How to Water a Horse

The constant provision of cold, fresh water is a vital element of good stable management and horse mastership. The following principles should be observed:

1. The water provided must be clean, fresh and cold.

2. Hard water is more acceptable than soft water.

3. Water should be given before feeding.

4. Water should not be given directly before exercise.

5. After strenuous exercise a small drink should be given at first and a longer drink later. After hunting, on a cold night, chilled water can be given but the temperature should not be over26.5°C (80°F).

6. During continuous work a short drink should be given every two hours. The practice of letting the horse drink from stream, with the bit in his mouth whilst the rider sits in the saddle with the girths done up is unacceptable. To water the horse, the rider must dismount, loosen the girth and take the bit out of the horse's mouth.

7. Horses being transported over long distances by road, air or sea, will require water every two hours.