In normal conditions a horse needs to drink between 30 and 45 liters (8 to 12 gallons) of water a day. But when temperatures are below freezing, he may take in considerably less. A big problem as this might cause an impaction colic as well as other health issues stemming from dehydration. To make sure your horse has enough to drink, check his water sources at least twice daily to break up or remove ice. Offering a bucket of water with dissolvable electrolytes, in addition to a bucket of plain water, may stimulate a horse to drink more. Also consider the order in which you do your barn chores. Horses tend to drink more after they've just eaten dry hay or grain. Doling out the feed first, then refilling the water buckets after they've been munching for a few minutes, may encourage them to consume more water.
