Mineral block for horses tips? Is your horse receiving the full spectrum of nutrients needed for optimum health and performance? Though we all want to provide our horses the best possible feed and nutrition, sometimes they still experience deficits that cause negative health consequences. Dr. Sarah L. Ralston at Rutgers University said, “Nutrition is frequently implicated as a cause of disease or poor performance of horses,” and deficiencies can result in clinical problems. Here, we’ll learn about vitamin and mineral nutrient deficiencies in horses, what causes them, associated symptoms, and how to resolve deficiencies. But first, what are nutrients and how do horses obtain their daily store?
Electrolytes are essential minerals that play a vital role in a horse’s fluid retention, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, even digestion. Electrolytes are involved in nearly every bodily function. Horses with electrolyte deficiencies will experience fatigue and decreased performance. If a deficiency leads to dehydration, horses may weaken, collapse, and in worst-case scenarios, die. How Do Horses Become Deficient in Electrolytes? Every horse sweats—some more than others. Within sweat are copious amounts of electrolytes. A horse that’s exercised heavily can lose up to 4 gallons of sweat, which contains approximately 30 teaspoons of body salts. See more details on hot poultice for horses.
Generally, a bare hoof is safer in winter than a shod one. Going barefoot gives your horse more traction in snow and ice. If your horse is shoeless, keep hooves trimmed to reduce the amount of snowpack into soles and decrease the chance of slipping. If you decide to keep your horse shod, that’s all right. Just make sure shoes are fitted property, and consider adding studs to the bottom. This increases grip and helps keep your horse surefooted and safe.
Have You Tried Redmond Rock on a Rope? Looking for a versatile and travel-friendly mineral rock for your horse? Try Redmond Rock on a Rope! It provides all the same benefits, equine electrolytes, and 63 trace minerals as original Redmond Rock—but comes on a handy hemp rope. Our smaller-sized salt rock is great for hanging in your horse’s stall, tying to a gate, or traveling in your trailer. How to Use Rock on a Rope (ROR) Tie ROR tight against a post to make it easy for horses to lick. Hang ROR slack in a stall as a healthy alternative to candy balls and boredom busters. Tie ROR to a fence outdoors to keep it out of the dirt and mud. Tie ROR low on a gate so horses can lick and maintain their natural foraging posture.
Suggestions to Keep Horses From Becoming Dehydrated on the Road: You don’t have to be at the mercy of your horse’s picky water palate. There are ways to help your horse stay hydrated and save both of you some stress. Try these ideas to increase water consumption when hauling. Offer water after a rest. Experienced haulers say your horse is more likely to drink after the trailer has been standing still for 15 to 20 minutes and your horse has had a chance to rest. Offer water every two to three hours when hauling. See extra information at https://redmondequine.com/.