Is Your Horse Drinking Enough Water?

Dehydration Risks in Late Summer Heat & Tips to Keep Your Horse Hydrated

As we head into the final stretch of summer here in Texas, the heat may start to ease—but the risk of dehydration in horses remains very real. Late summer is often when horse owners let their guard down, assuming cooler mornings mean fewer hydration worries. But at Texas Equine, we see just how critical hydration remains well into the fall transition.

Let’s talk about how to spot dehydration, keep your horse drinking enough, and why wet feed is a must for some horses—including our own X-Man, Slew, and Charlie.

Why Hydration Matters

Water is essential for:

• Digestion and nutrient absorption

• Temperature regulation

• Joint and muscle function

• Preventing colic and choke

A horse should drink between 5–15 gallons of water per day, depending on their size, workload, and the weather. In hot, humid climates like ours, horses sweat more, which means more water loss and greater risk of dehydration.

Signs Your Horse May Be Dehydrated

Watch for:

• Dry or sticky gums

• Sunken eyes

• Lethargy or dull behavior

• Reduced urination or dry manure

• Poor skin elasticity (pinch test)

• Dark, concentrated urine

Dehydration can also contribute to colic and choke, especially in older horses or those with unique feeding needs.

Why Some Horses Need Wet Feed

X-Man, Slew, and Charlie – Our In-House Examples

At Texas Equine, we have a few horses—like X-Man, Slew, and Charlie—who are prone to coughing or choking, especially when eating dry feed. For them, we always soak their grain to ensure it's soft, easier to swallow, and less likely to get stuck in the throat.

Here’s why:

• Choke Risk: Some horses eat quickly or have dental issues, making it hard to chew thoroughly. Dry feed can lodge in the esophagus, causing a painful and potentially dangerous blockage.

• Coughing: Dry, dusty feed can irritate the airways, especially in horses with respiratory sensitivity.

• Older Horses: Age can bring reduced chewing efficiency, dental wear, or even missing teeth, making softer feed a necessity.

Soaking feed doesn’t just help prevent choking—it’s also another way to sneak in extra hydration, especially for horses who aren’t drinking enough.

Tips to Keep Your Horse Hydrated in Late Summer

Here are a few of our go-to hydration tips:

1. Always Offer Clean, Fresh Water

• Scrub troughs and buckets regularly to remove algae and debris.

• Position water sources in shaded areas when possible.

2. Add Water to Feed

• Soak grain or hay pellets for horses prone to coughing or choking.

• Mash feeds are great hydration boosters, especially in hot weather.

3. Encourage Drinking with Electrolytes

• Use electrolyte powders or pastes on extra-hot days or after exercise.

• Salt licks can also help stimulate thirst naturally.

4. Provide Multiple Water Sources

• Some horses prefer buckets, others prefer troughs. Offering both can increase intake.

5. Monitor Daily Water Intake

• Keep a rough estimate of how much your horse drinks, especially during hot spells or when their behavior seems off.

Every Horse is Different

Not every horse needs soaked feed—but for those that do, it can make a big difference in their comfort and safety. Understanding your horse’s individual needs and monitoring their hydration closely—especially during seasonal transitions—can help prevent health issues before they start.

If you're ever unsure whether your horse is getting enough water or if you're dealing with repeat choke incidents, don't wait to talk to an equine professional. Preventive care and small changes—like soaking feed—can make a huge difference.

Have Questions?

Whether you're caring for a senior horse, a hard-working athlete, or a quirky eater like Slew or Charlie, we’re always here to help you find the best hydration and feeding practices for your horse.

👉 Visit us at texaseeh.com or reach out to our team to learn more about individualized horse care.