I understand he can come and go freely then, and you think may have just chosen not to over the last few days because it's been nasty out?
...Bay has, but rarely drinks his water that's in his stall. He seems apprehensive about his bucket (regular five gallon hanging bucket), like he remembers getting hooked in it once or something. He usually goes all night without drinking, but goes first to the drink from the paddock water as soon as he comes out. If he were locked in for extensive periods, due to bad weather, he'd likely have trouble too.
Of course this is the horse that won't pee in his stall either, so I've also thought when he's locked in he goes without simply to keep from having to pee. If he's that smart ;~D
No - he's not locked in. He has free choice of his stall (12X12) or his paddock (24X24). He has turned into a real sissy :) about the bad weather, unless he's hitting the trail. Then he doesn't care.
He's still been being turned out into the big round pen every couple of days to exercise. Although I think Bob just had time to exercise the youngsters day before yesterday before the weather started getting really rotten.
Have I mentioned I hate winter?
Have I ever told you that my trainer's horse refuses to pee while OUTSIDE? That really blows my mind.