Scientific name:

NaCl, sodium chloride

Type:

Mineral

Effect of salt on horses:

• Conditioning of nerve and muscle impulses

• Balancing the pH of the blood

• Supplementing salt needs in the body

Effect of salt on horses

Salt consists of two macro-minerals, 40% sodium and 60% chloride. When a horse sweats, it loses these macro-minerals, as well as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The kidneys are responsible for the regulation of these minerals. They determine whether these macro-minerals need to be excreted or recycled in case of a deficiency. Salt plays an important role in the horse's body. The minerals in salt, along with potassium and magnesium, are used to regulate muscle and nerve function, such as the contraction and relaxation of a muscle.

Horses lose these minerals during intense and prolonged exercise. This is often manifested through sweat, but not always. In the winter, horses also often have an increased need for salt (electrolytes) and other minerals during exercise. A good level of salt ensures good performance and recovery after exercise.

Symptoms of salt deficiency

When a horse has a salt deficiency in the body, this may manifest in the following symptoms:

• Decreased performance

• Abnormal eating behavior

• Excessive licking and chewing

• Eating sand

• Not wanting to drink or drinking less

• Symptoms resembling tying-up

Additionally, you can pinch a skin fold on the shoulder and release it. If the fold immediately springs back nicely, then the salt level in the body is likely good. If it takes longer than 1 second, this could indicate a salt deficiency. A note here is that older horses may not have such tight skin, so it is normal for this process to take a little longer.

When to give extra salt to horses?

Horses do not store salt in their bodies, but you can prevent a horse from starting an exercise with a deficiency. Since horse feed generally contains relatively little salt, your horse may need some extra in warm conditions. But it is also advisable in the winter during exercise. It depends not only on the temperature, but especially on the level of activity. In principle, you can follow the guideline of 25 degrees Celsius for warmblood horses in the summer and 22 degrees for cold-blooded horses. But even at lower temperatures, a horse can lose a lot of sweat. During a good hour of exercise, a horse can easily lose 7 to 10 liters of sweat. Therefore, give him extra electrolytes two days before a strenuous exercise and continue until the day after.

How to supplement salt for your horse

Salt can be supplemented to horses in various ways. Different salt licks contain the right minerals. However, you may not always know when and how much a horse has consumed from the salt lick. Therefore, you can also supplement the salt content with electrolytes or a mineral concentrate from, for example, seawater. Follow the dosage recommended on the manufacturer's packaging.