In efforts to save money around the barn, researchers recommend horse owners carefully consider the supplements they’re adding to their horses’ feed. The researchers behind the 2008 study, “Feeding management practices and supplement use in top-level event horses,” said many supplements are not needed, and giving too many can be a waste of money at best and harmful at worst.

For example, many of the study participants fed their horses electrolytes every day, regardless of activity level or ambient temperature.

“The only time horses lose electrolytes is when they are sweating profusely,” said Carey Williams, PhD, study co-author and assistant director of extension at the Equine Science Center at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. “This is the only time they would require supplemental electrolytes.”

Williams also urged owners to have their vets evaluate their horses before feeding joint supplements