Horse drinking water from a bucket.

The Importance of Electrolytes and Hydration for Performance Horses

Training and genetics aren't the only factors that affect performance. Even well-trained horses can perform poorly if they're dehydrated and deficient in electrolytes. Prioritizing electrolyte balance and hydration will help you ensure your horse excels in competitions and events.

How Dehydration Affects Your Horse

Your horse needs water to maintain systems and processes in its body, including:

  • Digestion
  • Blood Volume and Circulation
  • Body Temperature Regulation
  • Energy

Dehydration can occur when your horse sweats and doesn't take in enough water to replace lost fluids. A horse that is dehydrated may lose focus and may have slower performance times. Dehydration can affect stamina and recovery and may increased your horse's risk of heat exhaustion or colic.

Signs of dehydration may include:

  • Sunken Eyes
  • Dark Urine
  • Fatigue
  • Dark Red or Dry Gums
  • High Heart Rate
  • Skin That Doesn't Snap Back Immediately When Lifted

The Role of Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals that have a negative or positive electrical charge when they dissolve in water. Common electrolytes include calcium, chloride, sodium, potassium and magnesium. Electrolytes are necessary for:

  • Nerve and Muscle Function
  • Proper Fluid Balance
  • Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Rhythm Regulation
  • pH (Acidity) Levels

Imbalanced electrolytes may cause:

  • Stiff Muscles
  • Muscle Cramps and Soreness
  • Fatigue
  • Performance Issues
  • Weakness
  • Stumbling
  • Poor Appetite
  • Longer Recovery Time After Exercise

In addition to increasing the risk of dehydration, sweating lowers electrolyte levels. The more the horse sweats, the greater the fluid and electrolyte loss. If lost electrolytes aren't replaced properly, your horse's health and performance can suffer.

When Do Performance Horses Need Electrolytes?

Your horse may need electrolytes during these situations:

  • Vigorous or Intense Training Sessions
  • Competitions
  • Hot, Humid Weather

Electrolytes can also be helpful when you transport your horse to a competition or another event. According to a research study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research in 2021, electrolyte and hydration levels may decrease during transportation and overnight stabling before an event.

The researchers followed 19 horses that were entered in the 2016 Tevis Cup 100-Miles One-Day Western States Trail Ride. In addition to observing lower levels of electrolytes and hydration after transportation and stabling, the researchers noted that horses were more likely to be eliminated from the race if they had a lower bicarbonate concentration after a steep climb.

According to Kentucky Equine Research (KER), it's important to determine how much electrolyte loss occurs before starting a supplementation program. KER advises weighing your horse before and after exercise to determine the amount of the loss.

Tips for Improving Electrolyte Balance and Hydration

Following these tips could improve your horse's performance:

  • Offer Ample Water. Make sure your horse has access to fresh water at home, while traveling, and at events.
  • Get Creative with Hydration. If your horse isn't drinking enough, soak hay in water or create a grain/water mixture. Adding flavors your horse likes to water could also increase drinking. Try putting a few teaspoons of apple or carrot juice in your horse's water to make drinking water more tempting.
  • Consider Electrolyte Options. Electrolyte supplements are available in many forms, including pellets and powders that can be added to feed. Dissolving electrolytes in water is an another option. The best electrolyte replacement method is the one your horse readily accepts. You may need to experiment with a few options to find the ideal method.
  • Introduce Electrolytes in Water Slowly. A gradual introduction is best if you plan to dissolve electrolytes in water. Add a small amount of performance electrolytes to your horse's water, then slowly increase the amount of the electrolyte solution until you reach the full dosage. This process will help your horse adjust to the taste and reduce the chance of rejection. Be sure to offer water without electrolytes too in case your horse won't drink the electrolyte/water mixture.
  • Pick the Best Time to Offer Electrolytes. The Horse recommends providing electrolytes during and after transport and 45 minutes following training sessions or competitions.
  • Provide Salt. Loose salt or salt blocks help maintain sodium levels. Although offering salt is important, your performance horse will still need electrolytes to balance other minerals.

Not sure which electrolyte option is best for your performance horse? We can help you determine the ideal concentration of minerals. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian.

Sources:

The Horse: Supporting Performance Horses Through Electrolyte Balance, 6/4/2025

https://thehorse.com/1129167/supporting-performance-horses-through-electrolyte-balance/

Kentucky Equine Research: Electrolytes and the Performance Horse, 7/11/2019

https://ker.com/equinews/electrolytes-and-performance-horse/

Veterinary Sciences: Oral Electrolyte and Water Supplementation in Horses, 11/10/2022

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9696292/

American Journal of Veterinary Research: Changes in electrolyte concentrations and hydration status in endurance horses following transport and an overnight stay prior to competition, 12/1/2021

https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/82/12/ajvr.20.11.0193.xml