There are a few contenders, but these are probably the five most common mistakes I see when it comes to equine nutrition. 1. Not enough salt Rarely do people feed their horses enough salt. Horses MUST have salt in their diets to control fluid and acid balance and for nerves and muscles to work properly. It is in fact one of the seven essential minerals horses require. A lack of salt (sodium chloride) can cause weight loss, exercise intolerance, weakness, dehydration and const