The use of electrolytes in racing yards

The use of electrolytes is commonplace in most racing yards. It is well understood how important they are to the performance and recovery of racehorses in training.  Recently this hot weather has made their inclusion in the diet even more necessary.  However, there is often confusion and a lack of clarity around:

• The need to supplement and why their feed is not enough.
• When they need them.
• What is the best way to feed them. 

Horses lose electrolytes predominantly through sweat and urine and they generally replenish maintenance levels through hard feed and forage intake. However, more effective, tailored replenishment is required for horses in intense training, and this is achieved through supplementation.  To find out what electrolytes actually do in the body take a look at ‘Essential Guide to Electrolytes for Horses‘ 

Deficiencies and/or electrolyte imbalances in racehorses can be associated with poor recovery, an increased incidence of tying up, cardiac impairment (e.g. atrial fibrillation from potassium depletion) and the occurrence of synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, more commonly known as “thumps” or “hiccups”. 

“It is all in the feed” is a common misconception when considering the need for electrolyte supplementation.   In hot, humid conditions the hard exercising horse may lose up to 15 litres/hour of sweat containing approximately 10g of electrolytes/litre lost.  If feed manufacturers included enough salt in feed to cover such extreme losses, then they would end up with an excessive intake in most horses, as well as reduced palatability.  Plus, because salt attracts water, high levels in commercial feeds would result in an increased risk of spoilage.

There are pros and cons to adding powdered electrolytes to water or feed.  Water can be tricky as although electrolytes do dissolve in water, various things will affect this, including water temperature and whether you are prepared to continually stir the water until they are fully dissolved.  If you just drop a tablespoon of salt into the bottom of a water bucket it will likely just stay there, with minimal amounts dissolving unless stirred regularly.  Another issue with mixing electrolytes into the horse’s water is that the presence/taste of electrolytes can put them off drinking, this is counter-productive when trying to promote rehydration.   It’s also impossible to monitor the amount of water a horse consumes from automatic waterers; we all know we can lead a horse to water, but we can’t make it drink. So, although it is possible to mix electrolytes into the horse’s automatic waterers or water buckets, it is not recommended and often results in failure to adequately replenish electrolytes losses, which will detrimentally effect recovery and performance.

If you prefer a liquid electrolyte, Foran Equine RE-FUEL LIQUID is ideal.  This can be added to water but the difficulties in ensuring and monitoring intake remain, therefore it is best to add it to the feed.  Convenient syringe-based products are also available such as Foran Equine RE-FUEL GEL, these allow for direct oral administration, but they should not be given on an empty stomach, and the horse must always have access to water.  For more information on these products and how to use them.