As riders and strappers we spend a lot of time making sure our horses are well cared for.
The Rider is also an important part of the endurance team who needs looking after if the
team is to reach its full potential.
There are some simple steps a rider can take to ensure they finish a ride in a fit and healthy
state.
Suggestions for Riders.
* Make sure you are fit enough to ride. Get advice from gym instructors or physiotherapists
about fitness and exercise programs for horse riders. Just as you would prepare your
muscles for a season of skiing, so we must also prepare and develop those muscles that are
used for horse riding.
* Carry a basic first aid kit when riding
* Carry or wear some form of identification, including personal details, medical conditions,
medications and allergies. In the event of a serious fall or medical emergency this
information is available for the ambulance or medical personnel to access. Purpose made
medical armbands are available for this purpose and are mandatory for EFA Eventers to
wear.
* Learn basic First Aid, in the event you come across a ill or injured rider on course, you will
be better prepared to assist.
* Make sure you are prepared for the conditions on the day. If cold wet weather is forecast
make sure you have enough layers of clothing to stay warm and prevent the risk of
hypothermia. However just like our horses, maintaining adequate hydration and body
temperature regulation is often the biggest problem riders will face.
The Dangers of Heat Injury.
Riders are also prone to succumbing to the combined effects of heat, humidity, exercise &
dehydration.
The best way to manage heat injury is to prevent it happening.
* Make sure you are adequately hydrated before you start riding
* Maintain a steady fluid intake whilst riding, but not to excess – max 800 ml/hr as your body
cannot absorb more than this. If you are drinking this amount over a few hours, add a pinch
of salt to your water to minimise muscle cramps. Sports drinks can help too – alternate
these with water.
* Avoid alcohol the night before you ride as this will significantly dehydrate you.
* Make sure you are acclimatised to riding in the heat before undertaking a long ride in hot
and / or humid conditions.
* Use protective clothing and wide hat brims to avoid sunburn
* Despite the best intentions heat injuries can occur. There a 3 categories of heat injury or
hyperthermia.
Heat cramps – the mildest stage, are marked by muscle twitching, cramps and spasms in the
arms, legs & abdomen. Heat cramps may occur in well acclimatised, physically fit riders as a
consequence of sodium depletion following exercise. Administration of an oral electrolyte
solution and rest in a cool environment will usually lead to a resolution.
Heat Exhaustion usually results from inadequate water and / or salt replacement over
several hours or days. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, incoordination, restlessness and
abnormal skin sensations such as pricking or burning. The rectal temperature is less than 40
degrees c. This situation requires medical attention with monitored fluid and electrolyte
replacement.
Heat Stroke – is a medical emergency which can be fatal.
The rectal temperature exceeds 41 degrees c and the body’s thermoregulatory mechanism
fails. Sweating usually stops but may still be present. The athlete is disoriented and
irrational with poor muscle tone and control. He / she may vomit or have bloody diarrhoea.
Seizures or unconsciousness may develop and may progress to death if untreated.
Treatment consists of rapid cooling with ice solutions and emergency transport by
ambulance to a hospital. The single clinical finding that distinguishes heat stroke from other
forms of heat related illnesses is altered mental status caused by heat injury to the brain.
Mortality is correlated with the height of the temperature, the duration of the temperature
elevation and the duration of the coma longer than 3 hours.
Any altered conscious state in a heat affected person should be treated as heat stroke.
A Final Word
Keep an eye out for your fellow riders. A person who is affected by heat
illness may not be aware of what is happening to them. Heat affected persons may try to
continue riding when they are unfit to do so. Most importantly, if a person is becoming
confused or drowsy as a result of dehydration or heat injury, this must be regarded as a
medical emergency and immediate first aid must be summoned.
