Give electrolytes to horses in hard work, sweating heavily, or travelling long distances, always alongside free access to water. A resting horse on a balanced diet with a salt lick usually does not need them daily.
What electrolytes do
Horse sweat is rich in sodium, chloride and potassium, so a heavily sweating horse loses these essential salts. Electrolytes replace them, helping maintain the thirst response, muscle function and recovery after hard work.
When they help
They are most useful for horses in intense or prolonged work, those sweating a lot in hot, humid weather, and horses travelling long distances. Endurance and competition horses in particular benefit from a planned electrolyte routine.
When they are not needed
A horse at rest or in light work, on a balanced diet with a salt lick, usually gets enough salt from feed and licking. Piling on electrolytes daily for a horse that is not sweating heavily wastes money and can put some horses off their water.
How to use them safely
Always provide free access to water when giving electrolytes, since they draw fluid and a horse must be able to drink. Follow the product’s dosing, introduce them gradually, and never give a concentrated dose to a dehydrated horse without water.
Support the whole diet
Electrolytes are one part of good hydration and nutrition. A salt lick, clean constant water, and a balanced diet form the foundation, with electrolytes added for the demands of hard work and heat.
