from perspiration , but electrolyte supplements should only be given to a horse that is already in good sodium balance . There are several ways to accomplish this . The best ways include offering free-choice granulated salt , or adding salt to your horse ’ s meal . A white salt block or preferably , a natural salt rock , will help , but many horses do not lick them adequately .
A full-sized horse requires at least one ounce ( two level tablespoons ) of salt each day for maintenance , providing 12 grams of sodium . This is true all year long , even during the coldest winter months . Heat , humidity , and exercise increase the horse ’ s need . Horses often will not eat extra salt , so consider syringing one ounce of salt mixed with some oil or flavored liquid after an hour of intense sweating , not to exceed 4 ounces per day . If your horse is working for several hours at a time , you can add an electrolyte supplement but it should be offered in addition to salt , to replace what is lost from perspiration .
In order to prevent ulcers , always allow your horse to eat something before giving him salt or an electrolyte supplement . And never add electrolytes to a horse ’ s only water supply — this will interfere with water intake . Fresh , clean water should always be nearby .
Juliet M . Getty , Ph . D . is an independent equine nutritionist with a wide U . S . and international following . Her research-based approach optimizes equine health by aligning physiology and instincts with correct feeding and nutrition practices . Dr . Getty ’ s goal is to empower the horseperson with the confidence and knowledge to provide the best nutrition for his or her horse ’ s needs .
Dr . Getty ’ s fundamental resource book , Feed Your Horse Like a Horse , is now in paperback , as well as in hardcover , searchable DC and Kindle versions . All except the Kindle version are available at www . GettyEquineNutrition . com -- buy the book there and have it inscribed by the author . Print and Kindle versions are also available at Amazon ( www . Amazon . com ) and find print versions at other online retail bookstores . The seven individual volumes in Dr . Getty ’ s topic-centered “ Spotlight on Equine Nutrition ” series are available with special package pricing at her website , and also at Amazon in print and Kindle versions . Keep in mind this season : Dr . Getty ’ s books make ideal gifts for equestrians !
Find a world of useful information for the horseperson at www . GettyEquineNutrition . com : Sign up for Dr . Getty ’ s informative , free e-newsletter , Forage for Thought ; browse her library of reference articles ; search her nutrition forum archives ; and purchase recordings of her educational teleseminars . Find top-quality supplements , feeders , and other equine-related items , at her online Free Shipping Supplement Store [ i ]. Reach Dr . Getty directly at gettyequinenutrition @ gmail . com .
[ i ] http :// horsesupplements . gettyequinenutrition . biz
11