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Re: [RC] Biltmore -- First 50 -- Advice Requested - rides2far

    - Does it make sense to increase beet pulp ration slightly in 
the days preceding the race to improve hydration?


I wouldn't. Would you want to be water logged starting a marathon? Beet
pulp makes my horse gassy. That can't feel great. :-P There may be
reasons Garlinghouse would say to but I've read in a runner's magazine
that there's an "Optimal running hydration" kind of thing that's a little
below norm. 


    - Can Biltmore be done without pads or pour-in pads?


I've done it *many* times (4 100's, lots more 50's) I think I"ve had pads
once with a flat footed horse. No big deal. The roots'll get ya before
the rocks will.


    - What can I do to help my horse during the holds? 


SHADE! Get a tent of some sort or you'll regret it.

Beet 

pulp/apples/carrots during holds seem to work for us.


I'd rather have good alfalfa than anything.

 I don't know 

if a rump rug is needed given temps expected in the mid 60s during 
race time.


I never ride with a rump rug during competition except after dark. Warm
up, yeah.



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?


Personally, I don't electrolyte until just before the ride starts.
Personal preference. So long as gut sounds are good don't probi. any
more. I over did it once and caused a colic. Will be carrying
electrolytes on long loops.


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.


Pesonally, I'll be cutting *back* on grain starting Thurs. (day before I
leave). Not much grain morning we go. Paranoia about tying up. 

 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.


Best advice I can give you there is when there's a long steep climb don't
be afraid to walk up it. If you let her walk up she'll feel good enough
to gallop along the ridge on top if you want. Your horse can be fairly
cool in the woods and when you get out the heat will hit. Cool water,
shade. Cool water, shade! :-)

Good luck. It's not a bad ride. Enjoy!

Angie



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