Bridge Acres Stable

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas!
Last chance to register for holiday camp on Monday December 29th 9-1. Text Kristin or Casey, there are a few spots left!!

12/19/2025

Besties for the resties❤️🩵

12/17/2025

Beautiful winter sunsets!

12/17/2025

Don’t forget to renew (or join) the PHSA for points for the 2026 show season!

Don't get left out in the cold, know before you show! PHSA has made some changes to their 2026 Rule Book to provide a better experience for our members. Please visit www.pennhsa.org under Members & Points to learn more.

12/11/2025

What a beautiful December day!

12/06/2025

We had a great clinic today! Thanks Elizabeth Haines! Also thanks to everyone who came and of course to the best horses and ponies for being rock stars!🦄❤️

12/03/2025

Taz is getting into the holiday spirit!
Thanks Keira for the sweet pic🎄

12/02/2025

This is also why we always wet feed, give electrolytes, and make sure water buckets are clean and that horses are drinking!

Equines and Warm Water
Brian S. Burks, DVM
Diplomate, ABVP
Board Certified in Equine Practice

During cold weather, most horses consume less water. The problem is that horses need water to help soften and digest the forage they eat. Without enough water, the horse can end up with an impaction of the colon or stomach, which causes colic (abdominal pain). Daily, horses have a minimum need for water to survive at rest, which is about 5-10 gallons per day for an average horse. If the horse is working, the temperature is high, lactating, or the horse has a medical issue, this can easily double (sometimes more).

Some horses naturally drink more water than others. Some may not want to drink because of oral issues (teeth, gums, and other mucosa). They also prefer clean, fresh water, low in contaminants, as opposed to stagnant water. Horses often prefer water to be 45-65 degrees.

It is important, however, to monitor water intake and your horse’s hydration status. Watch the manure for moistness and for mucus. Heavy mucus indicates that f***s have been sitting in the GIT for too long. The horse should be examined by a veterinarian. You can also check the gums for color and moistness; when the gums are blanched by pushing on them with your thumb, the pink color should return in under two seconds. Longer than that is an indication of dehydration. Pinching the skin on the upper eyelid will indicate dehydration if it does not quickly return to its normal state. Get to know what is normal for your horse, which will make abnormal more easily recognized.

If you need to encourage water intake, adding a few tablespoons of salt to the hay or grain several times per day will encourage drinking. You can also add some warm water to the bucket. The water should at least not have ice inside the bucket. Do not increase the water temperature above tepid; rapid changes and too warm a water temperature can decrease water intake.

Electric bucket warmers are great, but they have drawbacks. They are a fire hazard, so check the cords daily for signs of wear. Also make sure that your horse cannot reach any part of the cord, as chewing on the cord can cause electrocution. Sometimes you may not notice a problem, but your horse might; horses can feel small amounts of electricity in the water (like electric fencing) and will refuse to drink.

An alternative is to insulate the bucket or water trough. You can wrap material around the tank or set it into the ground or even snow, which will insulate the water and protect from freezing. In some situations, you may just have to carry water from the house at least twice daily, more if it freezes quickly. Hot water freezes more quickly in a bucket than tepid water. Idle horses require approximately 10-12 gallons of water daily. A little salt on top of some grain will encourage drinking during or soon after hay consumption. Remember, each horse is an individual and may consume more or less water, just make sure that your horse is properly hydrated.

Fox Run Equine Center

www.foxrunequine.com

(724) 727-3481

11/29/2025

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/local-shows-are-the-heart-of-the-sport/

With USEF and all horse-related fees climbing, local shows are where my kids—and countless others—stay in the ring, learning, laughing, and loving the sport. Local is where showing stays real, fun and accessible. We need more local!

11/25/2025

Upcoming Bridge Acres happenings!
November 26
Thanksgiving horse camp 9-12
December 6
Elizabeth Lubrano Haines clinic
December 13
Brass Ring at Wyndsor horse show
January 25
Bradley Caine clinic

11/25/2025

We had a great Monday of Thanksgiving week camp!
Everyone had a lesson, then Casey taught the kids how to braid for horse shows and wrap legs. At the end there was a demonstration of liberty training by Victoria and Guinxo. He’s amazing!