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In equine nutrition, no mineral works in isolation. Minerals and vitamins interact in complex ways to support your horse’s health, and deficiencies are rarely caused by a single nutrient. That’s why it’s essential to provide a balanced supplement that includes all key vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, not just one or two.
Stance Equilibrium supplements are designed with this in mind, supplying trace elements like cobalt in the correct ratios to support overall mineral balance and gut health in horses.
Cobalt plays an essential role in the synthesis of Vitamin B12 by the microbial population in the horse’s hindgut. Once produced, Vitamin B12 is absorbed and used throughout the body to:
Most common horse feeds naturally contain 0.05 to 0.6 mg of cobalt per kilogram of dry matter, with legumes (like lucerne/alfalfa) typically offering higher concentrations than grasses or cereal grains.
However, as cobalt levels vary depending on soil content and pasture species, supplementation is often necessary, especially in low-cobalt soils or high-performance horses.
The general daily requirement for cobalt is 0.05 to 0.1 mg per kilogram of dry matter intake. Horses with higher demands such as broodmares, growing horses, or those in moderate to heavy work may require slightly more to support red blood cell production and energy metabolism.
Unlike cattle and sheep, horses are relatively tolerant of low cobalt levels in soil and pasture. In ruminants, deficiency can lead to emaciation and anaemia, but these signs are rare in horses. That said, subtle deficiencies could still impair Vitamin B12 synthesis, potentially affecting energy levels and performance in working horses.
Cobalt toxicity is extremely rare in horses. The body absorbs cobalt at a very low rate, so even modest dietary excesses do not typically result in clinical signs. However, misuse of cobalt chloride, especially via injection, poses a serious welfare and regulatory concern in the racing industry.
Cobalt chloride is a synthetic compound that, when given in high enough doses, triggers the horse’s body to produce more erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
This can artificially enhance oxygen-carrying capacity and endurance, giving horses a performance advantage. Because of this, racing authorities now closely monitor cobalt levels in post-race testing. Cobalt chloride is considered a banned performance-enhancing substance when used in excess.
Only trace amounts of bioavailable cobalt are used in Equilibrium Mineral Mix and Equilibrim B1 Cool Mix to support the natural production of Vitamin B12 in the hindgut. VitaStance and GroStance supplements are designed with this in mind, supplying trace elements like cobalt in the correct ratios to support overall mineral balance and gut health in horses.
Cobalt may be a trace mineral, but it plays a big role in maintaining your horse’s metabolic health and red blood cell production. It’s most effective when supplied as part of a balanced nutritional supplement that supports the body’s interconnected systems. When choosing a supplement, avoid products that offer isolated minerals in high doses.
Instead, look for a formula like Equilibrium that provides comprehensive mineral support, including the right form and amount of cobalt for your horse’s needs.
