IVs at Tevis

["Joan Dowis" <jdowis@foothill.net>]

There were 26 horses treated at Robinson Flat by IV therapy.  There was one
other horse treated by IV later in the ride.  The horses that were seen at
Foresthill on IVs were those brought down from Robinson Flat and continued
with the therapy.  The veterinarians are treating aggressively to be on the
safe side.  This, however, is rider option.  The rider has the right to
refuse treatment or limit it.

There were other metabolic pulls, but until all of the statistics are
gathered and coordinated from the vet cards and other sources, we can't be
sure of the reasons for the individual pulls, as all of them weren't
metabolic

The same is true for information on the experience of the horses and riders
in the IV group.

The chief veterinarian, Jamie Kerr, advised the participants at the pre-ride
meeting to ride conservatively in order to avoid metabolic problems.  This
advice was in large part ignored.  Although the ride started 15 minutes
later than usual, the majority of the riders were into Robinson Flat more
than 15 minutes earlier than usual.  At least, that is what preliminary data
appears to indicate.  Statistics are currently being compiled on all of
these particulars, and will be available from the Tevis office eventually.
Normally, this information is sent to all of the riders.

The opinion information as to cause available at this point from the
veterinarians is overriding on the part of the riders.  Whether this is due
to inexperience or "race fever" or both may not ever be known to a
certainty.  There are options being considered by WSTF to possible lessen
this in the future, but riders ultimately have to be responsible for the way
they ride.

Joan Dowis