Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Please Reply to: Frances gumbootballet@xxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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I have just posted the following letter to the directors of the AERC and am 
looking forward to some clarification of the current rulings about banned 
substances.
Dear Board of Directors;
  I am a fairly recent convert to Endurance riding and find myself confused by 
the issue of what substances are and are not legal for use in competition. I 
have spoken to seasoned riders about this issue and have spent time on Ridecamp 
exploring the subject, one which seems to generate conflict and confusion at 
every turn. I clearly understand that drugs and medications are not to be used 
at any time in competition. It is the AERC policy about holistic substances 
that I am at sea about. To my knowledge most homeopathic/holistic supports work 
by increasing the recipient's level of health and wellbeing, allowing that 
person or animal to work at a higher level. Substances such as Arnica, DMG, 
MSM, Carb-Charge etc. do not test and, in the case of DMG, occur naturally 
within the cells of all mammals. I personally know of riders that are competing 
and winning while using some of these supports. I also know of riders who feel 
ethically restrained from competing with a horse that is supported by anything 
other than standard types of feed. Therefore, my question to you is " What is 
the AERCs stand on holistic/homeopathic support in competition?" and "How can 
the AERC fairly regulate substances which work by increasing a horse's 
wellbeing and which cannot be detected through testing?" I feel that this is an 
important issue which needs to be seriously addressed in order to give all 
competitors an even playing field. -Frances Forgues, Cumberland, B.C.


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