What Normal Horse Urine Should Look Like

Riders spot changes first — and urine tells you a lot about hydration, diet, stress, and early discomfort. Here’s the simple version of what’s normal, what’s not, and when to take a closer look.

Normal Colors (Most Days)

Horses have a wide range of “normal” urine colors. As long as they’re drinking, eating, and acting like themselves, these are usually fine:

• Pale yellow: Great hydration.
• Bright yellow: Normal after salt, alfalfa, or less drinking.
• Gold to deep yellow: Common after work or first thing in the morning.

When a Color Change Means Something

Diet, hydration, weather, and exercise all affect color. But these shifts are worth paying attention to:

• Very dark urine after hard work or long travel
• Strong, unusual smell
• Thick or syrupy texture
• Very small amounts, repeatedly

What’s Not Normal

These colors deserve a vet call:

• Red or reddish: Could be blood or pigment — needs vet guidance.
• Brown/coffee-colored: Can indicate muscle breakdown.
• White chunks with pain: Could be bladder or kidney issues.

Quick Rider Checklist

• Is your horse drinking normally?
• Any change in appetite?
• Any belly watching or discomfort?
• Color changed suddenly or gradually?
• Did weather or diet shift this week?

Rider Tip

Hydration changes show up everywhere — energy, behavior, manure, and yes, urine. Paying attention here gives you a head start on winter colic, heat stress, and early discomfort.