[RC] Biltmore -- First 50 -- Advice Requested - Mike Lewis
I'm planning on riding my first 50 this weekend at
Biltmore. So far this week, we're not off to a good start (loose shoe
tonight--have to see if my farrier can get here tomorrow or Wednesday
morning!) I was wondering if folks can help me with some (loaded)
questions:
- Does it make sense to increase
beet pulp ration slightly in the days preceding the race to improve
hydration?
- Can Biltmore be done without
pads or pour-in pads?
- What can I do to help my horse
during the holds? Beet pulp/apples/carrots during holds seem to work for
us. I don't know if a rump rug is needed given temps expected in the mid
60s during race time.
- How should I electrolyte or
pro-biotic my mare between now and race day, and during the race at
holds?
- Anything else I should
know?
My horse has completed (won one?) 50 mile and
longer distance races. I have raced her three times in LD races since
purchase in November; we've been riding 10-20 miles each weekend since early
February for conditioning, plus the races. Haven't really opened her up;
as a matter of fact, we tend to start late and ride easy. My main concern
is making sure I feed her properly between now and Saturday so she will have
enough gas in the tank for the ride. We will be taking it easy at
Biltmore--not going to try to be competitive this time, as I really want to get
this horse into 100s and wish to treat her as gently as possible so she will
last.
Thanks for everyone's ideas. Had planned to
ask these questions earlier, but have been busy at work. Amazing how the
days jus seem to run together sometimes...
