Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Please Reply to: Sheila Larsen Sheila_Larsen@xxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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After the Altanta Olympics where they had such an issue of 
cooling horses down (ice water and fans) I had a long talk
with my vet about it. So at the next ride which was very hot,
at the water spots on the trail I used water all over including
the rump.  I had people telling me in very stern voices that
I was going to cause my horse to cramp-not so. First of all
the water wasn't that cold second we were headed out again so
the muscle were staying warm.  At the lunch stop I  used
ice water until the water coming off the horse was tepid, I
was very careful to check the temp. of the water coming off
the horse to make sure that it wasn't to cold. His vet scores
were great and the next day he looked the best he ever did
after a ride.  I think the caution is to check the water coming
off the horse to make sure that you don't "over cool" and
sponge the water on, don't just dump it on like you would
less cold water. Event riders in the east use the method all the time.  I am 
sure alot of people will disagree, but I would
question their method and remember it used to be thought that
you should never give water to a hot horse.


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