought bone dry here. Of course the light breeze we often have also helps as you tend to feel cooler when there is air moving, even if it is hot air. I'm guessing you're at a lot higher humidity up in MN but if he's not showing signs of stress or heaving and he's cooled down by the ride downhill, that doesn't sound too bad - especially if it's alot of walking, slow and steady and all that. If you're concerned about his water intake, have you tried a skin pinch test? Is he testing as dehydrated? If so, you might consider some electrolytes, either paste or powder for short term uses. I also recently saw an ad for a water additive, it's something you put in a bucket and they drink the full bucket of water in order to get to the yummy snack you added to it at the bottom. It's purely a water only thing so it wouldn't replenish anything like the electrolytes would. But mostly, I think you're doing the right thing keeping an eye on him and just continue to watch him for signs of changes or that it seems too much for him but he should be in condition for it if he's been doing it awhile and keep some nice clean water available at all times and he should eventually drink when he needs to and maybe some electrolyte paste once a week or rough days or if he seems off. Good luck & happy trails ;)Stephanie & SparrowKansaswww.sextonstables.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
