RE: Electrolyte comparison list.

["Steph Teeter" <steph@endurance.net>]

Here's my electrolyte regime: (disclaimer: electrolyte replenishment

is very important, but if  your horse is not conditioned for the work

and ridden within his ability, then you may have hydration problems

no matter what brand/dosage you use).

 

I use Perform & Win, EnduraMax and LyteNow.

The P&W is 'tastier' and also requires greater amounts to meet the

recommended dosage, so I mix it with their feed instead of

dosing it via syringe. I usually add 1 oz. to their feed - wet

beet pulp/grain mix - starting a couple days before the ride.

I can start preloading that way, and don't have to torture them

(yet) with syringes.

I premix 60 cc syringes with EnduraMax (mixed with Maalox and/or

yoghurt) for use at camp - 1 dose before the ride, and a dose

at every hold.

I pack LyteNow for use on the trail. The syringes are small and

safe (no leaking or spills) so I don't worry about carrying them

with me, and I don't have to worry about mixing stuff on the

trail. LyteNow is definitely more expensive, but if you buy the

3-dose syringes it's not so bad (and I saved the single dose sryinges

and refill them from the 3-dose ones so I don't have to pack the

big ones).

 

Not very scientific as to which brand is better - but mostly based

on practicality, and a shotgun approach - use 'em all. I like the

fact that the LyteNow is so high in potassium, so I make sure I

use it at some point - preferably early in the ride. I try to dose

often - every 10 miles if possible - and if the ride is not too

difficult - high temps, high speed - will still try to dose every

10 miles, but use smaller amounts - 1/3 or 1/2 half doses.

 

Steph