I have helped at a few Vet checks and we always give electrolyte paste if a horse is dehydrated at the vet check or out on trail... but if you start them on it a week or 2 before you will fine your horses does so much better and will drink plenty of water at your stops... and that's what you want them to do... I don't ride as hard as you guys do and I give mine electrolyte before I go camping with my horses... I have given my electrolytes to others who's horses have had trouble on trail... with great sucess...