Why would this be given to a horse shown as a hunter? To make it look pretty and muscular?
It’s an anabolic steroid, the one made famous (infamous?) by Ben Johnson. AKA Winstrol. From Wikipedia “Veterinarians may prescribe the drug to improve muscle growth, red blood cell production, increase bone density and stimulate the appetite of debilitated or weakened animals.”
I know a horse that had this, they would give it to him when he was looking ragged and it made a difference, but they quit after one time it made him a raging lunatic for weeks! But mostly for muscle and weight gain. I don’t know any other details though.
Winstrol can be used to pick up a weedy or debilitated horse, or one that has no appetite, etc. It’s not used commonly or lightly though, given it generally makes the horse impossible. You also can’t show on it now I don’t believe, although I think you could up until a couple years ago. Not that you’d want to.
Used Winstrol on a Paint gelding circa 1980. He was no rescue but was poorish, not a big eater. Did not appear to have anything wrong, just been on poor diet too long before I got him.
It worked, picked him right up. Didn’t have any side effects but we only used it a few of times, think it was once a month for 3 months- long time ago. I had no intention of showing him until his condition improved considerable, no idea if it was permitted-kind of doubt it was allowed. Don’t know why you’d want to.
Cant imagine selecting that particular product to somehow enhance a show horse with so many other choices now on the market. Although if I had one that was otherwise healthy but needed a boost to restore appetite after illness or surgery, I might consider it. Short term, no showing.
the body builders used to use this along with Equipoise… It was very prevelent in racing back in the day and you could buy it over the counter.
[QUOTE=MIKES MCS;7657812]
the body builders used to use this along with Equipoise… It was very prevelent in racing back in the day and you could buy it over the counter.[/QUOTE]
Indeed. It was ahead of it’s time…and I know some of the QH a Halter folk kept it handy. But it can be useful in certain situations, NOT on a show Hunter.
I remeber some of the race horses I handles being on it as a matter of course… They could be EXTREMELY difficult to handle , I think thats why outriders invented thick leather aprons . it was pretty intense having a hormoned up horse to pony !
it can be used as a very powerful immune booster.
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