
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.
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.
Where do you travel?
We are based in Surrey, also travelling to Hertfordshire and Nottinghamshire. We can also travel nationwide if bookings are sufficient in a given area, so please get in touch to express your interest.
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
Frequently asked questions
How much do sessions cost?
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?
Sessions - What Happens?
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 Hertfordshire and Nottinghamshire. Look out for our updates to find when we are in your area. We can also travel nationwide if bookings are sufficient in a given area, so please get in touch to express your interest.
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.
Each session lasts 20 minutes. Horses can only be treated once per day, so the initial treatment is spread over three days.