Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

  This discussion is interesting, and shows that it is increasingly 
difficult to make valid conclusions about electrolyte use. There are so 
many variables and conflicting anecdotal experiences, that trial and 
error and drawing on the consistent successful experience of high 
mileage riders seems as good as any strategy. Some other things to 
consider are the fact that the post-mortems on more than 90% of the 
horses that have died in the last few years at endurance rides showed no 
evidence of ulcers. But we *have* had more than a few ruptured stomachs. 
A very experienced rider recently expressed their suspicion to me that 
horses that have gluttonous appetites at vet checks might be at risk of 
causing overfilling of the stomach, and that this, accompanied with 
lowered hind gut motility, dehydration or other factors might possibly 
contribute to colic or other GI catastrophes. It makes some sense to me.
 I don't think elyte supplementation should be considered "medicinal" 
or "remedial" unless they are being given IV by a vet. I use elytes in 
moderation throughout a ride, only after a drink, and I think it keeps a 
healthy system functioning, and assures thirst at the next water. 
Clearly, individual idiosyncrasies exist from horse to horse. Possibly, 
genetically superior horses, with the benefit of superior conditioning, 
may be able to without elytes and not suffer in their performance. My 
mare's performance increased remarkably when I began using them again. 
Everything got better--drinking, eating, recoveries, impulsion, speed, 
and recovery after the ride. That's just my one rat study. But then, I 
have ridden lots of different rats over the years.    Dr Q


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