In response to your question.
>I can't give Regumate to a horse competing in AERC rides can I??<
The answer is yes, according to the "AERC Medication Policy" Regumate (or
other heat regulator) is specificied as a "permissible substance". There
are MANY substances which are non-permissible but this is definitely not
one of them.
I had a mare act like she was about to tie-up a couple years ago during
full- blown heat. Fortunately, I was tuned-in enough to head it off. I
noticed some sluggisness about a mile after I left the first vet check so I
just turned back. I have never had another instance like this nor another
heat this heavy since then. And, she's done over 1,000 miles in
competition since then. I've never used Regumate or other heat regulator.
I would say, if your mare is prone to heavy heat, it wouldn't hurt to put
her on Regumate. I have know people who use it an compete mares. But, if
she rarely ever has a heavy heat, you can probably get along just fine
without.
Now that I've learned what triggers the heavy heat in my mare, I just try
to avoid hauling with or camping near "proud" geldings, stallions or mares
who like other mares. If the sexual stimulation is not there, this mare
will not have a full-blown heat. But, this is not true with every mare.
The advise you got from Judy Long on feeding sounds good too. Also,
eliminating alfalfa from her diet, if she currently gets any, would help.
And no corn oil, it can cause hormone imbalance.
Good Luck, it's probably just a mare thing.
Linda Van Ceylon
lvanceylon@vines.colostate.edu
phone: 970-491-1428