The Hidden Cost of Dehydration in Performance Horses

When it comes to equine health and performance, hydration often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. A horse can lose up to 10–15 liters of sweat per hour during intense exercise. But what’s really lost isn’t just water—it’s vital electrolytes that keep the body functioning efficiently.

Why Dehydration Is More Than Just Water Loss

Dehydration impacts much more than thirst. It affects:
⦁ Muscle function and recovery
⦁ Neurological signals
⦁ Circulation and cooling
⦁ Mental focus and energy

When a horse sweats, it loses not just fluids but critical electrolytes like sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This imbalance can lead to cramping, fatigue, sluggish recovery, and even colic or heat stroke in extreme cases.

How Electrolytes Support the Equine Body

Electrolytes are responsible for:
⦁ Carrying electrical signals between nerves and muscles
⦁ Regulating fluid balance inside and outside of cells
⦁ Assisting muscle contraction and relaxation
⦁ Maintaining heart rhythm and gut motility
Without balanced electrolytes, horses can’t perform or recover efficiently.

Why ORALYTE is the Smarter Choice

At Altmetrics Equine, we designed ORALYTE with a unique composition that mirrors the natural composition of equine sweat—ensuring a targeted and effective electrolyte replacement.
Key Benefits of ORALYTE:
⦁ Helps maintain hydration levels
⦁ Reduces muscle fatigue
⦁ Supports faster post-exercise recovery
⦁ Ideal for hot weather, intense exercise, or transport

Conclusion

Hydration isn’t just water—it’s a balance of minerals your horse depends on. Whether your horse is a daily worker or a high-performance athlete, replenishing lost electrolytes with a sweat-matched formula like ORALYTE is essential for sustained health and performance.

 

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