But Is It Safe to Drink?
As the UK summer heats up, so do your horse’s hydration needs—and water quality matters just as much as quantity. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your horse healthy, hydrated, and happy.
How Do Your Horse’s Water Needs Change in Summer?
Water is the most essential nutrient—and in hot weather, your horse may need double their usual intake.
- Normal Weather: A 500kg horse typically drinks 25–55 litres/day
- Hot Weather: Intake may exceed 55 litres/day
- Exercise in Heat: Needs may rise to 40–70 litres/day
Did you know?
Over 50% of a horse’s body weight is made up of water in its body fluids and tissues.
That’s why it’s critical to provide clean, fresh water in clean containers.
What Are You Using to Water Your Horse?
If you’re using any of the following:
- Stable water buckets
- Automatic waterers
- Field water troughs
- Travel containers
- Horsebox water tanks
They need regular cleaning and checking for contamination. When did you last clean yours?
And if you collect water using:
- IBCs
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Wells or boreholes
You should be testing that water to ensure it’s safe to drink. (We can advise on water testing!)
Why Clean Water Matters
Dirty or stale water = serious health risks.
Horses may refuse to drink if water smells bad, tastes off, or looks dirty. In summer, warm temps speed up the growth of algae, bacteria, and fungi.
Risks include:
Dehydration and colic
Bacterial infections (e.g. Leptospirosis)
Upset digestive systems
Insect breeding (flies, mosquitoes—potential disease vectors)
Dangers of Dirty Containers
Even clean water gets compromised when left in dirty containers. Biofilm (a slimy bacteria layer), algae, and faecal contamination from birds or rodents can make water unsafe.
Look out for:
- Green algae or slime
- Floating hay or bedding
- Bad odour
- Mosquito larvae
- Discolouration
How to Clean & Treat Water Containers Properly
- Clean your troughs or buckets thoroughly
- Spray inside and out with EndoSan 3
- Leave for 60 minutes
- Refill with fresh water
- Add EndoSan 8 as you fill, so it mixes evenly
- Test with EndoSan strips at fill and again 2 hours later
- Maintain a dosage level of 50ppm using the colour guide on the tub
How to calculate volume (litres):
Length x Width x Height (in cm) ÷ 1000 = Volume in Litres
Use our Dosage Calculator to get it right.
How often to treat?
Depends on:
- Number of horses
- Weather (more often in heat)
- Sun exposure
- Visible debris
Why Use EndoSan Water Treatment?
EndoSan is a human-grade, organic-compliant, biodegradable water treatment that’s completely safe for you and your horses to drink.
✔ Stops biofilm and algae buildup
✔ Re-oxygenates water
✔ Removes chlorine taste and odour
✔ Prevents disease spread between horses
✔ Safe for the environment
✔ Saves time and labour
Say goodbye to green, slimy troughs!
Pro Tip: Would YOU Drink It?
If the water smells, tastes, or looks unpleasant to you—it’s probably the same for your horse. A quick smell or visual check can reveal a lot.