12/03/2025
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Equines and Warm Water
Brian S. Burks, DVM
Diplomate, ABVP
Board Certified in Equine Practice
During cold weather, most horses consume less water. The problem is that horses need water to help soften and digest the forage they eat. Without enough water, the horse can end up with an impaction of the colon or stomach, which causes colic (abdominal pain). Daily, horses have a minimum need for water to survive at rest, which is about 5-10 gallons per day for an average horse. If the horse is working, the temperature is high, lactating, or the horse has a medical issue, this can easily double (sometimes more).
Some horses naturally drink more water than others. Some may not want to drink because of oral issues (teeth, gums, and other mucosa). They also prefer clean, fresh water, low in contaminants, as opposed to stagnant water. Horses often prefer water to be 45-65 degrees.
It is important, however, to monitor water intake and your horse’s hydration status. Watch the manure for moistness and for mucus. Heavy mucus indicates that f***s have been sitting in the GIT for too long. The horse should be examined by a veterinarian. You can also check the gums for color and moistness; when the gums are blanched by pushing on them with your thumb, the pink color should return in under two seconds. Longer than that is an indication of dehydration. Pinching the skin on the upper eyelid will indicate dehydration if it does not quickly return to its normal state. Get to know what is normal for your horse, which will make abnormal more easily recognized.
If you need to encourage water intake, adding a few tablespoons of salt to the hay or grain several times per day will encourage drinking. You can also add some warm water to the bucket. The water should at least not have ice inside the bucket. Do not increase the water temperature above tepid; rapid changes and too warm a water temperature can decrease water intake.
Electric bucket warmers are great, but they have drawbacks. They are a fire hazard, so check the cords daily for signs of wear. Also make sure that your horse cannot reach any part of the cord, as chewing on the cord can cause electrocution. Sometimes you may not notice a problem, but your horse might; horses can feel small amounts of electricity in the water (like electric fencing) and will refuse to drink.
An alternative is to insulate the bucket or water trough. You can wrap material around the tank or set it into the ground or even snow, which will insulate the water and protect from freezing. In some situations, you may just have to carry water from the house at least twice daily, more if it freezes quickly. Hot water freezes more quickly in a bucket than tepid water. Idle horses require approximately 10-12 gallons of water daily. A little salt on top of some grain will encourage drinking during or soon after hay consumption. Remember, each horse is an individual and may consume more or less water, just make sure that your horse is properly hydrated.
Fox Run Equine Center
www.foxrunequine.com
(724) 727-3481
