OK, this is a good example. It is known that B1 has beneficial effects on
performance in some athletes when given in doses higher than recommended by
the NRC. So does corn. So do branched chain amino acids. So does CoQ10. So
will many other nutrients, including fat in endurance horses. I contend there
is nothing wrong with being smart, knowing which nutrients make life easier
for the equine athlete. Nutrients or drugs that are damaging to the athlete
are a whole 'nother ball game--as in anabolic steroids, NSAIDs and
corticosteroids.
If the AERC wants to ban larger doses of B1, then they'd better ban larger
pre-race doses of corn and fat--both of these will have a much more
pronounced effect on performance than B1. Like auto racing--limit the
available fuel.
ti