Show Horse Promotions
The Show Planner

Mary Murray
Certified Internet Webmaster
i-Net+ Certified
A+ Certified

WATER: The Essential Nutrient For Horses

Of the five basic nutrients: protein, energy, water, minerals, and vitamins, water is the most essential nutrient in the horses diet. It has been seen that horses deprived of water for 3 to 4 days will not consume feed. 

Even if feeds containing abundant levels of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals and small amounts of moisture, are offered to water starved horses, they will be of no benefit. 

A minor reduction in water intake may cause dehydration which will cause decreased performance, shock and possibly death. Water composes the majority of the horse's body and accounts for several very important functions including:

Under ideal conditions horses should have free access to water, comparable in quality to human drinking water. Water should be free of chemical contaminants, bacterial and protozoa and contain acceptable levels of trace minerals and heavy metals. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture, many health departments and various labs offer quality testing services. 

Water intake levels very greatly from horse to horse. Normally a horse will consume one gallon of water per 100 pounds of body weight. Example: an 1,100 pound horse will consume an average of 10-12 gallons of water daily. The water intake rate can be quite variable, dependent upon the dry matter content of the diet, the environmental temperature and production stage or activity. 

Estimated Water Intake For Horses

Activity Gallons/Day:

Non-Working 4-8
Gestation       7-9
Peak Lactation 9-11
Medium Work   9-15
Heavy Work    12-15

General Recommendations

© 2000 - 2010 Show Horse Promotions
All Rights Reserved
Privacy Statement

The Show Horse Promotions web site is an informational web site, this information is subject to change without notice. Any use of, or actions taken based upon any of the information contained on this web site is done entirely at your own risk.

Show Horse Promotions expressly prohibit you from republishing or redistributing this content without first receiving our written consent. By using this site, you agree not to hold us liable for any errors or delays in this content, or for any actions that you take in reliance thereon. This site contains links to other Internet sites. These links are not endorsements by us of any products or services in those sites, and we have not endorsed or approved any information in those sites.