Electrolyte balance is critical for equine health and performance. Understanding when and how to supplement electrolytes prevents dehydration-related welfare problems in working horses.
Electrolyte management is a welfare concern particularly relevant to endurance horses, horses competing in hot conditions, and horses traveling long distances. Dehydration and electrolyte depletion cause a cascade of welfare problems: reduced performance, muscle dysfunction, impaired gut motility leading to impaction colic, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. Many horses are worked in conditions where their owners do not recognize the degree of sweat loss occurring. Providing free access to fresh water at all times, supplementing electrolytes after heavy sweating, and monitoring for dehydration signs are fundamental welfare practices for working horses in all disciplines.