which salt block is best for horses?

[myboyjeff]

There seems to be large scale disagreement as to which salt block - red or blue - should be fed to horses. I have been told by the local feed mill, which doesn't even sell red blocks, that blue cobalt blocks are all that is needed. However, a Quarter Horse breeder told me that the blue block is thought to be linked to spontaneous abortions in mares. Today I was told by the same feed mill that the blue blocks contain as much iodine as the red iodine blocks anyway. My attitude is that you should do your research and find out what is best, rather than using what you have always used and never questioning it. Also, for the few extra cents why not use the red block if it is a little better? I have both breeding mares and saddle horses, and am now really wondering about the different requirements. Does anybody know anything about this?

[chalmers]

Best to check with a horse specialist such as Les Burwash with Alberta Agriculture at burwash@agric.gov.ab.ca he should be able to give you the info you require.