Is Your Horse Drinking Enough Water?

Water is essential to your horse! Not only does drinking keep the digestive system functioning properly, but water consumption also prevents dehydration and other health aliments. The weather and season can greatly impact the amount of water your horse consumes. You must provide clean and drinkable water at all times!

The average 1,100 pound horse needs 10 to 12 gallons of water per day. Typically, a horse needs 1 gallon of water per 100 pounds of body weight. There are variables that can alter this amount though. They can survive for 20 to 25 days with water but no food. That same horse could only survive 3 to 6 days with food but no water.

Depending on the season, a grazing horse can consume water through eating grass. While in the winter months, hay is dry and contains little water. You’ll also want to ensure that the water temperature is between 45 to 65 degrees F.

Many horse owners have found success with automatic waterers. RAMM Fencing offers the Drinking Post Waterer that keeps your horse’s water at 50 degrees F throughout the year. It’s easy to install, low maintenance and is non-electric! You can keep your horse drinking fresh, clean water in the spring, summer, fall and winter!

Furthermore, you’ll want to test for dehydration with the skin pinch test. Grab a fold of skin on the neck between your thumb and forefinger. Lift the skin and release! If it holds a “tent” shape for longer than two seconds, your horse may be dehydrated.

To recap- make sure your horse is drinking enough gallons of water per day, provide them with fresh water and try the skin pinch test when in doubt!