Restore your horse's electrolyte balance after exercise or in hot weather

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that are important for maintaining a horse's overall health. They support various body functions such as muscle contraction, nerve conduction, hydration and acid-base balance. The most important electrolytes for horses are sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. These minerals help conduct electrical signals in the body, which is essential for a properly functioning muscular and nervous system. During exercise or hot weather, horses lose electrolytes through sweat. Supplementing these minerals can help maintain proper balance.

What is electrolyte balance?

Electrolyte balance refers to the ratio of essential minerals in the body, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. This balance supports numerous processes, including muscle function, nerve conduction and the regulation of fluid in the body. An imbalance, such as through sweating or insufficient dietary intake, can affect equine well-being and performance. Symptoms such as muscle weakness, decreased appetite and dehydration can indicate an imbalance. Supporting electrolyte balance is especially important during intense activity or in hot conditions.

When to supplement electrolytes to your horse?

Electrolyte supplementation is an effective method of supporting your horse's electrolyte balance, especially after intense exercise, during hot weather or excessive sweating. This is because during sweating, your horse loses a lot of minerals and salts, which can have a major impact on electrolyte balance. It is therefore important to check if and to what extent your horse is sweating. You can do this in the following ways:

• The skin under the saddle is moist and sticky. The neck and flanks are eyes darker.
• The skin under the saddle and neck is wet. Some foam along the reins and saddle.
• Wet skin on the neck, flanks and under the bridle with foam spots.
• Wet neck and flanks, white foam visible between hind legs.
• Dripping sweat above the eyes and along the belly.

Supplementing electrolytes can help support your horse's electrolyte balance, especially after exercise, in hot weather or if your horse sweats a lot.

Other symptoms of electrolyte deficiency in horses

Electrolyte deficiency in horses can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the severity of the deficiency and which electrolytes are out of balance. Possible signs include muscle weakness, fatigue, decreased appetite and dehydration. In addition, horses may show signs of muscle cramps or stiffness, especially after exercise. In some cases, muscle tremors or symptoms of muscle weakness (such as tying-up or Monday sickness) may occur. Abnormalities in heart rate or breathing may also occur with severe deficiency of specific electrolytes, such as potassium or calcium.

Recognizing these signs in time is important so you can take appropriate measures to support your horse and help prevent further health problems. If in doubt, you can always contact our nutritional experts at info@horseadds.com or + 31(0) 180 - 239 560.

What electrolytes for horses?

At HorseAdds, we offer two types of electrolyte supplements. We have electrolytes for horses in powder form and in the form of a liquid electrolyte tonic, both of which can be easily mixed into the feed or given directly. Our high-quality electrolyte products are specially formulated to be absorbed quickly and provide your horse with the right balance of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. This ensures that your horse always performs and recovers optimally!