DMG is not a drug. It is also called vitamine B13. The only restriction
by AERC would be "normal substances in abnormal amounts".
Here's the AERC rule.
"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
administra- tion cannot be known, the fairness and safety require the
prohibition of such practices."
So, what does this mean? Pretty vague, huh? The Veterinary Guidelines are
more specific. But, I couldn't find a copy on the net. According to this,
we can't give our horses electrolytes. Right? What's and abnormal amount
of carbohydrate or fat?
Shall we go on a campaign to clarify this rule? Are we willing to pay the
extra $50-100 per entry fee to drug test every horse before, after and
during an event?
Hummm, food (or supplements) for thought.
Linda Van Ceylon
lvanceylon@vines.colostate.edu