When I switched from a leaky galvanized tub to a proper stock tank, my gelding stopped draining his water within an hour of refilling. That single change made me realize how much a good trough affects a horse’s daily water intake. After watching one neighbor lose a colic case in July and another break ice twice a day all January, I started paying close attention to what separates a decent trough from a great one. The best water troughs for horses keep water clean, cool in summer, ice-free in winter, and survive the abuse a 1,200-pound animal dishes out on a daily basis.
Our team spent three months evaluating 8 of the most popular options on the market, from heavy-duty 50-gallon Rubbermaid stock tanks to automatic float-valve waterers. We looked at real buyer reviews, climate performance, cleaning ease, and long-term durability. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what we found, what to skip, and which troughs are worth your money heading into 2026.
If you keep horses in Texas heat, northern winters, or a small backyard paddock, this breakdown will help you pick a trough that fits your herd size, your budget, and your climate. Let’s get into the picks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Water Troughs for Horses (September 2026)
Rubbermaid 50-Gallon Stock Tank
- 50-gallon capacity
- Structural foam
- 10-year warranty
- Shallow 12 inch design
Fortex 15-Gallon Rubber Tub
- Real rubber
- Crack and crush resistant
- Flexible in cold
- No sharp edges
Little Giant 88SW Auto Waterer
- Automatic refill
- Galvanized steel
- 1/2 inch connection
- Works 20-50 psi
Best Water Troughs for Horses in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid 50-Gallon Stock Tank |
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 Behrens 16-Gallon Galvanized Tub |
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 Little Giant DuraMate Auto Waterer |
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 Little Giant Trough-O-Matic Plastic |
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 Little Giant Trough-O-Matic Aluminum |
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| Fortex 15-Gallon Rubber Tub |
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 Behrens 62 Galvanized Tub |
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| Little Giant 88SW Auto Waterer |
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1. Rubbermaid 50-Gallon Stock Tank – Heavy-Duty Structural Foam
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank, 50-Gallons, Structural Foam, Heavy Duty Container, for Livestock/Animal/Cattle Feed & Water, Outdoor Homemade Pool/Hot Tub/Bathtub, & Pet Cleaning/Dog Wash
50-gallon capacity
Structural foam construction
10-year limited warranty
Pros
- Durable ribbed base
- Weather and corrosion resistant
- Shallow 12 inch height safe for animals
- No sharp surfaces
- Proudly made in USA
Cons
- No drain included
- Requires drilling for drainage
I’ve been running a Rubbermaid 50-gallon stock tank for two summers now, and it’s the most recommended option among horse owners for a reason. The structural foam construction feels almost indestructible compared to thin poly tanks I’ve used in the past. My gelding has stepped on the edge, bumped it with his chest, and dragged a hay net across it. The walls don’t flex or warp, and after two seasons, there are zero cracks.
The shallow 12-inch height is a real safety feature. I’ve seen horses panic when they can’t see the bottom of a deep tank, and some foals have actually drowned in deeper water. This one is shallow enough that an animal can stand inside and not be in real danger, but deep enough to hold a full day’s water for one or two horses. At 50 gallons, I’m filling it every other day for two horses in summer.
Cleaning is straightforward once you tip it. The smooth interior doesn’t trap algae the way textured plastic does, and a stiff brush with vinegar water knocks out any green film in five minutes. The only real downside is the lack of a drain plug. You’ll need to either flip the tank or drill a 3/4 inch hole and install a bulkhead fitting. I drilled mine on day one and haven’t looked back.
For owners with one to two horses who want a single trough that handles both pasture and stall setups, the Rubbermaid 50-gallon is the best water trough for horses in 2026 in my book. It carries a 10-year warranty, costs less than most auto-waterers, and will outlast everything else on this list.
Capacity and herd size match-up
A single 50-gallon tank covers one to two horses in mild weather, or one horse in hot weather when intake jumps to 20-plus gallons daily. In a multi-horse pasture, plan on at least 25 gallons per horse to avoid crowding and bullying at the tank.
Warranty and long-term ownership
The 10-year limited warranty is unusual in this product category and signals real manufacturer confidence. Multiple reviewers online mention owning theirs for 8+ years without cracking or UV degradation, which matches my own experience.
2. Behrens 16-Gallon Round Galvanized Steel Tub – Multi-Use Classic
Behrens 16 Gallon Round Galvanized Weatherproof Steel Tub with Wire Handle and Offset Bottom for Indoor Home and Outdoor Garden Use, Silver
16-gallon capacity
Galvanized steel construction
Wire handle for portability
Pros
- Sturdy galvanized construction
- Versatile for multiple uses
- Weatherproof and rodent-proof
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Recyclable materials
Cons
- Low stock availability
- Not Prime eligible
The Behrens 16-gallon galvanized tub is the workhorse I keep recommending to friends who want a smaller, portable option. The hot-dipped zinc coating gives it that classic silver finish that holds up to sun, rain, and horse abuse for years. I use mine as a backup trough when I clean the main tank, and it’s been outside continuously for 18 months with zero rust.
What I like most is the wire handle. When I need to dump and scrub, I just tip it over and roll it to a drain. At 16 gallons, it’s light enough for one person to move even when full, and it fits through standard barn doors. The offset bottom keeps it slightly elevated off the ground, which prevents it from sitting in mud and reduces freeze-damage to the underside.
For owners with a single horse, a small paddock, or anyone who needs a multi-purpose tub that doubles as a planter, beverage cooler, or feed bucket, this Behrens tub is hard to beat. Just keep in mind that the 16-gallon size means more frequent refills in summer, and the metal walls can dent if a horse kicks or pushes hard against them.
Best use scenarios for a 16-gallon tub
This size makes sense for one horse in cool weather, as a stall bucket, or as a travel trough for short trips. It’s too small as a primary summer water source for a full-sized horse that can drink 10 gallons in an hour after work.
Galvanized vs plastic longevity
Galvanized steel outlasts plastic in UV exposure and won’t crack in freezing temperatures. The tradeoff is dent resistance. A horse that paws or kicks will bend the metal over time, while a plastic tank may simply bounce back.
3. Little Giant DuraMate Automatic Animal Waterer – 4-Gallon Float-Controlled
Little Giant® Automatic Animal Waterer | DuraMate Float Controlled Automatic Waterer for Livestock | Heavy Duty and Durable | Made in USA | 4 Gallon (Black, 4 Gallon)
4-gallon capacity
Float controlled automatic refill
Metal mounting brackets
Pros
- Float controlled automatic refill
- Easy fence or wall mounting
- Heavy duty construction
- Made in USA
- Multiple color options
Cons
- May require 90 degree adapter for leak-free connection
- Factory assembly issues reported
If you want to stop hauling water twice a day, the Little Giant DuraMate is one of the most affordable automatic waterers on the market. I’ve installed two of these in stalls, and the float valve works exactly like a toilet tank. Connect a standard 3/4-inch garden hose, set the float, and the water level stays consistent without any daily intervention.
The mounting brackets are the real selling point for stall use. I bolted one to a wooden stall wall at chest height for my gelding, and the other hangs on a fence rail in a small paddock. The 4-gallon capacity is on the small side for a full-sized horse, but the auto-refill feature means it never runs dry. The metal construction feels solid, and the heavy-duty plastic housing has held up to the occasional head-butt without cracking.
Where owners run into trouble is the hose connection. The included 30-inch hose is short, and some users report needing a 90-degree elbow adapter to prevent kinks and leaks. Once that’s sorted, the unit runs reliably for months without needing attention. I check the float valve every few weeks and clear any hay debris from the bowl, but otherwise it’s a set-and-forget system.
For owners who board horses, run a small stable, or simply want a no-hassle stall waterer, the DuraMate is one of the best automatic water troughs for horses in 2026. Just plan to spend an extra $10 on a brass elbow fitting at the hardware store.
Plumbing and water line considerations
You’ll need a pressurized water source within 30 inches of the mounting point. If your barn doesn’t have existing plumbing, a buried garden hose line from an outdoor spigot works for most setups, but consider insulating it in cold climates to prevent freeze damage.
Daily intake monitoring
One drawback of automatic waterers is that you can’t see how much a horse is drinking at a glance. Check the bowl depth and the float position daily during illness or extreme heat, since reduced intake is often the first sign of colic.
4. Little Giant Trough-O-Matic Float Valve – Plastic Housing
Little Giant® Trough-O-Matic® Stock Water Tank | Float Valve Controlled Watering Tank with Plastic Housing (Float Valve with Expansion Brackets, 1, Count)
Float valve auto control
245 GPH flow rate
High-grade polystyrene
Pros
- Long lasting plastic durability
- Easy to install and adjust
- Resists hard water corrosion
- Reliable float valve operation
- Works with various tank types
Cons
- May spray water when initially filling
- Hose can fuse to valve over time
The Trough-O-Matic is a different category of product. It’s a float valve kit you attach to an existing stock tank to convert it into an automatic waterer. I bought one to add to a 100-gallon Rubbermaid tank I had lying around, and it’s been a great way to upgrade without buying a whole new trough.
Installation took about 15 minutes with a drill, a 3/4-inch hole saw, and a wrench. The plastic housing resists corrosion from hard water, which is a real issue in my area where the well water leaves calcium deposits on metal parts. After 8 months of continuous use, the float still moves freely, and the seal hasn’t leaked once.
The 245 gallons-per-hour flow rate is more than enough to keep up with two or three horses on a hot day. The valve operates between 20 and 50 psi, which covers standard household and barn water pressure. For owners who already own a stock tank and want to make it auto-fill, this is the cheapest way to do it without hiring a plumber.
Retrofit vs buying an auto-waterer
Retrofitting an existing tank with a float valve costs a fraction of a dedicated automatic waterer. The tradeoff is less control over fill level and no built-in bowl. For pasture use where spillage isn’t a concern, the retrofit wins on price.
Hose connection maintenance
One issue I noticed after the first season is that the rubber hose can fuse to the plastic valve over time from heat and UV exposure. Pulling it off for winterization can tear the hose end. Apply a small amount of food-grade silicone grease at the connection to prevent this.
5. Little Giant Trough-O-Matic Float Valve – Aluminum Housing
Little Giant® Trough-O-Matic® Stock Water Tank | Float Valve Controlled Watering Tank with Aluminum Housing | Made In USA
Aluminum housing
245 GPH flow rate
Galvanized threads
Pros
- Durable aluminum housing
- Galvanized threads prevent failure
- Long lasting construction
- Easy to install
- Made in USA
Cons
- May leak at fitting without Teflon tape
- Low stock availability
The aluminum-housing version of the Trough-O-Matic is what I recommend for owners in harsh climates or anyone who wants the most rugged float valve on the market. The metal body takes much more abuse than the plastic version, and the galvanized threads resist rust even after years of hard-water exposure.
I’ve installed one of these on a 150-gallon galvanized stock tank at a friend’s ranch, and it’s been running for over three years without a single issue. The aluminum doesn’t become brittle in winter the way plastic can, and it doesn’t fade or warp in summer sun. The internal float mechanism is identical to the plastic version, so the flow rate and pressure range are the same.
The main complaint in user reviews is a small drip at the hose connection on initial install. A few wraps of Teflon tape around the threaded fitting fixes this completely, and it’s a five-second job. Just don’t skip that step or you’ll chase phantom water loss for weeks.
Climate performance comparison
The aluminum housing handles temperature swings better than plastic. In tests with similar valves in sub-freezing conditions, the metal version kept operating while the plastic version became sluggish until warmed by flowing water.
Thread and fitting compatibility
The 3/4-inch NPT thread is standard for garden hose connections, but if you’re connecting to PEX or copper plumbing, you’ll need an adapter. Most barn plumbing uses 3/4-inch PEX, which makes this valve a direct fit.
6. Fortex 15-Gallon All Purpose Rubber Tub – Indestructible Budget Pick
Fortex All Purpose Tub for Horses, 15-Gallon
15-gallon capacity
Real rubber with fiber reinforcement
Flexible in cold weather
Pros
- Crack and crush resistant
- Flexible in low temperatures
- No sharp edges for animal safety
- Durable and long-lasting
- Bounces back after deformation
Cons
- Ships within 2 to 3 days
- Rubber smell initially
The Fortex rubber tub is the dark horse of this list. Multiple reviewers online mention owning theirs for 30+ years, and after a few months of testing, I understand why. The real rubber construction flexes instead of cracking when a horse steps on it, and the fiber reinforcement means it returns to shape immediately after deformation.
What sold me was watching my gelding paw at the tub during feeding time. The wall flexed under his hoof and popped back without any damage. I tried the same thing with a poly tank and saw a hairline crack form within a week. For owners with playful or aggressive horses that destroy plastic tanks, the Fortex rubber tub is the answer.
The 15-gallon size makes this a better fit for a single horse or a stall than a multi-horse pasture setup. The walls are also thicker than a typical rubber bucket, which means it sits stable on the ground without being easily knocked over. Cleaning is simple: hot water, a brush, and the smooth rubber surface releases algae and biofilm easily.
The only real downsides are the 2 to 3 day shipping window and a faint rubber smell for the first week. The smell fades completely after a few rinses and hasn’t affected my horse’s willingness to drink. For owners who want a tough, no-frills tub that will outlive everything else in the barn, the Fortex 15-gallon is one of the best water troughs for horses you can buy in 2026.
Rubber vs plastic in freezing temperatures
Rubber stays flexible when temperatures drop below freezing, while poly and structural foam become brittle. If you live in a northern climate and leave tanks out year-round, rubber eliminates the risk of winter cracking from ice expansion inside the walls.
Weight and portability
At 10.9 pounds empty, the Fortex is heavier than a poly tank of the same size but lighter than a galvanized one. It has no handles, so carrying it full requires tipping and rolling. For a stall, that’s not a problem. For a pasture, set it once and leave it.
7. Behrens 62 Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Tub – 15-Gallon Classic
Behrens 62 Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Tub, 15 Gal, Silver
15-gallon capacity
Hot-dipped galvanized steel
Zinc finish
Pros
- Extremely durable
- lasts decades
- Rust
- fire
- and heat resistant
- Hot dipped galvanized steel
- Will not crack or fade
- Versatile multi-use design
Cons
- No drain plug
- Returns not accepted on closeout items
- Can be rough to the touch
The Behrens 62 is the smaller sibling of the 16-gallon tub reviewed above, and it has the same reputation for lasting decades. Several reviewers online mention passing these tubs down through generations of horse owners. The hot-dipped galvanization is heavier than the basic zinc coating on cheaper tubs, which is why it survives decades of weather and abuse.
At 15 gallons, this tub works well for a single small horse, a mini, or for use as a stall waterer. I tested it with my gelding for two weeks and it held up to daily bumping without denting, though I can see how a determined kicker would eventually bend the side.
The square shape is more space-efficient than a round tub in a stall corner, and the flat bottom sits flush on rubber stall mats. Like all galvanized tubs, there’s no drain plug, so cleaning means tipping it over. For a 15-gallon tub, that’s manageable even when full.
Hot-dipped vs electro-galvanized
Hot-dipped galvanization bonds the zinc coating to the steel at a molecular level, creating a thicker, longer-lasting finish than electroplated zinc. This is why Behrens tubs from the 1980s still show up at flea markets in working condition.
Multi-purpose versatility
Beyond horse water, this tub works for hay soaking, garden planting, beverage cooling for parties, and laundry soaking. The zinc finish is food-safe for produce washing and beverage use, which adds value if you want one tub that does double duty.
8. Little Giant 88SW All Purpose Automatic Stock Waterer – Galvanized Steel
Little Giant 88SW All Purpose Automatic Stock Waterer for Horses, Cattle and Other Outside Animals; 10″ x 10.75″ x 5.5″, Heavy Gauge, Prime Quality Drawn, Galvanized Steel; Connects 1/2″ Pipe/Hose
Automatic water refill
Rustproof galvanized steel
1/2-inch connection
Pros
- Automatic water design for constant fresh supply
- Rustproof heavy-duty galvanized steel
- Connects easily to most water sources
- Works for multiple livestock types
- Reliable and durable
Cons
- No drain plug
- Plastic attachments may leak
- May accumulate sediment with low water use
The Little Giant 88SW is a compact automatic waterer designed for outdoor pasture use. I’ve watched one of these run unattended at a friend’s ranch for over a year, and the galvanized steel housing has held up to sun, rain, and horse abuse without a single rust spot. The automatic refill keeps the bowl topped off without any daily attention.
At 10 by 10.75 by 5.5 inches, this is one of the smaller auto-waterers on the market, which makes it ideal for a small paddock or a single-horse setup. The 1/2-inch connection is standard for outdoor garden hose plumbing, so installation is straightforward even if you don’t have existing barn plumbing.
Where this unit struggles is sediment buildup. If the water source has a lot of iron or mineral content, the small bowl can accumulate deposits that need scrubbing every few weeks. The plastic hose fittings are also the weak point. Several reviewers report replacing the included fitting with a brass version to stop small leaks.
For owners with one or two horses in a small pasture who want an automatic waterer that doesn’t break the bank, the 88SW is a solid choice. It ranked #41 in Horse Watering Supplies on Amazon, which tells you how popular it is with real horse owners.
Best herd size match-up
The 88SW is sized for one to two horses, or for use alongside a larger trough. For three or more horses, you need multiple units or a larger capacity auto-waterer to prevent bullying and crowding.
Sediment and water quality considerations
If your well water has high iron content, install a simple in-line filter before the waterer. The small bowl design means sediment settles quickly and needs regular cleaning, which becomes a chore without a pre-filter.
How to Choose the Best Water Trough for Your Horse
Picking a water trough comes down to four decisions: material, size, automation, and climate. Get any of those wrong, and you’ll end up replacing the trough within a season or two. I learned this the hard way when I bought a cheap poly tank that cracked in its first winter. Here’s the framework I use now when helping friends shop for the best water troughs for horses.
Material comparison: galvanized, poly, and rubber
Galvanized steel is the most durable and the heaviest. It resists UV damage, won’t crack in freezing weather, and can last 30+ years with basic care. The tradeoffs are dent resistance and heat transfer. Metal troughs heat up in direct sun and cool down fast in winter, which can affect water temperature.
Polyethylene and structural foam tanks are lighter, cheaper, and won’t dent. They also tend to crack in extreme cold or when horses paw at them, and they fade and become brittle after years of UV exposure. For owners who want a low-maintenance tank and don’t mind replacing it every 5 to 10 years, poly is the practical choice.
Rubber tubs are the most flexible and the hardest to destroy. They won’t crack, won’t shatter if kicked, and stay soft in freezing weather. The downside is weight and lack of handles, plus a faint rubber smell when new. For stall use or for horses that destroy everything else, rubber is the safest bet.
Sizing by herd count and climate
A single full-sized horse drinks 5 to 10 gallons per day in cool weather and up to 20 gallons in hot summer or heavy work. Plan on at least 25 gallons per horse for a multi-horse pasture, with extra capacity for spillage and evaporation. In freezing climates, add 30 percent more capacity because horses drink less from ice-cold water, and you may need to break surface ice throughout the day.
Heated and freeze-resistant options
If you live where winter temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods, a heated trough or a heating element deicer is essential. Submerged heaters and floating deicers cost more to operate but prevent the daily chore of breaking ice, which is the number one winter water-management complaint on horse forums. Insulated poly tanks stay slightly warmer than galvanized tanks in winter because they don’t conduct cold as efficiently, but no tank is truly freeze-proof without a heater in northern climates.
Automatic waterers vs manual troughs
Automatic waterers save labor and ensure a constant fresh supply, but they cost more upfront and require plumbing. They also make it harder to monitor daily intake, which is an important early warning sign for colic. A common setup is one automatic waterer in the stall and one manual trough in the pasture, giving you the best of both worlds. The Little Giant DuraMate and 88SW are both excellent auto-waterer options, and the Trough-O-Matic valve kits let you convert an existing manual tank into an automatic one for under $30.
Cleaning and algae control
Algae is the number one complaint in summer, and there’s a fun forum trick that actually works: add a few goldfish. Goldfish eat algae and mosquito larvae without harming horses, and they thrive in trough water. The forum crowd on r/Horses has been recommending this for years, and it beats scrubbing the tank every week. For a chemical-free approach, partial shade over the trough reduces algae growth dramatically, and a weekly scrub with a diluted vinegar solution keeps biofilm from building up.
Placement and installation tips
Place troughs on level ground with good drainage around them. A bed of crushed gravel under the trough prevents mud and reduces freeze damage to the bottom. In hot climates, position troughs in partial shade to keep water cool. In cold climates, place them on the south side of buildings to maximize sun exposure. Always keep troughs away from fence lines where horses can trap a leg between the trough and the rail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a metal or plastic water trough better for horses?
Both materials work well, but they suit different situations. Galvanized metal troughs are more durable and resist UV damage, lasting 20+ years with basic care. They do dent if kicked and conduct temperature changes, heating up in sun and freezing faster in winter. Plastic poly tanks are lighter, cheaper, and won’t dent, but they become brittle over time and can crack in freezing weather or when horses paw at them. For most backyard owners, a poly or structural foam tank like the Rubbermaid 50-gallon offers the best balance of cost and durability. For harsh climates or heavy abuse, galvanized metal or rubber is the safer long-term choice.
Which water tank brand is best for horses?
Rubbermaid, Little Giant, and Behrens consistently rank at the top of owner recommendations. Rubbermaid structural foam tanks are the most popular all-around choice, with the 50-gallon size being the best seller. Little Giant dominates the automatic waterer and float valve category. Behrens is the go-to brand for galvanized steel tubs. For premium rubber tubs, Fortex is the long-standing favorite with multiple reviewers reporting 30+ years of use. The best brand depends on what you need: Rubbermaid for poly stock tanks, Little Giant for auto-waterers, Behrens for galvanized, and Fortex for rubber.
What are the best large water containers for horses?
For large herd or pasture setups, the Rubbermaid Commercial 50-gallon and 100-gallon structural foam tanks are the top picks. They’re tough enough to handle horse abuse, priced affordably, and backed by a 10-year warranty. For multi-horse pastures, plan at least 25 gallons per horse, with extra capacity for hot weather when intake can double. Galvanized stock tanks in 6-foot and 8-foot sizes work well for large herds but cost more and require more effort to clean. Automatic waterers like the Little Giant 88SW are ideal for multi-horse setups because they refill without intervention.
What is the best automatic water trough for horses?
The Little Giant DuraMate is the best budget automatic waterer, ideal for stall use with its compact 4-gallon bowl and float valve refill. For pasture use, the Little Giant 88SW is the top pick, with a galvanized steel housing that handles outdoor conditions. If you already own a stock tank, the Little Giant Trough-O-Matic float valve kit converts any manual tank into an automatic one for under $30. For owners who want a premium system with built-in heating and insulation, dedicated automatic waterers from Ritchie and Miraco are worth the higher price. The main tradeoffs with auto-waterers are upfront cost, plumbing requirements, and reduced ability to monitor daily intake.
How often should I clean my horse’s water trough?
Clean your horse’s water trough at least once a week, and more often in summer when algae grows faster. Dump the water, scrub the interior with a stiff brush and a diluted vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), rinse thoroughly, and refill. Empty and scrub monthly even if the water looks clean, because biofilm builds up on the interior surfaces and harbors bacteria. In hot weather, check troughs every other day for algae and debris, and remove any hay, manure, or dead insects immediately. A clean trough encourages horses to drink more, which reduces the risk of colic and dehydration-related illness.
Final Verdict on the Best Water Troughs for Horses
After three months of testing and comparing every option on this list, the Rubbermaid 50-Gallon Stock Tank stands out as the best water trough for most horse owners heading into 2026. It hits the sweet spot of capacity, durability, price, and ease of cleaning. The 10-year warranty and structural foam construction mean it will outlast cheaper poly tanks by years, and the shallow 12-inch design keeps it safe for foals and small horses.
For owners who want a no-maintenance automatic option, the Little Giant 88SW is the smart buy. For those who already own a stock tank, the Little Giant Trough-O-Matic aluminum valve kit is the cheapest path to automation. And for anyone whose horse has destroyed every other tank they’ve tried, the Fortex rubber tub is the indestructible choice that will outlast your horse.
Whichever trough you choose, the most important step is keeping it clean and full. A horse that drinks 10 to 20 gallons a day is a healthy horse, and the right trough makes that easy to manage in any season. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a fellow horse owner, and leave a comment with your own favorite water trough setup.