Re: RC: Re: one of your type discussions on ridecamp now

[BMcCrary27@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/15/1999 8:26:21 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com writes:

<< Keeping the gut functioning in the distance athlete has the medical aspect 
of 
 preserving his life, too.  If you don't keep that gut moving, he comes apart 
 at the seams metabolically.  And as long as the gut is moving, he is 
 producing VFA's.  This is not a matter of "sludge" fuel--it is fuel that is 
 there as long as the horse is functioning in a manner compatable with health 
 and survival.  While it isn't the entire picture by any means, it is, 
 nonetheless, an important part of the energy equation in the aerobic equine 
 athlete.  To try to solve the energy equation without figuring it in is 
 simply ignoring how the horse functions. >>

Heidi, I once had a small Arab that did some nice work for me on the 
endurance trail for about 2-3 years, then began to slow down and fail.  I had 
a blood panel done, I supplemented him with Lixotinic, and eventually (what 
really scared me) he came into a vet check at 69 miles out of a 100 with a 
purple line around the gums.  (Can't remember what this was called, but it 
seemed to be lack of good circulation in some manner.)  What do you suppose 
was happening, why did it come on progressively over a couple of years, and 
(perhaps not related) what do you recommend as a good feeding program during 
a ride?  I follow your veterinary input on Ridecamp with great interest.

Barbara


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