Enquiries & Bookings

We would love to hear from you

Please email us or send a message via our Facebook page

lomondequinesalt@gmail.com
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What is Equine Salt Therapy?

Salt therapy (or halotherapy, from Greek halos, meaning salt) aims to replicate the microclimate found in salt caves. It was observed by a Polish doctor in the 1840s that workers in salt mines did not develop respiratory conditions. Dry salt particles are kept at a constant concentration in the treatment room or stable, which the horse inhales and absorbs through the skin simultaneously. This treats respiratory conditions, skin problems, and mineral deficiencies. Performance horses with no specific health problems also benefit from increased lung function and improved overall wellbeing.

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Why use Salt Therapy?

Horses with respiratory conditions including asthma, COPD, simple hay or winter coughs, and many other problems can benefit from salt therapy. This does not replace veterinary treatment, but can be an excellent natural complement, even reducing the need for antibiotics in some cases. Sometimes drug treatments need to be avoided, and salt therapy can be of use as a natural alternative.

Sweet itch, ringworm, mud fever, and skin allergies can be notoriously difficult to treat. Any owner of an itchy horse will understand the woes of topical lotions and potions, feed supplements, and sweet itch rugs. Salt therapy uses the natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt to treat skin problems from the inside and outside. Salt landing on the horse’s skin and coat will be absorbed, while inhalation of salt particles also reduces inflammation and irritation. Some cases of ringworm and similar conditions may initially appear to worsen before they improve, which is a result of the ‘drawing out’ effect of salt therapy, addressing the root cause of these issues.

Salt therapy is also popular for racehorses and other hard-working equines. The mucolytic effect of the dry salt aerosol clears the airways, improving lung function. Increased oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal will naturally improve performance of the high-end equine athlete. This can be used pre- and post-competition to boost performance and recovery, and is completely competition legal. Along with its anti-inflammatory effects, this is the reason salt therapy can also benefit a huge range of horses with no particular medical or performance issues.

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Where do you travel?

We are based in Surrey, and are able to visit clients in West Sussex

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When is Lomond Equine Salt Therapy in my area?

Please get in touch to find out when we are next coming to your area! 

tel: 07715 974111

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Frequently asked questions

How much do sessions cost?

Each session costs £30. Please get in touch if you are interested in the offers available for advance bookings of multiple sessions. Initial Salt Therapy Treatment
20 minutes • Price varies
During these three daily sessions, we establish how salt therapy can help your horse. Whether he has respiratory or skin problems, or needs a tune-up, these sessions kick-start his salt treatment.
Individual Salt Therapy Session
20 minutes • Price varies
Equine Salt Therapy helps with respiratory disorders, skin conditions, and general well-being. After an initial set of three treatments, we recommend regular sessions.
Pre- or Post-Competition Tune Up
20 minutes • Price varies
Many competition horses benefit from treatments shortly before and after heavy work. We recommend at least two sessions over two days to optimise your horse's performance and/or recovery.



How does Salt Therapy work?

Dry salt aerosol creates a microclimate similar to that in salt caves, at the beach, or a waterfall. These are known for promoting positive moods and feelings of wellbeing due to their abundance of negative ions. Negative air ionisation treatments have been associated with lower depression scores in humans, and negative ions also have bactericidal action. Replicating this ionised environment is a key aspect of salt therapy treatments. The fine salt particles in the therapy room are inhaled, acting directly on the airways. Mucus is broken down, enabling its movement, which can lead to runny noses (hence clearer airways) from the first session. Once in the lungs, the salt also works through its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action to treat conditions of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Although salt therapy was initially used to treat respiratory conditions, it was soon discovered that it can be of great benefit to those suffering from skin problems. While inhaled salt particles become absorbed into the bloodstream and work from the inside, salt also settles on the horse’s coat. This is absorbed by the skin, and treats problems such as sweet itch by killing bacteria and reducing irritation through its anti-inflammatory properties. No topical lotions or potions are needed, and itchy horses can soon be turned out without cumbersome rugs, greatly improving comfort. Horses with no particular health problems can also be treated, and see the benefits of increased lung function, healthier skin and coat, and general wellbeing. This is of great use in racehorses and competition horses, for which treatment is recommended before and after heavy work or competitions. The mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects of the salt can improve performance and recovery. The older equine athlete may also be rejuvenated by salt therapy, as anti-inflammatory treatments help to combat the effects of ageing on the muscles and joints. Nervous horses can also benefit from this treatment, settling in the negative ion rich microclimate. Salt that is inhaled also makes its way into the bloodstream, quickly resolving mineral deficiencies in hard-working horses.



Sessions - What Happens?

Where do sessions take place?
Sessions take place at your yard, in your stable. We just require an enclosed stable with a top door, and an accessible power supply.
Where do you travel?
We are based in Surrey, also travelling to West Sussex
When should my horse have sessions?
Initial salt therapy packages consist of three daily sessions to kick-start your horse’s treatment. This usually does the bulk of the mucolytic work and skin cleansing, clearing the airways and soothing itchy areas. This package also includes your horse’s initial consultation, following which we will develop a treatment plan.
We recommend regular sessions following this initial treatment. Pre- and post-competition treatment packages include two or three daily sessions, which should be scheduled within a week or so of competition. How long are sessions?
Each session lasts 20 minutes. Horses can only be treated once per day, so the initial treatment is spread over three days.



Enquiries and Bookings

We would love to hear from you

Please email us or send a message via our Facebook page

lomondequinesalt@gmail.com
 
  • Lomond Equine Salt Therapy