Electrolyte question

["RACHAEL WARD" <rward@admin.hilconet.com>]

Hi guys,
	I've got a question or two, it sounds like things have really changed in
the 3 years since I 've done LD's.  Back then I had a horse who WOULDN'T
drink, he scared me to death regularly by not drinking from the time we
arrived in camp (night before) until 1/2 way through the 2nd loop the next
day.  I was advised to:
A.  Start electrolyting him 2 days before, 1 ounce 2x daily (which of
course I did, I didn't know any different) Supposedly this would "tank him
up", this advice was given by 100 milers who I considered to be The Experts
B. If he wouldn't drink, electrolyte him it'll make him thirsty, (okay, I
know better now)
C. Don't use those store bought electrolytes, make your own using 1/3 salt,
1/3 light salt and 1/3 dolomite (don't know about this, but am using
Enduralyte to be on the safe side)
Side note, he did get all A's and B's on his vet card for hydration and I
sponged like a maniac to keep him cool.
So, Sunny and I need to know when to give the first dose of electrolytes if
she's drinking right, of course.  
Also, can I add Tums to Enduralyte or do I need to get some dolomite?  I've
heard that Enduralyte doesn't have enough calcium and a horse could get the
"thumps".
I'm not planning on going very fast on this 25, I've been conditioning on
the flat and this ride is in some pretty darn steep hills.  I will
definately be VERY conservative and back of the pack.  Humidity and heat
shouldn't be much of a factor, I've done this ride 3 times and it's been
pretty cool weather wise.
Susan, anybody, any advice?  I really don't know much about electrolyting
and I would rather err on the safe side.
One more thing, how much dolomite needs to be added per ounce of
electrolytes?
Thanks in advance, Rachael & Sunny & Cien


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