Kiley, Lisa: BYO Water Supply

By Lisa Kiley | https://www.cashmans.com/ With summer in full swing and many horse activities like shows, fairs, and trail rides at their peak of the season, you may start to notice some ways that you would like to streamline your experience. You figure out what you need in your trailer with lists for your horse and for yourself. Being organized and getting into a routine can make traveling with horses so much easier. One thing that should be on the top of your list when planning outings with your horse is making sure that the water source is sufficient.

If you are going to a location like a fairgrounds or facility set up for horses, you know that there will be a water source available, but it is often 'city water' and can especially taste differently to your horse if they are used to well or cistern. In these cases, putting an additive in the water at home to get the horses used to a different taste and then adding that flavor when they are at an unfamiliar location can help them drink. Adding electrolyte powder can also be great when your horse is increasing activity and water needs increase. Having access to salt can also help increase water consumption.

In many cases, bringing your own water can be the best solution for several reasons. First, if you are going on a long trip, it makes it easy to offer horses water on the way while they are in the trailer, this is especially crucial when the temperatures are very hot. If you are going to a day show and your horse will be tied out to the trailer, having water at your rig is a time saver so you do not have to walk back and forth to gain access to water and you can spend your time getting you and your horse ready, because who does not need a few more minutes to get ready before a class? When it comes to trail riding, you may want to go into areas that do not have access to water at all and by bringing your own water, you have access to areas that may have been a limitation before. There are several types of water caddies that are specifically made for people hauling horses. If you have a trailer with a dressing room or rear tack, there are tall tanks that are triangular and fit into the back corner in that seemingly 'unusable' space and are perfect for day trips. If you need a bit more water, a half-moon shaped caddy can hold more water and can be stored upright in a rear tack or dressing room while other styles can lie down in a truck bed. Other styles cater to not just water storage but provide additional storage within the container as well. There is a style that can go at the end of the truck bed and has room for a goose neck hitch to get through with clearance. There are even some styles that double as saddle racks and can fit in the storage space of a two-horse straight load. When looking for a water caddy, there are a few important things to look for. First and foremost is using a tank that is clean and suitable for livestock. Repurposing containers that held unknown contents could prove to be extremely dangerous for your horse. It is a good idea to look for tanks that are food grade quality plastics, this will not only ensure that your horse's water is safe for them to drink, but if needed, you can also use the water too, which can come in handy if you are camping. Look for good quality hardware that makes it easy to access the water (some require the use of hoses while others can fill straight from the spout). Pick a size that is suitable for the number of horses you have and/or how long you will be on your outing. Typically, tanks range in size from 18 gallons to 63 gallons and come in many different shapes, so it should not be hard to find one to meet your needs. Your horse's hydration needs are very important for their health. Investing in a water caddy for travel is an easy way to provide fresh, clean water for you and your horse no matter where the road might take you. Lisa Kiley is a horse enthusiast who has worked in the equine industry and shown horses for many years. She is also a proud member of the Cashman's Horse Equipment Team in Delaware, Ohio. Cashman's Horse Equipment proudly provides top quality products to the equine and agricultural community, with a commitment to sourcing environmentally conscious merchandise and items made in the U.S.A. For more information please visit https://www.cashmans.com/

Lisa and Cotton

Water is an absolute essential for horses, but sometimes when they are travelling, they can be picky about the water they are offered. There are many reasons for this that can range from disliking the taste of water that is different from what they are used to, to avoiding drinking due to stress. While horses typically drink 5-10 gallons of water a day to meet their hydration needs, when the weather is hot or they are working hard, they can require even more water to stay hydrated.

When horses do not drink adequate amounts of water, it can really have an impact on their performance and if dehydration ensues, it can be a serious health hazard. It is important to monitor your horse's water intake regularly. Sometimes we take horses to places where we are unsure of what the water source will be like. In these cases, the best way to ensure that your horse gets adequate hydration is to bring your own water with you on the road. While it might seem like a hassle to lug water around, there are some great solutions for trucks and trailers that make it easy and convenient.