KRUD Weird cramp
okkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
So... like when i ride, i get this freaking cramp on my left side kinda by my hip...its not like a cramp cramp, like when your running or whatever...i dunno
do i have an ulcer or something :(
or will it go away since i havent been on a horse in a while...?
Thankkkyeeewww
Answers:I know what you are talking about because I am vulnerable to the same problem- it's called having a side stitch. Side stitches are caused by air that gets into your digestive tract when you eat. All humans swallow air as they consume food or liquids- and eating right before you ride almost guarantees that you will get a side stitch at some point. To prevent them, avoid eating large meals right before you ride- or wait a couple of hours after a large meal for your food to digest some, and then ride. If you get one while riding anyway, then slow your horse to a walk and let the cramp pass- which it will, and usually fairly quickly. When it's hot out ( like it is right now, in most of the nation) you want to drink plenty of fluids- but please, do this slowly, in small sips, so that you don't get sick or crampy. Try to avoid super cold water if you can- this will chill your stomach and shock your system, and the result may be a quick trip to the bathroom. I usually drink chilled ( but not super cold) Gatorade when I ride. One other note on cramp prevention: make sure that when you drink fluids, you avoid soft drinks and soda pop. The sugar in these drinks will only dehydrate you further, which can lead to cramps, and the caffiene isn't good for anyone who is doing a lot of hard exercise because it stimulates the heart and raises your blood pressure.