 |
Re: [RC] Electrolytes - JenOK, so we have only done one at a "longer" distance - 25 miles. So far her appetite was JUST FINE!!! (I like to call her "Chunky Monkey", it suits her looks and personality!) She drank OK on the trail and ate everything in front of her - just grass hay, some apples and alfalfa pellets for treats (at halfway hold and after ride). Gotlands can get fat on thistles and air - so they are on a pretty restricted diet - usually just grass hay, and careful of amount of grazing she does - the breeder had a mare founder on too much grass - and so is very careful. She ate probably equivalent hay to 1-2 flakes (from a small square bale). She sweated a lot, so that is why they recommended giving her some electrolytes (they being other riders, and vet said OK to give since you cannot overdose on electrolytes, will just excrete extra - so long as is otherwise fine!) She wasn't at all tired, just wet and hungry and thirsty after the ride. Her gut sounds decreased to a B after the ride (A's at beginning and hold). What does this indicate to you? Tiredness, therefore gut shutting down, not lack of e-lytes? I do understand you can overdo electroytes, especially if dehydrated. What other damage can high levels cause? You said there are electrolytes in forage, are there still high enough levels in hay? Or is it stronger in grass? So, would a good plan be to not buy any, ride a few rides, see how she does, and borrow some if needed on a ride? Are they that expensive? Or should I have some on hand, just in case she might need? My personality is a "just in case" kinda girl, I'd rather spend a bit extra, and have something on hand (I hate mooching!) And if I never need, that's just fine with me! Oh, this electrolyte thing is confusing me! Sorry if I am asking too many questions! Jen From: Steph Teeter <stephteeter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> I want to heartily second what Heidi has said here!! While horses can and do develop electrolyte deficiencies in our sport, the most common metabolic problems are exhaustion (lack of energy) and dehydration. And often the reason a horse quits eating is because of exhaustion - when energy is low and muscles fatigue, blood is shunted to the muscles, at the expense of the stomach and intestines and the gut will 'shut down'. If you are new to the sport, learn about your horse gradually - and with fitness and experience you will develop a better feeling for your horse's capability and needs. StephOn Apr 29, 2008, at 10:47 AM, heidi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:What is unfortunately NOT pointed out often enough is that electrolytes are present in food (especially in forages) and that horses that eat well consume more than enough electrolytes to replenish all but the worst of electrolyte losses. Allowing some time for your horse to get used to the excitement of the sport and to learn to eat well in spite of it is key. While there are a few horses that truly need supplementation in most conditions, and many that benefit from supplementation in extreme conditions, you need to first get to know your horse before you start using supplements. Electrolytes are NOT completely innocuous--they CAN be overdone and cause problems. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|