How's the water supply?

By Jennifer Kunz, AnimalForum.com staff

Is your horse getting enough water? An average horse will drink 12 gallons of water per day. Foals, lactating mares, hard-working horses, and those eating high-protein diets will all require even more water on a daily basis.

Water makes up about 60 percent of the mature horse's body. It allows for waste removal, nutrient transport, lubrication, and many other functions. So it's very important to the overall health of your equine friend.

• Although it may seem logical, eating snow during the winter will not satisfy a horse's need for water and should never be relied upon.
• If you water from a bucket or standing trough, the container should be cleaned out on a regular basis to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Automatic waterers should be cleaned as well and checked to ensure they haven't frozen or malfunctioned.
• Always be careful using electricity of any kind around a water source. A live wire touching the water can electrocute horses, other livestock, and people.

Be careful about allowing your horse to drink too quickly after a hard ride. A hot horse should never be allowed to gorge himself on water. Water that's too cold can also cause cramping and discomfort for a horse that hasn't been cooled down sufficiently. Allow your horse a couple swallows of tepid or room temperature water, then cool him off completely before allowing him to drink any more.