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Maybe we can take a different view regarding intravenous rehydration of 
horses, whether it takes place at a ride or elsewhere. A little 
understanding of horse physiology might help us all to make better and 
less frantic decisions when it comes to the welfare of our horses. Susan 
G. and Heidi, please forgive me for the imperfect explanation I am about 
to give, and feel free to comment/ critique.
 So much of the horse's healthy bodily functions rely on adequate 
fluids. Each body system uses water a little differently. The nervous 
system uses water as a nutrient conveyor and (with electrolytes) as a 
conductor of electrical messages. The heart uses the fluid properties of 
blood to convey oxygen and nutrients to all body systems. The GI tract 
uses water for fermentation, digestion, proper gut distension, and 
softening of the bowel contents. Extreme exercise affects different 
horses differently, but the truly fit  horse has adapted his system to 
deal more effectively with the bodily changes that occur. He can become 
more efficient with his sweating, learn to drink more frequently, and 
shift fluids to different body compartments and systems more easily than 
an unfit or overstressed horse.  When dehydration begins to set in, the 
systems mentioned above can be adversely affected. The nervous system 
may be affected, and increased, decreased or garbled messages may be 
sent. This could lead to poor coordination (stumbling), increased heart 
rate, sweating, or other neurological symptoms. The heart is affected by 
dehydration since it has to pump blood that is getting ever thicker. 
This causes fatigue in the heart muscle itself, which can increase heart 
rate and can send a "panic" message to the nervous system which may then 
overreact and cause other systems to go into a panic of their own. The 
GI tract can collapse, impact, stop moving, even begin to die if 
dehydration reaches critical levels.
 When fluids are administered, watching the process may remind many of 
us of "medical" or "hospital" procedures. Needles, suspended bags of 
fluids, and concerned caregivers seriously overseeing the process.All 
very scary, because we all know the potential outcome of failed 
treatment. But, putting a horse on fluids, as I understand it, is a form 
of "forced drinking." Since we can't make a horse gorge himself on water 
(not a good idea, anyway)  the vet can use the vascular system as a 
larger absorption mechanism and more direct delivery system to all the 
vital organ functions, and literally save the horse's life by simply 
restoring the fluids these systems need to stay turned on. Yes, it all 
looks very scary, but you'll notice that the vet, while concerned, is 
not scared. Probably because he understands the process, and his 
knowledge and familiarity eliminates the fear. Just like so many things 
in life.
   Prevention, through educated riders, properly conditioned, fed, and 
hydrated horses that are ridden sensibly under the conditions of the 
trail, is the most powerful tool we have to keep our horses healthy and 
safe.  Don't ever hesitate to use intravenous hydration to help  or save 
your horse. Many of the people watching and  whispering are often saying 
things like "Glad it's not me" and "I've been there. I know how 
stressful it can be." Only the idiots are being judgemental,  and by 
definition not worth worrying about.         Bruce Weary



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