Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Somebody just gave me a bag of electrolytes for which the first listed
ingredient (not the only one, it has all the other "usual suspects" that
are contained in most commercial electrolyte mixes) is sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda to you and me).  I vaguely recall having heard
sometime in the distant past that, because they run primarily
aerobically, have a tendency to run alkalotic (rather than acidotic like
horses running anaerobically) and consequently antacids (of which sodium
bicarbonate is one) are contraindicated for endurance horses.

So...the short question is, should I use this stuff...for anything (i.e.
before, during, or after competition and/or training) with respect to
electrolyte replacement?

Eg.  Can I use a handful of it (like I sometimes do salt) to add to my
horses' feed on a hot day?

Can I just offer it "free choice" like I do regular salt?

Or should I just chuck it out?

kat
Orange County, Calif.
:)



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