Water Systems for Horse Breeding Farms: Protecting Mares and Foals
By Jared Beviano, Owner of Water Wizards Filtration | January 2025
A few years back, I got a call from a breeding operation in Marion County that had me scratching my head. The farm manager told me they were seeing an unusual number of foals with joint issues — what their vet was calling developmental orthopedic disease. They'd adjusted feed programs, monitored growth rates, done everything by the book nutritionally. But the problems persisted.
When I tested their well water, I found iron levels over 4 ppm. Not extreme by Florida standards, but consistent. The farm had been on this water for years, their mares drinking 15-20 gallons daily throughout gestation and lactation.
Here's what most people don't realize: high iron in water doesn't just cause staining and bad taste. It blocks copper absorption in the gut. And copper deficiency in pregnant mares — even marginal deficiency that doesn't show obvious symptoms — can cause lasting damage to developing foals. The connection between that rusty well water and those joint problems wasn't obvious, but it was real.
That farm taught me something important. On breeding operations, water quality isn't just about equipment life and palatability. It's about the next generation. The water your broodmares drink today shapes the soundness of foals that won't race, show, or compete for years.
This guide covers what breeding farm owners need to know about water quality — from the specific vulnerabilities of pregnant mares and developing foals to designing filtration systems that protect your breeding program.
Florida and Ocala: Horse Breeding Capital of the World
Florida isn't just a place where horses live. For Thoroughbred breeding specifically, it's one of only four major centers in the entire world.
Marion County: The Numbers
Ocala/Marion County is one of only four major thoroughbred centers in the world with 600 thoroughbred horse farms that have produced 45 national champions, 6 Kentucky Derby winners, 20 Breeders' Cup champions and 6 Horses of the Year.
More than 35,000 thoroughbreds reside in Ocala/Marion County, FL.
The industry here traces back decades. In 1943 Carl G. Rose developed the first thoroughbred horse farm in Florida. In 1978, Affirmed, a horse bred and trained in Marion County, won the Triple Crown.
Premier Breeding Operations
Bridlewood Farm — Bridlewood Farm encompasses more than 2,200 acres. Founded in 1976 by Arthur and Martha Appleton and owned today by John and Leslie Malone, Bridlewood Farm has represented excellence for 43 years and has been represented by more than 100 stakes winners, including Grade 1 winners.
The facility features two new state-of-the-art training barns with a total of 186 stalls, a five-eighths of a mile turf course, a five-eighths of a mile all-weather uphill gallop, and all new paddocks and fields, as well as an equine cold saltwater spa, Eurocisers and additional swimming and rehab facilities.
Pleasant Acres Farm — A 400-acre operation focused on mare care and stallion management. At Pleasant Acres Farm, we follow a first-class nutrition program that ensures mares receive the best care before, during, and after foaling.
Ocala Stud — One of Florida's established stallion stations, representing leading sires in the state's breeding program.
Running Stag Farm — Running Stag Farm is 150 acres of lush rolling pastures and majestic oaks nestled in Marion County, the world-renowned Horse Capitol of the World. This pristine location provides a unique environmental package for breeding strong, healthy foals and developing world-class equine athletes.
The World Equestrian Center Factor
The opening of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala has amplified demand for breeding operations in Central Florida. Properties throughout Marion County now serve Thoroughbred racing, sport horse breeding, and warmblood programs — all requiring the same fundamental resource: clean, consistent water.
Why Florida Works for Breeding
Beyond climate and tradition, Florida offers specific advantages for horse breeding:
Year-round turnout possibilities
Mild winters reducing cold stress on pregnant mares
Established veterinary infrastructure specializing in reproduction
Proximity to major sales (OBS, Keeneland) and racing circuits
Rich limestone-derived soils supporting quality pasture
But that same limestone aquifer that creates excellent grazing conditions also creates water quality challenges. The calcium and magnesium that benefit soil and grass come with iron, sulfur, and hardness that complicate breeding operations.
The Unique Water Requirements of Breeding Operations
Breeding farms face water quality challenges that general equestrian facilities don't encounter. The stakes are higher, the animals more vulnerable, and the consequences more lasting.
Pregnant Mare Water Consumption
A pregnant mare's water needs increase significantly during gestation, particularly in the final trimester when 75% of fetal development occurs:
| 🐴 Mare Status | Daily Water Consumption |
|---|---|
| Open mare (not pregnant) | 8-12 gallons |
| Early gestation (months 1-5) | 10-14 gallons |
| Late gestation (months 6-11) | 12-18 gallons |
| Early lactation (months 1-3) | 18-24+ gallons |
| Late lactation (months 3-6) | 15-20 gallons |
| Stallion | 10-15 gallons |
| Nursing foal (supplemental) | 2-4 gallons |
| Weanling | 4-8 gallons |
| Yearling | 6-10 gallons |
For a breeding farm with 30 broodmares in various stages of pregnancy and lactation, plus foals, weanlings, and a stallion, daily water consumption easily exceeds 600-800 gallons — and that's just drinking water, not accounting for wash racks, irrigation, or staff quarters.
Why Breeding Stock Is More Vulnerable
Regular adult horses can tolerate marginal water quality better than breeding stock for several reasons:
Pregnant mares:
Increased water requirements mean increased contaminant exposure
Developing fetus depends entirely on what crosses the placenta
Mineral imbalances directly affect fetal bone and tissue development
Stress from poor-tasting water can trigger reproductive complications
Third trimester is particularly critical for trace mineral transfer to fetus
Lactating mares:
Highest water demand of any life stage
Dehydration immediately reduces milk production
Any water rejection compounds the physiological stress of lactation
Body condition often declines during lactation even with adequate nutrition
Foals:
Developing immune systems are more susceptible to bacterial contamination
Rapidly growing bones require precise mineral balance
Higher metabolic rates mean faster accumulation of any toxins
Small body mass means lower tolerance for contaminants per pound
Stallions:
Fertility can be affected by mineral imbalances and oxidative stress
Dehydration impacts semen quality
Breeding season demands peak physiological condition
The Critical Minerals: How Water Sabotages Nutrition
On breeding farms, water quality creates problems that even the best feed programs can't overcome. The connection between water contaminants and reproductive outcomes isn't always obvious, but it's well-documented in equine research.
Iron: The Hidden Antagonist
Florida well water commonly contains 1-5 ppm iron, sometimes higher. For a pregnant mare drinking 15-20 gallons daily in late gestation, that translates to significant iron accumulation — and iron creates problems beyond metallic taste and orange staining.
How iron interferes with copper absorption:
Iron and copper compete for the same absorption pathways in the gut. When iron intake is elevated, copper gets blocked — even when there's adequate copper in the feed.
Iron is a trace mineral, which research has shown can be detrimental to health if over-supplemented, but it has not been identified in any equine research literature as a significant problem in the typical diet of a growing foal. However, what researchers often miss is the iron load coming from water, not feed.
The recommended iron:zinc:copper ratio for horses is approximately 4:3:1. But when high-iron water is factored in, this ratio becomes severely skewed. A mare drinking 18 gallons of 3 ppm iron water daily receives an additional 200+ mg of iron — far exceeding what any nutritionist accounts for when formulating rations.
Copper: Essential for Sound Foals
Copper deficiency in broodmares has been directly linked to developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) in their foals. The research is clear:
On the other hand, the low-copper foals had profuse, characteristic OCD lesions on postmortem exam. While not all of them had developed signs of OCD, those that had showed a marked reduction in collagen cross-links, a requirement for the mineralization of cartilage into bone.
The timing matters enormously. Since copper is transferred from mare to in utero foal, you should supplement your mare with a balanced mineral mix in her last months of pregnancy to compensate for minerals lacking in her forage.
Research confirms the connection: Supplementing the pregnant mare with copper in late gestation has been shown to help foal development and reduce the incidence of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) such as OCD.
Here's the critical insight: Providing copper to a growing foal has been found to have no effect on incidence of OCD. The damage is done — or prevented — during gestation. Once a foal is born with inadequate copper stores, supplementation can't fully reverse the developmental impact.
Why foals depend on prenatal copper:
Concentrations of copper, zinc, and manganese in a lactating mare's milk are generally quite low, so foals rely on liver reserves built during gestation. Her foal is dependent on his reservoir of micronutrients, along with dietary supplementation once he begins eating solid foodstuffs, to sustain him through a rapid growth phase during the first two to three months of life.
Supplementing your lactating mare with extra quantities of copper, zinc, or manganese will not increase their concentration in her milk. If she doesn't receive a diet containing ample amounts of specific micronutrients during late pregnancy, her in utero foal may not store adequate reserves to sustain healthy bone growth.
The Zinc-Copper Balance
Zinc and copper must be balanced in the diet. Zinc is a trace mineral found in many of the typical feeds available for our horses, but excess amounts do reduce the availability of copper.
This can be especially significant for the growing foal. For this reason, zinc should never be supplemented at a zinc-to-copper ratio greater than 4:1 - 5:1 in the diet of a growing foal.
Deficiencies correlate with increased incidence of DOD. Zinc and copper ratio needs to be balanced, high levels of zinc with margin levels of copper can lead to DOD, as zinc interferes with the absorption and utilisation of copper.
High-iron water throws off this delicate balance by suppressing copper while not affecting zinc — effectively creating the conditions for copper deficiency even with "adequate" dietary copper.
The Real-World Impact: OCD and DOD
Developmental orthopedic disease encompasses several conditions that affect the soundness and athletic potential of young horses:
Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD) is an umbrella term for growth disturbances and orthopaedic problems in growing foals and older horses. DOD has many manifestations including physitis, wobbler syndrome, angular or flexural limb deformities and Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD). The occurrence of these diseases consequently leads to hundreds of young horses being structurally inadequate for the career they were bred for.
The prevalence is significant. Unfortunately, up to one-quarter of foals will have some form of OCD. It can affect any breed but is most commonly found in Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Warmblood horses.
And the nutritional connection is established. In studies, horses fed diets with low copper, excess zinc, excess phosphorus and high digestable energy have all shown increased rates of OCD. There has been an emphasis placed on copper intake, especially in pregnant mares, as copper has been shown to play an important role in the repair of osteochondrotic lesions.
The point for breeding farm owners: You can feed the most carefully balanced, veterinarian-approved diet on the market — but if your well water is delivering a daily iron load that blocks copper absorption, you're undermining your nutritional program from the ground up.
Nitrates: A Specific Threat to Pregnant Mares
Nitrate contamination deserves special attention on breeding farms because pregnant mares face unique risks that other horses don't.
Sources of Nitrate Contamination
On horse farms, nitrates typically enter well water from:
Manure management areas — Concentrated manure piles and composting areas can leach nitrates into groundwater
Pasture fertilization — Over-application or poor timing of nitrogen fertilizers
Septic system failures — Inadequate or aging septic infrastructure
Agricultural runoff — Proximity to row crop farming with heavy fertilizer use
Flooding events — Storm water carrying contaminants into aquifer recharge areas
Why Pregnant Mares Are Vulnerable
Nitrate exposure is not great for pregnant horses. While horses in general are more tolerant of nitrates than ruminants like cattle, pregnant mares face specific risks.
Sub-lethal doses of nitrate may cause abortion because nitrate readily crosses the placenta and causes fetal methemoglobinemia and death due to fetal hypoxia. Abortions may also result from decreased progesterone production induced by chronic nitrate poisoning interfering with luteal production of progesterone.
As a result, pregnant animals often lose their fetuses without any apparent long-term damage to themselves.
This means a mare can appear healthy while her developing foal is suffering oxygen deprivation from nitrate-induced methemoglobin formation. By the time problems become apparent — abortion, stillbirth, or weak foals — the damage is done.
Nitrate Levels and Safety
Water nitrate recommendations for livestock vary, but the general guidance for breeding stock is conservative:
Water levels of 1,500 ppm nitrate or greater are potentially toxic. Water containing up to 100 ppm of nitrate can be considered safe for all classes of livestock.
However, for pregnant mares, most veterinarians recommend keeping water nitrates well below 100 ppm, ideally under 50 ppm, to provide a safety margin.
When possible, nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water should be below 10 ppm and be free of nitrite.
The interaction with feed matters too. When the water supply contains nitrate, nitrite or both, less nitrate/nitrite can be allowed in the feed. On breeding farms using forages that may contain nitrates (common during drought stress), water nitrates become an even more critical concern.
Iodine Connection
Nitrates also interfere with iodine metabolism, which affects thyroid function in both mares and developing foals.
Nitrates can be found in dugout water, fertilized pastures and green feed. Combined with nitrate exposure, proper iodine nutrition becomes more difficult to maintain.
For breeding farms: annual nitrate testing of well water is essential, with more frequent testing if you're near agricultural operations, have on-site composting, or have experienced flooding.
Florida Well Water: The Breeding Farm Perspective
The same water quality issues that affect all Florida equestrian facilities become more consequential on breeding farms. Here's how each common contaminant specifically impacts reproductive success.
Sulfur (Hydrogen Sulfide)
The problem: That rotten-egg smell that's endemic to Florida wells comes from sulfur-reducing bacteria in our aquifer. Levels of 1-5 ppm are common throughout Central and South Florida.
Impact on breeding stock:
Pregnant mares, already prone to fluctuating appetites, may significantly reduce water intake
Reduced hydration stresses both mare and developing fetus
During lactation, when water demand peaks, sulfur smell can critically reduce milk production
Foals learning to drink water may develop lasting aversions
I've seen mares reduce water intake by 20-30% when sulfur levels exceed 1-2 ppm. For a late-gestation mare who should be drinking 15+ gallons daily, that reduction cascades into everything from constipation to reduced amniotic fluid.
Iron
The problem: Florida groundwater commonly contains 0.5-5 ppm iron. Forms include clear-water (ferrous) iron that oxidizes on exposure to air, red-water (ferric) iron that's visibly rusty immediately, and iron bacteria that create slimy orange masses.
Impact on breeding stock:
Blocks copper absorption — the most serious concern for broodmares
Metallic taste reduces palatability and water intake
Creates oxidative stress that depletes antioxidant nutrients (vitamin E, selenium)
May suppress immune function in both mares and foals
Stains equipment, making hygiene monitoring more difficult
The copper interference alone justifies iron removal on any serious breeding operation. The research connecting prenatal copper status to foal soundness is too strong to ignore.
Hardness
The problem: Palm Beach and Marion County wells typically test 15-25+ grains per gallon, classified as very hard. This calcium and magnesium comes from our limestone aquifer.
Impact on breeding stock:
Generally not directly harmful to horses
May reduce palatability for some sensitive animals
Creates significant infrastructure problems
Impact on breeding farm infrastructure:
Destroys water heaters (critical for foaling barns and wash areas)
Scales misting systems used for barn cooling
Fouls automatic waterers requiring more frequent maintenance
Reduces soap effectiveness in wash bays and veterinary prep areas
Clogs irrigation systems for pastures and paddocks
Bacteria
The problem: Private wells lack the chlorination of municipal water. On horse farms, with manure, compost, and animal traffic, bacterial contamination risk is ongoing.
Impact on breeding stock:
Foals have developing immune systems and are more susceptible
Pregnant mares under physiological stress are more vulnerable to infection
Post-foaling mares have open uterine wounds requiring clean conditions
Bacterial gastroenteritis can be devastating in young foals
Specific organisms of concern:
Coliform bacteria — Indicator of surface water infiltration
E. coli — Direct pathogen; indicates fecal contamination
Leptospirosis — Waterborne bacterial disease that can cause abortion in mares
Clostridial organisms — Can cause severe intestinal disease in foals
On breeding farms, UV disinfection isn't optional — it's essential protection for your most vulnerable animals.
Designing Water Systems for Breeding Operations
Breeding farms need water treatment systems designed for their specific challenges: higher stakes, more sensitive animals, and critical timing windows where water quality affects outcomes years down the road.
Stage 1: Pre-Treatment (Sediment and Sand)
Purpose: Remove particulates that damage downstream equipment and provide pathways for bacterial contamination.
Recommended approach for breeding farms:
Commercial spin-down filters — First line of defense, easy to inspect and clean
Multi-stage cartridge systems — Progressive filtration (20-micron → 10-micron → 5-micron)
For high-sediment wells: Centrifugal sand separator before filter systems
Sizing considerations: Standard residential units handle 5-10 GPM. Breeding farms with multiple barns, foaling stalls, and staff quarters need commercial units rated for 20-40+ GPM peak flow.
Stage 2: Iron and Sulfur Removal (Critical for Breeding Farms)
This is where breeding operations have the highest stakes. Iron removal isn't just about staining — it's about protecting the copper status of your broodmare herd.
Technology options:
Air Injection Oxidation (AIO) Systems:
Best for most Florida breeding farms. Systems like SpringWell WS or US Water BodyGuard use compressed air to oxidize iron and sulfur, then filter the oxidized particles through catalytic media.
Handles 1-5 ppm iron, 1-3 ppm H2S effectively
Chemical-free operation (important when foals may access treatment areas)
Low maintenance — primarily backwash programming and occasional media replacement
Must be sized for farm's peak flow rate
Chemical Feed Systems:
For severe contamination or iron bacteria problems. Chlorine or hydrogen peroxide injection with contact tank, followed by carbon filtration.
Handles severe cases (5+ ppm iron, high H2S)
Very effective against iron bacteria
Requires chemical storage and handling (keep away from horse access)
More maintenance — regular chemical refills and monitoring
Ozone Systems:
Premium option that oxidizes contaminants extremely effectively.
Excellent for severe iron and sulfur
No chemical residual
Higher upfront cost
Requires specialized maintenance
For breeding farms, I typically recommend AIO systems unless testing reveals iron bacteria or extremely high contamination levels. The chemical-free operation provides peace of mind around curious foals, and the maintenance requirements fit farm schedules.
Stage 3: Water Softening
Softening removes calcium and magnesium, protecting infrastructure that breeding farms depend on:
Critical applications on breeding farms:
Hot water heaters — Essential for foaling prep, neonatal care, and wash areas
Misting systems — For barn cooling during Florida summers
Automatic waterers — Scale buildup causes valve failures and leaks
Veterinary equipment — Surgical prep requires reliable hot water
Sodium concerns:
Standard salt-based softeners add minimal sodium (approximately 2mg per grain of hardness removed). For most horses, this is negligible. However, some breeding farms prefer:
Softening only hot water lines (drinking water stays unsoftened)
Using potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride for regeneration
Installing salt-free conditioning systems for scale prevention without ion exchange
Discuss with your equine nutritionist and veterinarian if you have concerns about sodium for specific animals.
Stage 4: UV Sterilization (Essential for Foaling Operations)
UV disinfection provides continuous bacterial protection without chemicals — exactly what breeding farms need.
Why UV is critical for breeding operations:
Foaling stalls need the cleanest possible water for vulnerable newborns
Post-foaling mares with healing uterine tissue are infection-prone
Colostrum absorption and neonatal immunity depend on avoiding early pathogen exposure
No chemical residual that could affect sensitive foals
Sizing for breeding farms:
UV units must provide adequate dose (40+ mJ/cm²) at your farm's maximum flow rate.
| 🔬 Farm Size | UV System Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Small breeding operation (5-15 mares) | Viqua VH410 (14 GPM) or equivalent |
| Medium operation (15-30 mares) | Viqua VP950 (32 GPM) or parallel units |
| Large operation (30+ mares) | Commercial UV array, custom sizing |
| Dedicated foaling barn | Consider separate point-of-use UV at foaling stalls |
Critical note: UV only works effectively on clear water. It must come AFTER sediment, iron, and sulfur removal in the treatment sequence.
Stage 5: Point-of-Use Systems (Optional but Valuable)
Foaling stall point-of-use:
Some breeding farms install small point-of-use UV or filtration at dedicated foaling stalls for an additional safety margin during the critical birth and neonatal period.
Veterinary prep areas:
Reverse osmosis systems for surgical prep water, medication mixing, and laboratory work.
Staff quarters:
Undersink RO for human drinking water — important for live-in farm managers and night foaling staff who may spend weeks on site during breeding season.
Cost Analysis for Breeding Farm Water Systems
Investment in water treatment on breeding farms must be evaluated against the value of your breeding program and the cost of preventable problems.
Equipment Costs by Farm Size
| 🐴 Small Breeding Farm (5-15 Broodmares) | |
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial sediment filtration | $250 - $600 |
| AIO iron/sulfur removal system | $1,800 - $3,500 |
| Water softener (commercial-grade) | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| UV sterilization | $600 - $1,200 |
| Total Equipment | $3,850 - $7,800 |
Medium breeding operation (15-30 broodmares):
| 🐴 Medium Breeding Farm (15-30 Broodmares) | |
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial sediment system | $500 - $1,200 |
| Larger AIO or chemical feed system | $3,500 - $7,000 |
| Commercial softener | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Commercial UV system | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| Point-of-use systems (foaling barn) | $500 - $1,500 |
| Total Equipment | $8,200 - $17,200 |
Large breeding operation (30+ broodmares):
| 🐴 Large Breeding Operation (30+ Broodmares) | |
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Custom sediment/pre-treatment system | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Commercial iron/sulfur treatment | $6,000 - $15,000 |
| Twin or commercial softeners | $4,500 - $9,000 |
| Commercial UV array | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Multiple point-of-use systems | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Total Equipment | $16,500 - $37,500 |
Installation Costs
Professional installation typically adds 30-50% to equipment costs. Breeding farm installations often require:
Multiple barn connections
Buried supply lines to distant paddocks or pastures
Coordination with foaling schedules to minimize disruption
Integration with existing farm infrastructure
Annual Operating Costs
| 📅 Annual Operating Costs — Breeding Farm | |
| Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Sediment filters (replacement) | $75 - $300 |
| Salt for softeners | $300 - $1,000 |
| UV lamp replacement | $100 - $300 |
| Chemical feed supplies (if applicable) | $300 - $800 |
| Professional maintenance/inspection | $300 - $600 |
| Annual water testing (comprehensive) | $150 - $400 |
| Total Annual Operating Cost | $1,225 - $3,400 |
Return on Investment: The Breeding Farm Calculation
For breeding farms, ROI calculations must include reproductive outcomes that directly affect the bottom line:
| Prevented Cost | Typical Expense |
|---|---|
| Foal with OCD requiring surgery (per joint) | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Yearling sale deduction for DOD findings | $10,000 - $50,000+ |
| Mare abortion/rebreeding costs | $5,000 - $15,000+ |
| Stillborn foal (stud fee + mare maintenance) | $8,000 - $30,000+ |
| Weak/compromised foal veterinary care | $2,000 - $10,000+ |
| Mare infertility workup and treatment | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Neonatal infection treatment | $2,000 - $15,000 |
| Water heater replacement (foaling barn) | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Lost breeding season (mare not cycling properly) | Full year of mare maintenance |
The math for breeding farms is straightforward: A single foal with OCD that requires surgery — or worse, fails a pre-sale radiograph and sells for significantly less than expected — costs more than a comprehensive water treatment system.
And that doesn't account for the accumulated value of healthier foals across your entire breeding program, year after year.
Water Testing Protocol for Breeding Farms
Breeding farms should implement more comprehensive testing than standard equestrian facilities due to the higher stakes involved.
Initial Comprehensive Testing
Before designing any treatment system, test for:
Basic parameters:
pH
Total dissolved solids (TDS)
Hardness (calcium and magnesium)
Iron (total and ferrous)
Manganese
Sulfur (hydrogen sulfide)
Chloride
Breeding-specific concerns:
Nitrates and nitrites
Copper (baseline water levels)
Zinc
Bacteria (coliform and E. coli)
Heavy metals panel (arsenic, lead, mercury)
Annual Testing Protocol
Every breeding farm should test annually for:
Bacteria (coliform, E. coli) — Ideally twice yearly (spring and fall)
Nitrates — Especially after heavy rains or flooding
Iron and sulfur — To verify treatment system effectiveness
Hardness — To adjust softener settings
Seasonal Testing
Pre-breeding season: Comprehensive panel before stallions arrive and mares are bred
Pre-foaling season: Bacterial testing, confirm all treatment systems functioning optimally
Post-flooding/hurricane: Immediate nitrate and bacterial testing; do not use untested water for pregnant mares or foals
Interpreting Results for Breeding Operations
Stricter standards for breeding stock:
ParameterGeneral Horse OKBreeding Stock TargetIron<0.5 ppm<0.3 ppm preferredSulfur (H2S)<1 ppm<0.5 ppm preferredNitrates<100 ppm<50 ppm preferredBacteriaAbsentAbsent (non-negotiable)HardnessAnySoftened for facilities
Maintenance Schedule for Breeding Farm Systems
Breeding farms can't afford system failures during critical periods. Preventive maintenance must be scheduled around the breeding calendar.
Pre-Breeding Season Maintenance (Fall)
Full system inspection
Replace all sediment filters
Test backwash cycles and adjust if needed
Confirm UV lamp hours and replace if approaching limit
Chemical feed system inspection and calibration
Full water quality testing post-maintenance
Pre-Foaling Season Maintenance (Late Winter)
UV lamp replacement (even if hours remain — don't risk failure during foaling)
Bacteria testing
Inspect and clean all automatic waterers in foaling barn
Test emergency water access points
Verify backup power for treatment systems if applicable
Monthly Checks
Visual inspection of sediment filter condition
Salt level check in softener brine tank
UV system indicator lights verification
Flow rate check for unexpected changes
Water taste/smell spot check
Post-Storm Protocol
After significant storms or flooding:
Do NOT use water for pregnant mares or foals until tested
Emergency bacterial and nitrate testing
Full system inspection for damage
Extended backwash cycle to flush any infiltration
Consider temporary UV intensity increase or backup disinfection
Working with Water Wizards for Breeding Farms
Breeding operations require water treatment partners who understand the stakes involved. A few hours of system downtime during foaling season isn't just inconvenient — it can compromise outcomes that took 11 months of pregnancy to achieve.
Our Breeding Farm Approach
Comprehensive initial assessment:
Full water chemistry panel including breeding-specific parameters
Flow rate analysis for peak demand (foaling season with maximum occupancy)
Infrastructure review including distance to all barns and paddocks
Veterinary consultation on any specific animal concerns
Custom system design:
Equipment sized for your peak breeding season population
Treatment sequence optimized for your specific water challenges
Integration with existing farm infrastructure
Future expansion capability built in
Installation timing:
Scheduled around your breeding calendar
Minimal disruption to pregnant mares and young foals
Complete testing before full operation
Ongoing support:
Pre-breeding and pre-foaling maintenance visits
Emergency response capability during foaling season
Annual water testing with results review
Equipment upgrades as your program grows
Coverage Area
We serve breeding operations throughout:
Marion County (Ocala area)
Palm Beach County (Wellington area)
Sumter, Lake, and surrounding counties
Central and South Florida breeding regions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a lactating mare actually need?
A mare in peak lactation (first 1-3 months after foaling) may drink 18-24+ gallons daily. She's producing 3-4 gallons of milk daily while recovering from birth and potentially cycling back for rebreeding. Any water quality issue that reduces intake directly impacts milk production and mare recovery.
Can high-iron water really affect my foal crop?
Yes. Iron competes with copper for absorption. Copper deficiency in pregnant mares has been directly linked to developmental orthopedic disease in foals, including OCD. The connection isn't obvious — mares may appear healthy, feed programs may be balanced — but iron-contaminated water undermines copper status regardless of dietary supplementation.
Is UV disinfection really necessary for a well-managed farm?
For breeding operations, absolutely. Foals are born with naive immune systems. The first weeks of life, when colostral immunity is transitioning to active immunity, are a vulnerable period. UV provides chemical-free bacterial protection exactly when your animals need it most.
Should I treat water differently for my stallion?
Stallions benefit from the same water treatment as mares, though they're somewhat less vulnerable than pregnant/lactating mares or foals. Adequate hydration supports semen quality, and avoiding mineral imbalances (particularly from high iron) supports overall fertility. Most farms treat all water centrally rather than creating separate systems.
How often should breeding farms test water?
At minimum: comprehensive panel annually, bacteria testing twice yearly, and immediate testing after any flooding or storm events. Before breeding season and before foaling season are ideal timing windows for thorough testing.
What's the single most important water treatment for a breeding farm?
If I had to choose one: iron removal with sulfur treatment. The copper-blocking effect of high iron creates problems that take months or years to manifest in your foal crop. Sulfur reduction improves palatability, ensuring mares drink adequate amounts during the critical windows of late gestation and early lactation.
Do foals drink much water directly?
Nursing foals get most of their fluid from milk, but they do drink supplemental water starting around 1-2 weeks of age. As they approach weaning, water intake increases significantly. By the time they're weanlings, they're drinking 4-8+ gallons daily and are fully dependent on your water quality.
Conclusion: Water as Foundation for Your Breeding Program
Everything on a breeding farm builds toward the moment a healthy foal hits the ground and eventually meets its athletic potential. The genetics you selected, the mare care you provided, the nutrition program you invested in — all of it depends on the developing foal receiving the trace minerals and clean water needed to build sound bones and healthy systems.
Florida's well water creates specific challenges for breeding operations. Iron blocks copper. Sulfur reduces intake. Nitrates cross the placenta. Bacteria threaten vulnerable newborns. These aren't theoretical concerns — they're documented causes of reproductive problems that cost breeding farms real money and real outcomes.
Water treatment for breeding farms isn't a luxury or an afterthought. It's infrastructure that protects your investment in genetics, mare care, and the future of your breeding program.
The foals you raise this year will be racing, showing, or competing in 2-4 years. The water they drink today — and the water their dams drank during pregnancy — shapes their soundness and potential.
Water Wizards Filtration has been serving Florida's equestrian community for years. We understand the stakes on breeding farms and design systems that protect what matters most: your next generation of horses.
Contact us for a comprehensive water assessment of your breeding operation.
Jared Beviano Owner, Water Wizards Filtration Serving Florida's Horse Breeding Community
Comprehensive water treatment for broodmares, foals, and breeding operations throughout Central and South Florida
