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Beat the Heat with COOKIES . . .
"Determining whether or not your horse is dehydrated"

Excerpts from "Beat the heat with COOKIES"
by Kandee Haertel, July 1998  Sentinel

These summer days we are enjoying frequently bring heat and humidity, setting up your horse for potential dehydration. A fun way to give your horse a treat and help him stave off dehydration is with an Electrolyte Cookie.*

Determining whether or not your horse is dehydrated: The simple "pinch test".
Take a hold of some of the loose skin where the neck and shoulder meet, pinch it firmly (but gently) between your thumb and fingers and hold it up in a little "tent" for a count of three. Use the tried and true slow count of "1001, 1002, 1003" to get a measurement of three seconds. When you release the fold of skin, it should return to its normal position in less than a second. If it takes longer than that, your horse is experiencing some dehydration. If it takes longer than three seconds, your horse is severely dehydrated and should receive immedate aid.*

Electrolyte Cookies #1
1 Cup Sweet Feed
2 Cups Quaker Oats
1 Cup Barley
3 Cups Bran
2/3 Cup Molasses
1/3 Cup pure maple syrup
1-2/3 Cups very hot water
24 oz. Perform'nWin electrolytes
(or similar measurements if using a different product)

Mix all dry ingredients until well blended. Mix molasses with maple syrup. Add molasses/syrup mixture t othe dry ingredients and mix wel. Add the hot water and mix very well. (An electric mixer is recommended for all of this.) The mixture should stick together, but still feel sticky. Divide the mixture to make 48 large cookies on a non-stick cookie sheet, ungreased. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. These are done when firm to the touch. Remove them from oven and immediately remove them from the cookie sheet.

This TREAT is intended for after the casual workout on a summer day -  not for treatment of serious dehydration. However, they are fun and easy to make.

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