I am not saying that Chondroitin Sulfates and MSM fall into the same
category as these other (I don't know enough about them to say that), but
the fact that they occur naturally in the body anyway does not (in my
mind) automatically make them "okay."
Certainly, if they make the horse more comfortable in everyday life or
for use as a pleasure horse (I use Mineral Ice for this same purpose) we
should use them. There is no reason to ask a horse to suffer unnecessary
discomfort; however, I question whether (and here, again, I don't have a
strong opinion about these particular substances just the "no drug"
policy in general) a horse that needs them is really a candidate for
endurance, a sport which by all descriptions, is extremely demanding on
the horse.
Aside: It is extremely demanding on the rider too, but there is no
policy regarding the health or fitness of the rider (nor is there a no
drug policy on the rider). But as riders we are making the decision to
abuse our bodies (which is what I am doing by competing despite the early
stages of arthritis in my knees, which I also treat with Mineral Ice)
ourselves. And as adults we are entitled to make that decision.
As responsible horse owners we are entitled to make that decision for our
horses as well. My attitude about the "no drug" policy is that each of
us as an individual needs to ask ourselves whether we are administering
_____ (fill in the blank) in order to enable the horse to perform beyond
his natural abilities. I also ask myself whether my horse's physical
condition will suffer (long term) as a result of the administration as it
is in some way masking a condition that is worsening.
Mike Tomlinson (in his article in the EN) asked the same question about
"alternative therapies"
The line is most definitely not cast in stone, and probably most of us
would draw it in a different place.
I try to ride/train/compete my horse in such a way that it actually
enhances his physical condition (long term) so that he is able to go
again, and again, and again. I believe that this is the AERC's intention
as well as evidenced by the 1,000 mile horse program, and the promotion
of the concept "fit to continue"
Sorry, ran off at the mouth again.
kat
Orange County, Calif.