Ridecamp: [RC] why not Alternative therApies -long

know this is a late posting, but I just had to throw my .02 in.


Betty wrote >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> If you tell people that they cannot administer aid to a horse which 
>       could prevent a problem lest they be disqualified, that person has to 
>       make a moral choice as to how important the race is--- and if he/she has 
>       worked hard to get his/her horse ready for that race--- this is a 
>       conflict--- and I believe a needless one. Why withhold natural aids to a 
>       healthy horse who is experiencing a problem to prove some kind of point? 
>       Level the playing field??? 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The thread started with a post about rescue remedy, and Tamara's
observation
thta it had the effect of 'making her feel good.'  Then drifted into
'Its an
energy therapy so that should be ok' (rough paraphrasing on my part.)

I'll tell you why I don't my horses getting rescue remedy, or some kind
of 'energy therapy' on their legs before they get checked out by the
vet at the check. - Adrenalin alone can mask physical problems, even
in horses that have previously demonstrated 'wonder wimp'
characteristics.

This happened to me last year - Grey felt like super horse, went out in
some slick stuff wanting to pass other horses (my bad for letting him)
and took some nasty mis-steps.  He then cruised down a hwy shoulder with
no indication of any problem.  Pulsed down like a rock, was not vetted
right away (was at least 15 minutes)  vet noticed gait was off but it
was not enough that I noticed, leading him. CRI dropped like a rock. 
Vet felt his leg, found a tender spot.  I asked "am I pulled or could I
finish taking it easy?" She advised pulling so we did.  I was sure it
was nothing much so I rested him only 2 weeks - marginally off after
riding a few miles.  Finally got my vet out for an ultra-sound and there
was tearing in the tendon. (Thank you Ute for saving Grey
from a bowed tendon) 

Now - this is a horse that is normally wimpy about pain, that was not
vetted soon enough to have a lot of adrenalin rush & he showed enough
lameness that the vet checked farther and said pull.  IF He'd been given
something that made him feel good he might not have shown enough
lameness to catch this - the tear would have still been there- and 12
more miles, some it muddy, probably would have resulted in a bowed
tendon. (my vets opinion.) Energy therapy specifically on his legs
would, in My opinion, have been even more likely to have a masking
effect.  Remember TENS units started as a way to block chronic pain by
flooding the nerves with another signal.  NO WAY I want any kind of
'energy' therapy making my horse's legs feel good in spite of injury or
tiredness from not enough conditioning.  I WANT the Vet, or myself
riding, to be able to notice if my horse is having soreness in a leg or
is getting leg weary even if he's metabolically fine.  

well probably more than 'nuff said,
Teresa and Grey Moun

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