You give electrolytes to a horse that loses more salt than it gets back through feed and a salt lick, usually from sweating heavily. Horse sweat contains a lot of salts; after a long training session, a competition day or travelling on a hot day, a horse can become deficient as a result. On this page you will find electrolytes in three forms.
Three forms from Excellent Horse
- Electrolytes Powder (1 and 2.5 kg): mix into hard feed or a wet mash.
- Electrolytes Pellets (1 kg): dust-free and easy to feed by hand or from the feed bucket.
- Electrolytes Liquid (1 litre): pour over the feed; handy when travelling.
Salt lick as the basis, electrolytes as a supplement
Every horse needs salt daily. A natural salt or Himalayan salt lick in the stable or field usually covers the basics for a horse in light work. Electrolytes mainly make sense on days when your horse sweats a lot. As well as sodium and chloride, they contain potassium and sometimes other minerals, in a ratio that matches what is lost in sweat.
| Situation | What suits |
|---|---|
| Leisure riding, moderate weather | salt lick in the stable or field |
| Hard training or hot days | salt lick plus electrolytes after training |
| Competition or long journey | electrolytes in a form that is easy to take with you |
Water is a must
Only give electrolytes if your horse can drink freely. Salt stimulates thirst, and without water it serves no purpose. On competition days and during travel, have a bucket ready and offer water regularly. If your horse drinks poorly or is listless after exercise, consult your vet.
For sport horses there is a separate selection of electrolytes for sport horses. Related: vitamins and minerals and muscles and joints. Back to the overview of horse supplements.
Frequently asked questions
Does my horse need electrolytes if it sweats little?
Usually not. Free access to a salt lick and good forage then cover its salt requirement.
Can I add electrolytes to the drinking water?
You can, but then always make sure plain water is also available. Some horses drink less when the water tastes different.
When do you give electrolytes: before or after work?
Many riders give them after exercise, or on the day itself with prolonged sweating. Follow the directions on the pack.