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Water in winter

2K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  kitten_Val 
#1 ·
I'm trying to figure out the best way to get water to the horses this winter.

This is my first time having a boarding facility and we won't be putting in automatic waterers this year for sure.

The best I can think of is to run electric heaters (or is there something that just keeps the water moving?) to each of the stock tanks.

What is the best extension to use and what about heaters?

The horses are turned out during the day or night. Everyone spends half their time in a stall with an automatic waterer and the barn is heated.

I realize that the majority of horses will probably drink their water when they are in because the water is warmer.

BUT I just can't not have water available 24-7.

So, how do I keep these tanks from freezing up? I have 50 gallon tanks, 2-4 horses per tank.

Thank you so much for your help on this!
 
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#2 ·
You are right, you absolutely must have water outside. At least mine drink all day long in winter as well in summer. I don't think you need to "heat" the water. Are you asking about the deicer? My boarding farm used the plastic one floating on top of the tank. However, it wasn't the best in world, and I ended up breaking and cleaning the ice myself when the temp was below 20. Not my job, but... Horses are mine... Lol!

I did buy one which goes on bottom of the tank (my horse loves to bite things). Havn't try it yet though (waiting for this winter to come :) ).
 
#3 ·
Yeah, I am not worried about warming the water. More worried about the horses having access to water (not ice).

The thought of a boarder going out and finding ice instead of water bothers me.

I am even more worried about colic.

I can't make a horse drink (can lead a horse to water...) but I can offer it 24-7.

I do believe that horses will choose the "warmer" water inside the barn as opposed to the outside water at 33 degrees. In my opinion, it doesn't matter anyway; I need to offer water all the time.

So, what are suggestions here? I want to know what works and doesn't, pitfalls and whatnot.

Thanks so much! Advice is really appreciated!
 
#4 ·
Yeah, I am not worried about warming the water. More worried about the horses having access to water (not ice).

The thought of a boarder going out and finding ice instead of water bothers me.

I am even more worried about colic.

I can't make a horse drink (can lead a horse to water...) but I can offer it 24-7.

I do believe that horses will choose the "warmer" water inside the barn as opposed to the outside water at 33 degrees. In my opinion, it doesn't matter anyway; I need to offer water all the time.

So, what are suggestions here? I want to know what works and doesn't, pitfalls and whatnot.

Thanks so much! Advice is really appreciated!
 
#5 ·
we had the same problem for our horses out back, we had a hose that ran out to the back pasture....great in summer pain in te butt in winter, i have a 210 gal tank that fits on the back of my silverado but most of the time would just get stuck or the hoses froze up..we went out 3 times a day to ice pick it (only thing you can do) we looked at getting a solor power tank heater but could not find one any where, i only have my 2 horses on the farm now and this winter we will be wiring a tank heater to the out side water tank by the house....
 
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