Ways You Can Help Your Horse Ways in which chronic and acute losses of electrolytes and fluids may be minimized or eliminated are listed here. During the week, make sure the horse has a high quality diet and add electrolytes only if the horse has been working at intensities and durations causing moderate to high sweat losses. Lower losses are easily replenished by normal amounts of these ions in the feed and hay. Always make sure that the horse has access to a clean salt block. It may be advisable to break the block up into smaller pieces and place these in the grain bin.
Some owners have a small container fixed in the stall to hold free-running salt.
Excess electrolytes during the week will not be stored up for the event on the weekend and are not advised. Excess electrolytes will be excreted in the urine. Do not give electrolytes to a horse that is already dehydrated. A high concentration in the gut may actually pull water from the blood, increasing the dehydration of the body. Attempt to give about four gallons of water before or after the dose, or give the dose in the water if the horse will drink it.