In 1921, Thomas Ritchie invented the automatic waterer valve and the first automatic livestock watering system, which changed the way horses were cared for. Automatic horse waterers are devices that provide horses with a continuous supply of fresh water. This device is useful to maintain consistency with modern technology and to decrease the periodic supervision cost or labour cost. Unlike buckets, it doesn’t need to be filled manually.
Reasons for Installing Horse Waterers
1. Horses are safer with horse waterers than with manual water holders because manual water holders cause stagnation of water, which means the growth of algae, the presence of dead insects, and other bacteria.
2. Installing automatic waterers can save huge time and labour costs as they don’t need to be filled manually.
3. Horses seem more cheerful and energetic as they get fresh and cold water whenever they want.
4. Having a freeze-free waterer is an excellent idea for regions where the temperature falls below freezing point for two months or more.
5. The owner of the trench can be less worried as the water supply is persistent.
6. Automatic waterers don’t require electricity to operate. Thus, a system of safety can be introduced. After all, an owner will never want to see water, electricity, and horses jumbled up together.
7. A traditional way of watering horses can encourage mosquito accumulation, whereas an automatic waterer will never contribute to attracting mosquitoes.
How does it work?
• The water comes out as the horse steps into the paddle.
• After the horse leaves, the remaining water drains back into the ground. As no water remains in the container, there’s no possibility of freezing or evaporation.
Cost of an Automatic Horse Waterer:
The price of an automatic horse waterer is very reasonable. The starting price ranges between $509.00 and $700.00.
Procedures for Installing an Automatic Horse Waterer:
• Directional drilling
• Requirement of automatic waterers and freeze-free faucets
• Psi plastic potable water pipe as per requirement
• 2–5 tyres and bubble foil insulation for harsh weather.
Why is the temperature of an automatic waterer ideal for horses?
In the case of an automatic horse waterer, the water lines are buried underground, so it maintains an optimum temperature of water during all seasons. The automatic horse drinking system is ideal for providing clean water at the right temperature, which is pleasing for horses to drink.
How do I clean it?
The system comes with self-cleaning technology. That means, as it doesn’t hold water, the possibility of growing algae is null.
How do you train horses to drink from an automatic horse waterer?
• Start by removing all other water sources.
• Lead them towards the automatic waterer.
• Push on the paddle.
Horses are smart enough to learn the rest.
How to maintain the system?
• Fixing the slow-filling bowl
• Cleaning the filter or changing it if necessary.
• addition of a new drain valve if required.
• To prevent the overflow of water from the container, cleaning the main valve is necessary.
• If the paddle becomes tight or hard to move, it is required to change it as soon as possible.
• For overall maintenance and a glitch-free service, it is very necessary to change the damaged internal parts.
Pros and Cons of Using an Automatic Horse Waterer System:
Pros:
• It makes life easier and less worrying for owners and horses as well.
Forget about filling buckets manually.
• Constant access to fresh water
• The temperature of the water remains suitable for all seasons.
• Very low chances of getting attacked by diseases
Cons:
• A great deal of planning and attention to small details are essential before installing the automatic waterer system; otherwise, any number of mishaps can occur.
There are different kinds of horses. Few are dominant, and few are timid. So, proper placement of the containers is necessary to avoid disbalance in water distribution.
• A spacious area around the waterer is required to avoid any kind of injury.
• Initially, installing automatic waterers can be highly expensive.
• The waterers may get clogged or damaged due to a lack of maintenance.
• The waterer can flood the area if any technical glitches take place.
• A horse’s intake of water cannot be monitored, which may cause a critical condition in a sick horse.
For horses, water is more important than food. So, one needs to think properly before choosing water resources for them.
Why do watering systems need daily attention?
In order to make sure that the waterer is working properly and the horse is getting fresh water, one needs to keep an eye on it daily. Yet it is mentioned that, although everyday supervision is not necessary, it is still important to inspect them. Some horses tend to leave some dirt in the container, which can result in further contamination. Some of the older models of automatic waterers have sharp, metal edges, so it is absolutely necessary to make sure the model you’re using is safe.
Despite many advantages and disadvantages, automatic horse waterers are indeed a great choice over traditional techniques.
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