How to Keep Your Horse’s Water Clean and Healthy Every Day

Every horse deserves fresh, clean water, it’s their fuel for good health and happy days. But keeping buckets and troughs clean can sometimes feel like a chore. No worries! Here’s a simple, easy guide to make sure your horse’s water is always fresh and inviting.

Why Clean Water Matters

Horses drink a lot of water, sometimes 10 gallons or more a day! If their water is dirty or slimy, they might not drink enough. That can lead to colic, digestive problems, or just a cranky horse. Clean water keeps them healthy, hydrated, and ready to go.

Buckets: Quick Tips for Stall Water

Buckets get dirty fast from hay, dust, or even a splash of feed. Here’s how to keep them clean:

• Every day: Dump old water and rinse the bucket.
• Once a week: Give it a good scrub with a stiff brush and warm water. You can use a little vinegar, mild diluted bleach solution or Listerine original mouthwash (just rinse well after).
• Products to try: EZI-Groom Grip Bucket Brush make scrubbing easy.

Troughs: Keeping Pasture Water Fresh

Big troughs can get slimy, especially in the summer sun. Algae grows fast, and bugs love it too. Here’s what to do:

• Once a week (or more): Empty the trough, scrub it well, and refill with fresh water.
• Shade helps: Try to keep the trough out of direct sun or use a shade cloth.

Extra Tips to Make It Easier

• To keep flies away from water buckets and troughs, spray a little diluted Listerine mixed with water around the area, it helps repel flies naturally. Using a water spray to gently mist the horse also helps keep flies off.
• Add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to water once in a while, it helps stop slime and bugs.
• Always watch your horse’s water habits. If they stop drinking, it might be time to test your water or clean more often.

Quick Checklist

• Dump and rinse buckets daily.
• Scrub buckets and troughs weekly.
• Keep troughs shaded when possible.
• Use de-icers in winter.
• Keep an eye on your horse’s water intake.

Clean water keeps your horse happy and healthy. With just a little regular care and the right tools, you’ll have fresh water flowing all year long.