Ridecamp: Re: [RC] carbohydrate fuel

> (I have never really pre-loaded. I really think that sets you up for a
> tie..

It depends on what you consider pre-loading.  Dumping alot of carbohydrates
into the horse before a ride without some easy exercise to keep the muscle
cells humming just a bit---yes, I agree, you're asking for a tie-up, some
horses more than others (PSSM, etc).  I also think trying to super-load
muscle cells in horses is not worth the risk, according to the research
published.  But virtually any decent ration, even just from adequate fiber,
and a decreased energy demand before a ride will nicely top up the glycogen
storage tanks and set you up for the ride.
 Those horses with that have the far away
> look at a VC are very low in blood glucose. They rest eat and levels come
up
> and they look fine..

Yes---although it's worth adding that you can also get that 'far-away' look
if there are other troubles brewing, ie dehydration, colicky, etc.  I
wouldn't want anyone to get the impression that a shot of glucose will cure
*all* ills in an endurance horse in trouble (and I know you weren't implying
that).  Although restoring normal glucose levels is virtually always part of
stabilizing a crashing horse.

>but IF  we find great grass, I stop for 60 sec
> and let him eat - as long as he eats we stay.. <snip>> I carry one bag of
those small carrots in a small belt bag along with > the peppermint candy. >
<snip>I will offer sweet feed also. > <snip>Then try to get to the hay or
grass.. <snip>. I may, if things are going right, give a dose of carbs > on
the way to the VC. Remember I get a dextrose load > from the elytes.


Bottom line, aside from the carb supplements themselves, your horse is
getting food stuffed down his throat dozens of times during a ride---all of
them good sources of carbs, fiber, fluids, etc etc etc.  Perfect.  I think
your protocol demonstrates very nicely that the carb supplements themselves
are the icing on the cake---not the entire cake, eh? :-))

Susan G



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