Re: RC: Re: RE: Another (or I missed it) Electrolyte question

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

Yes.....and here's another answer...in SOME cases, giving electrolytes
(being salty) will MAKE your horse thirsty and encourage drinking.  If
you don't believe that, eat a couple of my "Salt Cured Country Ham
Biscuits".  You can USE that to your advantage in some rides that repeat
loops.  One of the things I do in "repeat loop" rides is make a mental
note of where there is copious water the first time I do the loop.  For
example, Leatherwood had water all over the place...100 gallon tanks of
it.  We were electrolyting at 1 hour out on each loop.  Once I had done
the loop once, I would stop and electrolyte "just before" where I knew
there was water. Duane Barnett and I both did that the second time on
the first loop. Sunny and Sassy  would be thirsty from exertion AND
thirsty from the salt in the electrolytes! They stuck their noses in the
first tank they saw up to the nostrils and just sucked it down! Tough as
that ride was, Sunny was straight A's on hydration.  Did get a B+ on
capillary refill at the third check...never did figure that out.  My
experience has been that before capillary refill drops, hydration (skin
tenting) will drop.  Anybody have a clue here? Susan?

Anyway, I follow Susan's advice.  Electrolye when you put him on the
trailer, electrolyte when you get there, electrolyte at the "early"
feeding, and electrolyte which you mount for warmup.  If a loop is over
1 1/2 hours, electrolye at one hour, especially if you KNOW there is
lots of water. He'll just flush any extra anyway.  Just use good
judgement on those loooong loops with no water.  During Leatherwood
Jerry Fruth talked about the National Championship last year in New
Mexico....20 miles with no water....Whew! Bet Irene was a prune! Great
horse!

Jim and Sun of Dimanche

"C. Osborne" wrote:
> 
> yes, there is a medical reson:  you're giving the electrolytes to help the
> body retain fluid and prevent dehydration..AND to replace vital electrolytes
> that are lost with sweat that the horse had to have in order to maintain
> body functions.  Now, giving electrolytes without enough fluid actually
> causes the body to become 'dehydrated' for all intents and purposes. (has to
> do with interstitial/extracellular/intervascular fluid shifts,
> etc....confused yet?)
> 
> Don't worry if this all seems very confusing...it is....actually,
> fluid/electrolyte balance and acid/base balance are two of the most
> difficult concepts in human or animal physiology.  They are both dynamic
> things and dependent upon a myriad of 'if, and, or's.  There is no 100%
> correct answer to cover a set of situations.  Every situation requires a
> different answer to the same question :)
> 
> Corrine
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Anna & Marty D. <diggsma@flash.net>
> To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 9:44 AM
> Subject: RC: RE: Another (or I missed it) Electrolyte question
> 
> > Hello,
> > I've been trying to follow this thread. I have a question. About someone
> >
> > saying NOT to give electrolytes if the horse has not had a drink, why?
> > Is there a medical reason? Please clarify.
> > thanks,
> > anna.
> >
> >
> > > Subject: RC: RE: Electrolyte help?
> > > Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001 13:15:22 -0700
> > > From: "Kathy Mayeda" <kathy_mayeda@atce.com>
> > > To: "Rides 2 Far" <rides2far@juno.com>, <talerra@bellsouth.net>
> > > CC: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
> > > Thanks Cathy for asking and thank you Angie for your answer.
> > > I have been pondering electrolytes since my horse thumped
> > > after my last two 50 completions.  After watching my
> > > horse over the winter and figuring out that he always
> > > stays well tanked up - the rule for not electrolyting until
> > > after he drinks does not work for him.  By the time he
> > > is drinking he is under-electrolyted.  So, Angie, you
> > > having said what you said makes me feel a little more
> > > confirmed on my analysis!
> > >
> > > K.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
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