Re: Pain Releif in Hard Rides

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/3/99 3:05:44 PM Pacific Standard Time, 4horn@home.com
writes:

<< How common is it for people to give their horses bute after a long, hard
 ride just to make the horse more comfortable and less stiff; NOT to
 mask  injuries? I know I take Motrin after a long, hard ride, so I am
 more comfortable (I sleep better when my lower back is not tight). I
 have only seen one person doing this and he said he did it for the above
 reason. Is there a better medicine then bute to use for general muscle
 releif? >>

Some people do this, and while I don't necessarily think it is a BAD idea, I
get really nervous when people do it "so the horse will be ok for his next
ride."  If he really NEEDS this sort of thing after the ride, then he is not
ready to do another one for several weeks, IMO.  I certainly WOULD advise it
before a long haul home if there IS any soreness or stiffness from the ride,
but I would also advise that rider to re-evalutate his or her upcoming
schedule!!

Heidi Smith, DVM