Training the Horse
Your horse will probably adapt well to an automatic waterer once he gets the hang of it. Bowls that keep a constant amount of water in the bowl at all times (balance-beam, dump valve, and float-valve waterers) are easier for the horse to get used to, as the waterer automatically fills itself. All the horse really has to do is drink. Paddle-type waterers require the horse to push on the paddle a bit to release the water.
Either way, you'll need to show the horse how the water comes out, probably more than once. You'll also need to eliminate the old water bucket from the stall or he'll never learn to rely on the waterer. Keep a close watch on him until you're certain he's drinking when you first install the waterer. Better yet, get a waterer with an intake monitor installed on each individual fountain, so you know not only that all the horses are drinking, but that each is drinking enough to be healthy.
Some waterers require a little more "strength" to operate than others. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, since you don't want the valve to open because a spider crossed over it. But you also want to ensure that ponies, foals and other small horses are able to activate the paddle with a gentle touch of their muzzle.
Never accept a waterer that spurts water so quickly and with such force that it spooks the horse. Ask to play with the waterer before you buy it, or get permission to visit a barn that has that brand installed, so you can get some hands-on experience with it.
Most waterers are designed to be animal-safe. They're sturdy and able to withstand the inevitable rubbing they'll have to endure from itchy horses. However, for horses we prefer waterers that are rounded instead of rectangular because we feel edges are just something else for the horse to bang into. Nelson, Miraco, Rainbow, Rotonics and Equuspring all make rounded waterers.
Whether you choose a flat-back or corner-mounted stall waterer, don't install it too close to the hay corner. That way you can reduce accidental (or purposeful) dunking of the hay. Food debris can jam valves and definitely will make the bowl dirty, requiring more frequent cleaning. Jams and clogs due to improper installation-whether location, not clearing/filtering the water lines, or debris in the bowl-are the most frequent problems manufacturers have to deal with.
While shopping, you'll find the most helpful spots on a website are the FAQs (frequently asked questions) section, troubleshooting guides, and installation instructions. Although you may think these sections will only be needed after you purchase your waterer, we found during our research that they told us a lot about individual waterers, the problems they seem to be prone to, and how they may or may not fit into our own barns.
Clean Water
We lean toward stainless steel or galvanized steel bowls, like the Nelson and Hoskins waterers, because steel won't pick up and hold odors. While many horses drink every day from a poly bucket, if the plastic in an automatic unit develops an odor, the horse may stop drinking. Replacing a poly bucket is generally simpler and less expensive than replacing a built-in poly automatic waterer. If you think there's a chance your horse could become picky about his water's smell, get steel.
Automatic waterers constantly freshen the water supply. This reduces water waste and keeps the water palatable. However, they aren't all maintenance-free.
Check waterers daily to ensure they're working properly. Most will need to be cleaned at least twice a week to reduce the slimy film that can develop on the bowl and to keep the mechanical parts free of debris. Removable bowls may be easier to clean than bowls that use a removable plug.
When you investigate your choices, be certain the sales representative shows you exactly what you need to do for maintenance. Nelson has videos on its website showing regular and long-term maintenance, so you know exactly what you're getting into. Ask how easy it is to replace broken or worn parts and their availability. The Varnan waterers use a FILLPro water valve, which the company states is available in hardware stores.
Bottom Line
Automatic waterers do eliminate lugging water from faucet to stall or dragging a messy hose down the barn aisle two or three times a day. They can provide a constant source of fresh, temperature-controlled water, especially during the winter. However, they won't eliminate the chore of checking your horse's water every day, they can be costly to install, and most require maintenance.
You'll want to weigh the labor-saving costs against the purchase and installation costs and possible mishaps of automatic systems. They're probably best suited for a large barn that needs to cut labor costs or for a horse owner who is unable to refill buckets several times a day and needs to be assured the horse doesn't drink the bucket dry before the owner can return to the barn.
We also recommend getting a water-intake monitor, such as can be purchased with a Nelson and Ritchie, so you know that your horse is drinking, especially for stall waterers. A horse who stops drinking likely needs veterinary attention.
