ABSTRACT: Acid-base and electrolyte disorders have been described in horses associated during and after exercise. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of cavalcade competition on the acid-base and hydroelectrolytic balance in Mangalarga Marchador horses. For this purpose, 15 geldings, 6.2 ± 1.2 years old and clinically healthy, were distributed into three groups of five animals each. Horses were trained to take part in cavalcade competitions. Animals were submitted to cavalcade along 4km (G4), 8km (G8), and 20km (G20) at mean speeds of 15km h-1, 12km h-1, and 12km h-1, respectively. From each horse, venous blood samples were collected before exercise (T0) and immediately after (T1) cavalcade. Bicarbonate ion (HCO3-), pH, partial pressure... |