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RE: [SPAM] Re: [RC] electrolytes? - heidi

 On race day, the theory is that you attempt to replace lost salts as the 
race progresses, but this can be problematic--you really don't know how much 
is being lost and you can overshoot the mark and end up causing more trouble 
than you're solving. Osmosis works both ways--too much salt in the gut causes 
dehydration of the tissues you're trying to support. 
 
 Serious EU endurance competitors are using 6-parameter monitoring devices 
that include body temp. Even then, though, it is questionable that the act of 
feeding more electrolytes in a crisis situation solves more problems than it 
causes. If the horse can't sweat, due to electrolyte insufficiency, then body 
temp will rise. On the other hand, if the horse can't sweat due to 
dehydration, then feeding more electrolytes may work to increase dehydration. 
Once you reach that "bonking point", whatever its cause, the game, for that 
horse, that day, is over and there's nothing you can do thereafter but stop 
or risk the animal's life by attempting to "finish and win". 
 
 You mentioned the burning with overdoses of elytes, but there are other, 
more subtle problems as well--the development of ulcers, mineral imbalances, 
and, worst of all, misdirection as to the actual causes of the 70 mile 
"bonk". 
 
 There are many factors that play upon this 70-mile crash that is so common, 
only one of them having to do with electrolytes. But electrolytes have been 
pronouced, by some, to be the primary solution--so the lemmings pound the 
electrolytes into the horses and proceed in blissful ignorance, under the 
impression that they're doing "the right thing" for their horses. 


Gol-lee, for one Ti has it right.

Heidi


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