Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Regarding a full body wash after a ride, remember that if the solution 
is too cold either because of actual temperature, or the effects of 
evaporative cooling, the majority of the surface blood vessels will 
constrict, actually trapping core heat , and the cooling process may 
actually be hindered rather than helped. In addition, the sympathetic 
nervous system my become stimulated, causing an increase in heart rate 
and further vasoconstriction.
  To test this, jump in a cold swimming pool and see what happens to 
your heart rate and fingers and toes.  Probably better to use warmer 
water if you're rinsing the entire body, or cooler water to the major 
vessels (neck and legs) until the horse is fully recovered. Then, a few 
hours later he might enjoy a full bath. I know my horse does. You should 
see the ring he leaves on the bathtub, though.
   Bruce Weary


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=