So I’m gearing up (wishfully - I live in snowy NJ) and doing my yearly routine of getting my guy back on his supplements. These usually include Cosequin ASU and Tri-Amino. However, I just found out that AERC lists MSM as a banned supplement. HOW CAN THIS BE?! Does anyone else find it a bit…strange…that other hardcore equestrian sports allow MSM whereas Endurance does not? I understand the logic behind not allowing a possibly injured or ill-conditioned horse to ride, but still… What do others use instead of MSM in supplements? I am aware of Adequan but am apprehensive to use it and not because of cost.
You can use regular Cosequin.
And yes, Endurance is a “zero drug” discipline. There are lots of thoughts and discussions behind it. The basic idea is that if your horse must have MSM (or x, y, or z) to be able to do this sport, then maybe it’s not the right horse.
Check out the current discussion about ulcer meds on endurance.net (Ridecamp) and you’ll see how the thoughts on this differ.
Lieselotte - I read that article. I do understand the logic behind “zero drug” policy - even with things like MSW, ulcer meds, and capsaicin. I can see both sides of the arguement, and can actually agree with points on both (sometimes) but I also believe some of these substances are reaching a bit. MSM being one of them. I hope regular Cosequin works as well as ASU for me!
MSM is also an anti-inflammatory. So yes, most of us use it to generally support joint health, but if the horse is over-worked in some way, inflammation won’t show up with the MSM in their system.
When I get back to competing, I plan to withdraw the MSM a few days ahead of time (gotta check on the withdrawal times) and my guy should be fine to do the ride, and then resume MSM once we return home.
