It sounds like you are currently doing everything just right.
It is _IMPOSSIBLE_ to replace all the salt which your horse sweats out during
a ride. He can lose a cup or more of salt during a ride. You cannot feed
him that much in that short a time; his body cannot absorb and distribute it
that quickly.
What we try to do by giving electrolytes pre/during/post ride is to give as
much as the horse can assimilate. A few years back, when electrolyting first
came into vogue, I saw more horses "pickled" by too much salt than I had ever
seen in trouble from too little salt. Luckily, the pendulum has centered a
little and most everybody is using electrolytes responsibly, such as you
describe you are.
Most horses remain dehydrated for days after a ride. During this rehydration
period they also need salt to balance out this additional water intake. It
is very normal for some horses to begin chewing on the salt block for a few
days after a ride. This in no way means you inadequately electrolyted during
the ride. You _might_ try increasing your amount in small increments, but
not necessarily.
Keep in mind that some horses can withstand, and may need, a lot of salt
during a ride, others cannot withstand any. To start with, ask your friends
what works for them. Then work with _your_ horse and learn what works best
for you.
Mike
C. Mike Tomlinson, DVM
Tomlinson Consortium
501-D West Redlands Blvd.
Redlands, CA 92399-4642
(909)307-2369
Fax(909)307-2366
CMikeT@AOL.com
Mike@Tomlinson.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: lcrowley@ctron.com (Lois Crowley)
Sender: owner-endurance@moscow.com
To: endurance@moscow.com
Date: 95-06-20 10:32:01 EDT
A question for the list...
When I go to a ride (multi day CTR) my horse gets electrolyte the night
before
with his feed, again with the morning feed and usually at 15 miles out
(depending on climate conditions and available water). If its hot he gets
another dose after he drinks at the trailer. He seems OK, get good results
on
metabolics BUT when we get home he goes straight to his salt block. (which by
the way he won't even look at when at a ride?) So am I not giving enough
electrolyte at the ride or does he need lose salt added to his feed? He uses
a
mineralized block at home ( 4lbs a month ).
your thoughts....
LoisC
-------------------------------------
Name: Lois Crowley
DNI Product Support
Cabletron Systems Inc.
E-mail: lcrowley@ctron.com
Opinions mine alone!