WEG 2018: Endurance Day

The competition of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 is well and truly under way. The endurance riders set out this morning in the dark at 6:30 am (see video). Contrary to the dramatic race starts shown in popular films, this start reflected the “slow and steady” approach used by successful riders—most walked out of the start with a few eager horses jigging. The course is 100 miles long, starting and finishing on the Tryon venue.

Prepping a rest stop.

Yesterday the feed crew helped prepare the horses’ rest stops, delivering the hay, feed, and treats that will be offered during the mandatory vet checks throughout the competition.

The grooms will prepare the horse’s grain for the day by splitting the small parts to be fed at each stop throughout the day. We typically advise not to feed more than 1 kg (2.2 lb) of grain or other high-starch/sugar feed in any one meal, as feeding large grain meals causes spikes in blood glucose. In this situation, the horse metabolizes glucose rather than mobilizing fat as an energy source; in endurance horses this can contribute to premature fatigue.

Coming into rest stops, the rider will want to ensure that the heart rate is on its way down so that the crew has enough time to feed and allow digestion to begin before they have to be off again. Many successful endurance riders will stock their rest stops with a variety of feeds and treats—anything the horse many find appealing. A slurry-type feed based on sugar beet or bran with added carrots, apples, and electrolytes will sometimes tempt a horse that’s disinterested in their regular ration. This is a great way of getting electrolytes and water into the horse. A small amount of grain can be added to the mix for a quick carbohydrate boost. Feeding good-quality alfalfa hay and allowing grazing if available is also beneficial for energy, gut fill, stimulating water intake, and increasing calcium levels.

Along with our delivery workforce, we also have Dr. Kathleen Crandell onsite this week to advise as needed. Kathleen is one of our Ph.D. nutritionists and has a lifelong interest and strong family connection to endurance riding—her brother-in-law is John Crandell, one of the top all-time American endurance riders.