High Mileage Horses -- Summary

[DreamWeaver <karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us>]

I've gotten quite a few private responses, and some people indicating that
they are also interested in what people have to say.  So here are a few of
the basics:

Feed good quality hay; always keep hay in front of the horse.

Increase the amount of grain to compensate for the work load.  Add oil if
have trouble keeping weight on. A lot of people use LMF endurance ener-G
feed.  

Don't over-ride the horse.  Plenty of rest before and after each
competition is in order.  Try and space each ride at least two or more
weeks apart.  

Ride conservatively.  Some special horses (like Joe's) can race all season
and do high mileage, but most generally feel it is better for the horses if
they go at a more conservative pace.  

Maintenance.  Have a blood panel workup done before the start of the
season.  Ice the legs after each ride.  Take good care of the horses feet.
Some have chiropractic work done on their horses, and/or massage. 

Adequan and oral gags.  Adequan seems to be the product of choice..with
most giving it once per month during the competition season.  Others give
it at different intervals, but it seems to be used at least as much as the
oral gags, or else in addition to the oral stuff.

Tack.  Proper saddle and tack fit is very important, and changes may need
to be made during the season.  

I just got my yearbook and looked up some stats.  In 1997, a total of 22
horses went 1,000 miles or more.  Separated by region as follows:

Central           0
MW                2
MT                1
NW                4
SE                0
SW               10
W                 5

If one of those horses is yours - Congratulations!!!  It's a lot of hard
work and you earned it...one mile at a time :-). 

Happy Trails,

Karen
in Gardnerville
& Dream Weaver, 1505 miles
& Rocky, 400 :-)