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2009 ABRA Res. World Champion
Commander Pine Bar won Reserve World Champion title in Junior Trail at 2009 American Buckskin World Show
About Me
- Don Blazer
- Trainer of ABRA world champion junior trail twice. Author of 11 how-to books on horse training and health care. Syndicated columnist..A Horse, Of Course, seen in 65 papers. Founder and administrator of www.horsecoursesonline.com, world's leading provider of online equine study programs.
Absolutely, ban everything. Did you also know that in the Pony Hunter Breeding Classes at a USEF show there has never to my knowledge been a drug test of any animal, even though it is mandatory to pay a "Drug Fee".
ReplyDeleteEven more interesting, I have written to USEF twice, neither time has my letter been acknowledged.
ReplyDeleteWhen you stop and think about it, I wonder how much money is collected in "drug fees" at shows and events? Could it be that it is just another revenue producer? How much can it cost to run a sample to two? Of course there is the "salary" of the person hired to take the samples.
ReplyDeleteAm I correct in saying "all drugs" also includes anti-inflammatories? How are anti-inflammatories considered performance enhancing? Overall, I totally agree! Performance enhancing drugs should be banned from all events. All organizations should provide RANDOM drug tests prior to each event. If the "Drug Fees" do not cover the salary of the person who is responsible for taking the samples, then the fees need to be increased. This should be a priority!
ReplyDeleteAccording to Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act:
ReplyDeleteA drug is - any substance, food, or non-food, which is used to treat, cure, mitigate (cause to be less severe), or prevent a disease. Also, any non-food substance that is intended to affect the structure or function of the animal. Drugs must be safe and effective for their intended use. Injectable substances are also considered drugs.
So under these regulations any nutraceutical or supplement, which states treatment, cures, a lessening of symptoms, or preventative qualities regarding a disease on the label would be considered a drug.
That means many joint supplements would be included in the ban.
Anti-inflammatory products would definitely be included.
Anti-inflammatories must go as they certainly enhance performance. If we eliminated all drugs used for a "performance"...and I'm talking a competition..then many of the top horses would be sitting on the sidelines...and that might be a good thing as it opens the door for young horses. Closing the door on many older horses who have to have medications to complete opens the market for the sale of young horses, requires more training (which would stimulate the horse industry) and might even encourage breeding for a sounder horse.
ReplyDeleteelblazer: Thanks for your defintitons and comments. I completely understand now.
ReplyDeletedonblazer: You are right too. As with everything, "one thing leads to another", and this would definately open up some new opportunities.
But is there anything wrong in OCASSIONALLY using a bute table or two to keep an older, SAFE arthritic horse going for a youth rider? These good old horses are SAFE rides for youngsters and can these kids a TON! Retire all these horses and we risk putting green kids on horses that lack sufficient training. Or we leave out 1/2 of a whole new generation of young prospective horsemen because they cannot find a good horse to ride or cannot afford a well trained (if slightly arthritic horse) to buy. At 50+ years old myself,I have ridden all my life. I now have arthritis and I know I can't do what I could even 10 years ago. But please, let me take aspirin and compete as best I can-don't put me out to pasture! I think I have lots more yet to teach the younger crowd.
ReplyDelete