Nutrient Replenishment Strategies for Athletic Horses During Exercice Recovery - A Focus on Muscle Glycogen

The horse is highly reliant on muscle glycogen stores for support ATP synthesis during both low (e.g. endurance rides) and high intensity (e.g. flat racing) work and substantial depletion of muscle glycogen reserves can occur during exercise, potentially contributing to fatigue. During prolonged exercise, an additional factor that may contribute to fatigue and the development of health problems is the depletion of water and electrolytes. Failure to restore muscle glycogen stores and correct water and electrolyte deficits may adversely affect performance during subsequent bouts of exercise and focuses attention on nutritional management during the
postexercise recovery period. The need for nutritional strategies targeting rapid replenishment of e.g. glycogen stores is dependent on the length and duration of the exercise session and on the timing of the next intense bout of exercise [...]