Re: RC: body fat and performance

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/17/99 7:32:59 AM Pacific Standard Time, lb@nismat.org 
writes:

<< The observation that thin horses do not do as well as fatter horses 
 is interesting, but I wonder if the thinner horses had not been fed 
 as well coming into the event, or were just not good eaters in 
 general, and thus entered the event in a more depleted state. Is it 
 possible that some of these horses were just overtrained or 
 overraced?  >>

I do think this is a big factor, Beth.  And there are several subfactors 
involved.  One, the genetic selection of horses that are more efficient with 
their groceries.  Two, the genetic selection of horses that don't fritter 
their groceries away with nervous energy.  Three, achieving fitness by 
exercise instead of dieting.  Four, overtraining is a biggie, as it involves 
more than just nutrition--it also fouls up the whole 
sympathic/parasympathetic nervous system and various hormonal axes to the 
point that the athlete can no longer accurately regulate many life functions.

There is an "optimal" amount of fat for distance competition in my field 
observations--one does not want an obese horse, obviously, because it IS 
extra pounds to carry, interferes with thermoregulation, etc.  However, when 
the thin layer of fat under the skin has gone, the horse also tends to be 
less able to manage hydration levels, etc.  There are more things that can go 
wrong than just hypoglycemia--and that failure to look at the whole horse is 
the main thing that bothers me when people make sweeping comments about 
things like "treating" tied-up horses with carbs.  Overall body health (which 
as I mentioned includes at least SOME fat) plays a role in being able to 
handle water regulation, electrolyte regulation, therrmoregulation, and a 
whole host of other things necessary to stay healthy while performing at 
one's best.  Every time we focus in on one thing, we have to keep in the 
backs of our minds where all the rest of these functions are going.

Heidi


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