rides in the heat

[tina hicks <tina@liveonthenet.com>]

Truman wrote:
>I don't know of any rides that have been called off because of heat.
>The first
>thing one needs to do is take sponging lessons from Angie. Her rates are
>reasonable, but she is a perfectionist who stubbornly insist hers is
the only
>way to sponge.  The other key is to electrolyte early and often.

You know what's interesting? The absolutely hottest rides I've been to
have not been the ones where people get into trouble - it's the rides
like Truman mentioned where you get a hot day before hot days are the norm.

I did the GERA classic 2 years ago with Tony in August - had a good ride
all the way around - just cruised around slowly, Tony ate, drank, etc
well all day.

But I kept thinking the whole day "man, it seems to be extra hot" today.
Well....on the way home Sunday, I found out it had been close to 100 on
ride day (with our normal steambath humidity)!  The odd thing is I don't
remember anyone having to be treated for metabolics - you'd think they'd
be lined up like a MASH unit in the trees but they weren't.

By the time we are into this time of the year it's hot and well all know
it - we ride/act acoordingly. It's when it sneaks up on you that you
tend to see more horses in distress.

Tina - give me heat over cold any day