Re: Pain Releif in Hard Rides

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/6/99 10:40:33 AM Pacific Standard Time,
mmieske@netonecom.net writes:

<< Would that
 have long reaching effects that would "mask" problems?  >>

Perhaps "mask" is not a good word here--more like the mindset that we are
"helping" the horse simply recover from the ride, rather than saying ok, this
horse has a problem or he wouldn't be hurting, let's give him some bute and
then go home and try to figure out if the problem is saddle fit, back out,
overrode for the condition he was in, or whatever.  But if he is
uncomfortable, there IS a problem, and the problem needs to be addressed,
rather than thinking that this is "just the way they are" after a ride, they
look fine on Monday, so let's get on with the schedule.  Yes, I agree that
with a lot of cases of soreness and stiffness, the bute will "help" you get
the horse moving and speed up recovery.  By all means, give it, because it is
a good thing to do that.  But DON'T go back out and do the same thing to him
in two weeks--go home and figure out WHY he got that way, and FIX IT, whether
it is more conditioning, or a mechanical or medical problem, or simply
changing your own mindset about how much this horse is capable of doing, and
slowing down next time!

Heidi