According to horse nutritionist Dr. Juliet Getty, regardless of the weather, horses require a daily supply of salt. During cold weather, salt helps promote enough water consumption to prevent dehydration. In warm seasons, salt replaces what is lost from perspiration.

Do horses need mineral blocks in winter?

Horses get sodium chloride in hay and pasture grass, salt licks, and supplemented in their feed or added to water. Hay and silage typically don't provide a sufficient amount for most animals, so mineral supplements are needed.

Do all horses need a salt block?

In addition to shade and a source of fresh water, every summer turnout space needs to have a salt block. Horses lose large amounts of the essential mineral in their sweat, and if it's not replenished, an electrolyte imbalance may develop, leading to low blood pressure or even neurological or cardiovascular problems.