Why do steers climb into the trough?

[QChickieMama]

We raise steers and this is the first year that one guy routinely stands in the trough. Amusing for a moment and now it's annoying. I can't offer cleanish water if he's always putting his muddy feet in there.
1. Anyone know why he does this? beyond just cooling off?
2. Any way to prevent this behavior in the future? For future steers. I don't think I can change this one's mind.

 

[sourland]

Other than cooling off, I can't think of a reason. Is it possible to partially cover the water tank so that it is impossible to get in it?

 

[Percheron chick]

To cool off.
If it's a small tank, take a fence panel and place it over the tank leaving an opening for them to reach the water. Drive a few t posts around the edge and wire it to the posts.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

We raise steers and this is the first year that one guy routinely stands in the trough. Amusing for a moment and now it's annoying. I can't offer cleanish water if he's always putting his muddy feet in there.
1. Anyone know why he does this? beyond just cooling off?
2. Any way to prevent this behavior in the future? For future steers. I don't think I can change this one's mind.

Ours do it to I have no idea why