64 ★ TEVIS FORUM 2011 olds and continue to ride today, so my heart and understanding goes out to our juniors and their sponsors. We have had foreign riders compete and complete on our horses and helped many who wanted to get started in endurance. I have a great appreciation for the effort you have made just to be at the starting line this year. I would like to introduce you to the Ride Committee, one of the 20 commit- tees which work tirelessly to make the Western States Trail Ride successful — year in and year out. Ride Secretary Barbara White is as goodwith her communications as she is with her 30 Tevis completions—nearly perfect! She brings knowledge and his- tory of this ride, clarity of thought and the wisdom of her mom, Julie Suhr, to our decision making. “Liaison in Charge of All Things Squaw Valley,” Marc van Zuuk is a li- censed surveyor and brings those skills Ride Director’s Message Continued from page 1 to the committee along with amazing problem-solving abilities. Marc is trail boss on ride day. Co-Director Lynn Seeley continues to be in charge of marking the trail and horse rescue operations. These are tasks that Lynn seems to manage “matter of factly,” showing no stress or strain in achievement of his goals. Webmaster Andrew Gerhard has been keeping the website current, infor- mative and easy to maneuver. Volunteer Coordinator Judy Suter has the nightmare task of organizing up to 800 volunteers (starting with the 29 head volunteers). Judy’s easy-going demeanor, wealth of information, and long history with the ride allow her to work with multiple personality types with skill and tact. Trail Boss Mike Shackelford heads up our trail committee and represents a who’s who of Master Trail Builders. Mike and his groupwill understandably have the Tevis Trail in excellent condi- tion after a wet/snowy winter. Vice Pres. Tony Benedetti brings knowledge of world class equestrian events; he’s participated in and attended many. He’s a logistical genius, an expert on “time and motion” and efficiency. Vice President Greg Kimler knows every landmark, access point and shortcut to those points on the trail. He provides water troughs, feed and equip- ment with his crew. President Kathie Perry is invaluable as our leader. She brings a great sense of humor, keeps us focused on the “big goals,” and sets the vision for the team. I ask that you are considerate to fellow riders by leaving ample room between horses and allowing passing when called for. Be kind to the volun- teers, respectful of the veterinarians, and be one with your four-legged partner. Remember that this event is a true measure of horsemanship, determina- tion and diligence, and the Board of Governors would love to applaud you and your horse for your tremendous accomplishment as you cross the stage to receive your coveted buckle. Ride, really ride! ★ Veterinary Perspective Continued from page 18 In an average 100-mile ride, a horse might lose 10 to 15% of its body weight in water in sweat, urine, feces and through the respiratory tract. That’s the equivalent of as much as 15 gallons that needs to be replaced. Two thirds will oc- cur in the first half of the ride. The loss of fluids through sweat does not initially trigger a thirst response because horse’s sweat is isotonic. The trick is to get your horse to drink when it is not yet thirsty. Every training ride should begin with a bucket of water containing a properly formulated electrolyte powder. This has to become an absolute routine anytime, anywhere. Training your horse to hy- drate itself is as critical as all the miles of conditioning. All the metabolic aber- rations we see at endurance rides begin with the inability of the horse to remain adequately hydrated. Last, some helpful tips concerning feeding immediately prior and during the ride. • Within at least 8 to 10 hours of the start, avoid any significant amount of feeds that have a high glycemic index (those with highly digestible carbohy- drates such as grains and mixes with sugar and/or molasses added), as the re- sultant rise in blood glucose will trigger an insulin response. High insulinemia will have an adverse effect on fatty acid oxidation pathways, the primary form of energy production during aerobic, endurance exercise. • Through the night prior and dur- ing the ride, feedwetted-down forage or forage-based feeds (hay, beet pulp, etc.) to encourage water intake andmaintain gut motility. I hope your 2011 Tevis experience is as thrilling, satisfying and safe as everything you dreamed it would be. As I like to say, “we’ll see you at the finish line in Auburn!” ★ B EAR R IVER MOBILE VETERINARY SERVICE, INC. J ennifer M ather, DVM 530.559.8910
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