But it is precisely the sulfur that provides the effect. The form makes it
more deliverable.
>These examples are only a few that could be used to demonstrate the
complexity of the drug isssue. Yet, even for substances on which we can
agree are drugs, AERC policy and rules do not prohibit you from using
them to aid in the resolution of some affliction of your horse. Just do
not use them when they can affect the performance of your horse during
competition. These substances then may threaten the health and welfare
of the horse which is the primary concern of the AERC or they can
unlevel the playing field which can give one competitor an unfair
advantage over another.>
Let's separate these two issues for a moment. The health and welfare of the
horse is the primary concern. However, it necessarily competes with the
performance issue, because the horse that is well-supplied with proper
nutrients (healthier) will perform better. This is where the problem lies. We
want better performers and should do all in our power to properly prepare the
horse for grueling competition--if it's competition we desire. If not, that's
a whole 'nother ball game.
I agree with the AERC position that anything that puts the horse at risk of
any kind should be prohibeted. I disagree that enhancement of performance
through beneficial nutrition is the Devil Incarnate.
The whole concept of nutrition is changing. Once the science was concerned
only with filling in deficiencies. Now it is very obvious that major benefits
can be achieved with focused nutritional formulations.
> Lastly, I would like to pose the question as to why anyone feels the need
to have any of these substances in their horse on ride day. If you claim
that you are not enhancing performance but are only trying to maintain
longevity, then you may be fooling the person in the mirror -- and your
horse -- more than you are fooling me.>
Somebody's fooling somebody. It's called an endurance "race". A competition.
Perhaps we should just call them rides and have no finish placings at all.
Kind of like a dude ranch ride.
ti