Re: RC: Glucosmine discussion

[DESERTRYDR1@aol.com]

This is rule 13 from AERC R&R in its entirety.  


'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. 
13.1 
A. Upon discovery of the presence of such drug or medication, approved 
laboratory shall immediately report the matter to AERC. Any action or 
substance administered internally or externally, whether drugs or otherwise, 
which may interfere with the testing procedure, or mask or screen the 
presence of such drug, is forbidden. 
B. Presence of such medication or drug in an equine participating in an AERC 
sanctioned event shall be grounds for review by the Protest and Grievance 
committee with input of the Veterinary Committee. 
D. Every entrant shall, upon request of an AERC approved veterinarian, permit 
a specimen of urine, saliva, blood or other substance to be taken for 
testing; and refusal to comply with such request shall constitute grounds for 
immediate disqualification of the equine/rider from further participation in 
that day's ride and shall bar the equine/rider from participation in future 
AERC sanctioned events for such period as determined by the Protest and 
Grievance committee." 

The italics are mine.  I called Dr. Barnett a year or so ago for a 
clarification on chondroitin & glucosamine and MSM, etc.  He stated that 
these substances would fall in the category of exogenously administered 
compounds even if normally found endogenously, and therefore would be 
considered illegal--WHETHER OR NOT THEY COULD BE TESTED.  I also talked to 
Dr. Nancy Loving, who at that time was involved with preparing a list of 
illegal substances.  Their advice was if those things were used they should 
be withrdrawn several days prior to ride day.  Also one of them pointed out 
that Vitamin B1, thiamine, isa testable substance, because it acts to mask an 
illegal substance.  I think the question here should not be "Is it testable" 
but "Is it fair"  With so many people using these substances, thats a hard 
question.  I won't even go there, except to point out that not everyone can 
afford these high priced supplements.  Flame suit on.  jer5i