Re: New electrolyte regimen

[Truman Prevatt <truman.prevatt@netsrq.com>]

The only time I have had any worries about metabolic issues with Misty was the
1996 Far Out Forest.  I gave her a preload of a dose before we started.  I didn't
usually do that but someone convinced me that it was a good idea.   The last
grain I give is about 8 hours prior to the ride and I include electrolyes in the
grain.  I was told that those electrolytes wouldn't do any good and I needed to
preload right before the ride.

We stopped at 16 miles to let them eat and she wouldn't - this is four legs and a
stomach here.  I started to worry but I did a quick check and she seemed okay.
But I did not electrolyed at that point (probably a very good move).  About 5
miles down the trail we crossed a belly deep stream which she proceeded to drink
down to her ankles.  Fifteen minutes later she picked up a gallop and was once
again her normal obnoxious self.  At the check at 30 miles she was great - ate 3
bails of hay and the straw had right off the vet's head - and ready to rock and
roll.

So while preloading right before a ride may be good for some horses, I won't make
that mistake again.  With horses some peoples "must do is other people mistake."

Truman

CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 98-07-07 03:26:38 EDT, vmaxept@cococo.net writes:
>
> << Angie.. I suggest based on the doseage recommendations you are a bit too
>  lite --- >>
>
> ALL horses are individuals--I have seen horses both over and under-
> electrolyted.  You have to know your horse, and also base your dose on what he
> is drinking and eating that day, as well as the ambient conditions.  Some very
> efficient and voracious eaters and drinkers turn in outstanding performances
> in great shape with little or no electrolytes, even in fairly extreme
> circumstances (and quit eating and/or drinking with administration of them,
> causing them to do worse), while other horses are dead in the water (no pun
> intended) without massive doses.  I find so-called "dosage recommendations" to
> be a very alarming concept--dosage is something you work out for your
> individual horse as you work your way up through the ranks, so that you have
> it figured out as best you can by the time you are going farther, faster, and
> more frequently.
>
> Heidi Smith, DVM


--
Truman Prevatt
Brooksville, FL

Mystic “The Horse from Hell” Storm
Rocket a.k.a. Mr. Misty
Jordy a.k.a. Bridger (when he is good)
Danson Flame