Time is Up!
Every horse must always have constant access to fresh, clean water. To prevent bacteria and grime building up on the receptacle, causing the water to become stagnant, it should be cleaned out twice daily.
There are two main methods of providing water in the stable: buckets or an automatic watering system.
Water Buckets:
When using water buckets, they must be large and sturdy enough to provide the horse with ample water whilst in the stable. Detachable handles should be removed from the buckets. If the horse plays with the bucket, it can be placed in a tyre to help prevent it being knocked over.
The bucket should be positioned in an area of the stable where it is not going to be knocked over easily by the horse. Ideally, it should also be placed away from the hay to prevent it dropping into the water.
To clean water buckets, use a sponge or water brush to remove any grime. Rinse out before refilling with clean, cold water.
If the horse is out of the stable for any length of time, leave the bucket empty until the horse returns and then refill with clean water.
Automatic Watering System:
This is a labour-saving method of providing water in the stable. However, some horses do not like the re-filling sound of the system and refuse to drink from it. In this case, buckets should be provided.
Furthermore, in extreme hot weather conditions, or after hard work, the horse may require an additional bucket of water so they can intake more water at one time.
To clean out an automatic watering system: place a bucket underneath the system – lift up the ball cock to stop the flow of water – using a sponge clear out the dirty water into the bucket – wipe the bowl with the sponge until clean – let go of the ball cock to allow fresh water to refill the system.
