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RE: [RC] electrolyte question from a newbie - heidiThere are lots of differing opinions, this is mine--- which is based on endurance research data and a background in physiology, not from thousands of miles personally ridden in competition. So it's FWIW. My advice is to start electrolyting before you load the horse in the trailer. A dose a few hours before you load, to hopefully encourage the horse to drink before you leave (remember that increased plasma sodium triggers a thirst response, which is a handy mechanism). Another dose when you reach base camp, again to encourage some drinking at camp, especially if the water is 'strange' and your horse turns up his nose at new flavors. I'll take the differing viewpoint here, based on a reasonable amount of competition and on vetting a bazillion rides. I don't like to see new horses electrolyted at all, until they have some slow mileage under their belts and have had a chance to adapt to the work you are asking them to do. In my experience, there are a considerable number of horses that go off feed with the addition of any e-lytes, and going off feed causes more harm than the e-lytes do good. My recommendation is to ride conservatively with any new horse, give your horse every opportunity to eat and drink, and see how he does. If over time, you feel that he in particular needs e-lytes, that is the time to start experimenting with them. FWIW, I've campaigned two PNER mileage champions and have done a reasonable amount of Top Ten riding, and do not e-lyte at all. In the two blood draw studies in which I've been able to participate, my horses have been among the most normal parameters of those drawn. At the ride where one of those studies was done, my non-elyted horse was 1st and BC on a 75-miler on a hottish and rather humid day. Bottom line--you REALLY need to know your own horse before you start messing with e-lytes, and if you start using them from the git-go, you never do learn what he REALLY needs. Or doesn't need... Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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