Ridecamp: Re: [RC] ? - Keeping horse's cool

Thank you so much for the tip.I will invest in one of those.I saw them at
Big 5..
                        Jennifer

----- Original Message -----
From: <DESERTRYDR1@xxxxxxx>
To: <Jenspetsitting@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2002 7:58 PM
Subject: Re: [RC] ? - Keeping horse's cool


> I have a new method for keeping my horse cool, at least I've never heard
of
> any one else using it.  I carry my water in water bottles, I have the
> capacity for 3 or 4 bottles, each about 20 oz.  That's usually enough to
get
> me through a ride, especially a 25 miler, or especially if some of the vet
> checks are in camp.  I also carry a water backpack, like a Camelback but
not
> that brand.  It has a 70 oz. capacity.  I use it to put water on my
horse's
> shoulders and neck and even on her flanks.  It has a long (30") hose with
a
> bite valve, which I can squeeze on to her neck or flanks, then spread the
> water around a bit with my  hand so it doesn't all run off.  That way the
> horse is not using as much body fluid for cooling.  It's not as effective
as
> sponging, but it's easy to do out on the trail between water, is pretty
> sparing of water, and if I run out of people water I can drink it.  I also
> carry a sponge, and sponge at every water.  Repeat SPONGE AT EVERY WATER.
> Thanks Angie, you've taught me well.
>
> Have not done a REALLY hot ride with this setup, but I rode my Arab mare
> about 20 miles conditioning when it was 100-105 degrees out and she didn't
> ever seem uncomfortably hot, and wasn't very dehydrated by skin tenting
and
> mucous membrane check.  There was only one spot where she could actually
> drink, because we rode in the desert next to an irrigation ditch, and some
> kind endurance rider had a bucket with rope attached hidden next to the
> ditch.  jeri


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