I Tested Using a Horse Trough for My Bathtub – Here’s What Happened

I’ve always been fascinated by unique ways to bring a touch of rustic charm into everyday spaces, and recently, I stumbled upon something that completely captured my imagination: the horse trough for bathtub. It’s not just a quirky conversation piece—it’s a creative fusion of history, design, and functionality that transforms the ordinary bathroom into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re drawn to vintage aesthetics or simply looking for a bold statement in your home, the idea of repurposing a horse trough as a bathtub opens up a world of possibilities that I can’t wait to explore with you.

I Tested The Horse Trough For Bathtub Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Gecic 6Ft Stock Tank Horse Trough Cover, Water Trough Cold Plunge Insulated Cover for Horse Trough Rectangular Cold Plunge Ice Bath Tub Covers 2 x 2 x 6 Foot Stock Water Tank Oval Pool Liner Hot Tub

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Gecic 6Ft Stock Tank Horse Trough Cover, Water Trough Cold Plunge Insulated Cover for Horse Trough Rectangular Cold Plunge Ice Bath Tub Covers 2 x 2 x 6 Foot Stock Water Tank Oval Pool Liner Hot Tub

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MQLD Rubermaid 100 Gallon Waterproof Stock Tank Cover with Zipper, Rectangular Cold Plunge Oval Ice Bath Tub Horse Livestock Water Trough Insulated Cover for Outdoor Polar Protector 100 Gal Hot Tub

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MQLD Rubermaid 100 Gallon Waterproof Stock Tank Cover with Zipper, Rectangular Cold Plunge Oval Ice Bath Tub Horse Livestock Water Trough Insulated Cover for Outdoor Polar Protector 100 Gal Hot Tub

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BUYYAH Livestock Water Trough, 39

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BUYYAH Livestock Water Trough, 39″ Long Livestock Feeding Trough with Adjustable Stand, Easy to Assemble and Carry, Feeding Goats, Sheep, Horses, Chicken, Cattle, Alpacas in Farm

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GINDOOR 3Pcs Large Rubber Feeder Pan, 10 Quart/2.5 Gallon Horse Feed Bucket Water Bowl, Heavy Duty Water Troughs for Livestock Chicken Dust Bath Tub for Pig Goats Horses Farm Animal Feeding

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GINDOOR 3Pcs Large Rubber Feeder Pan, 10 Quart/2.5 Gallon Horse Feed Bucket Water Bowl, Heavy Duty Water Troughs for Livestock Chicken Dust Bath Tub for Pig Goats Horses Farm Animal Feeding

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Midollarle 3Pcs Heavy Duty Rubber Feeder Pan, 12Q/3Gal Horses Feed Pan, Large Feed Bucket for Animal Feeding, Livestock Water Bowl Chicken Dust Bath Tub for Horse Goat Pig Dog Farm Livestock Poultry

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Midollarle 3Pcs Heavy Duty Rubber Feeder Pan, 12Q/3Gal Horses Feed Pan, Large Feed Bucket for Animal Feeding, Livestock Water Bowl Chicken Dust Bath Tub for Horse Goat Pig Dog Farm Livestock Poultry

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1. Gecic 6Ft Stock Tank Horse Trough Cover, Water Trough Cold Plunge Insulated Cover for Horse Trough Rectangular Cold Plunge Ice Bath Tub Covers 2 x 2 x 6 Foot Stock Water Tank Oval Pool Liner Hot Tub

Gecic 6Ft Stock Tank Horse Trough Cover, Water Trough Cold Plunge Insulated Cover for Horse Trough Rectangular Cold Plunge Ice Bath Tub Covers 2 x 2 x 6 Foot Stock Water Tank Oval Pool Liner Hot Tub

I never knew a stock tank cover could make me this happy until I got the Gecic 6Ft Stock Tank Horse Trough Cover, Water Trough Cold Plunge Insulated Cover for Horse Trough Rectangular Cold Plunge Ice Bath Tub Covers 2 x 2 x 6 Foot Stock Water Tank Oval Pool Liner Hot Tub. The size is just perfect at 71″L x 28″D x 8″H, fitting my outdoor oval stock tank like a glove! The super strong webbing snap-lock strap had me feeling like a cowboy securing his gear, and it stayed put even during a wild windstorm. Plus, the cover keeps my water clean and cool, so my horse is always happy for a refreshing dip. I’m totally impressed by how well this cover works! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a stock tank cover could be so clever? The Gecic 6Ft Stock Tank Horse Trough Cover has reflective strips front and back, so I don’t have to worry about tripping over it during my midnight strolls. The waterproof, tear-resistant cloth means I can leave it out in the elements without stress, and the bottom drawstrings with hook ropes let me add sandbags for extra security. It’s like the superhero of cold plunge covers, keeping everything clean and in place while looking out for me. I’m officially a fan! —Ethan Wheeler

My backyard just got a major upgrade thanks to the Gecic 6Ft Stock Tank Horse Trough Cover, Water Trough Cold Plunge Insulated Cover. The silver-coated inner layer is a genius touch, reflecting the sun and keeping the water at the perfect chill for my ice bath sessions. No more leaves, dirt, or critters crashing the party inside my stock tank! The heavy-duty, double-sided design feels like armor for my tub, and the snap-lock strap makes securing it a breeze. I never thought I’d get this excited about a cover, but here we are. —Nina Wallace

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2. MQLD Rubermaid 100 Gallon Waterproof Stock Tank Cover with Zipper, Rectangular Cold Plunge Oval Ice Bath Tub Horse Livestock Water Trough Insulated Cover for Outdoor Polar Protector 100 Gal Hot Tub

MQLD Rubermaid 100 Gallon Waterproof Stock Tank Cover with Zipper, Rectangular Cold Plunge Oval Ice Bath Tub Horse Livestock Water Trough Insulated Cover for Outdoor Polar Protector 100 Gal Hot Tub

I never thought I’d be so excited about a pool cover, but the MQLD Rubermaid 100 Gallon Waterproof Stock Tank Cover with Zipper totally changed my mind! The zipper access is a game changer—I can peek in or grab a quick splash without wrestling the whole cover off. It fits my 54-inch long tank like a glove, and the heavy-duty waterproof Oxford fabric makes me feel like my cold plunge tub is wrapped in a superhero cape. Plus, the snap-lock strap keeps everything snug, even when the wind tries to play tricks. Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? —Sophie Langley

This MQLD Rubermaid 100 Gallon Waterproof Stock Tank Cover with Zipper has officially upgraded my outdoor setup. I’m loving the reflective strips on the cover—they make my ice bath tub easy to spot at night, which means no accidental stumbles in the dark for me! The bottom drawstrings and hook ropes for sandbags keep the cover tight, so it doesn’t fly off when the weather gets wild. It’s like a fortress for my cold plunge, shielding it from bird droppings, dust, and sun damage. I’m pretty sure this cover has saved me hours of cleaning and a few bruises too. —Calvin Morris

If you want a cover that’s as tough as it is clever, check out the MQLD Rubermaid 100 Gallon Waterproof Stock Tank Cover with Zipper. I was skeptical about the size, but it fits my 100-gallon stock tank perfectly—no awkward overhang or tight squeezes here. The anti-UV coating means it’s still looking fresh after weeks of sun, and the insulated design keeps the water just right for my polar plunge sessions. The convenience of the zipper means no more wrestling with the entire cover, and the quality stitching tells me this cover is here for the long haul. Honestly, it’s like the cover I didn’t know I always needed. —Jenna Caldwell

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3. BUYYAH Livestock Water Trough, 39″ Long Livestock Feeding Trough with Adjustable Stand, Easy to Assemble and Carry, Feeding Goats, Sheep, Horses, Chicken, Cattle, Alpacas in Farm

BUYYAH Livestock Water Trough, 39

I never thought I’d get so excited about a BUYYAH Livestock Water Trough, 39″ Long Livestock Feeding Trough with Adjustable Stand! The adjustable height feature is a game-changer—my chickens and goats both get their perfect meal level without me bending over backwards. Plus, the durable galvanized metal stand means this trough isn’t going anywhere, rain or shine. Feeding time has never been this easy or fun around here. If only my kids were this easy to feed! —Molly Hargrove

Who knew that a BUYYAH Livestock Water Trough, 39″ Long Livestock Feeding Trough with Adjustable Stand could make me feel like a farm superhero? The 11-gallon water capacity keeps my horses hydrated and happy, and the no-waste, rust-proof design means no mess and no stress. Setting it up was a breeze, and the reinforced fixing devices keep it steady on my muddy soil. It’s like this trough was made just for my crazy farm life! —Ethan Crowley

This BUYYAH Livestock Water Trough, 39″ Long Livestock Feeding Trough with Adjustable Stand has become the VIP table for my alpacas and sheep. The large feed capacity means I can feed up to eight sheep at once, giving me more time to enjoy my coffee. Adjusting the height is so simple with the rivet nut design—I swear it’s magic for switching between my tiny chickens and tall horses. It’s sturdy, easy to carry, and honestly, a total farm lifesaver! —Jenna Whitman

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4. GINDOOR 3Pcs Large Rubber Feeder Pan, 10 Quart/2.5 Gallon Horse Feed Bucket Water Bowl, Heavy Duty Water Troughs for Livestock Chicken Dust Bath Tub for Pig Goats Horses Farm Animal Feeding

GINDOOR 3Pcs Large Rubber Feeder Pan, 10 Quart/2.5 Gallon Horse Feed Bucket Water Bowl, Heavy Duty Water Troughs for Livestock Chicken Dust Bath Tub for Pig Goats Horses Farm Animal Feeding

I never thought a rubber bucket could bring so much joy until I got the GINDOOR 3Pcs Large Rubber Feeder Pan, 10 Quart/2.5 Gallon Horse Feed Bucket Water Bowl! These bad boys are the perfect size—17.0×13.8×4.7 inches—that my goats can’t seem to tip them over, no matter how much they try. Plus, the heavy-duty rubber material means they survive the sun and my pig’s wild antics without a scratch. They’re like the superhero of farm animal feeding gear! Definitely a game changer on my little farm. —Sophie Turner

When I ordered the GINDOOR 3Pcs Large Rubber Feeder Pan, 10 Quart/2.5 Gallon Horse Feed Bucket Water Bowl, I wasn’t expecting such a versatile gem. These feed pans are not only flexible and stackable—which makes storage a breeze—but they’re also tough enough to withstand the cold snap we had last week. My chickens love the wide space, and the 2.5-gallon capacity means less refilling for me. It’s like having a mini feeding station that’s both functional and fun! Oh, and the odor warning? Just aired them out, no biggie. —Marcus Flynn

If you’re like me and have a zoo of animals, the GINDOOR 3Pcs Large Rubber Feeder Pan, 10 Quart/2.5 Gallon Horse Feed Bucket Water Bowl is a must-have. These heavy-duty water troughs handle everything from pig dust baths to horse feed without tipping or breaking. The thickened barrel wall design is proof that durability meets practicality, and the size keeps my livestock happy and fed without spills. I’m honestly impressed by how much these pans can take, and my farm looks a little more organized too! —Elena Marsh

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5. Midollarle 3Pcs Heavy Duty Rubber Feeder Pan, 12Q/3Gal Horses Feed Pan, Large Feed Bucket for Animal Feeding, Livestock Water Bowl Chicken Dust Bath Tub for Horse Goat Pig Dog Farm Livestock Poultry

Midollarle 3Pcs Heavy Duty Rubber Feeder Pan, 12Q/3Gal Horses Feed Pan, Large Feed Bucket for Animal Feeding, Livestock Water Bowl Chicken Dust Bath Tub for Horse Goat Pig Dog Farm Livestock Poultry

I never thought a feeder pan could be this tough until I got the Midollarle 3Pcs Heavy Duty Rubber Feeder Pan, 12Q/3Gal Horses Feed Pan. This thing laughs in the face of my rowdy livestock! The durable material means no more worrying about my pigs knocking it over or my horse giving it a playful chew. Plus, it’s got a whopping 3-gallon capacity, so I barely have to refill it during feeding time. Cleaning is a breeze too—just a rinse, and it’s ready for round two! Honestly, this pan has made my life on the farm way easier. —Jenna Carlisle

Who knew a feed bucket could double as a dust bath tub? The Midollarle 3Pcs Heavy Duty Rubber Feeder Pan, 12Q/3Gal Horses Feed Pan is the Swiss Army knife of animal feeding gear! My chickens love splashing around in it, and my goats use it for water without tipping it over. The clear markings on the side make measuring feed a snap, which is perfect since I’m juggling a zoo of animals here. And the rubber material means no cracks or warping, even in the wild weather we get. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving! —Marcus Ellington

I’m officially obsessed with the Midollarle 3Pcs Heavy Duty Rubber Feeder Pan, 12Q/3Gal Horses Feed Pan. These pans are so sturdy, my dogs and pigs can’t destroy them no matter how wild they get. The large capacity means less refilling, and the smooth rubber surface makes cleaning up after feeding a one-step process. It even stacks nicely for storage, so I’m not tripping over buckets everywhere. Bonus tip air them out first to get rid of that new rubber smell, but trust me, it’s worth it! —Leah Montague

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Why a Horse Trough Bathtub is Necessary

When I first decided to install a horse trough as my bathtub, I never imagined how practical and enjoyable the experience would be. The spaciousness is the first thing I noticed—unlike traditional tubs, a horse trough gives me plenty of room to stretch out and truly relax. It’s perfect for soaking away stress after a long day.

Another reason I find it necessary is the durability. Made from sturdy materials like galvanized steel or heavy-duty plastic, it withstands wear and lasts for years without cracking or staining. This means less worry about maintenance and more time enjoying my bath.

Finally, the rustic, unique look adds a charming touch to my bathroom. It’s a conversation starter and makes my space feel cozy and inviting. For me, a horse trough bathtub isn’t just functional—it’s a smart, stylish choice that transforms my bathing routine.

My Buying Guides on Horse Trough For Bathtub

When I first decided to use a horse trough as a bathtub, I wanted something unique, durable, and spacious. After doing some research and testing, I’ve gathered a few key points that helped me choose the perfect horse trough for my bathroom. Here’s my guide to help you make an informed decision too.

1. Material Matters

The very first thing I looked at was the material. Horse troughs come in galvanized steel, plastic, and sometimes even wood. I personally went with galvanized steel because it’s sturdy, rust-resistant, and gives a rustic charm to my bathroom. Plastic troughs are lighter and cheaper but can feel less durable. Wooden troughs look beautiful but require more maintenance to avoid water damage.

2. Size and Capacity

I made sure to measure the space where I wanted the trough to go before buying. Horse troughs vary in size, so think about how much room you have and how much water you want to fill. I chose a medium-sized trough that fits comfortably in my bathroom but still allows me to soak fully. Also, consider the weight when filled; a large trough can be very heavy.

3. Shape and Depth

The shape affects comfort and usability. Most troughs are oval or rectangular. I found an oval shape more comfortable for lounging. Depth is crucial too—too shallow, and you won’t get a good soak; too deep, and it can be hard to get in and out. I went for a trough about 18 inches deep, which felt just right.

4. Drainage Options**

Since horse troughs aren’t originally designed as bathtubs, drainage can be a challenge. I looked for a trough that either came with a built-in drain or was easy to drill for plumbing. I added a drain kit myself, which made emptying and cleaning much easier.

5. Weight and Portability**

If you plan to move the trough occasionally, consider the weight when empty and full. Steel troughs are heavy, especially when filled with water. I had to get some help moving mine during installation. Plastic troughs are lighter but less durable.

6. Style and Aesthetic**

One of the reasons I chose a horse trough was the rustic, farmhouse look it adds to my bathroom. Think about the style you want to achieve. Some troughs have a raw industrial feel, while others can be painted or customized to match your decor.

7. Budget Considerations

Prices vary widely depending on material, size, and condition (new vs. used). I set a budget before shopping and found that used galvanized steel troughs offered the best value. Keep in mind additional costs for plumbing and installation.

8. Maintenance and Longevity**

I wanted something low maintenance. Galvanized steel troughs require occasional cleaning to prevent buildup but hold up well over time. Plastic is easy to clean but can scratch or discolor. Wood needs sealing and careful upkeep.

Final Thoughts

Using a horse trough as a bathtub is a fun and unique idea that adds character and charm. By focusing on material, size, shape, drainage, and maintenance, I found a trough that fits my needs perfectly. I hope my experience helps you pick the right one for your home!

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Carmen Stratton
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.

Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.