DRY SALT THERAPY

The Effects of Dry Salt Therapy (Halotherapy) on Fitness Parameters when Performing an Incremental Exercise Test on the Riding Horse

In Conjunction with Izzy Stone and Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC)

Abstract

Although being researched greatly in the human population, Dry Salt Therapy has very little scientific backing within the equestrian industry despite the commonality of its use, particularly within the racing and rehabilitation industries. As a result of that, this study was conducted to assess the impact Dry Salt Therapy had on general riding horses before, during and after undertaking an exercise test with heart rate measures being the primary source of data.

Tested Groups

Eight horses were split equally into the two main groups:

Group 1 – Control – Non Salted (4 Horses)           Group 2 – Salted  (4 Horses)

During the Dry Salt Therapy sessions, it was obvious that 2 horses from the salted group had allergy type thick mucus coming down their nose and the other 2 horses noses just dripped but didn’t show any allergy mucus/ symptoms. The decision was then made to split the salt group into 2 sub groups:

2a) Respiratory Condition                       2B) Non-Respiratory conditions

All horses that participated in the study engaged in an initial exercise test where heart rates were recorded at set intervals, the maximum heart rate and also the time taken for the participants heart rate to return to baseline values after the exercise test was completed.

The 4 horses in the Salted group underwent a 3 day course over 3 consecutive days of Dry Salt Therapy. Each salt session lasted 25 minutes each day with discharge during the sessions being monitored.  The 2^nd exercise test was then performed by all horses in both groups  and results were recorded.

Group 2 (Salted group) were given a one day top up Dry Salt Therapy session, two weeks after the initial 3 days and this was then followed the week after by the final exercise test which was done by all the horses

Results 

The horses in the salted group both sub groups Non respiratory and respiratory conditions were found to have lower heart rates in walk trot and canter after having the salt sessions compared to the control group.  There were significant differences seen at both the walk and trot stages of the exercise testing in the heart rates of horses when comparing data from the control group to the group of horses who underwent salt therapy treatment, showing an increase in fitness at the submaximal level.  A trend was also noted in the canter and maximal effort stages of the exercise test also suggesting an improvement in fitness; however this was not significant (but very close to) but a trend suggesting improvements in extended canter and maximal effort portions of the fitness test again in favour of salt horses.

Half of the participants who took part in the salt therapy sessions produced a large amount of nasal discharge during salt sessions (Group 2A (See photos)) and when the data from this group was compared from those horses in the salted group 2B (Non respiratory conditions). Significant improvement was seen after the warm up stage, at walk, at trot and at a collected canter. a significant difference in heart rate between the 2horses who produced thick white snot (Group 2A Respiratory condition) and the 2 horses in group 2B respiratory condition), with the ones who did secrete the mucus having lower HR at walk, after 8 minutes of warmup, trot and collected canter. Even without seeing mucus come out of the sub group 2a, an improvement was seen in the results, that were salted made a big difference in fitness and performance compared to the control – non salted group. Improvements in fitness parameters measured, were solely induced by the salt therapy sessions as there were no differences seen between all the horses at the commencement of the study, nor were there any changes to the speed and distance each horse travelled during the exercise testing protocols.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is evident that the salt therapy has a beneficial impact on a horse’s cardiovascular fitness at a submaximal level, as well as helping the horse work much more comfortably when experiencing respiratory congestion as a result of respiratory conditions or allergies. The salted horses were able to work harder and faster after the salt session without the extra strain on the heart and lungs, with heart rates not increasing but reducing with effort after the salt sessions, due to increasing the oxygen in the lungs allowing the heart to not work as hard , the discussion related back to the use of salt not necessarily for fitness but for health benefits and recommended use in horses with lung conditions that cause congestion such as COPD and asthma. With more research there would be evidence to suggest the fitness improvements, we just didn’t quite have enough technology and horses to see it this time.

EQUINE CUSHING’S DISEASE

Investigating Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels on a Shetland Pony comparing treatment methods using Prascend and Theraplate sessions.

In Conjunction with

What is Equine Cushing’s Disease?
Equine Cushing’s disease, or PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), is a common hormonal disorder primarily affecting older horses, typically over the age of 15. It results from changes in the pituitary gland, which leads to an overproduction of certain hormones, including ACTH. 

Understanding ACTH and Cushing’s Syndrome
In horses with PPID, the pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of ACTH, which can lead to increased cortisol levels. This hormonal imbalance is responsible for many of the clinical signs associated with the disease Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by excessive levels of cortisol in the bloodstream, which can result from various causes, including prolonged use of corticosteroid medications or tumours that increase cortisol production. ACTH, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. In cases of Cushing’s syndrome, particularly ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, there is an overproduction of ACTH, often due to a pituitary adenoma (a benign tumour of the pituitary gland).

• Symptoms: Common symptoms of PPID include excessive hair growth (hirsutism), delayed shedding of the winter coat, increased thirst and urination, itchiness, weight loss, reduced muscle mass, laminitis (inflammation of the hoof) and prone to infections.
• Diagnosis of Equine Cushing’s disease often involves measuring ACTH levels through blood tests. Elevated ACTH levels can indicate the presence of the disease, especially if the horse shows clinical signs.  In some cases, a TRH stimulation test (Dynamic Testing) may be performed to confirm the diagnosis if resting ACTH levels are inconclusive.

Medications: The most common treatment is the administration of pergolide (Prascend), which helps regulate hormone levels. Some horses may also benefit from cabergoline injections.  Regular monitoring of ACTH levels is essential to adjust treatment and manage the horse’s condition effectively. 

Paddy – 2000, Shetland Pony
Paddy started showing signs of having Cushing’s, he was extremely itchy, overheating due to his thick long coat, he had a very poor demeanour, very quiet and not himself, the decision was to blood test him for Cushing’s Disease.

 18^th September 2023 – ACTH  199 pg/ml  –  (Confirmed Cushings).
Started on Prascend tablets ½ tablet a day

18^th October 2023 – ACTH 45.6 pg/ml  –  no concerns   (Prascend dropping ACTH levels)

16^th March 2024 – ACTH 18.4 pg/ml      (Prascend dropped ACTH Levels in to the normal range)

May 2024 – Paddy went off his food, started refusing to eat his Prascend tablets, seemed very depressed, he wasn’t happy at all. Tablets were stopped 

20^th November 2024 – 373.0 pg / ml – levels have increased while not on prescind tablets. Owner had no concern in his behaviour, he seems very happy without eating the tablets, so owner wanted to keep him off the tablets despite high levels of ACTH, while behaviour is good, he is happy and showing no signs of Cushing’s.

Paddy started Theraplate sessions in 2025, and had regular sessions (8 Theraplate sessions in 8 months: Dates below:
18^th February 2025   –   24^th February 2025   –   14^th March 2025   –   6th April 2025
25^th April 2025   –   4^th May 2025   –   9^th August 2025   –   12^th September 2025

Paddy had his yearly blood test in October 2025 too assess what his ACTH levels were after having had Theraplate sessions for the last year. 

3rd October 2025 – 45.8 pg / ml   Theraplate sessions stopped

3^rd January 2026 – 12.6 pg / ml  (notes on vet report PPID / Cushing’s very unlikely)

Results
Results showed a Brillant decrease in ACTH levels from 373.0 pg/mg (Nov 24) to 45.8 pg/ml (3^rd Oct 25) using just Theraplate alone, with levels continuing to drop over the next 3 months to 12.6 pg/ml without any further Theraplate sessions.  Nothing else had changed in his routine, diet stayed the same or turnout was the same. The only thing that was done was swapped the tablets for Theraplate sessions. 

Conclusion
Using Theraplate alone lowers ACTH levels in a Shetland pony, this is a great outcome for owners who prefer not to put their horse on Prascend or horses like Paddy that refused to eat the tablets. Theraplate sessions were 8 times over 8 months, further studies are required to monitor blood ACTH levels using the Theraplate over a shorter time period.  Not only did Paddy’s levels drop but he also increased his muscle mass over his top line and hind quarters.