Water and Equine Digestive Health
The equine large intestine holds 8–12 gallons of water, acting as a fluid reservoir. When water intake drops, the colon draws from this reservoir, increasing the risk of impaction colic — the most common type of colic. Adequate water intake is critical not only for hydration but for maintaining gut motility and preventing feed impactions. This is why monitoring water consumption is one of the simplest and most effective health checks a horse owner can perform.