From Water Buffets to Better Compliance: The Improve Equine Story

It all started when I bought my farm in Florida and fell down the rabbit hole of species-appropriate care and enrichment. I discovered a growing trend in Europe called “Water Buffets”—offering horses an array of water infused with specific herbs and spices, allowing them to self-select what their bodies need.

I watched my horses smell, taste, and choose. I saw the neuroplasticity and mental enrichment it provided, alongside much-needed hydration. But I knew I could make it even better.

The Iteration

I began grinding the herbs to infuse the water more deeply. I paired them with whole foods—carrots, apples, pumpkins, and bananas. I added a touch of oat flour to aid suspension, improve “mouthfeel,” and provide beta-glucans—powerful prebiotics that support gut health and immunity.

I tinkered. My herd told me what worked and what didn’t. After months of “horse-testing,” I landed on six original flavors that were met with consistent enthusiasm.

Real Solutions for Real Horse Owners

What started as enrichment quickly became my “secret weapon” for the daily struggles of barn life:

  • The Picky Eater: Instead of wasting expensive grain or ruining macros, I simply changed the flavor profile.

  • The Medicine Battle: Dealing with palliative care cases requiring bute, SMZs, or Equioxx used to be a physical struggle. By mixing my blends into a ration balancer, the “horrible experience” became a treated reward. No more medication in my hair; just 100% compliance.

  • Boredom Busting: From lick mats to frozen rings, these mixtures became the base for enrichment that kept my horses engaged in their stalls.

Healthy, Simple, Salt-Free

I even used them to bake “One-Pocket Treats.” Because they contain no added salt, electrolytes, copper, or sugar, they are safe and healthy for the whole FARM-ILY— horses, dogs, goats, chickens, and sheep.

Welcome to the Herd

Today, I bring these solutions to you. Whether you are looking to solve a medication struggle, boost hydration, or simply delight in seeing what your horse chooses, we have a place for you.

Explore our Samplers, our 8-serving Travel Pouches, or our most economical 100-serving Two-Pounder.

Whichever way you go, we welcome you to the herd. Thank you for your support.

What Is A Water Buffet?

Simply put, a water buffet is horse friendly herbs, spices and solutions that are added to water in buckets and horses then choose what they like.
 
For horses in stalls it could be as simple as offering one bucket of fresh water and one bucket of infused water. In herds and large turnouts, people may construct elaborate water buffets. I’ve had all eleven herbs and spices out at one time. I also offer a rotating bucket in their stalls during AM/PM feedings.
 
“Why would you do that?” 
 
I’m glad you asked. 
 
Just like us, our horses enjoy trying new things. The motivation for incorporating a water buffet could be as simple as adding enrichment to your horse’s routine. My horses enjoy theirs so much it’s akin to a treat. It’s fun seeing them seeking the flavors and smells out!
 
The herbs and spices we’ve selected also have health benefits, all listed on our website and shared in posts here. You control the strength of the mixture based on your decisions and influenced by your horse’s preferences.
 
For greater control you can add any of them directly to feed. I use beetroot powder to encourage picky horses to eat and to mask medicines. I add garlic powder to my itchy mare’s feed.
 
Water buffets also encourage hydration. My horses are only in for about 15 or so minutes for feedings but they will visit their mini buffet and go back and forth between buckets… using their fresh water almost like a palate cleanse! 
 
Also, my dogs LOVE the water buffets! I found they were gravitating towards beetroot powder, cinnamon and turmeric and am offering dog water buffets now as well.
 
I designed beautiful waterproof tags that easily attach to buckets to identify contents. As I use all of my products on my personal animals, I have a full set of buckets with tags for easy rotation in the stalls.
 
After tinkering with my set up I realized the horses didn’t care for the floating debris so I tested out tea infusers until I landed on the ones I offer on the site. They are durable, clip right into the bucket and the honeycomb design is adorable.
 
Once you get an idea of what your horse likes it is easy to rehydrate after hot weather or exercise by offering a bucket.
 
Our customer, Katie, shared how her horse, Pauly, downed two buckets of beetroot powder (great for muscle recovery, blood flow and oxygen delivery) after a jumping round!
 
What I love about the line is there is no proprietary ingredient mystery.
 
There are no sugars added.
 
No anticaking agents or things you can’t pronounce.
 
It’s simple and made in nature: one ingredient. That’s it.
 
What you see is what you get.
 
All of our herbs and spices are human grade. We choose organic or wild crafted whenever possible.
 
You can also use the ingredients for other treats. I freeze them into popsicles and bake them into healthy, delicious morsels.
 
Now you know what a water buffet is!
 
We’ve made it super simple to get started with pouches for $6 and a full kit for $149. Shipping is free on all orders over $20.
 
We appreciate your support… and your horses will enjoy the lifestyle upgrade!