FREE SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OVER $250

0

Your Cart is Empty

Keeping Your Troughs Clean in the Heat of Summer

July 06, 2018 2 min read

During the warmer season, making sure your horse drinks enough clean water is a top management priority. To avoid dehydration, horses need access to water 24 hours a day. The average horse drinks about 10 to 12 gallons per day of water. In the summer, heat can make algae blossom seemingly overnight, even in the cleanest of troughs. To grow, algae needs sunlight, water, and a nutrient source. Nutrients can come from organic material that has blown into the trough, like manure, food particles, or even your horses’ saliva. Generally, red or brown algae is okay, but blue or green algae releases toxins into the water and should be cleaned immediately.
Tip: Test for dehydration easily
Gently pinch your horses skin into a tent, then release the skin you have together. The skin should snap back immediately; if there is a delay in the skin returning to the normal position, your horse is likely dehydrated. The Best Way to Clean Most troughs or stock tanks have a drain on the bottom for easy emptying of water. The safest way to drain the tank is to attach a hose and have the trough drain far away from the area where the horses stand to prevent stagnant pools from forming that can attract insects. When it comes to cleaning the trough, equip yourself with the right tools, like a stiff scrub brush with a long handle or metal scourer pads – these are great for cleaning hard to get ridges or corners. For extra cleaning power, add a small amount of dish soap and scrub away. All it takes is a little elbow grease to get all the algae and dirt out; then, just rinse it out thoroughly and fill it up with fresh clean water. Trough Management Tips:
  1. Place trough out of direct sunlight and into the shade or under an awning, since the sun will only encourage faster algae growth.
  2. Buy new troughs when needed
  3. Use water in troughs only
  4. Clean every few days
  5. Keep troughs away from feeders
  6. Add gold fish to the trough or install a filter system to reduce algae
Something to help in keeping your water clean AND getting your horses to drink more water is the Smart Trough Pump, which mimics river flow by circulating the water and filtering out algae. It’s a portable solar water filtration system - the kit includes everything you need: a solar panel, filtration pump, 20 ft of power cord, and brackets. You can check it out on their website here. Another method to get your horses drinking more is to add essential oils or flavors to their trough. Find your horse's favorite - check out Botanical Animal's Essences here! Lastly, help your horse relax more and sweat less with a SmartScrim - they're sure to love it! Overall, keeping your water trough clean is simple and easy, but you must stay on top of it regularly. Water is the most important thing your horses are consuming – so keep it clean!


Also in Blog

How To Exercise a Horse with Navicular: Effective Techniques and Tips
How To Exercise a Horse with Navicular: Effective Techniques and Tips

September 26, 2023 4 min read

Exercising a horse with navicular disease can be a challenging task for horse owners and trainers. Navicular disease is a degenerative condition that affects the navicular bone and surrounding structures in the hoof, causing pain and lameness in horses.
Dog Cancer Symptoms: Key Indicators and Early Detection Strategies
Dog Cancer Symptoms: Key Indicators and Early Detection Strategies

September 21, 2023 5 min read

Cancer in dogs is an unfortunate reality that many pet owners face. Early detection of signs plays a crucial role in providing better treatment options and increasing the chances of overcoming the disease. Familiarizing oneself with the common symptoms of cancer in dogs can significantly help pet owners take timely action, ensuring their canine companions receive appropriate care and support.
Horse Topline Exercises: Effective Techniques for a Stronger Back
Horse Topline Exercises: Effective Techniques for a Stronger Back

September 14, 2023 4 min read

A strong and healthy topline is crucial for a horse's overall health and performance. The top line, which encompasses the muscles that run along the horse's spine from the withers to the croup, plays a vital role in supporting the rider's weight and maintaining proper balance.