This need becomes more critical in hot, humid weather, especially in performance horses but even for horses on pasture only. So, do not neglect salt for your horse this summer. Dried salt crystals can be observed over the backs and hips of idle or maintenance horses in pasture. This loss of salt must be replaced. Performance horses, especially those doing moderate to intense activities, have even a greater salt need.
Salt is sodium chloride.
These two minerals have very specific body functions. Lack of either sodium or chloride can cause problems for your horse. They are important in maintenance of the acid-base balance of the body, passage of waste materials out of the cells and water metabolism. Sodium also functions in the contraction of muscles, including the heart muscles. Lack of salt causes loss of appetite, rough hair coat, reduced growth, and lower mild production.