Just saw proof that I ride at a HJ barn that uses drugs

[RugBug]

[QUOTE=AlexS;7695675]

I think when you get to the point where you are giving meds to calm the horse or for some other performance benefit, then most of us would say that’s wrong. The rest is a case by case basis, in my opinion.[/QUOTE]

Sorry to quibble, but just about any drug would fall under “some other performance benefit.” Do you think people are spending all that money on Adequan (loading dose is ridiculous), Legend, etc because there is no performance benefit?

Drugging to calm in a show situation is REALLY wrong. Drugging to calm in a lesson situation is pretty darn wrong. Drugging to calm a rehab horse, maybe not so wrong. Drugging to calm on a first ever trail ride, whatever, questionable as well. (doing so regularly is kind of wrong).

Using drugs/medications within legal limits to help keep a horse comfortable? Not wrong…as long as you aren’t really doing it to calm and just saying your doing it for the other. Sigh…such a complicated world when you can’t trust people.

[findeight]

[QUOTE=Mardi;7695856]
Which disciplines ?[/QUOTE]

All of them. It’s not even illegal in some of the cattle based disciplines . Sometimes techniques like dehydration, bleeding, tying the head up up or trimming too short ( sore feet = go sloooow) are substituted. Seen them all. Oh, forgot the major cosmetic surgery.

As long as money, unrealistic expectations and trainers who won’t insist on suitable horses and time to train them exist, there will be corners cut and rules broken or skirted to make up the difference. H/J has no corner on that particular market.

In all of them, USEF and other breed organizations outside USEF, not everybody does it, majority actually do not and have a pretty good idea who does. But they cannot get rid of them because the organizations are not law enforcement and limited in scope.