Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Top of the Rock-Grain Brained!

> Since we haven't done a 50 miler in 2 years, I also wanted to "top off his
> tank". I read Susan Garlinghouse's 3rd part in her series of how to avoid
a
> metabolic problem, which was about energy levels and decided I would try
to
> give Fly a grain boost for the race.

I'm gonna delete that third part of the series.  Go back and read the FIRST
two parts again, the ones about hydration and gut motility.  The third part
is mostly a "P.S." to the first two parts, especially since you mentioned
Fly has some hydration problems.  It sounds like maintaining energy balance
is NOT an issue for Fly! <g>

Now the
> morning of the race I expected him to behave like the last race we did 3
> weeks ago which was his best ever being always alert to my cues and rating

Sounds like you need to go back to THAT protocol.  :-)  If he finished with
good scores, good hydration and plenty of energy, you don't need to do any
additional energy-boosting (like, yeah, you haven't figured THAT out
already).  BTW, if he's on green pasture, he's got plenty of carbohydrates
already on board from that---good spring pasture provides a lot of sugars.
Believe me, he *already* had a full tank.

It sounds to me like you learned a lot at this ride, and all it cost you was
a completion.  I am NOT the experienced voice of a vast number of miles (and
boy, have I done incredibly dumb things at rides), but everybody makes
mistakes along the way.  Good for you that you called it a day before you
hurt yourself or your horse.

Susan G



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