Question
I have an Arabian gelding that just turned five years old. I am beginning to train for 50- and 100-mile rides (80-160 km), and I’d like to use Restore SR slow-release electrolyte. How far ahead of a training or competition ride should he receive it, and when should he receive it after a ride? His diet consists of orchardgrass hay twice a day, two large scoops of a well-known competition-horse feed, and free-choice salt and water. His body condition score at the Tevis Educational Ride was a 5, and he vetted through both days until the last vet check, when he had diminished gut sounds.
Answer
In order to successfully replace electrolytes during longer rides (over 50 miles or 80 km), it is important to look at several aspects of the diet both prior to and during a ride. Several days before the event, you should increase the amount of good-quality fiber in the diet to boost water consumption and provide a reservoir for water and electrolytes.
Use of a well-formulated daily electrolyte such as Restore SR (Restore in Australia) is recommended for all horses in training to replenish what is lost in sweat. If the horse is used to getting electrolytes mixed with feed, it is best to give a full dose the night before a ride and then provide plenty of water throughout the night and during the morning of competition.
Restore SR can be used during competition by mixing with water, yogurt, or applesauce in a syringe for oral administration. An easier option, designed specifically for immediate electrolyte replacement, is Restore Paste. One tube is a full dose of electrolytes that can be used at checkpoints or approximately every two hours during a ride. Administering the paste or electrolyte mixture after the horse drinks water is suggested, as occasionally some horses refuse to eat or drink following electrolyte administration.
To maintain body condition and energy during long rides, it is important to replenish the glycogen reserves by offering hay (both soaked and dry is recommended) and small amounts of feed at checkpoints. Eating during competition will improve digestive motility. Feeding a digestive tract supplement such as RiteTrac several days prior to competition will help promote proper digestive functioning. RiteTrac contains gastric buffers and coating agents as well as EquiShure, a time-released hindgut buffer. This supplement can also be mixed with electrolytes during rest stops to help minimize stomach irritation.
(Customers in Australia should check out these other research-proven digestive health products.)
