Instructions
Bury any water lines leading to the trough underground. The deeper a water line is buried, the more protection it will have against freezing. The ideal depth for a buried line being below the frost line for the area.
When placing the water trough, it is best to locate it in an area that receives a great deal of sunlight to aid the prevention of freezing.
Cover the exposed above-ground lines with pipe insulation. Water pipe insulation, which can be bought at hardware and home improvement stores, is typically comprised of fiberglass or foam rubber that is wrapped around the pipe.
Build up a bank of soil around the trough and exposed water lines to increase the protection from freezing. The exposed water lines can also be covered with straw, either through building up bales around the pipes or covering them with a thick layer of loose straw. This will further insulate the pipes.
Adjust the watering mechanism to allow for a constant trickle of water from the pipes leading into the trough, when possible. Maintaining a flow of water will reduce the likelihood that the water will freeze.
How to Insulate the Water Line at a Horse Trough to Keep It From Freezing
Proper care must be taken to prevent a horse's water source from freezing up during the winter. Animals need adequate drinking water throughout the year, and cold winter temperatures make it difficult to provide water without freezing, particularly in colder climates. Insulating the water lines to a trough will both prevent the chance of leaving the horse without anything to drink, and prevent damage to the pipes and trough. During the insulation process, taking time to secure both the water lines and the trough helps prevent freezing.