Ensuring your horse is adequately hydrated is one of the most important things to consider when caring for your animal. Your horse might not have access to a natural water source, so a water trough can guarantee they have unlimited access to fresh, clean water. It also means you can monitor your horse’s water intake, which can be especially important in warmer months. However, there are a variety of horse troughs on the market- so which is the best choice?
Why Do I Need a Water Trough?
A water trough is a good way to provide a clean, fresh hydration source for your horse. When they drink, they often contaminate the water with hay, grass, and other debris which can all accumulate in the trough. Due to this, a water trough with a drain can be beneficial to ensure any materials carried into the water can be easily removed.
Additionally, monitoring your horse’s water intake can be extremely important. Dehydration can lead to a range of issues including digestive complications, colic, and even organ failure in extreme cases. It can be hard to detect signs of dehydration, which is why a water trough can be a great way to keep track of exactly how much your horse is drinking. Typically, an average 500kg horse drinks around 30-50 litres of water per day, but this can be more depending on the weather and their physical exertion.
What is the Best Material For a Water Trough?
Horse water troughs come in a range of different materials, which each come with their own positives and negatives. The best material for your trough may differ depending on the horse’s needs.
Metal
Troughs made of metal are often galvanised to help prevent rusting. The benefits of choosing a metal trough are that they’re sturdy and durable so less likely to break. They are also typically available in larger sizes, which might be right for you if your horse is bigger than average, or if you need a trough for several horses.
However, these types of troughs can be more expensive than other materials and can be susceptible to rusting or corroding if they’re not properly maintained. In colder months, the water also doesn’t melt as quickly which means you have to be diligent in ensuring your horse stays hydrated.
Plastic
Plastic is one of the most common materials for water troughs because they are more lightweight, making them easier to move and install. They’re also not going to rust or corrode over time and are less conductive of heat, like metal is. These types of troughs can be cheaper compared to alternatives.
On the other hand, they aren’t as durable as metal troughs and can be susceptible to cracking in colder months. They’re also not always available in larger sizes, so may not be suitable for your needs.
Rubber
Rubber water troughs can be considered a mixture of the metal and plastic advantages and disadvantages. Rubber troughs won’t rust, corrode, or crack and are sturdier than plastic. They aren’t as heavy as metal, so slightly easier to move.
However, they can be much more expensive than plastic or metal alternatives. They are also more difficult to install, so this is something to consider overall.
If you’re looking for equine fencing solutions, Norton’s Fencing offers a range of fences, gates and arenas to keep your horses safe and secure. We also install water troughs with a surrounding structure for protection and stability.
We are now the UK partner for a new water trough call Drinking Post. Designed to be maintenance-free all year round so your horse is always hydrated, it doesn’t freeze and it super easy to manoeuvre. Check it out here.
Speak to our team today to find out more about high-quality living solutions for your horses.
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