Re: Carbos -- a different view

[Tivers@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-06-25 14:02:57 EDT, jlong@mti.net writes:

<< My concern for improper use of carbos is a different one.  Running
 horses too fast before they're ready is already a significant problem
 in our sport.  A horse's cardiovascular system and muscles train
 faster than his skeletal system.>

This is true

>  A good horse can be able to run "up
 front" after only a few months conditioning, while it takes two years
 or more to toughen up the joints and bones to withstand that stress
 over time.  When this is done (too fast too soon) we too often see
 "one-season wonders" who are world-beaters for a while and then fade
 from the scene.
 
 Carbos can be one more tool to get a horse to first-to-finish times
 sooner, before he's ready.  That's why I've said that I will try carbo
 loading someday, but not now, because Nykoss can already run a ride
 faster than his joints are ready for.  If you're holding your horse's
 speed back, you don't need speed enhancers.
  >>

Well, carbs, as have been used by some ridecampers, aren't making that big a
difference. Basically, they reduce fatigue--don't necessarily provide for more
absolute speed.  
ti