Re: keeping weight on

[Tivers <Tivers@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-03-06 09:50:30 EST, CMKSAGEHIL writes:

<< << If your horse
  drops 50 to 100 lbs, 90% of that is going to be working muscle.  >>
 
 Although you are right about losing the glycogen, Tom, I think that a lot of
the "weight" loss with our endurance horses is the fiber fill and fluid fill
in the gut.  At least enough to make SOME inroads into the 90% figure.  I just
don't think the glycogen replaces by Sunday morning, and my guys seem to have
a fair amount back by then.  Would be fun to try to generate some numbers on
this...  Also, I think your figure might be closer for 50-milers than for
100's.  The slower and farther they go, the more they rely on volatile fatty
acids, although they do most certainly use glycogen, too...
 
 Heidi >>


I was talking longterm weight loss, not temporary performance-related
dehydration and fuel usage. here's a data point: a 1,000lb TB will lose 25-45
lbs in a one minute and thirty five second race. half of that weight will be
gained back by the next morning, and the rest, within three days.

ti