How it Drips

A good friend of mine introduced my horses to the luxury of watermelon at the end of a long hot trail. At first my Fox Trotter turned up her nose and curled her lip as only horses can do. My Haflinger gobbled it up, with great streams of juice dripping down each side of his mouth. He knew a good thing the minute he tasted it. The Trotter soon followed his lead.

It turns out that watermelon is a great way for both riders and horses to rehydrate in the summer. Watermelon is known to reduce inflammation that occurs with asthma, arteriosclerosis and arthritis. Watermelon is full of antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin A and Vitamin C. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals that can cause damage to tissue.

Watermelon is also high in lycopene which can lower the risk of several types of cancers. It's low in calories; one cup of watermelon is 48 calories and without fat. It's rich in vitamin K, Magnesium. What's not to like?

My granddaughter and I sing the watermelon song as we feed the horses. "Watermelon, watermelon, how it drips, how it drips, up and down the elbow, up and down the elbow, spit the pits ,spit the pits" (to the tune of Are You Sleeping?).

Of course feed the melon only, not the rind. Your horses will be singing for more.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net