6 Best Heavy Duty Livestock Troughs For Horses That Survive Harsh Winters
A cracked trough in winter is a major problem. We review the 6 best heavy-duty options for horses, built from durable, freeze-resistant materials.
There’s nothing quite like the sound of an axe breaking through three inches of ice on a frozen water trough at 6 a.m. when it’s ten degrees out. If you’ve managed horses through a real winter, you know that struggle well. Ensuring your horses have constant access to fresh, unfrozen water isn’t just a convenience—it’s absolutely critical for preventing colic and dehydration. Choosing the right trough is the first and most important step in winning the winter water war.
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What to Look For in a Winter Horse Trough
The material of your trough is your first major decision. Galvanized steel is tough as nails but conducts cold like nothing else, meaning it will freeze fast without a powerful heater. Hard plastics are common but can become brittle in deep freezes, leading to cracks when a horse leans on it or ice expands. The best options are often structural foam or flexible rubber-polyethylene blends, which can bow and flex under pressure from expanding ice, dramatically reducing the risk of a catastrophic split.
Shape and depth play a surprisingly large role in freeze prevention. A trough that is deep with less surface area will lose heat more slowly than a wide, shallow one. Think of it like a coffee mug versus a saucer—the saucer cools off instantly. For winter, you want the mug. A deeper water column provides a thermal buffer, and the ice that forms on top will be thicker but cover a smaller percentage of the total water volume.
Finally, consider your heating strategy from the start. Are you planning to use a drop-in de-icer, or do you want a trough with a built-in, thermostatically controlled heating element? Integrated heaters are convenient and often more energy-efficient, but if the element fails, you may have to replace the entire unit. Drop-in heaters are versatile and can be moved between troughs, but you must secure the cord so your horses can’t play with it. No matter the choice, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is non-negotiable for safety.
Behlen Country Galvanized Steel Stock Tank
The classic galvanized steel tank is the workhorse of farms everywhere for a reason. It’s incredibly durable, resisting kicks, bumps from the tractor bucket, and the general abuse of farm life. You can find them in a huge range of sizes, from small 40-gallon tanks to massive 700-gallon models suitable for a large herd.
In winter, its biggest strength—its rigidity—is also a consideration. The steel walls will not flex, so they can withstand immense ice pressure without warping. However, steel is a fantastic thermal conductor, meaning it will suck the heat right out of your water. This makes a reliable, high-wattage tank de-icer an absolute necessity. The metal also gets incredibly cold to the touch, though this is rarely an issue for the horses themselves. It’s a simple, brute-force solution that will last for decades if you don’t let it rust through.
High Country Plastics HT-200 Heated Trough
If you’re looking for an all-in-one, plug-and-play solution, an integrated heated trough is the way to go. The High Country Plastics model is a great example, featuring a built-in heating element and thermostat that only kicks on when the temperature drops near freezing. This saves a significant amount of electricity compared to a de-icer that runs constantly.
The trough itself is made from a durable, FDA-approved polyethylene that resists cracking and sun damage. One of its best features is the drain plug, which makes cleaning a breeze—a task that’s miserable in the winter but still necessary. The main tradeoff here is the higher upfront cost and the fact that you’re putting all your eggs in one basket. If that heating element dies after a few seasons, you’re left with a very expensive, unheated plastic tub.
Tuff Stuff KMT101 Heavy-Duty Oval Stock Tank
The name says it all. These black, recycled-polyethylene blend tanks are legendary for their flexibility and toughness. This is their superpower in winter. When water freezes and expands, a rigid tank cracks under the pressure. The Tuff Stuff tank simply flexes and bows outwards, then returns to its original shape once the ice thaws or is removed.
This flexibility makes it an ideal companion for a drop-in de-icer. You get the durability of a nearly indestructible material without the high cost of an integrated heater. They are also relatively lightweight for their size, making them easier to dump and scrub. For a hobby farmer who needs a reliable, forgiving, and budget-conscious setup, a Tuff Stuff tank paired with a quality de-icer is one of the most practical combinations you can find.
Rubbermaid Commercial Structural Foam Tank
Don’t confuse these with cheap, thin-walled plastic tubs. Rubbermaid’s structural foam tanks are engineered for heavy-duty agricultural use. The material is a dense, thick foam core sandwiched between layers of solid polyethylene, making it exceptionally strong and resistant to warping and cracking, even in sub-zero temperatures.
This construction gives it a slight insulating advantage over single-wall tanks, slowing the initial formation of ice. It’s not enough to prevent freezing on its own, but it means your de-icer may run a little less often. These tanks feature a seamless design and reinforced ribbing for added strength. They represent a "buy it once, cry once" philosophy—a higher initial investment for a trough that will likely outlast your fence posts.
Brower MF84E Electric Heated Fountain Waterer
Keep your livestock hydrated all winter with this insulated and heated waterer. The durable, galvanized steel design features extra-thick foam insulation and rounded edges for animal safety.
For a truly hands-off, permanent solution, an automatic heated waterer is the ultimate goal. The Brower is a top-tier example. It connects directly to a buried water line and uses a float valve to keep a small drinking basin full. A highly efficient, low-wattage heating element keeps that small volume of water from freezing.
The benefits are huge: no more hoses to drag in the cold, no more giant tanks to scrub, and significantly lower electricity bills. The water is always fresh and at an ideal temperature. The downside is the installation. It requires trenching a water line below the frost line and running permanent electricity, making it a significant project. This is the best solution for a high-traffic area near the barn, but it’s not practical for a remote pasture turnout.
Sioux Steel Poly Tank for Ice Resistance
Sioux Steel is a trusted name in heavy-duty farm equipment, and their poly stock tanks live up to the reputation. Built from thick, rotationally-molded polyethylene, these tanks are designed to be a modern, rust-proof alternative to traditional galvanized steel. They are UV-stabilized to prevent them from getting brittle in the sun and have a reinforced top rim to handle abuse.
For winter use, their robust, seamless construction is a major asset. Like other high-quality poly tanks, they can handle the expansion of ice without splitting. They often feature a drain plug for easy cleaning and have a smooth interior that’s easy to scrub. Pairing a Sioux Steel tank with a de-icer gives you a long-lasting, low-maintenance system that avoids the rust issues of metal and the cracking risk of cheaper plastics.
Winter Trough Installation and Safety Tips
Where you place your trough matters almost as much as the trough itself. Site it on high, level ground that drains well to prevent the surrounding area from becoming a treacherous sheet of ice. If possible, place it in a spot sheltered from the prevailing winter wind, as this will dramatically reduce heat loss and lower your electricity consumption. Placing it near the gate encourages horses to drink when they come in and out.
Electrical safety around water and thousand-pound animals cannot be overstated. Every heated trough or de-icer must be plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet. This device will shut off the power instantly if it detects a short, preventing electrocution. Run the electrical cord through a sturdy PVC pipe or metal conduit and bury it if possible. This prevents horses from chewing on the cord or tripping on it, which could unplug the heater or create a dangerous electrical fault.
Even the best automated system requires daily attention. Make it a habit to put a hand in the water every morning and evening. This confirms the heater is working and the water isn’t straying toward freezing. Check for and remove any hay, manure, or other debris that can foul the water and discourage drinking. A quick daily check can prevent a minor issue, like a tripped breaker, from turning into a major herd health emergency.
Ultimately, the best winter trough is the one that fits your climate, your budget, and your farm’s layout. Whether you choose the timeless durability of steel, the modern convenience of an integrated heater, or the flexible resilience of a rubber-poly blend, the goal remains the same. A reliable, safe, and ice-free water source is the cornerstone of good winter horse care, freeing you from the back-breaking chore of chopping ice and giving you peace of mind.
