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Summary Reasons for performing study: Acid-base disturbances are traditionally assessed using the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. The simplified strong ion approach describes more accurately the complex acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities present in endurance horses. Objective: To describe acid-base and electrolytes changes in fit horses competing in a FEI*** 120 km endurance race and to compare the traditional vs. strong ion approaches. Methods: Thirty horses were initially enrolled in the study. Venous blood samples were obtained before the race (n = 25), at the second (n = 29; 65.4 km) and third vet-gates (n = 23, 97.4 km) and upon race completion (n = 17). Blood gas analysis was performed to determine pH, PCO2, PO2, Na+, K+ and iCa++, and calculate HCO3-, base excess and tCO2. Packed cell volume and total protein, globulin, albumin, lactate, phosphate, glucose and creatinine concentrations, as well as muscle enzymes activities, were also determined. Calculated variables included strong ion difference (SIDm), strong ion gap (SIG) and nonvolatile buffer concentration (Atot). A longitudinal linear model using the general estimating equation methodology was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mild but significant increases in PCO2, SIDm, lactate, plasma protein, globulins and Atot, as well as a decrease in potassium concentrations were observed from the second vet-gate to race finish when compared to prerace values (P