What is Salt Therapy?

Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is a natural, non-invasive treatment that utilizes the inherent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt to address respiratory and skin conditions in horses. Salt therapy has been used for centuries in humans, dating back to ancient Greece, where Hippocrates documented its benefits for respiratory health. In the equine world, halotherapy is already well-established across the UK and Germany, enhancing performance in equine athletes (especially racehorses and showjumpers) and recommended by leading international riders. It benefits: 

>Respiratory Health

chronic respiratory conditions | seasonal allergic reactions | acute infections

>Performance

>Skin conditions

sweet itch | ringworm | mud fever

How does it work?

During a salt therapy session, medical-grade salt is micronized into fine particles (0.5 - 5 micron) and dispersed into the air. As your horse inhales this aerosol, the dry salt penetrates deep into its respiratory system, reaching the bronchi, bronchioles, and lung alveoli. Here, this treatment helps to free the airways by promoting mucus hydration and digestion by proteolytic enzymes, lowering its viscosity as well as its thread-forming ability, making it easier to clear.

Moreover, it fights bacterial infections often associated with equine asthma and removes harmful pollutants from the respiratory tract, leading to improved lung health.

Because the whole horse is in contact with the aerosol, salt particles settle on the skin and permeate into the epidermis, absorbing oils and reducing the occurrence of skin conditions. Additionally, the natural antibacterial properties of salt prevent bacterial and fungal growth and help normalize the skin's pH level, promoting a healthier coat. 

My services

I provide mobile salt therapy for horses across Portugal, offering a natural, non-invasive and drug-free way to support respiratory health, skin conditions, and overall well-being. My mobile inhalation station allows horses to receive the benefits of salt therapy in a calm and stress-free environment, whether at home, in training yards, or at events. Sessions are tailored to each horse’s needs, making this an effective and convenient therapy for performance horses, leisure horses, and those recovering from illness. As a licensed veterinarian, I undertake a detailed medical and behavioural assessment before tailoring the treatment plan, to ensure a holistic approach to every horse. 

32 YO chronic asthma patient “Finn” receiving his 2nd salt therapy session

More about me

My name is Paula Siebert and I’m a vet with a passion for equine health and well-being. My journey with horses started a long time ago, as I got my first pony when I was four years old (spoilt child, I know!). Originally from Germany, I moved to the Algarve when I was two. In 2018, a year after finishing high school, I moved up north to study veterinary medicine. Throughout my studies, my interest in equine medicine only grew stronger, and in 2024 I successfully defended my master’s dissertation on equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH). I aim to continue my research and am currently working on publishing scientific papers based off my dissertation. I’ve been invited to deliver a lecture on this topic and have presented 2 scientific posters at international veterinary congresses.

Unfortunately, I see many horses struggle with respiratory and skin conditions, often with limited treatment options. Knowing the power of salt therapy and its ability to provide natural relief led me to create a mobile equine salt therapy service, bringing a science-backed treatment directly to horses across Portugal. My goal is to offer an effective way to support respiratory and skin health, improve performance, and enhance overall well-being.

  1. How long is each session?

    Between 30 and 45 minutes.

  2. How often should my horse have salt therapy?

    For all respiratory and skin conditions, I recommended to start with an “initial cleanse” of 3 - 5 sessions in 24h intervals. Depending on the symptoms and your horse’s individual needs, I recommend scheduling seasonal or periodic top-up treatments to stay on top of lasting symptom relief.

  3. Can it be used for any horses?

    Yes, generally, this treatment can be used to help all horses with respiratory and skin conditions. On the other hand, it can also suit healthy competition horses to improve cardiovascular performance and therefore overall abilities.

  4. What concentration is the salt brine?

    4 %.

  5. Is this treatment medicated?

    No, this is a 100% medication free, research-based and natural treatment. However, as a licensed vet, I can sometimes recommend adding a bronchodilator to maximize the effect of the therapy.

  6. Is the aerosol dry or wet?

    This is a dry salt therapy.

  7. What space do you need available for treatment?

    A parking area where the “salt-mobile” can be set up and connected with a standard plug point.

  8. How many horses can receive treatment simultaneously?

    One horse. Due to the size of the inhalation station and for bio safety reasons, treatments are individual and a complete disinfection is guaranteed between each session.

  9. Should I be worried that my horse has nasal discharge after salt therapy?

    No. This is expected and the amount will vary between each horse. It takes time for salt therapy to stimulate mucus movement within the airways and nasal discharge is a sign that the mucus is clearing from the lungs which can take up to 2 weeks to clear following treatment. Coughing and sneezing are also a sign of this. Some horses tend to chew and swallow the mucus as it gets loosened.

  10. Should I restrict my horse’s training during their salt therapy treatment?

    Immediately after the salt therapy session, the patient should remain calm for another 5-10 minutes while the mucus is being loosened. Then, it is important to work the horse within an hour after the treatment finishes to maximise airway clearance.

FAQ

The science behind it

Equine studies:

  • Condor, Laura & Sorin Marian, Marza & Ardelean, Alina & Dragomir, Madalina & Papuc, Ionel & Martonos, Cristian & Cristian, Purdoiu & Tataru, Mariana & Codea, R & Lăcătuş, Radu. (2022). THE EFFECT OF DRY SALINE AEROSOL THERAPY ON ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS PARAMETERS IN HORSES WITH MILD EQUINE ASTHMA.

  • Immunology of the Equine Lung, DW Horohov, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.

  • Kabir A, Lamichhane B, Habib T, Adams A, El-Sheikh Ali H, Slovis NM, Troedsson MHT, Helmy YA. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond—A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics. 2024; 13(8):713. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13080713

Human studies:

  • Chervinskaya AV, Zilber NA Halotherapy for treatment of respiratory diseases. J Aerosol Med 1995 Fall:8(3):221-232

  • Horvath T Speleotherapy a special kind of climatotherapy, its role in respiratory rehabilitation, int Rehabil Med 1986;8(2):90-92

  • Karokoca V, Demir G, Kisacik G et al Speleotherapy in asthma and allergic diseases Clinical and Experimental Allergy 1995:25: 666-67

  • Abdullaev AA, Gadzhiev KM. Elubova AA (The efficacy of Speleotherapy in salt mines in children with bronchial asthma based on the data from immediate and late observations Voor Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult 1993 Sep- Oct;(5)25-8

  • Simonka-luM, Chonka-la V, Pop (L. Effect of the microclimate of salt mines on T-and Blymphocytes function in bronchial asthma patients Vrach Delo 1989, 3, 57-9

  • Mahap J. Bohoc S, Weigl, E. Values of selected immunological parameters before and after Speleotherapy Acto Univ Palacki Olomuc Foc Med 1991;131:197-211

  • P.P. Gorbenko, Adamova IV, Sinitsyna TM. Bronchial hyperreactivity to the inhalation of hypoand hypersomolar aerosols and its correction by Halotherapy. Ministry of Public Health of theRussian Federation, Russian Pneumological Scientific Society Pulmonology, 1993;3(2).

  • E.N. Semochkin, V.P. Silvestrov, V.N. Surovikov. Halotherapy: Complex treatment in out-patients with breathing (respiratory tract) pathologies. Kremlin Medicine. Clinical Herald 1999;3.

  • G.A. Norvaisa, D.Noreikiene.Halotherapy in management of endogenial bronchial asthma.Center of Halotherapy, Pulmonology Department, Hospital Red Cross, Klaipeda, Lithuania.Annual meeting, Interasthma, Palanga, Lithuania, May 28-30, 1999.