Re: RC: Re: Electrolyes by syringe are a no-no!

[Monika Smith <smithpr@cadvision.com>]

Hi Judith!

I think what you need to ask yourself is this:  Is your horse an 
athlete? If yes, then, you need to think in how to help your horse be 
as athletic as possible before during and after exercise. Otherwise, 
we are doing a glorified trail ride with vets.

Does your horse sweat?  Do you exercise for two hours at a time? Is 
he trailered? If so, then you really need to top up the electrolytes 
that he gets from feed. Yes, some horses need less topping up than 
others and other 'seem' to.

But, be aware, the horses cooling system needs more than water. If 
there is a comparison, it's not like the old water in the radiator, 
but anti-freeze, coolant in the system, except, that there's a leak 
in the system and not as 'closed' as it is in a car. And you need 
constant monitoring.

I used to say that horses don't lie.  But, nobody seems to understand 
that concept.  So, I now say that humans are blind deaf and dumb when 
it comes to horses. Often they are yelling and screaming at us, 
quietly or not so quietly that they're sick and uncomfortable for the 
lack of enough electrolytes in their system.  They may be lame (we 
blame it on rocks or a mis-step), sore (rode to hard), tired, 
(ditto), uncooperative, unresponsive, dawdling, ears back, grimacing, 
all because they don't have enough electrolytes in their systems 
(although they may be drinking). A 9 hour 100 mile race can use up to 
30 - 40 ounces of electrolytes!  And, you better have a liter of 
water going with that once of electrolyte!

Not to alarm you, but, Gayle Ecker, in Canada has a database of over 
500 endurance horses and has spoken volumes on the care and 
maintenance of endurance horses.  The majority of folks have NO idea 
how to electrolyte properly.  A whole bunch of bad science has been 
invented trying to electrolyte.

So, yes you can train your horse to take electrolytes.  It is 
absolutely vital that you get those electrolytes in him if he's going 
to work, or working hard.  He will feel much better for it and you 
will have better performance out of him!  Especially if you keep up 
the electrolytes regime AFTER the ride!  If you use a good 
electrolyte, like Perform 'n Win which is balanced and quick into a 
horses system, you will be rewarded with a horse that eats and drinks 
heartily on the trail.  A horse should be hungry in any kind of 
endurance ride!  He needs that tummy full and that gut going--a horse 
that is not eating at a ride is a horse that may be in trouble.

I've seen the most horrific characters do what their handlers wanted 
(and these cases were so bad, they were going to be put down). These 
are psych techniques (like clicker training) that work if you do them 
step by step and take time for the training. Most people are far too 
much in a hurry and don't watch their horses enough to back off, go 
forward or continue.

We really CAN be smarter than our horses, and in a sport as tough as 
endurance, we need to be, cause once those horses stop eating and 
drinking, we need a vet to get that horse back to good health.

Anyway, GOOD LUCK!  You can do it!

Cheers

Monika





>Judith Stirling alan_judith@talk21.com
>Hi folks,
>
>Living here in Wales, UK, & competing at lower levels of endurance 
>rides (not this year though due to FMD!), I have been very 
>interested in all the talk of getting electrolytes into your horse - 
>OK is horse accepts syringe - what if like my Arab gelding , Jet, 
>you can't get near his mouth at all with a syringe or not (ride him 
>in a bitless bridle) - any ideas as to how to electrolye him on the 
>trail greatly appreciated!!!  He does not really like sugar beet & 
>only has a small appetite & is very suspicious of anything 
>new/strange!  He will however when on trail drink from the most 
>revolting puddles & stuff himself with grass given the chance.
>
>All ideas most greatfully recieved!!!
>
>Judith
>
>
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