Electrolytes get a lot of attention in the horse world — and for good reason. But there’s one group of nutrients just as important, especially during stress and heavy work: B vitamins.
Most owners don’t realise how quickly horses burn through them, or how big a difference they make during competition season, travel, heat, or intense training.
Here’s why they matter — and how B vitamins can transform performance and recovery.
What Do B Vitamins Actually Do?
B vitamins are responsible for:
- Energy production
- Appetite regulation
- Muscle and nerve function
- Stress resilience
- Metabolism of carbs, fats & proteins
- Healthy red blood cells
Basically, they help the body turn feed into usable energy — and keep the nervous system steady under pressure.
Signs Your Horse May Need More B Vitamins
B-vitamin needs skyrocket during:
- Travel
- Heat
- Competition
- Hard work
- Stress
- Illness
- Poor appetite
- Sweating or dehydration
Horses may show:
- Lethargy
- Anxiety or tension
- Decreased appetite
- Poor recovery
- Loss of topline
- Dehydration
- Dull coat
This is incredibly common during summer competitions or when horses go off feed travelling.
Why Travel & Stress Deplete B Vitamins
Stress increases the body’s demand for niacin (B3) and other B vitamins.
Sweat and dehydration also increase losses.
During travel, horses often:
- Stop drinking
- Lose appetite
- Sweat in the float
- Experience stress-induced gut changes
B vitamins play a key role in restoring appetite and supporting the metabolism during these periods.
Performance Horses Need More B Vitamins — Here’s Why
Performance horses have higher energy demands.
B vitamins support:
✔️ Muscle function
✔️ Stamina
✔️ Quick energy conversion
✔️ Focus and reaction time
✔️ Faster recovery post-work
They’re especially useful for hot horses, horses prone to tying-up, and horses that get stressed at competitions.
Where Electrolyte-B Paste Fits In
Most electrolyte pastes ONLY replace minerals.
But when horses sweat, travel, or stress — they need more than minerals.
They need hydration and metabolic support.
That’s why EquaCare Electrolyte-B Paste includes:
- High levels of na, k, cl, mg
- 595 mg of Niacin (B3) for energy & appetite
- Fast-absorbing minerals for quick recovery
- A dual-action formula for hydration + performance
It’s perfect for horses who:
- Go off their feed
- Lose condition quickly
- Get stressed travelling
- Work heavily in the heat
- Need fast recovery
- Have big competition schedules
The Bottom Line
B vitamins are essential — not optional.
They support the metabolic and neurological systems when horses need them most.
During stress, travel, heat or performance, pairing electrolytes with B vitamins gives horses the best chance to stay:
💧 Hydrated
🍽️ Eating
⚡ Energised
🧠 Focused
💪 Strong
And that’s exactly why Electrolyte-B Paste was created:
To give horses the complete support they need during the toughest conditions.
