Making sure your horse stays well hydrated and that any fluids lost via sweat are effectively restored is one of the most crucial parts of summertime health for horses, particularly when they are in the peak competition season.
Why is water so crucial for horses?
Water is the most important aspect of your horse’s diet. Water makes up around 65 - 75% of the horse’s body weight. A lack of water is seen initially as reduced appetite and poor performance; but can lead to depression, bone and cartilage damage and ultimately, it can be fatal to the animal if not rehydrated.
Water is essential not only for hydration itself but for all aspects of general health. Research now also links a lack of freshwater directly to an increase in gastric ulcers; so for all these reasons, it’s vital that your horse always has clean, fresh water available in both the field and stable.
In order to compensate for the additional electrolytes, or vital body salts, that are also lost with sweat in addition to the water, we must replace the water lost.
The benefits of using a Himalayan Salt lick
Allowing your horse or pony free access to a Salt lick in the field and stable is an effective way to enable your animal to self-supply with sodium chloride, the most vital electrolyte, on a regular basis for general maintenance. But once they start working, we shouldn't rely on them to support themselves.
Always remember that free access to fresh water must always be provided to your horse or pony, particularly if salt licks are available.
The importance of Electrolytes
It’s worth noting that electrolytes must be fed in a way that works with the body, or you may end up causing more damage. For example, using a very concentrated form of electrolytes can draw water out of the gut as it passes through, leaving the horse more dehydrated. Moreover, the abrasive nature of concentrated salt and the risk factor this has for gastric ulcers. For competing, horses look for electrolytes easily dissolved in a bucket of water, such as NAF Electro Salts or Liquid Electro Lytes. For those who may not drink at shows, electrolytes fed in a nice wet feed, such as a little well-soaked beet, is a tasty way to ensure the horse is also rehydrating at the same time.
