Salt Therapy

What is Salt Therapy?

Salt therapy is a non-invasive air-based treatment which uses salt, a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory mineral to relieve both respiratory and skin conditions. Salt therapy has been used to treat similar human ailments for over 150 years in treatments such as saline nebulisers. Salt therapy is 100% natural and drug free. This does not replace veterinary treatment, but is an excellent natural complementary or natural alternative therapy. In some cases, it has reduced the need for antibiotics. It is FEI & BHA legal and therefore can be used on competition day if required. 

How does salt therapy treatment help the horse?  

This state of the art treatment helps to improve the overall health and efficiency of the horse’s respiratory system which in turn leads to improved cardiovascular performance as well as relieving the symptoms of skin conditions and in turn improving the performance potential and general health of your horse.

Here’s the science bit….

Medical grade salt is added to a small, portable machine which creates a fine salt particle vapour that is dispersed into the air. This is simply breathed in and inhaled deeply, right down into the small airways of the lungs. It reduces the stickiness of mucus and stimulates the movement of the cilia (micro-hairs) within the lungs allowing the mucus to be transported up and out of the lungs easier. This reduces inflammation, bacteria and allergens within the lung tissue and airways creating a more efficient breathing system.

Some of the salt microparticles that are dispersed into the air fall onto the skin.  The particles permeate into the epidermis of your horse’s skin, absorb oils, and reduce the frequency of irritating skin conditions. The natural antibacterial properties of salt can prevent the development of bacteria and help normalize the skin’s pH level and improves skin microcirculation.

Salt therapy has been shown to:

  • Improve cardiovascular performance by:
    • improving lung function
    • increasing oxygen capacity
    • clearing mucus and being an effective decongestant
    • killing harmful bacteria in the respiratory system                       
    • improving performance and stamina
    • raise energy levels and reducing recovery time

 

  • Improve and relieving respiratory conditions such as
    • IAO (inflammatory or allergic airways disease),
    • heaves or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
    • asthma
    • hay fever
    • winter coughs
    • sinus conditions

   

  • Promote the coat condition and improve skin conditions such as
    • sweet itch
    • ring worm
    • mud fever
    • skin allergies
    • rain scald
    • cracked heels
    • summer sores
    • skin rashes
    • fungal and non-fungal dermatitis

 

  • Improve immunity and inflammatory responses which
    • reduces inflammation and swelling within the tissues
    • improves overall well being of the horse
    • supports horses that are sensitive to environmental allergies
    • supports horses to combat infections
    • helps a horse recover from mineral salt depletion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it be used for any horses?

It can be used to improve cardiovascular performance and therefore overall abilities in competition horses but also help a well loved Shetland pony reduce their respiratory and skin conditions. So yes, it is suitable for any type of horse or pony across all of the different equine disciplines.

What space do you need available for treatment?

The best space for the most efficient treatment is an enclosed area with a standard plug point, to keep the salt vapour concentrated around the horse. However, if you don’t have anywhere suitable, we will invite you to come to our yard to use our specially design salt therapy stable. Each treatment takes just 20 minutes.

Should I be worried that my horse as nasal discharge after salt therapy?

No. This is expected and the amount will vary between each horse. The salt therapy takes time to stimulate mucus movement within the lungs and nasal discharge is a sign that the mucus is clearing from the lungs which can take up to 2 weeks to clear following treatment. Coughing and sneezing is also a sign of this. 

Should I restrict my horse’s training during their salt therapy treatment?

We recommend that daily activities continue as normal however do suggest not to let the horse work an hour before or an hour after salt therapy treatment.

How often should my horse have salt therapy?

For all respiratory and skin conditions, we initially recommend 3 x 20 minute sessions over 3 consecutive days. Depending on the severity of the condition 5 sessions over 5 consecutive days may be recommended, leaving 24 hours between each treatment.

Depending on the symptoms and your horse’s individual needs, we recommend scheduling seasonal or periodic top-up treatments to stay on top of lasting symptom relief. A top-up session can also be ideal to give your horse’s overall well-being a boost.

Price List / Area’s covered

Areas covered – Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire

From 1st April 2023, sessions are available on your yard for £45 per session, (£135.00 for the three days), any top ups after are £45.

I am very happy to treat horses outside of these areas but a fuel charge may be added.

Salt therapy livery is also available with the price on request at my yard in Burbage, Leicestershire

Client Recommendations / Testimonials

  • First class service from Katie! I can’t believe how much this has helped my horse. The medication from the vet did not fully clear his cough but the salt therapy sessions have worked wonders! I am able to ride him again with NO coughing! Thanks Katie for a prompt and professional service.
    Tracy & Troy

  • Excellent service from Katie. I have been struggling for months to try and clear my 28year old mare’s sinus problem, after 3 lots of antibiotics I decided to contact Katie and try Salt Therapy. My mare has really enjoyed her sessions, the discharge was clearly visible coming out of her nose! She has been much happier in herself and I thoroughly recommend Katie’s services. I will be booking again to continue with my horse’s treatment.
    Janina & Tina

  • Absolutely fantastic service. A proper horsewoman. Nothing was too much trouble and Katie accommodated my horse and pony so they could stay together. Katie kept me up to date on my horses progress every day and I would highly recommend Katie. I will be going back. Fantastic
    Liz & Red

View more testimonials here.

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