A small football placed in the water bucket overnight can prevent freezing, I am not sure whether it is because there is something moving in the bucket or not, but apparently it works.
Well, I cant truly try that (I live in the hottest state in the us!) Buuuuutttt I am sure it works. Probably because footballs are leather... But I dont know about the shape. I mean its all pointy and... wouldnt it bob up and down?
I think you might be better off just using a baseball or soccer ball.
Although American footballs are "pointy", English footballs are spherical! Not that I imagine it makes an awful lot of difference when it's bobbing about in a bucket!
I think what he is trying to say is that, no matter what it is, football, rubber ball, as long as floats, it'll do the trick! I think the water doesn't freeze because it moves around the water molecules and keeps them warm, and active....
Try getting a 2 pint empty plastic carton of milk,wash it out and then fill to half way with vegetable oil put the lid on nice and tight and then just float it in the bucket/trough,it worked for me even if the carton leaks the oil out it is harmless to the horse.
The ball in the water is ment to help the water not to freeze by moving around.It is also there in case the water does freeze then the horse will stil have a hole to drink from.Oh yeah it works with any kind of ball.