Equine Equilibrium

salt therapy

What is it?

Equine salt therapy also known as halotherapy, is a treatment that involves exposing horses to a controlled environment filled with dry salt particles. Salt therapy benefits the respiratory system and skin health of horses.

How does it work?

During a session, a specialized device crushes pure salt into microscopic particles, dispersing them into the air of the treatment area (in this case a horse trailer). The Horses inhale these particles, which can reach deep into their respiratory system, and also settling on their skin and coat.

Treatments

In order to see maximum results we recommend treating the horse once a day for 15-20 minutes, 3 days in a row. Then moving to a maintenance schedule (weekly/biweekly/monthly) in order to maintain results. Maintenance is only one session.

The Process

The horse and handler load into a trailer (with a ramp), then all you both need to do is breathe! As you and the horse stand there the salt is continuously pumped into the air so the horse (and you) breathe in the fine particles as it also lands on the skin. The trailer is designed to keep a specific amount of salt in the air at all times, therefore the horse is always receiving adequate exposure. During the treatment and once it’s done you may notice a bit extra coughing, this is completely normal as the salt penetrates the mucus deep in the lungs to dislodge and decrease the thickness making it easier for the horse to expel it from their lungs! You don’t want to bath your horse after the treatment to ensure the salt has maximum effect on the skin.

Mechanisms in decreasing Mucus

horse being silly during a salt treatment

Hygroscopic Properties:

Salt is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. When inhaled, salt particles can absorb moisture from the air within the respiratory tract making the mucus thinner and less sticky. This helps the horse to expel the mucus more easily, clearing the airways.

Reducing Inflammation:

Hygroscopic Properties:

Salt has mild anti-inflammatory effects which can help reduce swelling in the airways. This reduction in inflammation can open up the air passages, further facilitating the movement and removal of mucus.

Anti-Bacterial Effects:

Stimulation of Ciliary Activity:

Salt is known for having antibacterial properties. By helping to reduce the bacterial load in the respiratory tract, salt therapy can decrease the risk of infections that might otherwise exacerbate mucus production.

Stimulation of Ciliary Activity:

The tiny hair-like structures lining the respiratory tract, called cilia, are responsible for moving mucus out of the airways. Salt therapy may stimulate the activity of these cilia, promoting more efficient clearance of mucus.

benefits of salt therapy

Improved Respiratory Health:

Salt particles are inhaled penetrating deep in the airways and lungs, this helps to thin mucus making it easier to expel and reducing inflammation in the airways.

Reduction in Coughing:

Improved Respiratory Health:

Thinning of mucus and reduction of airway irritation can lead to a decrease in coughing fits.

Enhanced Lung Function:

Improved Respiratory Health:

Enhanced Lung Function:

Salt exposure can increase lung capacity by improving the elasticity of lung tissues and enhancing air exchange by removing mucus.

Enhanced Performance:

Increased Circulation:

Enhanced Lung Function:

By improving oxygen delivery and lung efficiency, horses can perform better with less fatigue.

Increased Circulation:

The inhalation of salt particles can improve blood vessel function and circulation, benefiting overall health.

Faster Recovery:

Increased Circulation:

Salt therapy can enhance blood flow to affected areas, promoting healing through improved nutrient and oxygen delivery.

Support for Older Horses:

Relief of Skin Condition:

Improved lung function and reduced stress can enhance the quality of life in all horses, promoting greater vitality.

Relief of Skin Condition:

Salt has hygroscopic properties which can draw moisture away from the skin and promote healing by reducing inflammation as well as preventing bacterial growth.

Improved Coat Quality:

Relief of Skin Condition:

Improved Coat Quality:

Enhanced circulation and skin health from salt therapy lead to a shinier coat and improved skin vitality.

Immune System Support:

Improved Coat Quality:

Salt therapy can stimulate the immune response by promoting the production of white blood cells that fight infections.

Holistic Well-being:

Immune System Support:

Holistic Well-being:

A balanced environment can regulate the horse’s physiological responses, promoting overall homeostasis and well-being.

Detoxification:

Immune System Support:

Holistic Well-being:

Salt aids in the elimination of toxins through the respiratory tract and skin, promoting overall health by helping the body to cleanse itself.

Stress Relief:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Reduction of Allergies:

The calming environment of salt therapy reduces cortisol levels, leading to decreased stress and anxiety in horses.

Reduction of Allergies:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Reduction of Allergies:

By clearing irritants and allergens from the airways, salt therapy can reduce histamine responses that trigger allergy symptoms.

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Helps maintain respiratory function and reduces stress on the body during seasonal transitions where allergens are prevalent.

Pain Relief:

Behavioural Improvements:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain and discomfort associated with respiratory or skin conditions.

Behavioural Improvements:

Reduced anxiety levels can lead to better focus and behaviour in training and handling situations.

Environmental Mimicry:

Behavioural Improvements:

Mimicking natural salt cave environments may stimulate the horse’s physiological responses, promoting wellness and recovery similar to their natural settings. These benefits can vary depending on the individual horse and their specific needs.

what is salt therapy?

what it helps treat?

what are the benefits?

salt therapy

What is it?

How does it work?

Treatments

The Process

Mechanisms in decreasing Mucus

Hygroscopic Properties:

Hygroscopic Properties:

Hygroscopic Properties:

Reducing Inflammation:

Hygroscopic Properties:

Hygroscopic Properties:

Anti-Bacterial Effects:

Stimulation of Ciliary Activity:

Stimulation of Ciliary Activity:

Stimulation of Ciliary Activity:

Stimulation of Ciliary Activity:

Stimulation of Ciliary Activity:

salt therapy can help treat symptoms of the following

Respiratory

Respiratory

Respiratory

Skin

Respiratory

Respiratory

benefits of salt therapy

Improved Respiratory Health:

Improved Respiratory Health:

Improved Respiratory Health:

Reduction in Coughing:

Improved Respiratory Health:

Improved Respiratory Health:

Enhanced Lung Function:

Improved Respiratory Health:

Enhanced Lung Function:

Enhanced Performance:

Increased Circulation:

Enhanced Lung Function:

Increased Circulation:

Increased Circulation:

Increased Circulation:

Faster Recovery:

Increased Circulation:

Increased Circulation:

Support for Older Horses:

Relief of Skin Condition:

Relief of Skin Condition:

Relief of Skin Condition:

Relief of Skin Condition:

Relief of Skin Condition:

Improved Coat Quality:

Relief of Skin Condition:

Improved Coat Quality:

Immune System Support:

Immune System Support:

Improved Coat Quality:

Holistic Well-being:

Immune System Support:

Holistic Well-being:

Detoxification:

Immune System Support:

Holistic Well-being:

Stress Relief:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Reduction of Allergies:

Reduction of Allergies:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Reduction of Allergies:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Pain Relief:

Behavioural Improvements:

Support during Seasonal Changes:

Behavioural Improvements:

Behavioural Improvements:

Behavioural Improvements: