Premier Horse Agistment
Split Rock Mountain
Why do Horses drink so much?
And why don't they like to drink alone?
Horses drink a lot of water. A lot. A horse can drink up to 70 litres of water per day. That’s 19,00 litres per year. In very hot weather or if a horse is working hard, it will drink even more. Because a horse’s normal diet consists largely of dry material, which is predominantly fibrous in nature, a horse requires an adequate supply of water to enable this material to move through the gut. In addition, being well hydrated results in joints being lubricated, nutrients being distributed to cells and organs functioning as they should.
Dehydration is a serious concern for all animals, including humans. Hence the water bottle, the essential fashion accessory of our times! In horses, dehydration increases the risk of colic, as well as respiratory disease. It can also lead to stiffness, fatigue and muscle weakness. Horses are particularly at risk of dehydration, as they sweat more than any other animal.
Thus it is crucial that horses have access to clean, fresh water at all times, water which is, as far as possible, free of organic matter such as leaves, sticks, insects, dead animals and manure. Horses are fussy about water – if they don’t like it, they will not drink. Fair enough too.
Horses are also instinctively suspicious of watering places. In the wild, drinking at a natural water course can be a dangerous activity, one that is best attempted with friends close by to help keep watch. There are no mountain lions in Rockmount, but horses don’t know that and they are always on the alert.
For domesticated horses, a reticulated water system, such as shown above, is ideal in that provides a constant supply of suitable water. The large diameter, deep concrete trough also keeps the water cool during even the hottest of days.
The trough is situated out in the open, where horses have a clear view of their environment in all directions. No predators lurking here! The trough is also large enough for several horses to drink at once, making the equine equivalent of a gathering at the water fountain a pleasurable experience for all.