Providing horses a continuous supply of clean water is part of the foundation of good husbandry. Several different water sources might be found on a horse farm: ponds, streams, lakes, and automatic waterers or troughs supplied by well water or city water. 

COMMON WATER SENSE TIPS OFTEN OVERLOOKED

 

  • CHECK all automatic waterers and buckets/troughs every day to ensure continuous water supply to horses.

  • EXAMINE all watering equipment for buildup of filth scum, algae growth, fecal contamination, etc.; clean as necessary.

  • DO NOT ALLOW horses access to pasture areas with stagnant or contaminated water.

  • INSPECT DAILY the gates between pastures that allow horses access to fresh water.

  • IF HORSES ARE WITHOUT DRINKING WATER FOR MORE THAN A DAY, do not let them drink as much as they want. Excessive water consumption can result in a condition known as "water intoxication," which can be deadly. Consult your veterinarian about rehydrating horses.

It is difficult to find guidelines specific to equine drinking water. Most often, they are lumped into the water quality guidelines for livestock. Following is information to help assure that water quality for your horses is of sufficient quality

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