1. grass hay
2. beet pulp or 2 to 3 lb of alfalfa
3. Protein about 10% ( 12% protein grain mix)
4. Probiotics with mixed flora
5. Fat supplementation ( takes 11 weeks)

Week before the ride:
. Glycogen loading -  a week before the ride add an extra 2-3 lb grain spread over the week.  3 lb grain over 5 days ~ 1/4 to 1/3 scoop extra
 Maximize forage intake a week before the ride.  Feed soaked beet pulp along with the hay.  Feed more hay.

Two days before the ride:
 Maximize forage intake a week before the ride.  Feed soaked beet pulp along with the hay.

Day before/night before the ride:
* Feed hay during the trailer ride, immediately upon arrival, and the night before the ride.
* Dose electrolytes the night before the ride and several hrs before start.
*Stop fat supplementation the night before the ride to increase forage intake.  no fat supplementation on rides.
* short warmup ride at camp the day before to loosen muscles.
* moderate meal of 1-2 lb grain the evening before the ride.

Ride Day
* no grain  sooner than 4-5 hrs before the ride ( no 'breakfast').  Instead carry a small baggie of grain and give a handful every 1hr or so along with grass or hay.
* Dose electrolytes during the ride in small doses.  8 - 2oz doses instead of 2 - 8oz doses. Only dose after the horse has already had a drink.  This saves plasma volume and helps with absorption of the electrolytes.


How to improve hydration:
1. Maximize forage intake a week before the ride.  Feed soaked beet pulp along with the hay.
2. Feed hay during the trailer ride, immediately upon arrival, and the night before the ride.
3. Dose electrolytes the night before the ride and several hrs before start.
4. Avoid large grain meals before the ride and at vet checks.  Feed small, frequent meals every hour or two or a few minutes of grazing. 
5. Dose electrolytes during the ride in small doses.  8 - 2oz doses instead of 2 - 8oz doses. Only dose after the horse has already had a drink.  This saves plasma volume and helps with absorption of the electrolytes.
6. Stop fat supplementation the night before the ride to increase forage intake.  no fat supplementation on rides.  Fit horses in good flesh have enough fat for energy.  Meals high in fat tend to decrease total intake and may decrease the total bulk needed for gut motility.

How to improve Energy
* suppliment fats 11 weeks before the ride
* glycogen load the week before
* decrease exercise 2 days before the ride
* short warmup ride at camp the day before to loosen muscles.
* moderate meal of 1-2 lb grain the evening before the ride.
* no grain sooner than 4-5 hrs before the ride ( no 'breakfast').  Instead carry a small baggie of grain and give a handful every 1hr or so along with grass or hay.