Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for the health and well-being of your horses. To ensure that your horses receive the best care, it’s essential to invest in high-quality feeders and water troughs. In 2023, there are numerous options available, each designed to cater to specific needs and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 46 horse feeders and water troughs for the year, helping you make informed decisions to enhance your horse care routine.
What Type Of Water Trough Is Best For Your Horse?
When it comes to choosing the right water trough for your horses, there are several materials and types to consider: galvanized, heated, rubber, poly, and automatic waterers like the Ritchie WaterMatic. Each has its distinct differences and benefits.
Galvanized Water Troughs
These are typically made of steel coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. They are durable, long-lasting, and ideal for outdoor use, making them a popular choice for pastures and paddocks. The galvanized finish adds strength and resistance to harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable option for year-round use.
3 Best Galvanized Water Troughs
- Behlen Country Galvanized Stock Tank – Galvanized steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to rust.
- Tarter Galvanized Stock Tank – Heavy-duty and reliable for outdoor use in various weather conditions.
- All-Tex Galvanized Water Tanks Made out of 20GA, G90 steel, these tanks will last a lifetime!
Heated Water Troughs
Heated troughs are designed to prevent water from freezing during cold winter months. They often come with integrated heating elements or heating mats to keep the water at a suitable temperature for your horses. This feature ensures that your horses have access to liquid water even in freezing conditions, reducing the risk of dehydration.
3 Best Heated Water Troughs
- API Heated Flat-Back Bucket – Ensures access to liquid water during freezing conditions.
- Farm Innovators Heated Water Bucket – Ideal for colder climates to prevent water from freezing.
- Behlen Companion & Horse Waterer with Heat The Behlen small Companion and horse waterer is a one-piece, heavily insulated waterer, designed of heavy poly which is rust and corrosion Free.This is a great option for a heated water trough!
Poly Water Troughs
Polyethylene troughs are lightweight, easy to transport, and resistant to rust and corrosion. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and come in various shapes and sizes. Poly troughs are known for their affordability and versatility, making them a budget-friendly choice for many horse owners.
4 Best Poly Water Troughs
- Behlen Country Oval End Poly Stock Tank – A stylish and practical option for horse water trough.
- Behlen Country Poly Stock Tank – Made from durable polyethylene, resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Behlen Country 6-Feet Round Poly Stock Tank – A large-capacity horse water trough for multiple horses.
- Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank – Durable and spacious, this horse water trough is perfect for providing fresh water to multiple horses at once.
Automatic Waterers
Automatic waterers offer a convenient solution for providing a continuous supply of fresh water to your horses. They reduce the need for manual filling and ensure that your horses always have access to clean water. These waterers can be especially useful for large herds or when you’re away from the barn for extended periods.
While all these trough types have their advantages, if I were to promote one, I would recommend the Heated Water Troughs for their crucial role in ensuring your horses’ health during winter. These troughs not only provide a consistent supply of unfrozen water but also reduce the effort and worry associated with breaking ice regularly. Keeping your horses hydrated during cold weather is essential for their well-being, and a heated water trough can make this task significantly more manageable.
5 Best Automatic Water Troughs For Horses
- Ritchie WaterMatic 150 Automatic Horse Waterer – This horse water trough ensures a continuous supply of fresh water without constant refilling.
- Ritchie OmniFount Waterer – Provides a constant flow of fresh water and is easy to clean.
- Ritchie EcoFount Waterer – A reliable horse water trough option for environmentally conscious horse owners.
- Ritchie StallFount Waterer – A horse water trough designed for stall or pen use, providing continuous water supply.
- Ritchie Thrifty King Waterer – A reliable automatic waterer for horses in large pastures.
Horse Feeders
Horse feeders come in various types, each with differences and benefits to cater to different needs. We have catagorized each type of feeder for you depending on what your looking for!
Traditional Horse Feeders
Traditional horse feeders have been a staple in equine care for decades. They are valued for their simplicity and reliability. Here’s what makes them special:
Proven Design: Traditional feeders, like the Little Giant Plastic Hook Over Feeder, feature time-tested designs that have proven to be effective over the years. They are often made from durable materials like plastic or metal, ensuring longevity.
Versatility: These feeders can be easily hooked over fences or stall doors, making them versatile and suitable for various environments. Their portability allows you to move them as needed.
Easy Maintenance: Traditional feeders are typically straightforward to clean and maintain, with no complex mechanisms or parts. This makes them a convenient choice for daily feeding.
16 Best Traditional Horse Feeders
- Little Giant Plastic Hook Over Feeder – A versatile horse feeder that can be easily hooked over fences or stall doors.
- Fortiflex Flat Back Feed Bucket – Designed for easy cleaning and long-lasting use.
- Parallax Plastics Wall Mount Bucket – Wall-mounted horse feeder design to save space and prevent tipping.
- Little Giant Over-the-Fence Feeder – Designed to minimize waste and spillage.
- High Country Plastics Wall Feeder – Mounts to walls or fences for stable horse feeding.
- Fortiflex Mini Pan Feeder – Perfect for individual feeding or supplements.
- Miller Manufacturing Corner Feeder – Fits neatly into corners, saving space in stalls.
- Little Giant Hook Over Feeder – A great horse feeder but versatile enough for use with different livestock.
- Fortiflex Mini Feed Pan – A versatile pan suitable for various applications.
- Miller Manufacturing Over-the-Fence Feeder – A space-efficient option for feeding multiple horses.
- Little Giant Hook Over Feeder with Divider – Separates feed to prevent spillage and waste.
- Fortiflex Corner Feeder – A durable feeder that fits neatly into stall corners.
- Miller Manufacturing Wall Mountable Feeder – Space-saving and easy to clean.
- Little Giant Corner Feeder – Fits perfectly into stall corners for efficient feeding.
- Miller Manufacturing P20FBRED Plastic Flat Back Bucket – A versatile bucket for various purposes.
- Little Giant Fence Feeder with Clips – Designed for easy attachment to fences and stalls.
Slow Feeders
Slow feeders are designed to encourage a more natural, gradual consumption of hay or feed. They offer several unique benefits:
3 Benifits of Slow Feeders
Preventing Overeating: Slow feeders like the Hay Chix Slow Feed Hay Net or Derby Originals Slow Feed Hay Net help prevent horses from overeating or gorging on hay, reducing the risk of colic and other digestive issues.
Mimicking Grazing: These feeders mimic the natural grazing behavior of horses, promoting mental stimulation and reducing boredom in stalls or pastures.
Waste Reduction: Slow feeders significantly reduce hay wastage by controlling the rate at which horses consume hay, saving you money on feed costs.
5 Best Slow Feeders
- Hay Chix Slow Feed Hay Net – Promotes slow and controlled forage consumption, preventing waste.
- High Country Plastics Slow Feeder – Encourages natural grazing habits and minimizes waste.
- Freedom Feeder Slow Feed Hay Net – Encourages natural foraging behavior.
- Freedom Feeder Extended Day Slow Feed Hay Net – A horse feeder ideal for horses that require all-day grazing.
- Derby Originals Slow Feed Hay Net – A horse feeder especially designed for horses that eat to quickly.
Automatic Feeders
Automatic feeders have revolutionized horse care by providing a convenient and efficient way to manage feeding routines. Here’s what sets them apart:
3 Benifits of Automatic Feeders
Continuous Supply: Automatic feeders like the Ritchie WaterMatic 150 Automatic Horse Waterer or Ritchie StallFount Waterer ensure a continuous supply of fresh water without the need for manual refilling. This is especially valuable for large herds or when you’re away from the barn.
Labor and Time Savings: They reduce the time and effort required for feeding and watering chores, allowing you to focus on other aspects of horse care.
Consistency: Automatic feeders maintain a consistent feeding schedule, which can be crucial for horses with dietary restrictions or health issues.
3 Best Automatic Horse Feeders
- QuickFeed Automatic Horse Feeder Quick Feed will dispense pellets and grain products you can use this as a programmable, automatic livestock feeder.
- iFEED (1) One Stall Starter Pack The starter pack includes everything needed to get one horse started automatic horse feeder iFEED system.
- HayHorse Feeders Digital timer allows multiple programming for feeding times and durations. Feed hay to your horses up to 5 times a day. Just set it and forget it.
Specialty Feeders & Treat Dispensers
Specialty feeders and treat dispensers offer a unique way to engage and entertain your horses:
Entertainment: Toys like the Horsemen’s Pride Jolly Ball and Horsemen’s Pride Amazing Graze Treat Toy dispense treats as horses play, providing both physical activity and mental stimulation.
Interactive Treats: Treat dispensers such as the Manna Pro Horse Stall Snack and Horsemen’s Pride Stall Snack Refills keep horses engaged and entertained, especially during stall confinement.
Supplement Delivery: Specialty feeders like the Fortiflex Mini Pan Feeder for Dogs can double as a small feeder for miniature horses or ponies, allowing for targeted supplement delivery.
Each of these feeder types has its unique advantages, making them special in their own way. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, the number of horses you care for, and your preferences in managing their feeding and enrichment.
7 Best Specialty Feeders & Treat Dispensers
- Shires Equestrian Products Ball Horse Feeder – 9-inch ball feeder for horses that is designed to dispense treats, pellets or grain as it is rolled around.
- High Country Plastics Bale Feeder – A hay feeder designed to minimize hay wastage.
- Horsemen’s Pride Jolly Ball – A fun and interactive toy that dispenses treats as horses play with it.
- Manna Pro Horse Stall Snack – A treat dispenser that attaches to the stall, keeping horses engaged.
- Horsemen’s Pride Stall Snack Refills – Keep your treat dispenser stocked with these refill options.
- Horsemen’s Pride Amazing Graze Treat Toy – A toy that dispenses treats to keep your horse entertained.
- Fortiflex Mini Feed Pan for small horses – Suitable for small horses, ponies, or other livestock.
Which Product Is Right For Your Needs?
Choosing the right feeders, water troughs, & accessories for your horses is very important to their care and well-being. In 2023, there is a wide range of options available, from traditional troughs to innovative slow-feeders and toys. Consider your horses’ specific needs, your facility’s setup, and the prevailing weather conditions in your area when making your selections. With the right equipment, you can ensure that your horses receive the nutrition and hydration they need to thrive throughout the year.
How Many Horses Do You Have?
Before making your final choices, it’s essential to consider factors such as the number of horses you have, their feeding habits, the climate in your region, and the space available in your barn or pasture. Additionally, take into account the ease of cleaning and maintenance, as this will greatly affect your daily routine.
Quality Is Worth The Price
Investing in high-quality feeders and water troughs is not just about convenience; it’s about ensuring that your horses have access to clean water and appropriate nutrition around the clock. A well-thought-out feeding and watering system can help prevent common health issues, such as dehydration and colic, while also reducing food wastage and saving you money in the long run.
Ultimately, the top 46 horse feeders and water troughs for 2023 offer a variety of options to cater to your specific needs. Whether you have a single horse or a large herd, there’s a feeder or trough that will help you provide the best care possible for your equine companions. By choosing wisely and maintaining your equipment diligently, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring the health and happiness of your horses in the coming year and beyond.
Montana Structures: Crafting Your Perfect Horse Barn
When it comes to providing optimal care for your horses, shelter plays a significant role. A well-designed horse barn not only offers protection from the elements but also creates a comfortable environment for your equine companions. Among the many barn builders, Montana Structures stands out as a reputable and trusted company specializing in crafting horse barns that prioritize both functionality and aesthetics.
Montana Structures take in our commitment to providing top-quality horse barns, and we offer a range of customization options to suit your specific needs. Check our our horse barn styles today!