Most adult horses drink around 30 to 45 litres of water each day, although their requirements can rise considerably during hot weather, exercise, lactation or when they are eating dry forage.
Typical daily intake for an average adult horse
Fresh water should remain available throughout the day
Work, weather and dry forage can increase demand
A typical adult horse weighing around 450kg may drink approximately 30 to 45 litres of water each day under ordinary conditions.
This is only a general guide. Some horses may drink less when grazing moisture-rich grass, while horses eating hay, exercising, travelling, nursing a foal or coping with warm weather may need considerably more.
Water is an essential part of digestion, circulation, temperature control and normal organ function. Horses should therefore have continuous access to clean, fresh drinking water rather than being offered water only at set times.
It is also important to know what is normal for each horse. A sudden reduction in drinking can be more significant than whether the horse matches a particular average figure.
Water intake can vary from one horse to another, which is why it is useful to know what is normal for your own horse. A noticeable drop in drinking, particularly during hot weather or while eating dry forage, should not be ignored.
Seek veterinary advice promptly if a horse refuses water, appears dull or distressed, shows signs of colic, has very dry or discoloured gums, produces little urine or does not recover normally after exercise. Dehydration can become serious and may be linked to an underlying health problem.
Supplying enough water becomes more difficult when horses are grazing away from a mains supply. Carrying small containers may be manageable for one pony, but it quickly becomes inefficient when several horses share a field or demand rises during warm weather.
A mobile water bowser allows a larger quantity of water to be transported to the field in one journey. A self-feeding trough can then provide horses with continuous access while reducing the need to transfer water manually between containers.
These are some of the most common questions horse owners ask about daily water intake.
Can horses drink too much water?
Healthy horses naturally regulate how much they drink. Sudden excessive drinking can occasionally indicate an underlying health problem, so if you notice a significant change in your horse's normal drinking habits it is worth discussing it with your veterinary surgeon.
Can horses drink cold water?
Yes. Most horses are happy drinking cold water, although very cold water during winter may reduce how much some horses choose to drink. Fresh clean water is more important than trying to warm it.
How often should horses drink?
Horses should have unrestricted access to clean drinking water throughout the day. They naturally drink little and often rather than consuming all of their daily requirement in one go.
Do horses drink more during hot weather?
Yes. Warm temperatures, sweating and eating dry forage all increase water requirements. During heatwaves it is important to check water levels much more frequently.
How much water does a pony drink?
A typical pony may drink between 15 and 25 litres each day, although this varies depending on bodyweight, workload, weather and the moisture content of its feed.
Can horses survive without water?
Water is essential for every body system. Horses should never be deliberately deprived of water. If a horse refuses to drink or has had no access to water for an extended period, veterinary advice should be sought immediately.
What is the best way to provide water in a field?
Where there is no mains water supply, many horse owners use a mobile water bowser with a self-filling trough. This allows larger quantities of fresh water to be transported into remote paddocks while reducing the need to carry buckets or refill small containers repeatedly.
Looking after your horse's water supply is about much more than simply filling a trough. The guides below cover practical advice for field management, water storage and choosing the right equipment.
Practical solutions when there is no mains water available.
Find the right size and features for your horses, livestock or smallholding.
Simple maintenance tips to help keep stored drinking water fresh and hygienic.
Extra precautions to help horses stay hydrated during prolonged hot weather.
Whether you keep one horse at home or manage a busy livery yard, a dependable water supply is essential. Our heavy-duty 1000 Litre Water Bowser is designed to transport large volumes of fresh water quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for paddocks without a mains supply.
Discover practical advice from the Posh Pastures team on horse paddock maintenance, pasture recovery, levelling, rolling, harrowing, aeration, water management and choosing the right equipment. Browse our growing collection of expert guides to help you keep your paddocks in excellent condition throughout the year.