SALT STATIONS AT CORNERSTONE RANCH: A SALTY SOLUTION FOR HAPPY HORSES
One of Cornerstone Ranch’s Salt Stations, made from a repurposed water trough and stocked with four varieties
of salt blocks. These stations provide a sheltered, accessible mineral buffet for every group of horses.
of salt blocks. These stations provide a sheltered, accessible mineral buffet for every group of horses.
At Cornerstone Ranch, the well-being of our horses is always a top priority. With over 30 horses calling our pastures home, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to support their health and happiness. One of our latest initiatives is creating “Salt Stations”—a creative, practical way to deliver essential minerals to our herds.
Repurposing for a Purpose
Each Salt Station is crafted from a repurposed 100-gallon Rubbermaid water trough, tipped on its side and fitted with the drain removed. These sturdy troughs provide a sheltered, accessible spot for horses to enjoy their choice of salt blocks, rain or shine. Each paddock group has its own Salt Station, ensuring all horses have equal access to vital minerals. There are presently five Salt Stations erected at the Ranch, each serving a different group of horses, year-round.
A Rainbow of Salt Blocks
Our Salt Stations aren’t just practical—they’re a colorful buffet, too! Each station holds four varieties of 50-pound salt blocks:
- White Salt: The classic plain salt, essential for electrolyte balance and hydration.
- Red Salt (Mineral): Packed with trace minerals to support overall health.
- Green Salt (Selenium): Selenium is a critical micronutrient for horses, supporting muscle health, immune function, and reproduction. Horses grazing in areas with selenium-deficient soils especially benefit from a supplemental source. According to equine nutritionists, providing access to selenium-enriched salt helps prevent deficiency-related issues while allowing horses to self-regulate their intake.
- Pink Salt (Garlic): Our newest addition, garlic-infused salt blocks, were introduced just before the summer months. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that garlic may help repel stable flies and other pests—and might even inhibit fly breeding around the horses. Early signs show our horses are enjoying the garlic salt as much as the others!
Free-Choice, Free Spirit
At Cornerstone Ranch, we believe in letting horses be horses. Our herds live outdoors in large, natural pastures, where they enjoy 24/7 access to high-quality hay and, of course, their Salt Stations. Free-feeding salt is widely recognized as a safe and effective way to ensure horses get the sodium and minerals they need, especially since each animal’s requirements can vary with age, activity, and weather. Studies show that horses with constant access to salt and minerals can better regulate their intake, maintain hydration, and support muscle and nerve function.
So far, our horses are sampling all four salt types at about the same rate, showing their natural ability to balance their own nutritional needs. We monitor the blocks regularly, always keeping our salt stations stocked and inviting.
Hercules enjoying some salt with selenium
Salt, Sun, and Satisfaction
Our Salt Stations are another way Cornerstone Ranch goes the extra mile for our horses. Between the wide-open spaces, continuous forage, and thoughtful mineral supplementation, our equine residents thrive in an environment as close to nature as possible—plus a little modern ingenuity to keep them healthy and content.