KEEPING HIM COMFY
SALT THERAPY
A non-invasive, air-based treatment, dry salt therapy is being used in the equine industry to relieve respiratory and skin conditions, often with swift and remarkable results. Emily Bevan finds out more
‘‘I KNOW OF many horses who were going to be put to sleep, but who are now enjoying life thanks to salt therapy,” says Darrell Torrens, who, 10 years ago, developed the Newmarket Equine Salt Therapy System, the only medically-certified controlled salt therapy device on the market.KNOW
“I saw what salt therapy was able to do for humans with asthma, cystic fibrosis, dermatitis and eczema and I wanted to develop a system that could do the same for horses,” continues Darrell. “Salt has the most unbelievable natural properties — it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inf lammatory — and as well as being effective at resolving existing conditions, it is also great for preventing issues and enhancing performance.”
Salt therapy is a non-invasive, air-based treatment that uses salt to relieve both respiratory and skin conditions. The Newmarket Equine Salt Therapy System can be either permanently installed into existing stables or rooms — several competition and rehabilitation yards have dedicated salt chambers — or it comes in mobile form and can be brought to a yard by a therapist.
“The Newmarket Equine Salt Therapy System has an excellent reputation with proven results and it continues to be at the forefront of equine health and wellbeing,” says Natasha Wheeler who owns Midland Equine Salt Therapy and who trained with Darrell. “It doesn’t replace veterinary treatment, but it is a safe and effective natural drug-free alternative, or a complementary therapy that has seen no contraindications in the equine environment. It is FEI and British Horseracing Authority legal.
“We have static systems installed at some of the most prestigious racing establishments and we treat many high performance horses,” continues Natasha. “Whatever the discipline and level, whether you are competing at Badminton or have a slightly overweight horse who has a risk of developing laminitis if steroids were to be administered, the benefits of salt therapy can be for you.”
