How much water should your horse drink per day? A guide to proper hydration

In these hot summer days in Croatia, hydrating your horse becomes even more important!

Water is essential for life, but exactly how much water should a horse drink in 24 hours ? It depends on its size, workload, weather conditions , and whether it is nursing a foal .

The average water intake for horses is 40-60 ml per kilogram of body weight per day . For a 500 kg horse , this means 20-30 liters per day , or 2-3 standard buckets of water . Consumption is also influenced by diet - for example, soaked hay or fresh grass contribute to hydration.

If you use automatic waterers , it is difficult to monitor how much your horse has drunk. A signal of sufficient water intake is normal urination . If you suspect that your horse is not drinking enough, measure the amount in 24 hours and consult a veterinarian .

When does the need for water increase?

• Intensive training

• Breastfeeding a foal

• Hot weather (especially in Croatia in the summer!)

• Protein-rich diet

• Excessive salt intake

• Certain medications

A horse in moderate training (trot and gallop) can lose 5-7 liters of fluid and 50-70 g of electrolytes per hour . The loss is greater during more intense training , especially in hot and humid conditions (which is often the case in Croatian summers!).

After sweating (whether due to training, transport or heat), it is crucial to replace lost electrolytes and water . This ensures that the horse continues to drink , maintains hydration and remains in top form.

Recommended products for electrolyte replacement:

Apple Lytes Powder – Equine America EU

Apple Lytes Solution – Equine America EU

Apple Lytes Paste – Equine America EU