using glucometers

[Joie Rowles <Rowles.Joie@mayo.edu>]

Hi all!

I have been following the carbo/glucose thread with interest.  My mare,
having completed her first year in endurance (only have done LDS), will
usually "poop out" in the middle of the second loop for several miles.  She
usually picks up again by the end of the ride.  I don't yet know if it is
mental (we are usually alone) or energy (she doesn't eat much at all) or a
combo.  Anyway, I have a glucometer that I measure our dogs blood glucose
levels with (two diabetic labs!), and have read that this can been done on
the horse during competitions.  My question is how do you get the blood?  A
pin prick method?  Where is the best place to do this on the horse's body?
What is the normal fasting glucose range in horses, and what value would I
be happy seeing during competitions to know that we were slightly
hyperglycemic?  

Joie, Arizona