Mounted search and rescue

["Irvin Lichtenstein " <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

We have relied on the findings of the vets at the Atlanta Summer Olympics
and their continuing work. Several articles have published over the years
starting with this initial research into heat and performance.  

There are two majors areas to monitor.  Each horse has a critical
environmental number which is the simple addition of the temperature in
degrees F and the relative humidity.  The second is recovery time for pulse,
respiration, and skin pinch. 

Most horses studied were 3 day eventers in excellent condition.  The
critical number was around 150 in almost all cases, with some higher.
As would be expected higher humidity inhibits cooling and was a major
factor.  Another measure with high correlation to performance was skin
temperature measured in the saddle pad covered area of the back where 107 F
was the significant number in most cases. 

Recovery time is affected by condition and should be between 10 and 20
minutes in most cases.  Longer indicates poor condition for the
circumstances.  Horses that are not recovering normally should have their
internal temperature checked for normal range. A deviation either way of
several degrees F is significant and should be discussed with the on scene
vet.

In most cases prevention is relatively easy. Shade, free access to water,
salt blocks, and feed will keep a mount working.  In some areas the heat
index is used to determine if a horse can work.  Most city carriage rules
include a heat clause to shorten the work day or eliminate it entirely. 

Lastly, watch your mount.  Most horses will work till they drop to please
you.  If your mount seems lethargic, stumbles more than usual, is not as
responsive, it is time to go back to camp and cool down.  Try to avoid
really cold water because the horse won't drink it any more than you would. 
Showers, misting, or other water applications will only work if the humidity
is low enough for the water to evaporate.

Also, where you and your horse live is important.  A horse used to 100 F and
no humidity will work well in those conditions but suffer greatly in high
humidity at any temperature.

Lastly, make sure your horse will drink the water.  Some horses will not
drink on the road except from their own barn water source.  Carrying water
in tanks or drums from home may be necessary.  Using 15 gallon plastic drums
with spigots may be required.  These will weigh about 120 pounds each
filled.  

Irv Lichtenstein 

-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of T'mi Finkle
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2010 8:29 AM
To: 'Mounted search and rescue'
Subject: [MSAR] Water and Electrolyte Balance for a MSAR Equine While on