adjusting to altitude

["Carol Harrison" <capape@worldnet.att.net>]

We are planning on attending the Rocky Mountain multiday ride with the goal of completing all five days slowly.  My question is: what should we do for our horses going from 600 feet elevation to 8-10,000 feet elevation?  Actually, one horse will be coming from sea level.  Sometime I remember hearing that you needed to get there either 2 weeks before the ride or the day before the ride so the horses could acclimatize.  Someone else suggested starting red cell a week or two before travelling.  We want to do what is in the best interest of the horses and give us the best chance of completing with no problems.  Any suggestions??

Thanks,

Carol