Re: RE: Glucosmine discussion

["Sandy Bolinger" <bolinger@bigsky.net>]

But don't you think that these things can act as preventatives???We are
asking our horses to do something way beyond what they would be doing
"naturally"...So what is wrong with giving them something that might slow
down the wear-and-tear effects of endurance riding??? I am against anything
that masks pain...but substances that "might" retard the breakdown of
cartilage etc...what's wrong with that???

----- Original Message -----
From: <CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com>
To: <bobmorris@rmci.net>; <desertrydr1@aol.com>; <apkbuicu@aol.com>
Cc: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2001 1:41 PM
Subject: RC: RE: Glucosmine discussion


> In a message dated Sun, 11 Feb 2001  3:29:37 PM Eastern Standard Time,
"Bob Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net> writes:
>
> << I believe the question should be; "If your horse requires these
substances,
> should you be riding in competition? Is it fair to the horse?">>
> <snip>
> <<If your stage of competition necessitates these
> supplements, should you not question the status of your selection,
training
> and conditioning programs as well as your support policies for the
horse?>>
> <snip>
> <<we contend that all these supplements are not necessary
> for the general run of competitors. If you are going to engage in FEI
level
> competition, then PERHAPS. For 90% of the endurance riders NO.>>
>
> Bob said a mouthful here.  Yes, there may well be some merit in using
these sorts of products in the "on-the-edge" competitor who is putting
himself on the line to the max, but for most endurance horses, good health
should be a matter of selecting a horse that is suited to the job, good
conditioning, good nutrition, and smart riding.  If you have to use these
sorts of products to get a horse through rides, then the horse likely should
be doing something less strenuous!  Either that, or you need to be getting
to the actual root of the problem--whether it is an injury that needs more
time off or a different rehab program, or a lack of conditioning, or simply
the horse needs to slow down or do a few less miles because he is not suited
to what he is doing.  No amount of "nutraceuticals" can make up for
aptitude, soundness, or fitness...
>
> Heidi
>
>
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