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Recommendations for Use:
For immediate oral supplementation, mix Endura-Max in a 60-cc dose syringe with water or another carrier (such as applesauce or yogurt).
For preloading prior to a competition, mix Endura-Max with the grain portion of the diet or administer orally. In addition, horses should always have free-choice access to a salt block or loose salt and fresh clean water.
Feeding Directions:
The following are general guidelines. The actual amount of electrolyte supplementation needed will depend on the level of exercise, temperature, and humidity.
During Competition
Because of the tremendous sweat loss during a race, an endurance horse should receive 2 oz the night before, 2 oz prior to starting, and 2 oz at every vet check.
Daily Supplementation
Daily supplementation of electrolytes to an endurance horse is discretionary. A normal maintenance intake for horses at rest in hot environments or those being transported in hot weather is 1 oz per day. Horses at moderate work levels should receive 2-3 oz per day, and those in heavy training require 3-4 oz per day. It is recommended to divide daily doses of 3-4 oz into separate feedings.
If a horse is unwilling to drink water, electrolytes should not be given without the supervision of a veterinarian.
Important Note
Always provide horses receiving electrolyte supplementation with free-choice, clean water. Lack of adequate water in a diet supplemented with electrolytes may lead to dehydration and other serious metabolic disorders.
Can Endura-Max be used for horses other than endurance horses?
Endura-Max is a unique formula designed for the special needs of endurance horses. The long duration of work performed by these horses, often in hot, humid environments, results in unique metabolic conditions that are not typically experienced by other performance horses. KPP recommends the use of Summer Games Electrolyte for performance horses other than endurance horses.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are substances that dissociate in solution into electrically charged particles called ions. The major electrolytes are sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) and magnesium (Mg++).
What is the role of electrolytes?
Electrolytes play an important role in maintaining osmotic pressure, fluid balance, and nerve and muscle activity.
What happens without electrolytes?
Loss of electrolytes causes fatigue and muscle weakness, and decreases the thirst response to dehydration.
How do I know if my horse is working hard enough to require electrolyte supplementation?
Any level of work produces body heat and subsequent sweating. The sweat may be evaporating before you see it. Also take into consideration factors such as the time your horse spends in a trailer or tied to the trailer at an event during the heat of the day. The stress of unfamiliar environments alone can cause your horse to sweat. Under any of these circumstances, the electrolytes that are lost in sweat cannot be replaced from the daily ration of grain and forage alone.
What will happen if I give my horse too much electrolyte?
The most important thing to remember when supplementing a horse diet with electrolytes is to provide free-choice, clean water. In situations where electrolytes are given in excess of requirements, the horse’s system will filter the unused minerals and excrete the excess in the urine. As long as plenty of water is provided to wash away the excess, the potential for harm is minimal.
What is the visible difference in horses receiving electrolyte supplementation?
Horses offered electrolytes tend to rebound from hard exercise sooner, return to feed quicker and begin the necessary rebuilding phase that occurs after exertion.
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