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1. There are no absolutes. How each horse handles the altitude will vary,
dependent on several factors, including:
A. Condition (obviously!);
B. Amount of change (base elevation of the horse (where it is
coming from) subtracted from the event elevation);
C. Hydration, electrolite balance, and feeding prior to and during
the event (several vets emphasized the need for good trailering practices
getting to the event, primarily:
Getting the horse out of the trailer to walk around every
4-6 hours;
Giving electrolites before and during extended trailering times;
Making sure the horse has the opportunity to drink during
all stops, etc.;
Properly wrapping the legs for support and safety
(important, but no relation to effects of altitude, however!).)
D. Consistency or change of elevation(s) during the event (is the
course at altitude relatively flat or does it constantly climb and
drop)-however, this will probably result in the same net effects on all
horses regardless of where they come from, but may show up with higher
heart & respiratory rates for horses from lower elevations.
E. Rate of travel (speed) of the horse during the event (as with
any event);
F. Load (rider & tack) on the horse during the event (as with any
event).
2. Most horses will perform best at higher altitudes having spent as
little time there before the event as possible (but yet enough to recover
somewhat from trailering, 1-2 days), or
3. Complete acclimitization may take anywhere from 10 days to 2 months; no
one really knows (this is probably due to relative condition of the athlete
before the event).
4. You will probably have to slow down some when bringing a horse from a
low altitude to a high altitude. Pay attention to hydration and give
electrolites! Obviously, adding speed & load is perhaps not the wisest
move to make when increasing altitiude!
5. Take care of yourself! There is a good chance that your horse will
endure the altitude better than you will. Pay attention to hydration and
give electrolites!!
All vets concurred that there is no reason why a healthy, fit horse and
healthy, mostly fit rider shouldn't be able to successfully complete a ride
at higher altitudes, and have fun doing it!
Regarding the Rocky Mountain Ride, August 4-8 in Colorado & Wyoming, there
will be plenty of water along the trails, and in all camps and vet checks
for both horses & humans. The trails are generally at a consistent
elevation, with the climbs and drops being fairly gradual. We will have an
excellent vet staff headed by Dr. Barney Fleming of New Mexico who will do
their best, with your help, to get your horse(s) through as many days as
they can.
Please Email if there are any additional questions regarding altitudes that
I can help answer.
Happytrails!
Brad.
MBP PRODUCTIONS DISTANCE EVENTS - 1997 RIDE CALENDAR
April 5: Pawnee Grasslands I 25/50/75/100 Elevator
June 7: Beaver Meadows 25/50/75/100 Elevator (date will probably change to
June 14 effective March1)
August 4-8: Rocky Mountain Ride 50/55/50/50/50 (each day is a seperate
event; rig drivers available)
September 13: Horsethief Pass 25/50/75/100 Elevator
September 27: Colorado Ride & Tie 20
October 18: Pawnee Grasslands II 30/50/75/100 Elevator
November 15: Sweet Iron Ltd. 25/50
December 27: 3rd Annual Resolution Ride 25/50
RIDE INFO:
Email: mbp@frii.com
Mail: 2740 West Elizabeth Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
Phone/Fax: 970-484-5560
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