Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Thanks, Truman.  In reading your response I realized that I was getting thumps mixed up with tying up!  So, I guess my question really goes towards a horse that has tied up - keep 'em moving or keep 'em still?

 

Rae

Tall C Arabians - SE Tx

Truman Prevatt <tprevatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Thumps is caused by an electrolyte imbalance. It is normally accompanied by dehydration. The nerve that controls the heart runs across the diaphragm. When an electrolyte imbalance occurs the nerves become irritable and the diaphragm nerves will fire when the nerves to the hears causes it to beat. Hence the breathing is synchronized to the heart beat. It should be treated with a minimum of electrolytes several times in an hour  if the horse is drinking and eating and fluids spiked with electrolytes if not drinking and eating.  It is a sign of both dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and the horse should be watched and given electrolytes on a regular basis for the next 24 to 48 hours.

Truman

Rae Callaway wrote:

Ok, obviously A, but one question about thumps - should you try to keep the horse moving or keep them still?

 

Rae

Tall C Arabians - SE Tx

SamahaArabians@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

Here's a silly thought...what if all newbies had to answer some basic common sense questions (kind of like driver's license questions) about horses, riding, safety, health and if they don't get a certain percentage right, we can refuse them entry into a ride?     Hmmmmm...
If your horse starts to thump, you should
A.  seek help from the vet immediately
B.  whack him between the ears and tell him to stop it
C.  get off and stomp your feet in time to his rhythm
OK, I'm being a smart aleck here but it sure could have some merits and we could leave it up to individual ride managers...it's not a rule, it's a TOOL.  And, of course, we all know more rules are the last thing anyone wants in AERC.  Ride managers already have the option of making stricter rules or requirements at their own rides and can limit entries for various reasons based on space, etc.  If nothing else, maybe it would help some riders see how ignorant they really are about the sport and how much they have to learn!  No flames please as I started this post mostly in fun but then it didn't seem so dumb after all.  Actually, maybe some oldbies should take it, too.  

Miles of smiles,
Maggie