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What is the best automatic horse waterer?
It is more and more popular for equestrians to use these types of water sources for their horses and they have many benefits.
What are the best types of horse waterers for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
My review guide covers my favorites that will suit every type of horse owner.
Here are my top picks for all budgets and horse owner needs, best automatic livestock waterer. Let's get started with my automatic waterer reviews!
Top Automatic Waterer for Horses at a Glance
- Classic Equine STALLFOUNT with Heater - Best Stall Heated
- Little Giant 88ESW Automatic Waterer - Best Water Bow
- Classic Equine Ultra Fount - Best Paddock Waterer
- Ritchie Omni Fount 2 Automatic Heated Horse Waterer - Best For Multiple Horses
Don't have time to go through the whole list? Here is a quick overview.
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8 Best Automatic Horse Waterer
I’ve come across many different types of horse waterers over the years. Some of better than others, but the majority of horses adjust well to using them.
#1 Little Giant Automatic Animal Waterer (WINNER)
The Little Giant is a versatile automatic waterer for horses that you can mount in a stall or to a paddock fence. It is bigger than many of the small automatic water feeders for horses that equestrians put in the barn.
To total capacity is 4 gallons, so your horse will have plenty of access to drinking water, even when the water trough is refilling.
It comes in three colors, which is great for those who want a break from the boring stainless steel look or green plastic.
The waterer comes with a standard hose attachment that you can attach easily to your water supply. The float is well hidden, which keeps it protected from playful or cheeky horses that like to pull at things.
Another positive about the Little Giant is that it is owned by the Frandsen Corporation, a family business that has been making products for farms and pets for over 60 years. The majority of which are made in the USA.
The price is pretty good too! This automatic horse waterer is a good in between option for those who want something with more capacity than the bowl styles but don’t want to invest in a large, expensive product.
Features & Attributes
- 4-gallon capacity
- Mounting brackets
- Comes in blue, black, red
Measurements
- 18 x 15 x 12 inches
Benefits & Drawbacks of Little Giant Automatic
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Easy to mount |
Plastic hose connector |
|
Easy to connect the water supply |
Difficult to clean as no drain |
|
Good capacity |
Slow refill |
|
Durable material |
How it Compares to Others
This water stands out due to its size. It is bigger than the standard wall or fence-mounted options and smaller than corner waterers or a paddock horse trough.
Expert Tips
Other equestrians recommend that you replace the plastic hose connector with a metal one. This will last longer, is more durable, and makes it less likely to leak.
What Equestrians Say About Little Giant Automatic
“This is a great product!” says Michelle, who also says “Wish I had purchased one of these much sooner in life. My horses are enjoying having fresher water daily.”
#2 Classic Equine STALLFOUNT with Heater - Best Stall Heated
Classic Equine makes several different STALLFOUNT models. I’ll be talking about a couple of them in this guide.
This is the first one and it is designed to fit into the corner of the horse’s stall. What I really like about this, and what makes it one of the best automatic horse waterers, is that it is heated.
That means no more frozen buckets of water in the winter. It also keeps the water at a nice temperature, which is more appealing to horses than freezing cold water.
Features & Attributes
- Stainless steel cover
- Thermostat activated heater
- Quick refill
- Waterer with heater
Measurements
Adjustable height
20lbs weight
Benefits & Drawbacks of Classic Equine STALLFOUNT
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Keeps water temperature temperate year-round |
Expensive |
|
Drain for easy cleaning |
A little bulky for stalls |
|
10-year warranty |
|
|
Quick refill |
How it Compares to Others
This is a bit bulkier than many options for stall waterers. It is also pretty expensive but it is great quality and will last you years.
Expert Tips
It is important that your horse drinks enough water. When it is cold outside and the water gets freezing, they are less likely to drink.
That is why it is important to ensure water stays temperate. Learn more about how much water your horse needs in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwUEzk1dlJA
What Equestrians Say About Classic Equine STALLFOUNT
In this video an equestrian talks about the Classic Equine STALLFOUNTS he installed in his barn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk_uBHqJOxo
#3 Little Giant 88ESW Automatic Waterer - Best Water Bowl
I’m back with a different model from Little Giant. This is one of the best automatic horse waterers that comes in a bowl style.
It has an epoxy coating over stainless steel, which adds to its durability.
Features & Attributes
- Hose connection
- Heavy gauge steel
- Single waterer
Measurements
- 11 x 11 x 6 inches
Benefits & Drawbacks of Little Giant 88ESW Automatic Waterer
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Good size for stalls |
Plastic hose connector |
|
Durable bowl |
A little awkward to install |
|
Doesn’t rust |
How it Compares to Others
This is a sturdy horse waterer that is designed for inside stalls or your barn. It is not suitable for paddocks like some of the others. It is good value for money.
Expert Tips
Horses like to drink from clean buckets or troughs and it is important that you keep them clean.
Dr. Roberta Dwyer of the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center explains what you need to do in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZBQKYa9JRw
What Equestrians Say About Little Giant 88ESW Automatic Waterer
This equestrian had this to say “Well made and everything it said it was it is. Works really well and is easy to clean.”
#4 Classic Equine Ultra Fount - Best Paddock Waterer
The Classic Equine Ultra is one of the best automatic horse waterers for pasture and outdoor areas shared by multiple horses.
You can place it on a fence line so one side is in one paddock and the other side in another.
It is a heated waterer which is ideal for the winter. No more breaking ice and your horses will drink more as the water will be a more appealing temperature.
It is a heavy-duty waterer and can take a lot of abuse from horses and the weather.
Features & Attributes
- Built-in heating system
- Double trough design
- 120V thermostat
- Maintenance-free float system
Measurements
- 29"H x 30.5"W x 20" front to back
Benefits & Drawbacks of Classic Equine Ultra Fount
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Low maintenance |
Expensive |
|
No frozen water |
Poor installation instructions |
|
Great for multiple horses |
Requires purchase of stainless anchor bolts |
|
Quick refilling |
How it Compares to Others
This is one of the most expensive automatic horse waterers in my guide. However, it is also specifically for outdoor areas and provides water for multiple horses.
It lasts a long time, so you still get value for money, despite the price.
Expert Tips
Learn more about this premium horse waterer in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0Xo5vUrA_s
What Equestrians Say About Classic Equine Ultra Fount
Equestrians are very happy with this water. Here are what some are saying - “It works great. No problems freezing during a week between -20F and 0F.” And - “One of the best investments I’ve made for my pasture.”
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#5 Ritchie Omni Fount 2 Automatic Heated Horse Waterer - Best For Multiple Horses
The Ritchie Omni is another type of large, double trough design horse waterer. It is a cheaper option than the Classic Equine Ultra, though still pricey.
This US made waterer is insulated and heated, so you don’t have to worry about your horses not having adequate water access in cold weather.
Features & Attributes
- Polyurethane foam insulation
- Waterer with heater
- Stainless steel trough
- Two drinking pans
- Adjustable float
Measurements
- 14.5” wide, 28.3” long, 25” high
Benefits & Drawbacks of Ritchie Omni Fount Horse Waterer
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
10-year warranty |
Not cheap |
|
Easy to clean |
Requires concrete pad and anchor bolts for installation |
|
For multiple horses |
|
|
Prevents the freezing of water |
How it Compares to Others
This waterer has two single water troughs so you can provide water to horses in separate paddocks or pens. It is large compared to the single waterers that suit stalls.
Expert Tips
The manufacturer of this waterer shares in this video the differences between two different models of Ritchie Automatic Waterers, to help you find which one is best for your needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfqzr0VNM0s
What Equestrians Say About Ritchie Omni Fount Horse Waterer
“BEST thing I ever bought for my horses!” and “It seems SUPER study.” are the glowing comments made by one equestrian who has bought this product.
#6 Behlen Country Insulated Horse Waterer - Best Insulation
Here is another heated horse waterer, that I really like. It has two drinking troughs so you can place them so that multiple horses can access it.
Like the other models of this style, it isn’t cheap. But investing in these types of waterers will save you time, worry, and frustration that make them worth it.
Features & Attributes
- Styrofoam floor for an insulated base
- Insulated walls
- Double trough design
- Removable drain plugs
Measurements
- 28 x 18 x 22 inches
Benefits & Drawbacks of Behlen Country Insulated Horse Waterer
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Double insulation prevents stray voltage possibilities |
Expensive |
|
Comes fully assembled |
Poor instructions |
|
Durable |
|
|
For multiple horses |
How it Compares to Others
Due to its size and purpose, this is one of the more expensive options. It is best for those who need to provide water to more than one horse.
Expert Tips
Behlen shows you how to install one of their waterers in this helpful video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZDhI9KAFKc
What Equestrians Say About Behlen Country Insulated Horse Waterer
“This unit has so far been the best thing that I have ever invested in.” “My horses all took to it immediately and I know they are happier getting that fresh water supply on demand.”
These are just some of the great things on user has to say.
#7 Stainless Steel Automatic Waterer - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for small horse waterers that you can stick in a stable or the corner of a pen, without spending a fortune, check out this really popular option.
Features & Attributes
- Stainless steel waterer
- Steel water hose
- Water float
- Single waterer
Measurements
- 10.55” wide, 10” long, 3.9” high
Benefits & Drawbacks of Stainless steel Automatic Waterer
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Small size for stables |
Some rough edges |
|
Budget-friendly |
Some leaking issues |
|
Reduces water waste |
What Equestrians Say About Stainless steel Automatic Waterer
Users like the convenience of this waterer - “Great for your pets to assure they have a constant supply of water.”
#8 Push-Paddle Automatic Waterer - Heavy Duty Waterer
If you want a small automatic waterer for horses that are made from a sturdy material, then take a look at this option.
The paddle design means that your horse always has fresh water instead of water that has been sitting around.
Features & Attributes
- Stainless-steel push paddle
- Heavy duty cast iron
- Nontoxic black epoxy finish
- Single waterer
- Non-heated waterer
Measurements
10” x 8.5” x 5”
Benefits & Drawbacks of Push-Paddle Automatic Waterer
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Always provides fresh water |
Some horses take time to figure them out |
|
Small size for stalls |
Some issues with the valve |
|
Sturdy |
|
What Equestrians Say About Push-Paddle Automatic Waterer
“I’ve had all types of automatic waterers for my horses and this is by far the sturdiest! My Jake figured it out immediately and he always has clean fresh water now.”
This is just one of the positive comments users have to say about this waterer.
How Does An Automatic Horse Waterer Work?
Automatic horse waterers are fairly simple items. They all have a connection that you attach to your water supply. Then they either have a float or pump.
Those that have a float refill when the level of water drops below a certain level. It then stops filling when the water is high enough. These work well most of the time.
The main issue that you can fun into is if the float stops working and it either doesn’t fill, or worse allows the water to keep running, causing a flood. Sometimes this is because the horse breaks something.
It’s no fun to walk into the barn in the morning to find water everywhere! I’ve been there! Thankfully, it is a rare occurrence.
The other type of automatic waterer does not have a float. Instead, it has a paddle that the horse pushes so that water is released. This type avoids issues that can arise from a float.
However, they make some noise when activated which some horses are wary of. The majority figure them out quickly and are fine. Though there are rare horses that just never figure out how to use it.
And there are the rare horses that never get over being afraid of the sound it makes.
READ MORE: How to Install Automatic Waterers for Horses
Are Automatic Waterers Good For Horses?
For the most part, automatic horse waterers are good for horses. Using them means that your horse is never without water access.
They also ensure fresh water is always available which is better than water sitting in a trough going stagnant.
Since the water is fresh, your usage is also more economical. You don’t need to dump out large amounts of water every day to clean and refresh the supply.
Not only are they great for horses, but they are also great for horse owners as well! No more lugging heavy water buckets around and they save you a lot of time.
The main drawback of using automatic waterers is that you can’t monitor water consumption easily. This isn’t ideal as it is very hard to spot a change in drinking habits, which can indicate your horse is sick.
Alayne Blickle, a well-respected environmental educator for horse owners says - “they provide a clean, fresh source of water that's always available."
Check our guide on how often to clean horse water trough.
What Are the Benefits of Automatic Horse Waterers?
Here is a quick summary of what the benefits of automatic horse waterers are.
- 24/7 water supply
- Fresh drinking water always
- Some are heated
- Easier to clean
- No lugging a bucket of water around
- Keeps water clean
- Time-saving
- Reduces Mosquito
- Reduces water waste
- Prevent standing water
- More palatable water
- Fewer algae growth
How to Choose the Best Automatic Waterers for Horses
There are only a few things to consider when choosing the best automatic waterer for horses. I’ll talk about them here to help you find the perfect option.
#1 Number Of Horses
If you want to supply fresh water to more than one horse it is a good idea to look at the larger troughs. These waterers are suitable for outside spaces such as pens or paddocks.
Many have two troughs so you can place them on fence lines. They are also the best option for corrals and paddocks, even if you have one horse as they are designed to stand up to outdoor use.
If you want something to give water to your horse in its stable, then the small water bowels are the best option.
Horses tend to prefer larger, float-type waterers according to a study.
“In that study, horses never consumed water from the push valves,” Hiney said. “It was believed the larger available reservoir of water in the float-valve waterers encouraged the horses to drink more.”
#2 The Environment & Climate
If you live in cold regions, then you know the struggles of providing water in the winter. Ice is frustrating, tiring, and puts your horse off drinking. In this case, a heated waterer is a way to go.
#3 How Easy It Is To Clean
While most automatic waterers are easy to clean, some are easier than others. When looking for one to purchase, try to find one that will be easier for you to keep clean.
#4 The Waterer's Durability
Look for waterers made from durable materials that will last you years. Keep an eye out for poor-quality parts that will break easily. You would be surprised how rough horses can be on a waterer.
You want your system to be able to withstand harsh environments, especially if it has to deal with both cold and hot weather.
FAQs
How high should I put my automatic waterer for my horses?
Place automatic waters are a height of 36 to 47 inches. How high will depend on the size of your horse. Ponies will need it lower than large horses.
What is the best automatic horse waterer?
The best automatic horse waterer is one that is reliable, durable, easy to maintain, and ensures your horse always has a fresh supply.
What is the main disadvantage of using an automated watering system for horses?
The main disadvantage of automatic watering systems is that you can’t monitor water consumption.
Do automatic waterers freeze?
Some automatic waterers freeze is they have no heating element. It is more the frozen hoses supplying the water that have problems than the waterer itself. Those with heating should not freeze.
How long does an automatic horse waterer last?
A quality automatic waterer should last several years.
Conclusion
I hope you found my review guide to the best automatic horse waterer helpful. They make a great addition to your stall, barn, and ranch.
The benefits for you and your horse make the investment worthwhile. They aren’t 100% perfect, but make life much easier!
Plus, it's nice to know you are giving your horse cleaner water, avoiding water wastage, and are unlikely to have a thirsty horse.
Do you use automatic waterers? If so what is your favorite?
Resources
- 1. The Benefits of Using an Automatic Waterer for Horses. The Horse. Published November 6, 2015. Accessed June 6, 2022. https://thehorse.com/155134/the-benefits-of-using-an-automatic-waterer-for-horses-2/
- 2. Stillwater OSU, Campus O 74078, Maps744-5000 P. Be sure to optimize a horse’s water intake this summer - Oklahoma State University. news.okstate.edu. Published June 12, 2018. Accessed June 6, 2022. https://news.okstate.edu/articles/agriculture/2018/stotts_horse-water-intake.html