Did you know that, on average, horses drink upward of 5-15 gallons of water daily? Did you also know that providing horses with an adequate supply of water is even more important than food? For these reasons and more, it’s important to have clean and reliable equine water sources. Choosing the right one for your barn depends on multiple factors, including natural water sources, the number of horses on the property, labor availability, and personal preference.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of various water sources to help you decide which one, or combination of options, is the best fit for your property.
Creeks, Streams, Springs, and Ponds
Streams and ponds can be excellent options equine water sources. If you have these natural water supplies on your property, you’ll need to determine if and to what extent you can rely on them for watering horses.
Pros
- Cost-effective: Natural water sources are generally free. However, in some areas, you might need to purchase a permit to access a natural water source that feeds your stream or spring.
- Less labor: Reduces the amount of time and effort spent carrying buckets or dragging hoses.
Cons
- Contamination risk: Contamination from environmental toxins such as runoff and wildlife are possible. Horses are selective and typically won’t drink unsafe water, but you’ll still need to monitor water quality and provide another water supply when needed.
- Inconsistent supply: Water levels can fluctuate and potentially dry up in hot weather.
- Temperature: Water freezes in cold climates, so you’ll need to break ice or provide an alternative water source.
Buckets
Most horse owners use buckets to provide their horses with water, even if only on a supplemental basis. Keeping a few on hand ensures you can offer water when natural equine water sources, troughs, or automatic waters are temporarily unusable.
Pros
- Easy monitoring: With buckets, you’ll know exactly how much water each horse drinks, allowing you to spot potential issues early.
- Flexibility: Buckets can be moved and relocated so you can provide water at the exact location that’s most convenient for you.
- Cleaning: Buckets are easy to clean and refill.
Cons
- Labor-intensive: Regular refilling and cleaning require added effort and time.
- Limited capacity: Horses can drain a bucket quickly, especially in hot weather or after exercise.
- An added expense: Buckets are not indestructible, and a cost is associated with replacing them.
Troughs
Livestock tanks and water troughs are popular equine water sources for horses turned out in a field or paddock.
Pros
- High capacity: Troughs hold more water, reducing refill frequency.
- Durability: Made of sturdy materials like metal or heavy-duty plastic, troughs can withstand changing temperatures and the wear and tear of daily horse use.
- Eliminates breaking ice: You can add electric heaters to most tanks and troughs during winter to keep water accessible.
Cons
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning is essential to prevent algae growth and limit insect habitat.
- Size and space: Troughs require adequate space to allow multiple horses access without getting trapped or bullied by another horse. They are difficult to move once filled.
- Biosecurity: Because multiple horses typically drink from troughs and tanks, disease spread is a risk if the herd changes frequently or horses move on- and off-site for competition.
Automatic Waterers
Installing automatic waterers eliminates the need to drag hoses, carry buckets, or check natural water sources to ensure their availability. You can choose from a variety of models that can be installed in the barn or out in the pasture.
Pros
- Consistent supply: Horses always have access to fresh water.
- Reduced labor: Less manual effort is required for refilling and cleaning.
- Cleanliness: Some automatic waterers have self-cleaning features.
Cons
- Initial cost: The initial investment in automatic waterers is far more than that of buckets or troughs.
- Improper installation: The water line must be properly installed in cold regions to avoid freezing during winter.
- Maintenance and repairs: The unit itself and the pipe that provides the supply can be susceptible to breaks. Fixing a broken pipe means digging to expose and repair it.
- Utilities expense: Automatic waterers rely on electricity and will increase your utility bill. Power outages can also take them out of operation.
Take-Home Message
Selecting the appropriate water source for your horses is crucial to their health and well-being. Each option, whether it’s an all-natural source or a high-tech automatic waterer, comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges. No matter which one you choose, regular monitoring and maintenance are key to ensuring a clean, reliable water supply.
Related Reading:
- Keeping Your Horse Hydrated
- Timesavers: Ways to Make Barn Chores More Efficient
- Horse Vital Signs: How To Check for Dehydration
Katie Navarra Bradley is a writer and author who covers horses, agriculture, and sustainability. She also partners with horses to deliver equine-assisted business and leadership coaching.
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