Horse Electrolytes - what do you think?

Kahluasmom · 02-22-2005, 10:10 AM

My horse just turned 4, she's a TB off of the track as most of you who are regulars here will know.

Anyway, I find she's running low on energy. I have her on vitamins, but I still find she's lethargic some days. My trainer says it could be that she is just loosing too much during work outs, (which are not overly strenous) and that I may just need to replace the electrolytes that she looses during them. I just bought her Apple Elite to go in her feed. Anyone have experience with this or any other remedies that may help her energy level?

thanks a bunch!

Craig · 02-22-2005, 10:34 AM

i am not that struck on electrolytes, unless they are necessary. get in touch with your vet and explain the problems you're having and between yourselves, you can determine if electrolyte replacement is needed. i have never had any client continue with electrolyte replacement over a long period of time. only clients with eventers and competition horses have used electrolyte replacements. just remember, excess salt and water consumption can cause increased blood pressure and water retention. electrolyte is used to designate various products, all with different ingredients. some have ingredients that your horse may not need. discuss with your vet the possibilities and he/she will be able to advise.

Shotgun93 · 02-22-2005, 10:44 AM

I use electrolytes while at shows and eventing, but that's it. I don't like to use them for normal everyday use.
If she's lethargic, there might be an underlying cause. I would talk to a vet and see if there is something else going on.

Kahluasmom · 02-22-2005, 11:56 AM

Hmm..I'll see how she goes over the next few days. Could be that she was out on Sunday and just tired, not sure. I'm riding her this afternoon so I'll post again tomorrow to let you know how it went.

Kahluasmom · 02-23-2005, 04:33 AM

Ok, I rode Kahlua yesterday for half an hour in the afternoon and she was much better. She definately had more energy and went over that first jump with some umph as opposed to none at all. I think maybe she may need the electrolytes on hot days or days when she's turned out in the sun for most of the day, and of course when we are showing.

Some days she will be in her stall and just sweating as it is so hot. I suppose that would be a disadvantage of living in a caribbean island.

What do you think?

02-22-2005, 10:10 AM	#1
Kahluasmom Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Barbados Posts: 618 Images: 13	Horse Electrolytes - what do you think? My horse just turned 4, she's a TB off of the track as most of you who are regulars here will know. Anyway, I find she's running low on energy. I have her on vitamins, but I still find she's lethargic some days. My trainer says it could be that she is just loosing too much during work outs, (which are not overly strenous) and that I may just need to replace the electrolytes that she looses during them. I just bought her Apple Elite to go in her feed. Anyone have experience with this or any other remedies that may help her energy level? thanks a bunch! __________________ Murphy - You teach me more and more with each ride

02-22-2005, 10:34 AM	#2
Craig Senior Member+ Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 272	i am not that struck on electrolytes, unless they are necessary. get in touch with your vet and explain the problems you're having and between yourselves, you can determine if electrolyte replacement is needed. i have never had any client continue with electrolyte replacement over a long period of time. only clients with eventers and competition horses have used electrolyte replacements. just remember, excess salt and water consumption can cause increased blood pressure and water retention. electrolyte is used to designate various products, all with different ingredients. some have ingredients that your horse may not need. discuss with your vet the possibilities and he/she will be able to advise. __________________ Yesterday, I was a Vet! Today, I'm a Vet! Tomorrow, I'll probably still be a Vet! So little room for improvement! "GREEN BEER, LOTS OF CHEER, SLAINTE!"

02-22-2005, 10:44 AM	#3
Shotgun93 Senior Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southwest SD Posts: 13,815 Images: 132	I use electrolytes while at shows and eventing, but that's it. I don't like to use them for normal everyday use. If she's lethargic, there might be an underlying cause. I would talk to a vet and see if there is something else going on. __________________ In the quiet light of the stable, you hear a muffled snort, the stamp of a hoof, a friendly nicker. Gentle eyes inquire, "How was your day old friend?" and suddenly, all your troubles fade away. -Author Unknown

02-22-2005, 11:56 AM	#4
Kahluasmom Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Barbados Posts: 618 Images: 13	Hmm..I'll see how she goes over the next few days. Could be that she was out on Sunday and just tired, not sure. I'm riding her this afternoon so I'll post again tomorrow to let you know how it went. __________________ Murphy - You teach me more and more with each ride

02-23-2005, 04:33 AM	#5
Kahluasmom Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Barbados Posts: 618 Images: 13	Ok, I rode Kahlua yesterday for half an hour in the afternoon and she was much better. She definately had more energy and went over that first jump with some umph as opposed to none at all. I think maybe she may need the electrolytes on hot days or days when she's turned out in the sun for most of the day, and of course when we are showing. Some days she will be in her stall and just sweating as it is so hot. I suppose that would be a disadvantage of living in a caribbean island. What do you think? __________________ Murphy - You teach me more and more with each ride

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