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Have you seen this before? Your horse’s droppings look normal, but a brownish, watery liquid leaks from the anus. The tail and hind legs are dirty, your horse seems uncomfortable, and you’re wondering what could be going on.
This condition is known as watery feces, or fecal water syndrome. It’s not the same as diarrhea – rather, it’s a sign that something in your horse’s digestive system is out of balance. The causes can vary: stress, feeding mistakes, dental issues or an upset gut flora are all possible. Even small changes such as weather fluctuations or new hay can have an effect.
In this blog, you’ll learn what watery feces actually is, what could be causing it, and what you can do to help your horse feel comfortable again.
Causes & triggers
Fecal water can have many different causes – and often, it's not just one factor, but a combination of several. Feeding plays a major role: too much concentrate, high sugar or starch levels, poor-quality hay, or sudden changes in feed can all throw off your horse’s sensitive gut balance.
Stress is another big influence. A change of stables, transportation, changes in the herd, or an unfamiliar training schedule can all trigger digestive issues, especially in sensitive horses. Some animals are also affected by weather shifts, parasites, or dental problems – after all, if a horse can’t chew properly, it can’t digest properly either.
Another frequent cause is a disturbed gut flora – for example, after deworming, medication, or an imbalanced diet. In some cases, intolerances or allergies to specific feed components can irritate the digestive tract and contribute to fecal water.
Which home remedies can help?
You don’t always need complicated treatments right away. In many mild cases, simple natural remedies can help soothe the digestive system. These don’t replace veterinary care, but they can support gut balance – especially if fecal water is caused by stress or minor dietary changes.
Psyllium husks
These contain natural mucilage that helps bind excess water in the gut and calms the intestinal lining. Important: always soak thoroughly before feeding to prevent blockages.
Healing clay
Healing clay can help absorb excess moisture, neutralize harmful substances, and gently regulate digestion – especially when watery feces are linked to stress or feeding inconsistencies.
Linseed (flaxseed)
Whole, ground or as a warm gel – linseed releases mucilage that forms a protective film in the gut and supports digestion.
Chamomile tea
Lukewarm chamomile tea can have a calming effect on the digestive system, especially when added to soaked feed or hay pellets.
Mash, apple pomace, beet pulp
Mash, unsweetened beet pulp or small amounts of apple pomace can also help stimulate digestion – particularly during feed changes or weather transitions.
The right feed
Good digestion starts with the right feed – especially for horses prone to fecal water. High-quality roughage should always be the foundation of your horse’s diet and offered in sufficient quantity throughout the day. This supports healthy gut function and stable digestion.
Feed changes should always be made gradually to avoid overloading the digestive system. Concentrates should only be fed in small, tailored amounts – especially if they contain high levels of sugar or starch. These nutrients can encourage fermentation in the large intestine and disrupt the digestive balance. For easy keepers or horses with low workload, it can even be beneficial to eliminate highly starchy concentrates altogether.
Water intake is also important. Fresh, clean water should always be available – even in winter, when horses tend to drink less. Dehydration slows down digestion and can promote fecal waters.
To support the digestive system, additions like mash or unsweetened beet pulp are great options. They're easy to digest, stimulate gut movement, and have a gentle, soothing effect. A balanced mineral feed is also key, since deficiencies can negatively impact digestion.
Conclusion: a thoughtful and gut-friendly feeding routine is one of the most effective ways to support your horse’s well-being and reduce the risk of fecal water.
When to call the vet
Even if watery feces start out mildly or respond well to feed changes and natural remedies, the symptoms should never be ignored. There are certain situations when it’s important to involve a veterinarian.
If the symptoms last more than a week or don’t improve despite dietary changes and support, it’s time to seek professional help. Warning signs include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, lack of energy, or signs of colic – all of which should be taken seriously.
With tests such as fecal analysis, dental checks or blood work, your vet can pinpoint the root cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. In chronic or recurring cases, early action can prevent further health issues from developing. In short: it's better to call your vet once too often than too late.
The authors
Waldhausen's authors are experts in the equestrian sector and contribute their in-depth knowledge to our texts. Thanks to their own riding experience and expertise, they provide authentic and practice-oriented content based on years of experience. The aim is to support equestrian sports enthusiasts with well-founded and helpful texts that are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Waldhausen Team
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