kerrits

I was reading an article the other day that was talking about how you aren't supposed to drink out of the garden hose (although there are hoses that are made specifically to drink out of) and it got me to thinking...if its not safe for us to drink out of is it safe for our horses to drink out of?

Sheraton

I am not exactly sure what the health concerns are for horses who drink out of the hose, but I wonder if it's really safe. I know it's safe for them to be watered down with the hose, and I don't think it's a big deal if they happen to swallow small bits at a time. As for a hose being their main source of water, I'm not entirely sure.

showboat

I hadn't heard of any problems with the safety of drinking from the hose. Not that I do it, personally, but I've seen people do it all the time. What kind of danger does it pose?

SaddleSore

I hadn't heard this but I would guess that it comes down to the fact that the hose isn't made from materials that are food safe, so might have some chemicals in them. Also that water may sit in them when not in use, and grow bacteria inside the hose.

highstepper

I really don't think it makes that much difference. It could pose a risk, although I'd hazard that the risk is not at all that high, but there are lots of things worse than that. I don't use a hose because we have a well in our barn for watering. But if not, I would be using it.