ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Akhal Tekes, electrolytes, and skin response

[endurance] Akhal Tekes, electrolytes, and skin response

Lari Shea (larishea@mcn.org)
Tue, 04 Jun 1996 23:34:24 -0700

Since I'm producing the Mendocino 25 & 50 mile endurance rides this weekend,
this note will be short...(but let's "kibbutz" later, Desiree)

I have found that horses with thick skin and a layer of subcutaneous fat
have a fast skin tenting response. Horses with thin skin and little or no
subcutaneous fat tend to have skin more like parchment paper, and slower
response times. This is a general statement, of course....

My three Akhal Tekes fall into the latter category in terms of skin thinness
and lack of body fat..... But in the 4 twenty five mile competitions I've
taken my stallions to, they have been terrific drinkers, and had great
hydration recovery rates. Of course, we'll have to see how they do on 50's
when they are older.

I do, however, believe in using electrolytes before a race, at all vet
checks, and afterwards, as long as the horse is drinking "sufficiently".
Gayle Ecker has written extensively and conclusively on the
subject....results from research conducted through Guelph University (is
that how it's spelled?) at the ROC and other big races. Gayle...can you
tell folks on the list exactly where to find the stuff you've had published?

Most vets will consider the many and various tests for dehydration in
evaluating a horse...skin tent response, capillary refill, jugular refill,
gut sounds, mucus membrane color and moistness....if cap and jug refill are
normal, gut sounds are good, and mucus membranes are healthy, a SLIGHTLY
slow skin response would probably not be cause for great concern...just
noted and checked carefully to see how hydration progresses.

Looks like a cool, sunny forecast for the Mendocino rides....hope to meet a
lot of you there this weekend!

Lari

Lari Shea http://www.horse-vacation.com
Ricochet Ridge Ranch Riding Vacations on the Mendocino Coast with
24201 North Highway One Lodging at Unique B&B Inns; International Riding
Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Akhal Teke and Russian Orlov/cross horses
707-964-7669ph/ 707-964-9669 fax At stud: RRR Stolichnaya & RRR Russia