Choosing the Right Automatic Horse Waterer for Your Barn or Pasture

 As a horse owner, one of the most significant aspects of their care is providing them the easy access to clean and fresh water. Keeping horses hydrated is essential for their overall health and well-being. Undrinkable or insufficient water supply can cause illness or dehydration issues in your horses. However, constantly monitoring and refilling the water troughs can be labour-intensive and time-consuming. This is the place where automatic horse waterers come in.

 

Automatic horse waterers can make it easier for your barn or posture to ensure that your horses always have access to fresh water. It can protect you from the hassles of manually refilling the water buckets. It also saves time, reduces water waste, and prevents common issues like algae growth and freezing.

However, with a plethora of options available in the market, it becomes difficult to choose the suitable automatic horse waterer for your specific needs.

Today, in this article, we will discuss how to choose the right automatic horse waterers for your barn or pasture.

Why Choose An Automatic Horse Waterer?
Before we dive into the specifics of choosing an automatic horse waterer, let’s first understand the benefits of using one.
One of the crucial advantages of using an automatic horse waterer is its time-saving nature. With horse waterers, you no longer have to manually fill and clean water troughs every day.
Automatic horse waterers are equipped with a filtration system that keeps the water clean and fresh all day long. This helps to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases among your horses.
The automatic waterers provide a constant supply of clean and fresh water, even in extreme weather conditions.
Lastly, it regulates the amount of water that is dispensed, preventing water wastage. So, having an automatic horse waterer in your barn can help you save money on your monthly water bill.

 

Factors You Need to Consider While Choosing An Automatic Horse Waterer
When choosing an automatic horse waterer, there are several factors to consider. These include:
Waterer Type:
There are several types of automatic horse waterers to choose from. You can find float valves, paddle, and bowl waterers in the market. Among them, float valve waterers are the most common type. It works by refilling the bowl with water when the water level drops below a certain level. The paddle waterer uses a horizontal paddle that swings up when the horse drinks and activates a valve to refill the bowl. Bowl waterers are also similar to paddle ones. But it is configured with a stationary bowl and a ball float that triggers a valve when the water level drops. So, before making a decision, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each type of waterer.
Capacity:
The size of your automatic horse waterers should be based on the number of horses that will be using it. So, it’s essential to choose a horse waterer that has enough capacity to provide an adequate water supply, even during peak usage time. Overcrowding may lead your horses to stress and make them fight over the water. So, it is crucial to make sure that there is enough space for all horses to get access to drink water comfortably.
Durability:
Even though a converted iron tub or old tin bucket can serve as a watering trough for years, other practical considerations need to be taken. Horse waterers can last for years and withstand bad weather conditions without fading, cracking, or deteriorating. This is because of the qualities of stainless steel, and plastics. The waterers are made of moulded high-impact polyethylene, insulating materials, lightweight aluminium, and other products. It will protect them from severe weather conditions.
Material:
Automatic horse waterers can be made of various materials, like plastic, concrete, and stainless steel. The material chosen should be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to damage. Stainless steel is the most popular choice for automatic horse waterers. It is rust-resistant, easy to clean, and can withstand heavy use.
Insulation:
Insulation is a critical factor when it comes to choosing automatic horse waterers for your barn. You need to consider this factor especially when you are in areas with extreme temperatures. Without proper insulation, the water in the horse waterers can freeze and leaving the horses without access to water during the cold season. Therefore, it is essential to choose a waterer with adequate insulation to prevent this from happening.

 

Installation:
When choosing an automatic horse waterer, installation is another critical factor that you need to be considered. Some waterer models need professional help in installation, while others can easily be installed by yourself. So, while opting, it’s important to make sure that the installation process is easy and straightforward.
Conclusion
Well, choosing the right automatic horse waterer for your barn or pasture can be a daunting task. By considering the outlined factors, you can make a concrete decision. Remember to consider these above-mentioned tips before making a purchase. Invest your precious time to make a detailed evaluation of what is available and how the waterer might meet your needs. Right automatic horse waterers can ensure that your horses have great access to clean and fresh drinking water in any weather conditions.