Equine Salt Licks: Rope Licks vs Holder Licks
Last updated November 1, 2026
Equine salt licks come in two common setups: rope licks that hang from a beam, post, or stall ring, and holder licks that sit in a cup or bracket fixed to the wall. Rope licks move with the barn and work in pastures and sheds. Holders keep a lick still, dry, and off the floor in one stall.
Key Takeaways
- Rope licks hang at head height and go anywhere you can tie a knot.
- Holder licks stay fixed to one wall and drip less onto bedding.
- Natural Salt Co. equine salt licks weigh about 6 lbs each and ship with a hanging rope.
- The 8-pack is the lowest price per lick at $7.50, or about $1.25 per pound.
- Ask your vet how much salt your horse needs, and keep clean water close to the lick.
What Are Equine Salt Licks?
Equine salt licks are solid blocks of salt that horses lick when they want sodium. A Natural Salt Co. Himalayan salt lick for horses is a 6 lb block of pink rock salt with a rope for hanging. Horses lick it at their own pace, so it sits in the stall or field all day.
The University of Minnesota Extension advises horse owners to keep salt available at all times and notes that horses regulate their own salt intake (UMN Extension). The same guide says a 1,000 lb horse drinks about 10 to 12 gallons of water a day. Every horse is different, so check your horse's salt and mineral plan with your vet.
For a wider look at herds and barns, see Natural Salt Co.'s guide to Himalayan salt licks for horses and livestock.
How Do Rope and Holder Equine Salt Licks Compare?
Rope equine salt licks win on flexibility, while holder licks win on tidiness. A rope lick can hang in a stall, a run-in shed, or on a fence post. A holder is screwed to one wall and keeps the lick in a fixed spot. Many barns use both.
| Feature | Rope lick | Holder lick |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Tie to a beam, ring, post, or gate | Screw a cup or bracket to a wall |
| Best place | Pasture, run-in shed, trailer, stall | Indoor stall |
| Movement | Can swing when bumped | Stays still |
| Drips and mess | Drips fall where it hangs | Cup catches most drips |
| Moving it | Untie and rehang in seconds | Needs tools to move |
| Extra parts | Rope ships with Natural Salt Co. licks | Holder bought separately |
| Check often | Rope wear and knot | Screws and cup edges |
Tip: before buying a holder, measure its cup against the lick. A cup that is too small leaves the lick loose, and a loose lick can fall.
When Is a Horse Salt Lick on a Rope the Better Choice?
A horse salt lick on a rope is the better choice when you move horses between places, or when there is no flat wall to mount a holder. Hang it at the horse's head height, in shade if it is outdoors, and tie it short so it can't swing far.
Rope licks shine in pastures and run-in sheds. Tie one to a post near the water trough, and the herd finds it fast. In a shared field, the product page suggests spreading licks across more than one spot so every horse can reach one. That matters with a bossy horse that guards the only lick.
Rope licks also travel well. A lick goes from trailer to stall in a minute, which helps horses that move between barns for shows or races. You can read more in our post on salt licks for racehorses.
When we pack lick orders in Cockeysville, each block goes out with its own rope, so you can hang it the day it arrives. Check the knot and rope every week or two, since horses can chew or loosen it.
When Does a Holder Make More Sense?
A holder makes more sense in a stall where the horse stays most of the day. Fixed to the wall, the lick stays still, and the cup catches drips before they reach the bedding. Mount it at head height, away from the feed tub and water bucket.
Holders help with horses that bat or push a hanging lick. A still lick gets licked, not played with. They also keep the lick off a wet floor. Look for a holder with smooth edges, and fixings set flush to the wall.
The trade-off is that a holder stays put. If you rotate stalls or turn out often, you may end up buying a holder for each stall. Some owners keep a holder in the stall, and a rope lick in the field.
Tip: set the holder a little to one side of the stall door, not right beside it. Horses often stand at the door to watch the aisle, and a lick in that spot gets bumped by heads and halters. A side wall near the corner keeps it in reach but out of the traffic.
How Many Equine Salt Licks Should You Buy?
One lick per stall or shared pasture spot is a good starting point. The product page says a lick lasts several weeks to months, depending on how much your horses use it. Buy enough for every stall and field spot, plus one or two spares.
Prices checked November 1, 2026. Per-lick and per-pound prices are our own math (pack price divided by licks, then by 6 lbs).
| Pack | Price | Per lick | Per pound | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $14.99 | $14.99 | $2.50 | 6 lbs |
| Pack of 2 | $21.00 | $10.50 | $1.75 | 12 lbs |
| Pack of 4 | $34.99 | $8.75 | $1.46 | 24 lbs |
| Pack of 8 | $60.00 | $7.50 | $1.25 | 48 lbs |
All four packs are in our animal salt lick block collection. A two-horse barn does well with salt lick blocks in a pack of 4: two in use and two on the shelf. Larger barns can stock an 8-pack of salt lick blocks at the lowest price per lick. To test one first, try Natural Salt Co.'s rope-hung salt lick block.
Common Mistakes With Equine Salt Licks
- Hanging it too high or too low. Head height lets the horse lick without stretching or stepping on the rope.
- Long rope loops. A long loop swings and can tangle. Tie it short.
- Placing it next to feed. Drips can land in the grain. Give it its own spot.
- Leaving it in full sun and rain. The product page suggests shade for outdoor licks.
- Forgetting water. Keep clean water near any salt lick.
- Not watching use. A lick that vanishes fast, or never gets touched, is worth a call to your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 6 lb horse salt lick last?
The product page says a Natural Salt Co. lick lasts several weeks to months. Use depends on the horse, the season, its feed, and how many horses share the lick. Hot weather and hard work often mean more licking. Replace it once it is worn down far enough that the rope can slip off.
Can a Himalayan salt lick for horses stay outside?
Yes. The Natural Salt Co. lick is listed as weather-resistant for outdoor use, and the product page suggests a shaded spot. Rain still wears salt away faster, so a run-in shed or covered post is a good place. Check the rope after storms, since wet rope can stretch or loosen.
Do I need a holder if my lick comes with a rope?
No. The rope is enough to hang the lick at head height in a stall, shed, or field. A holder is an extra that some owners add in stalls to keep the lick still and catch drips. If you buy one, measure the cup against the lick before you mount it.
Should a horse lick a salt block every day?
Many horses visit a salt lick daily, but intake varies a lot. University of Minnesota Extension notes that horses regulate their own salt intake when salt is on hand. Keep fresh water close by, and ask your vet if your horse licks much more or much less than usual.
The Bottom Line
Pick rope licks for pastures, sheds, and travel, and add a holder in stalls where you want a still, tidy lick. Hang every lick at head height, keep water close, and check with your vet on salt needs. Get that right, and your equine salt licks do their job with little upkeep.