ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: Heart rates and Eating

Re: Heart rates and Eating

EndrncRidr@aol.com
Tue, 23 Sep 1997 14:15:53 -0400 (EDT)

In a message dated 97-09-23 13:32:44 EDT, you write:

<< Does allowing a horse to eat (grass hay) after a 25m CTR ride keep the
heart rate elevated? >>

Hello from Washington State,
In my experience in distances from 25 miles to 50 milers, I have noticed that
if I let my mare, Feather, eat before I present her for P & R her heart rate
will stay elevated. I have made it a practice to come into the checks (always
at at walk from about 1/2 out or so) and let her drink all she wants. I don't
let her eat until her heart is at the criteria and it has been noted by the P
& R crew. Then I let her eat all she wants of wet hay (prevents choking) and
rice bran mash. I also hit her with oral electrolytes mixed with a liquid
probiotic. The probiotics have earned me an A on gut sounds nearly every time
I use them. This is fact. I don't know exactly why, but it works. Some horses
quit eating and drinking once they have been given electrolytes but I have
been blessed with an awesome mare who is an easy keeper at rides.
So, in answer to your question, I believe that recoveries are as individual
as horses and the people who ride them. While Feather's heart rate drops
faster if I don't let her eat I know of horses who drop quickly regardless of
whether they eat or not. I rode a half Arab/QH last season who dropped faster
when she ate. The only way to tell for sure is to do your own research with
your own horse. It all boils down to learning what is normal for your horse.
This is the key to many successfull finishes. Knowing what is normal for your
own particular horse.
I am a licensed vet tech in Washington and I make it a habit to observe what
is going on around me at the rides. I learn so much this way.

On another note, Joyce Kellenberger and I are riding and conditioning
partners and have noted with enthusiasm all the suggestions to use red light
when night riding. We love to ride at night and will use this method. It
makes sense to me coming from a radiographic approach!!

Happy Trails and
Good luck to you!
Darlene M. Anderson, LVT
and the FeatherB
Stanwood, WA

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