Decades ago, I watched a colic surgery where the intestine was exposed, unwound and resected after copious amounts of liquid were "hosed" in to soften the near-concrete mass within. I was shocked by how much dry material had impacted the gut. I also had a Veterinarian who always "prescribed" sloppy wet mashes, soaked hay and soaked pellets when the horses seemed "off" and he approved of the Milk of Magnesia doses by mouth when my horses seemed "colicy". I loved him! And I believe that moisture loss and very dry feed can complicate a simple constipation into something life threatening at times. How much easier it is to add the moisture when the food is ingested! Providing fresh water at an appealing temperature and good salt/minerals free choice will go a long way in sustaining good health in horses... A lifetime with them and a career of natural health counseling have made me totally pro-active, and proud of it! When you get used to thinking ahead and being a bit extra aware of your horse's happenings/needs, it gets to be second nature and way less trouble than the alternatives! So, I mention such things to others out of the sincere desire to help horses and their humans. Life is good.
