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Inactive horses, lots of dry hay, and limited water intake: these are all the ingredients horses need for developing impaction colic during the chilly winter months.

During spells of below-freezing temperatures, be sure horses always have access to plenty of clean water that is not too cold. They may not drink as much in cold weather as in warmer seasons, but each horse still needs to consume 8 to 10 gallons of water each day.

Don’t count on horses breaking ice in their water troughs. They may be able to do this if the ice isn’t too thick, but they will drink more if the water is easily accessible and warmed to about 50 degrees. It doesn’t need to be hot or even warm, but shouldn’t be extremely cold or slushy.

Likewise, horses will not be able to meet their water needs by eating snow. They may play with the snow but won’t actually consume much liquid, partly because snow contains a lot of air and little water. Also, eating snow in quantity lowers the horse’s body temperature, burning calories that he needs to stay warm.

If you notice that the horses aren’t lowering the water level in their heated trough, check very carefully to be certain there is not stray voltage causing a mild shock when they dip their muzzles into the water. Don’t assume this can’t be happening just because your tank heater is professionally installed, all wiring meets electrical codes, and you can’t personally feel an electric shock when you stick your hand in the tank (this is not recommended as a test procedure).

Watch the horses to see if any of them approach the tank cautiously and then jerk back as soon as they try to drink. Not all horses are sensitive to a mild shock, so don’t think the tank is okay if some horses are drinking but others are not. Use an extremely sensitive voltmeter or ask an electrician to do a careful check of your tank, heater, and wires.


Electrolytes can be used year-round to replenish minerals and encourage horses to drink. KER recommends the use of Restore, a scientifically formulated electrolyte supplement designed to match the composition of horse sweat. Learn more.
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