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RE: [SPAM] [RC] Electrolytes - heidiIt was pointed out to me at the last ride (my first! *grin*) that the horse needs it's electrolytes replenished when doing long distances, especially in warm weather. I already knew this. But what I didn't know is what to use, and that there are electrolytes mixes specifically for endurance horses! What is unfortunately NOT pointed out often enough is that electrolytes are present in food (especially in forages) and that horses that eat well consume more than enough electrolytes to replenish all but the worst of electrolyte losses. My best advice is not to start experimenting with e-lyte mixes until you have ridden a few rides at a moderate pace and have given your horse an opportunity to allow mild deficits to encourage him to eat and drink better on his own. Most of the "hitting the wall" that is popularly attributed to lack of e-lytes is really due to lack of energy. Allowing some time for your horse to get used to the excitement of the sport and to learn to eat well in spite of it is key. Horses that eat well tend to drink well, too. We use NO e-lyte supplements in our horses, and many top riders do not use them, either, except perhaps in extreme situations. The French--noted for their international successes--use few or no e-lyte supplements, but instead rely upon good horse selection, good training, and good management. While there are a few horses that truly need supplementation in most conditions, and many that benefit from supplementation in extreme conditions, you need to first get to know your horse before you start using supplements. Electrolytes are NOT completely innocuous--they CAN be overdone and cause problems. So take your time, ride a few more rides, see how your horse does as you learn good management skills and your horse learns the ropes--and then make decisions about whether or when to use e-lytes. Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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