Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Just had a conversation with the coach/trainer of the French endurance
team about horse supplements. He doesn't use ANY! When I pressed him
specifically about e'lytes during a ride like at the WEC in Dubai, he said
they didn't use any. His philosophy is that if the horse is properly
conditioned and has access to the best hay and grain, he needs nothing
else. He said that he experimented with supplements and if the temp was
100 with high humidity, then he would probably use e'lytes. If his results
for the past several years didn't speak for themselves, I would be tempted
to argue, but..... food for thoughts.

Heidi and Liz:  I use electrolytes because I feel like I "should." 
However, Kathy Arnold, whose record speaks for itself (won Tevis, ROC, and
BigHorn, etc.)says we are hurting our horses by all these supplements and
they are not learning how to use their bodies independent of these
artificial aides, etc.  She never uses them.  It's an interesting
conversation and,I'm sure, very controversial.  What about other
"successful" international competitors?  Do they use electrolytes?  Cindy


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