Salt for Horses in High Temps

High temperatures and high humidity in much of the U.S. can create higher stress conditions for people and for horses. I have judged some horse shows in outdoor arenas with temperatures well in the 90s with heat index values 100+, and I can see the impact on the horses as the show progresses.

A horse’s daily salt requirements can more than double during the hot summer months. Journal photo.

Horses require about 1-2 ounces of salt per day to meet their requirement for sodium and chloride under normal temperature conditions. This requirement can increase to 4-6 ounces of salt per day in hot climatesor under exercise where losses in sweat increase greatly. Inadequate salt in the diet can result in abnormal eating behavior such as licking or chewing objects that have salt on them or licking/eating dirt. Water intake may also decrease, increasing the risk of impaction colic. In more extreme cases, horses will stop eating and may experience muscle incoordination.

Keep your horse ? and your wallet ? in top shape this show season by joining the American Quarter Horse Association. AQHA members receive discounts and special offers on products and services that are essential to living in the Quarter Horse world.

A good option to maintain year round salt intake is to offer loose salt available free choice, either in stalls or in a covered mineral feeder. Salt intake from loose salt has been observed to be higher than that from salt blocks, due to the ease of consumption. It is a challenge for a horse to lick enough salt off a salt block to consume the higher levels required during high heatand humidity.

If horses are salt starved, it may be a good idea to limit the amount of salt put out for them initially until they have adjusted their intake. It is absolutely essential that fresh waterat an appropriate temperature be available at all times, as well. Horses tend to consume less water if the water temperature is too high, even if they should be drinking more water in the warm, humid conditions.

When you join the AQHA, you’ll gain access to a broad network of people who love the breed just as much as you do. Whether you thrive in the show ring or are looking for a trail buddy, an AQHA membership offers something for everyone.

Commercial feeds normally contain 0.5-1.0 percent salt, so horses on this type of feed will typically consume less free-choice salt than horses not receiving salt in their feed. They may still benefit from having loose salt available free choice. A salt block is better than not having any salt available free choice but may not be as effective in maintaining salt intake when high intakes are required in hot, humid weather.

Providing loose salt free choice is a good management tool that can help your horse eat and drink well all year long!

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