What is stocking up?

Lancette M Koerner (lancette@juno.com)
Tue, 22 Oct 1996 02:23:22 EDT

Dear Ride Camp Subscribers,

I am new to the wonderful sport of Endurance Riding and this group.
We completed our first Limited Distance ride on October 5, 1996 in
Prescott, Arizona. My horse is having a problem that I would like some
input on.

For the past couple weeks I have noticed his rear legs, pastern to ankle
and a bit up the cannon, are swelling up the day following a work out.
He doesn't show any signs of lameness, and the swelling goes down with
some exercise. I have talked to a few people, and have been told he
is stocking up. I have read that a diet too high in protein can
cause it. I've changed his morning feeding from alfalfa to grass hay
and next week I'll change his evening feeding to grass as well. I
have also used Roger's liniment and a wrap after riding . That helped.

The real question is, what is "Stocking-up"? Why is this happening, and
what more can I do to keep it from happening?

Sincerely,

Lancette Koerner
Mesa, Arizona