What behavior of drinking can lead to the serious problem known as impaction?

Infrequent drinking can lead to the serious problem known as impaction in horses. When a horse does not drink enough water consistently, it can result in dehydration, which causes the fecal material in the intestines to become dry and hard. This can lead to an impaction, where the intestines can become blocked by the dry feces.

Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining the health and normal function of a horse's digestive system. When horses are infrequently drinking, their bodies may become unable to effectively process food and eliminate waste, leading to severe digestive complications like colic caused by impaction.

In this context, overdrinking or frequent drinking does not contribute to impaction; instead, they may help in ensuring proper digestion and regular bowel movements. Water deprivation can also lead to serious health issues, but it is the irregularity of water intake—drinking infrequently—that is directly linked to the risk of impaction.