The 8 Best Automatic Horse Waterers-Direct Reviews

What is an Automatic Horse Waterer?

All animals need to be hydrated, but horses require it even more. You need the best automatic horse waterer, and they are instrumental in this situation. We’ll go through a few auto horse waterers for horse owners of various income levels and needs. Read on to find out the best that fits your needs.

How Does a Horse Waterer Work?

Automatic horse waterers are extremely straightforward devices. Each of them has a connection you may use to connect to your water supply. Afterward, they have a float or a pump. Those with floats refill when the water level falls below a specific level. The moment the water level is high enough, it stops filling. Most of the time, these are effective.

The primary problem you can run into is if the float breaks down and either fails to fill or, worse yet, permits the water to continue flowing, resulting in a flood. This can occur when the horse damages something.

It’s unpleasant to enter the barn in the morning only to discover water all over. Thankfully, that doesn’t happen often. The alternative automated waterer is devoid of a float. It has a paddle instead, which the horse uses to let the water out—this kind of stays clear of potential float-related problems.

However, when engaged, they emit a noise that some horses find unsettling. Most people immediately understand them and are ok. However, some horses never learn how to utilize it. There are also a select few horses that will always be afraid of the sound it creates.

Are Automatic Water Feeders Good for Equines?

Automatic water feeders are generally beneficial to horses. By using them, you ensure that your horse will always have access to water. Additionally, they make sure fresh water is always available, which is preferable to water that is stagnantly resting in a trough.

You use less water because it is fresh, reducing your costs. You don’t need to dump a lot of water for daily cleaning and replenishment.

They are excellent not just for horses but also for horse owners! You no longer have to carry heavy water buckets; they also save you a lot of time.

The biggest disadvantage of employing automatic waterers is that it is difficult to keep track of water usage. This is not ideal since it might be difficult to detect a change in drinking patterns, which can show your horse is ill.

The Benefits and Disadvantages

The most crucial nutrient for horses is water. The American Association of Equine Practitioners states that “the body of an adult horse constitutes around 70% water.” Your horse’s health depends heavily on the quantity and source of fresh water it can access. Here are the benefits of using a horse water feeder:

Benefits

Cleaner Water

When you leave water outside, foreign substances are prone to enter the water. Bugs, dirt, and other debris can contaminate your horse’s water source. When you install an automatic waterer, you will keep the water source securely below the ground and only fill the waterer’s bowl during use. By doing this, it becomes cleaner.

Water is Safe to Drink

You can give your horse safer drinking water by ensuring that foreign objects cannot get into the water they consume. An automatic waterer’s purpose is to keep water from standing motionless for too long. This aids in preventing the growth of mold and algae, which could be harmful to horses that consume the water’s health.

A Comfortable Temperature

The water is at a comfortable temperature with an automatic watering system. It helps keep the water warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This may assist in motivating your horses to consume enough water to maintain hydration.

Hydrate Your Horses More Frequently

Your horse will often drink more water with consistent access to clean water at a comfortable temperature. This can help to mitigate issues like severe dehydration. They can have access to the water they require to stay hydrated with the aid of an automatic watering system.

Less Time-Consuming 

With an automatic waterer, you won’t need much time to fill the water trough. You will save time by doing this, and the procedure will be much more effective. This will give you more time to focus on tasks around the farm that will benefit the well-being of your horses.

Convenient Process

A watering system that runs automatically is quite practical. Having these placed on your property can minimize the effort required to guarantee that your horse accesses sufficient quantities of clean water at all times. This simple procedure can help you save a lot of hassle on your home.

Prevents Water From Freezing

The water from an automatic watering system won’t freeze during the chilly winter months because it doesn’t stay in the bowl. Using a horse water feeder can assist keep water from freezing. 

For several reasons, frozen water is hazardous. It might harm your property, to start with. Additionally, the frozen water will make it difficult for your horses to reach enough fresh water.

No Electricity

Automatic watering for horses does not need electricity. Improve the security of your system by turning off the electricity. Doing this can prevent system malfunctions from accidentally electrocuting your horses. The combination of water, power, and animals is seldom good. 

Lower Mosquito Population

There is a significantly greater likelihood that standing water on the land may draw mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can have harmful effects, including a higher risk of contracting the West Nile virus. You can reduce the number of mosquitoes in the region by removing this standing water on your property. No mosquitoes will go where an automatic waterer is.

Reduces Water Waste

Additionally, a horse waterer can help you save water, which is very helpful if you are careless—no more feeling guilty for leaving the water hose on. You will avoid wasting water with the horse waterer’s automatic system. Additionally, the machine aids in maintaining the water’s freshness and flavor, saving you from emptying numerous gallons to refill.

No More Transporting Bulky Hoses

The necessity of carrying a bulky hose to your horse’s water bucket several times per day to fill it with fresh water is a thing of the past. With the advent of horse stall automatic waterers, owning a horse has never been easier.

Disadvantages

Waterers Require Daily Care

You must check on your waterer daily to ensure that it is operating properly and that your horse is receiving fresh water. Since waterers work automatically, it is simple to ignore them. However, it is still crucial to check them each day.

It is crucial to periodically check to ensure the water is clean and fresh because some horses tend to dirty their water. Another possibility is that mice can use your horse’s feeder as a water source and end up drowning there, contaminating the water.

Additionally, you should check that they are functioning correctly and have a backup plan in case they break down.

Watch Out for Sharp Edges

Some of the older types of automated waterers have sharp, metal edges, even though many current ones have rounded edges. Ensure the model you’re using is secure, and your horse can’t get hurt while riding on it.

It Can be Difficult to Track Water Use

It’s crucial to monitor your horse’s water consumption if they are experiencing colic or other health issues. This is simple to accomplish with conventional buckets, but automatic waterers can be challenging to monitor.

Buy a metered waterer to track your horse’s water consumption. Use regular buckets whenever you need to track how much water your horse consumes if your automatic waterer lacks one.

Additional Cost and Work

Although automatic waterers offer many wonderful advantages, they can be costly. You also need to install them, which necessitates connecting to water hoses or lines.

For automatic waterers used outdoors, you may need additional work, like trenching, connecting to water and power cables, and adding concert pads or gravel to prevent mud.

Our Favorite Automatic Equine Waterer

Horse waterers come in various varieties. Most horses adapt well to using them. However, some are better than others. The Little Giant Automatic Animal Waterer is our top pick. We love it because you can mount it in a stable or paddock fence. It is also larger than most of the little automatic horse water feeders that equestrians install in the barn.

What Should I Look for in an Automatic Horse Waterer?

When selecting the best automatic waterer for horses, there are only a few factors to consider. Let’s discuss them here to aid you in choosing the best choice.

Number of Horses

It is a good idea to consider the larger troughs if you wish to provide fresh water to multiple horses. These waterers are appropriate for outside areas, including pens and paddocks. Many of them come with two troughs, so you can hang them from fences. 

Even if you only have one horse, they are the finest choice for corrals and paddocks because they withstand outdoor use.

The little water bowls are the perfect alternative if you want to provide your horse with water in its stable. According to a study, horses seem to favor larger, float-style waterers. According to Hiney, the horses in that study never drank water from the push valves. 

Many horse owners think that the bigger water reservoir in the float-valve waterers encouraged the horses to drink more.

Climate and Environment

Cold or frozen water that is excessively hot due to summer heat causes dehydration, poor physical state, and diseases. Depending on your place’s climate, it’s crucial to ensure that the waterers you select may change from season to season without impacting the water’s suitability for drinking.

Thankfully, manufacturers create waterers with far better materials and designs for use in cold and hot climates. Insulation, advanced materials, self-regulating heaters, and thermostats help manage the water temperature. Insulation also keeps it potable in any conditions because of horses like water temperatures between 37 and 51 degrees F (2.7 and 10.5 degrees C).

Ease of Cleaning

Algal growth is a concern in many places, and water can contaminate germs and viruses. Being able to drain, clean quickly, and disinfect waterers is essential when choosing the one that will work best for you because algae can release toxins.

Many customers prefer smaller models and fountains with removable stainless steel basins. Additionally, manufacturers should fashion larger watering troughs and multi-horse waterers with materials that are simple to use and maintain.

Product Durability

The old tin bucket or iron tub you transformed into a watering trough might last for years. However, there are other practical considerations that you must make. Horse waterers can last for years without fading, breaking, or degrading due to harsh weather.

Thanks to the qualities of stainless steel, polymers, including molded high-impact polyethylene, insulating materials, lightweight aluminum, and other items.

Horse Friendly

Your best option is a horse waterer that doesn’t scare horses with unusual movements or noises. When you activate switches or paddles, some self-activated fountains and waterers produce an unexpected surge of water or make noise. Horses could be hesitant to take a drink from waterers that act incredibly.

You should place troughs, tanks, bowls, and fountains in areas that are easy for horses to access. You should also install them at ground level or a suitable height so that horses can easily drink their fill without straining. A consumption meter will frequently help determine how much water a horse consumes, especially when there are medical concerns.

Practicality

Automatic systems can efficiently distribute water, but whether indoors or outdoors, you need to examine them regularly. Do this to ensure they are working properly and don’t contain any impurities. Consider the monthly and yearly cost of power because electrical heat for some waterers can be very expensive.

Various energy-efficient waterers are available, including solar-powered waterers for regions with abundant sunlight. Power companies also provide rebates on purchasing such models in some frigid areas.

You can eliminate waterers that need a lot of work and those that are unpleasant for horses. It is vital to carefully consider the options and how each waterer might be able to satisfy your demands. The appropriate waterer can not only give your horses clean, fresh water every month but also help you save time, money, and work!

The Best Equine Waterers- At a Glance

Name	Best for	Top benefit
Little Giant Automatic Animal Waterer	Wall and over-the-fence installation	Strong and durable
Little Giant 88ESW Automatic Waterer, Black	Horses, cattle, and other outside animals	Easy to refill
Classic Equine Ultra Fount	Barns and pastures	Has an integrated heating system
Ritchie Omni Fount 2 Automatic Heated Cattle, Horse Waterer	Multiple horses	Has two drinking pans
Behlen Country AHW60 Insulated Calf, Sheep or Horse Waterer with Heat	Insulation	Weather resistant
Little Giant Automatic Livestock Water Push-Paddle Epoxy Coated Automatic Stock Waterer	Horses, hogs, and cows	Resists corrosion
304 Stainless Steel Automatic Waterer	All types of livestock	The small size is good for stables
H20 Animal Hydration Flow Automatic Waterer	Outdoor pets	Has the largest space for drinking

Our Reviews of the Best Automatic Horse Waterers

Little Giant Automatic Animal Waterer-Best for All and Over-the-Fence Installation

About

The Little Giant Automatic Animal Waterer is a flexible automatic horse waterer that you may mount on a paddock fence or in a stall. It is larger than most of the little automatic horse water feeders that equestrians install in the barn. With a 4-gallon (15 liters) total capacity, your horse will always have access to fresh water, even when refilling the water trough.

It comes in several colors hence an advantage for those who prefer a change from the dull appearance of stainless steel or green plastic. 

A standard hose adapter that you can quickly connect to your water source comes with the waterer. The float shields it from curious or playful horses that like to tug at objects.

Another advantage is the Little Giant’s ownership by the Frandsen Corporation. This family company has produced goods for farms and pets for over 60 years. The company makes most of its products in the United States.

The cost is also very reasonable. This automatic horse waterer is a suitable middle ground choice for individuals who want something with a larger capacity than the bowl types. This is because they don’t want to invest in a big, pricey product.

Brand: Miller Manufacturing

Colors: Blue, green, black, red

Measurements: 18 X 15 X 12 inches (45 X 38 X 30 centimeters)

Weight: 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms)

Features and Attributes

• It has a capacity of 4 gallons (15 liters)
• It comes with mounting brackets
• It comes in blue, black, and red colors

Pros

• Easy to install
• The water supply connection is simple
• Adequate capacity
• Strong and durable materials

Cons

• No drain; hence difficult to clean 
• Slow refill
• It has a plastic connection

Expert Product Tips

According to other horse riders, you should switch out the plastic hose connector for a metal one. This makes it less prone to leak, endure longer, and be more resilient.

Little Giant 88ESW Automatic Waterer, Black-Best for Horses, Cattle, and other Outside Animals

About

This automatic horse waterer connects to an ordinary wide pipe or garden hose. Because it is epoxy-coated, it is durable and rust-free. Due to the dependability of the auto-filling mechanism, horse owners do not need to bother about filling or replenishing it.

Additionally, the black Little Giant Automatic Waterer is simple to clean with just soap and a sponge. It doesn’t need any training and is simple to use.

Brand: Miller Manufacturing

Color: Black

Measurements: 11 X 11 X 6 inches (27.9 X 27.9 X 15.2 centimeters)

Weight: 4.05 pounds (1.8 kilograms)

Features and Attributes

• It comes with a hose attachment
• Thick-gauge steel
• It comes as just one waterer

Pros

• Installation is simple
• Durable
• Simple refill

Cons

• It is a little too shallow for horses to drink from
• Hose connectors could leak
• It does not include mounting hardware
• It does not come with an adapter

Expert Product Tips

Horses prefer to drink from clean buckets or troughs. Therefore you must maintain their cleanliness.

Classic Equine Ultra Fount-Best for Barns and Pastures

About

The manufacturer made this deep trough from incredibly hard polyethylene, which is great for pastures and barns. For a simple setup, all that you need is a garden hose. The automatic horse waterer’s rounded, smooth edges safeguard horses and other animals from harm. It is quite stable once filled with sand, and horses cannot topple it. Furthermore, moving it is simple.

You can position it along a fence such that one side is in one paddock and the other in a different one. It’s a heated waterer, making it perfect for winter. Your horses will drink more because there won’t be any more ice to break, and the water will be a more inviting temperature.

Brand: Classic Equine

Color: Gray

Measurements: 30.5 X 20.5 X 30 inches (77 X 52 X 76 centimeters)

Weight: 60 pounds (27.2 kilograms)

Features and Attributes

• Integrated heating system
• 120v thermostat with a double trough design
• Completely upkeep-free float system

Pros

• Simple to maintain
• No ice in the water
• Fantastic for several horses
• Swift refilling
• Rust- and dent-resistant design
• Simple setup

Cons

• Expensive
• Insufficient installation instructions 
• You will need to buy stainless anchor bolts
• It does not include either a heating system or an insulated tank
• In the summer, water can get warm

Expert Product Tips

It works well with no issues with freezing.

Ritchie Omni Fount 2 Automatic Heated Cattle, Horse Waterer-Best for Multiple Horses

About

Another huge, double-trough horse waterer is the Ritchie Omni. Although still expensive, it is more affordable than the Classic Equine Ultra. You don’t need to be concerned that your horses won’t have enough access to water in the winter because this US-made waterer is heated and insulated.

Brand: Ritchie

Colors: Red, yellow

Measurements: 5 X 3 X 4 inches (12 X 7 X 10 centimeters)

Weight: 45 pounds (20 kilograms)

Features and Attributes

• Insulation made of polyurethane foam
• Heater and water source
• Stainless steel trough
• Two drinking pans
• Flexible float

Pros

• 10-year warranty
• Simple to clean
• Used for several horses
• It prevents water from freezing.

Cons

• Not cheap
• Installation calls for a concrete pad and anchor bolts

Expert Product Tips

Discover the differences between two Ritchie Automatic Waterer models so you can decide which one is ideal for your requirements.

Behlen Country AHW60 Insulated Calf, Sheep or Horse Waterer with Heat-Best for Insulation

About

The Behlen Country is a strong, frost-resistant automatic waterer that is outstanding. It guarantees clear and efficient water provision even on the chilliest days without the need to break the ice. Therefore, this waterer offers horse owners a hassle-free solution.

Thanks to the removable drain plugs and built-in hold-downs, it is also simple to use and maintain. This one-piece waterer is simple to install and does not require installation.

Brand: Behlen country

Colors: Black, green

Measurements: 28 X 18 X 22 inches (71 X 45 X 55 centimeters)

Weight: 28 pounds (12.7 kilograms)

Features and Attributes

• The floor is from styrofoam for an insulated base
• Protected walls
• Dual-trough construction
• Pull-out drain plugs

Pros

• You can use it at -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 degrees Celsius)
• Double insulation eliminates any chance of shock
• Weather-resistant
• Easy to clean
• It comes fully assembled
• Durable
• Serves multiple horses

Cons

• Expensive 
• Poor directions
• Valves could directly spill over the electrical box

Expert Product Tips

You need to learn how to install this waterer.

Little Giant Automatic Livestock Water Push-Paddle Epoxy Coated Automatic Stock Waterer-Best for Horses, Hogs, and Cows

About

The Little Giant Push Paddle Waterer is perfect for use in stables to supply water for your horses. The manufacturer created it for use in challenging settings. This waterer automatically delivers fresh water when a horse “pushes” on the push paddle. The non-siphoning valve prevents the water supply from freezing.

A source of clean water contributes to a decrease in the growth of pathogenic organisms. The waterer has a sturdy, non-toxic black epoxy finish and heavy-duty cast iron that resists corrosion. The manufacturer used heavy gauge stainless steel to make the push paddle.

Brand: Miller Manufacturing

Color: Black

Measurements: 10 X 8.5 X 5 inches (25.4 X 21.5 X 12.7 centimeters)

Weight: 4 kilograms

Features and Attributes

• Stainless steel push paddle
• Durable cast iron
• Black epoxy finish without toxins
• Only one waterer
• Non-heated waterer 

Pros

• It is corrosion resistant
• It is easy to clean
• It is easy to connect to pipe
• It is long-lasting

Cons

• Quite expensive
• The bowl is not large enough
• Some horses require time to understand them

Expert Product Tips

Ensure you service the valve often.

304 Stainless Steel Automatic Waterer-Best for All Types of Livestock

About

This horse waterer has a floater system and is automatic like the others. This automatic horse waterer has a straightforward, uncomplicated design. The manufacturer used heavy gauge stainless steel that resists rust and corrosion. 

Check out this incredibly popular choice if you want little horse waterers that you can put in a stable or a corner of a pen without spending a fortune.

Brand: Abustle pig

Color: Silver

Measurements: 12.8 X 10.43 X 4.96 inches (32.5 X 26.5 X 12.5 centimeters)

Weight: 3.14 pounds (1.4 kilograms)

Features and Attributes

• Stainless steel waterer
• Steel water hose
• Aquatic float
• Only one waterer

Pros

• Small size for stables
• Budget-friendly
• It reduces water waste
• Saves time and resources
• Lessens animal drinking pressure and gives pets a clean, simple-to-clean drinking environment

Cons

• A few rough edges
• Some leakage problems

Expert Product Tips

Use the float ball water level floating concept. The valve closes when the floating ball rises to a constant level. The floating ball rod is attached to the valve. The rod causes the piston to open when the water level falls, which also causes the float to drop. It continuously fills the water bowl with fresh water.

H20 Animal Hydration Flow Automatic Waterer-Best for Outdoor Pets

About

Due to the sturdy polypropylene used in its construction, this automatic horse waterer ensures solid construction. With its automatic refilling feature and large capacity, it also makes it possible to have a constant supply of water. You can use them with garden hoses, and you can also remove the bowl for simple cleaning.

Brand: H20 Animal Hydration

Color: Gray

Measurements: 14 X 4.5 X 14 inches (35.5 X 10.1 X 35.5 centimeters)

Weight: 1.81 pounds (0.82 kilograms)

Features and Attributes

• Made of heavy-duty stainless steel with a high-density polypropylene cover
• It attaches to any garden hose to give your pet a continual flow of fresh drinking water
• Ideal for outdoor pets like cats, dogs, lambs, and goats
• The largest space for drinking 
• The mechanical float valves provide safety

Pros

• Includes a float valve to assist in keeping water levels steady
• High Capacity
• Sun-resistant
• Sturdy
• Simple to clean

Cons

• It may heat up during the summer if you don’t install it in a shaded region.

Expert Product Tips

To encourage drinking from this automatic waterer, initially provide your horse with a standard water pail and gradually remove it.

FAQs on Horse Waterers

Q: How high should I put my automatic waterer for my horses?

A: Install automatic watering for horse systems between 36 and 47 inches (91.4 and 119.3 centimeters) high. The height will vary depending on how big your horse is. Ponies will require less of it than big horses. Read our article and find out How Much Does a PONY Cost?

Q: What is the main disadvantage of using an automated watering system for horses?

A: The biggest drawback of automatic watering for horses is that you cannot track water usage.

Q: Do automatic waterers freeze?

A: In cold areas, automatic waterers freeze, depriving your horse of all access to drinking water. Get hold of the greatest heated automatic horse waterer to provide your horse with warm, fresh water. This applies even in severe weather conditions, so you won’t have to deal with this difficulty.

Q: How long does an automatic horse waterer last?

A: An automatic horse waterer that is sturdy and well-maintained should last you for several years. However, how frequently and roughly you use the instrument also affects how long it will last.

Q: How much water should a horse drink a day?

A: The typical horse will consume 5 to 10 gallons (18.9 to 37.8 liters) of water daily.

Q: Can horses drink dirty water?

A: Horses frequently won’t drink smelly or severely unclean water. The animal has an excellent sense of taste and smell, so if you give it tainted or unpleasant water, it will probably continue to be thirsty until it becomes dehydrated.

While a horse can drink only slightly soiled water, it is advisable to routinely clean the water trough to avoid the buildup of algae, dirt, and stale hay.

Q: How do you put an automatic waterer for a horse?

A: You can start by lightly dabbing some water on your horse’s nose and backing away to assist it in becoming used to an automatic horse waterer. Animals are naturally curious, so it won’t take long to figure out why the drinker is there.

If all else fails, you might try boosting your horse’s salt intake by sprinkling it on top of commercial feed and oats once or twice daily. Increased salt intake is likely to increase thirst as well. A horse in need of water will undoubtedly figure out how to use the odd bowl set in front of it.

Q: How is a Nelson horse waterer different from the other automatic waterers?

A: This is the dog waterer that is always full! As the horses drink, a float-activated valve automatically refills the water. This removes the inconvenience of a watering bowl.

Parting Thoughts

On average, horses need to consume 5 to 10 gallons (18.9 to 37.8 liters) of water daily to stay hydrated. Consequently, you will need to ensure they have access to a steady supply of fresh water. However, unless you install an effective feeding attachment like an automatic horse waterer, carrying a heavy pail of clean water every couple of hours can be taxing.

Once the water level falls to a particular level, these machines begin to fill automatically. Overall, the Little Giant Automatic Animal Waterer is a very popular and practical item on farms because of its efficiency and convenience. So why are you still waiting? Make a decision right away!