Is your horse drinking enough? A guide to horse hydration in warmer weather

As the days get warmer, keeping your horse comfortable involves more than providing shade and adjusting exercise routines. One of the most important parts of their daily care is making sure they’re drinking enough water.

Horses rely on water to regulate body temperature, support digestion and maintain healthy bodily functions. When temperatures rise, their water requirements can increase significantly, particularly if they’re exercising, travelling or spending extended periods outdoors.

But how much water should your horse actually drink, and how can you tell when they’re not getting enough?

Understanding your horse’s hydration needs can help you recognise potential problems early and keep them healthy throughout the warmer months.

Jump to section

• How much water does a horse need each day?
• Why horses need more water in warmer weather
• Signs your horse may be dehydrated
• What happens when a horse doesn’t drink enough?
• Six ways to encourage your horse to drink more water
• Hydration after riding and exercise
• When to contact your veterinarian
• Supporting your horse’s health year-round

How much water does a horse need each day?

A healthy adult horse typically needs around 25–30 litres of water daily under moderate conditions, although the amount varies depending on its size, diet, activity level and environment.

According to Agriculture Victoria, a horse may require approximately 30 litres per day, with requirements potentially doubling during hot weather or exercise.

Some factors that influence how much water your horse needs include:

• Body size: Larger horses generally require more water than smaller horses and ponies.
• Temperature: Hotter days increase fluid loss through sweating.
• Exercise: Riding, training and other physical activities increase hydration requirements.
• Diet: Horses consuming mostly dry hay often need more drinking water than those grazing on moisture-rich pasture.
• Life stage: Pregnant or lactating mares may have additional hydration requirements.

These figures are general guides rather than strict limits. Every horse is different, so it’s important to understand their normal drinking habits and ensure fresh water is always available.

Why horses need more water in warmer weather

Horses regulate their body temperature partly through sweating. As temperatures rise, their bodies work harder to release excess heat, particularly during exercise or in humid conditions.

When a horse sweats, it loses both water and important electrolytes, including sodium and chloride. These minerals support normal muscle and nerve function and help maintain fluid balance.

If these losses aren’t replaced, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can develop.

The Australian Veterinary Association explains that high temperatures and humidity can reduce a horse’s ability to cool itself effectively, increasing the risk of heat stress.

This makes hydration especially important during summer, but it’s worth remembering that horses can also become dehydrated during cooler weather if their water intake is insufficient.

Signs your horse may be dehydrated

Dehydration isn’t always immediately obvious. A horse might continue eating, walking and behaving relatively normally even when its fluid levels are beginning to drop.

Some common warning signs include:

• Dry or sticky gums: Healthy gums are generally moist and pink.
• Reduced energy: Your horse may appear unusually tired, quiet or reluctant to move.
• Reduced appetite: Dehydrated horses may become less interested in their normal feed.
• Changes in droppings: Faeces may appear drier or harder than usual.
• Reduced urination: Your horse may urinate less frequently or produce darker urine.
• Increased heart rate: An elevated heart rate can accompany dehydration and heat stress.

Can you check your horse’s hydration at home?

One commonly used assessment is the skin tent test, where a small fold of skin is gently lifted on the neck and released. In a well-hydrated horse, the skin generally returns quickly to its normal position.

However, skin elasticity varies with age and other factors, so this test should never be used alone to determine whether a horse is dehydrated.

Checking gum moisture, behaviour, drinking habits and general condition can provide additional clues.

The University of Georgia Equine Program provides further information on identifying dehydration, including assessing gum moisture and capillary refill time.

Important: If you suspect dehydration, contact your veterinarian rather than relying solely on home assessments.

What happens when a horse doesn’t drink enough?

Water plays an essential role in your horse’s digestive system, circulation and temperature regulation.

When water intake falls below what the body requires, several health concerns can arise.

Digestive problems and colic

Insufficient water can contribute to dry intestinal contents and increase the risk of impaction colic, a condition where feed material becomes lodged within the digestive tract.

Colic can range from mild discomfort to a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent veterinary treatment.

Heat stress

Dehydration can make it harder for your horse to regulate its body temperature, particularly when combined with exercise or hot, humid weather.

Heat stress can cause excessive sweating, rapid breathing, weakness and, in severe cases, collapse.

Reduced performance and recovery

Even moderate fluid losses may affect how comfortably a horse exercises and recovers afterwards.

Maintaining hydration is therefore important for both performance horses and those enjoying regular recreational riding.

The Merck Veterinary Manual explains the relationship between inadequate water intake, digestive health and other potential complications.

Six ways to encourage your horse to drink more water

Supporting good hydration doesn’t need to be complicated. Small changes to your horse’s daily routine can help encourage more consistent water intake.

1. Keep drinking water clean and fresh

Horses may be reluctant to drink from dirty troughs or containers containing algae, debris or stale water.

Regularly inspect and clean water containers, particularly during warmer weather when algae growth can increase.

2. Provide water in shaded areas

Placing troughs in accessible, shaded locations can help prevent water from becoming excessively warm during the day.

Ensure all horses can reach the water without being prevented by more dominant herd members.

3. Monitor how much your horse drinks

Knowing your horse’s normal water consumption makes it easier to recognise changes.

If your horse drinks from buckets, you can measure the amount offered and how much remains. For automatic troughs, check that the water supply and refill mechanism are working correctly.

4. Consider moisture-rich feeds

Soaked hay or appropriately prepared wet feeds can contribute additional moisture to your horse’s diet.

Always introduce dietary changes carefully and speak with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist about suitable feeding options.

5. Maintain appropriate salt and electrolyte intake

Horses lose important salts through sweating, especially during prolonged exercise.

Providing an appropriate salt source and discussing electrolyte supplementation with your veterinarian may help support horses with increased sweat losses.

Electrolytes should never replace access to fresh drinking water.

6. Check water supplies more frequently on hot days

During warmer weather, inspect troughs and buckets throughout the day to ensure they haven’t emptied, become contaminated or stopped refilling.

It’s also worth checking water supplies after storms, power outages or changes to paddock arrangements.

For additional advice, see the University of Minnesota Extension’s guide to caring for horses during hot weather.

Hydration after riding and exercise

A warm-weather ride can increase your horse’s fluid requirements, even when the exercise doesn’t appear particularly demanding.

After riding, allow your horse access to fresh water and begin appropriate cooling measures.

Contrary to a common misconception, horses shouldn’t automatically be denied water simply because they’re hot after exercise.

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine explains that providing access to water is important for maintaining hydration, including after exercise.

On particularly hot days, consider riding during the cooler morning or evening hours, reducing exercise intensity and allowing additional recovery time.

If your horse has been sweating heavily, consult your veterinarian about suitable electrolyte replacement and recovery strategies.

When to contact your veterinarian

Occasionally, horses may drink slightly more or less than usual due to changes in weather, diet or activity.

However, a sudden reduction in water intake or noticeable changes in behaviour shouldn’t be ignored.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if your horse:

• Refuses water or drinks significantly less than normal.
• Appears unusually weak, lethargic or distressed.
• Shows signs of abdominal discomfort or colic.
• Has persistently dry or tacky gums.
• Develops rapid breathing or other signs of heat stress.
• Shows signs of dehydration following strenuous exercise or transport.

If your horse collapses, shows severe colic symptoms or appears to be suffering from significant heat stress, seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately.

While arranging help for a heat-stressed horse, move them to a safe shaded area if possible, begin cooling with water and provide access to drinking water.

Supporting your horse’s health year-round

Good hydration is one of the simplest yet most important parts of responsible horse ownership.

Whether your horse spends its days grazing in the paddock, competing or enjoying relaxed weekend rides, maintaining access to clean water and recognising changes in drinking habits can make a meaningful difference to its wellbeing.

As the weather warms up, take a little extra time to check water supplies, monitor your horse’s behaviour and adjust exercise routines when needed.

Even with careful management, unexpected injuries and illnesses can still occur. Having a plan for veterinary expenses can help you feel better prepared when your horse needs professional care.

Petcover Horse Insurance offers a range of cover options designed to help support horse owners when unexpected events arise.

Learn more about Petcover Horse Insurance or call 1300 731 324.