Re: Flair Nasal strips

[Jerry D Milam Jr <milamj@agtelco.com>]

Susan Swope-Attardi wrote:

> Well, guys, very true that you cannot test for nasal strips, so the nasal
> strips would not violate Rule 13.  But, I took Bob up on his suggestion to
> check rule Number 13a.  As read here, my own personal interpretation is that
> nasal strips would indeed be a violation of this particular rule.   At the
> very least, I must believe that nasal strips would violate the section
> stating: "endurance equines must compete entirely on their natural ability."
> And, I'm no medical professional, but if the tissues within the nasal
> passages are considered osseous, then the strips would definitely fall under
> an "osseous manipulative procedure." Additionally, I must wonder if the
> nasal strips do not stimulate "response points."
>
> I'm not judging the right or wrong of nasal strips here, but the thing about
> it is that they are a pretty obvious *tool* strapped to the nose of a horse.
> I think before riders start using them, we should be darned sure they aren't
> a violation of AERC rules.  Some well-meaning but unfortunate competitor
> could well end up with an protest filed against them for using them.
>
> Bob... you didn't say, do you have an opinion??? :)
>
> 13. The integrity of Endurance Competition requires that the equine is not
> influenced by any drug, medication or veterinary treatment. Endurance
> equines must compete entirely on their natural ability. AERC prohibits from
> competition equines who contain evidence of the administration of abnormal
> substances or of normal substances in abnormal amounts (exogenously
> administered compounds even if normally found endogenously). Since the
> complete effects of such administration cannot be known, the fairness and
> safety require the prohibition of such practices.
> 13a. The use of additional therapies during competition shall be prohibited.
> This shall include any invasive procedures, (e.g.: acupuncture),
> manipulative procedures, (e.g.: osseous manipulative procedures), the use of
> any devices to manipulate or stimulate accupressure or response points,
> (e.g.: Bioscans, laser lights, magnetic stimulation devices etc).
> Competition shall mean the time from the pre-ride veterinary examination to
> the completion of the final veterinary examination for the event, including
> the best-condition judging. Multiple day rides shall be treated as they have
> been determined by AERC -- either individual day events or one event if so
> designated.

Nasal Strips would NOT be considered supporting osseous tissue. They support the
soft nasal tissue and keep them from collapsing. SMB's are legal aren't they?
They also support soft tissue of the lower limb; ie digital flexors and
suspensory ligaments-all soft tissue...not osseous.

Susan