What is Capsaicin?

[dogchushu]

Can capsaicin transfer through the skin? I know it can through mucus membranes.

Even if it can’t, I can see how it could get into a horse’s system. You rub a horse down, he bites at a fly or scratches his nose on his leg, etc. Sure, it’s a tiny amount. But the test detect such minute amounts these days.

It’s a shame. I hate seeing medals redistributed after the event is over. I understand cheating is cheating and I hate it. I’m not saying it should be overlooked. However, as a spectator, I like seeing the results determined right there, on the field of play and seeing the winners on the podium, not announced several days later.

[petitefilly]

[QUOTE=poltroon;3462051]
Capsaicin has to be permitted for humans because it’s a significant part of half the world’s cuisines - basically all food traditions not originating from the US or Europe contain capsaicin.

I personally think it is absurd to consider it a banned substance unless the horse shows signs of blistering or irritation. Is rubbing salsa on a horse performance enhancing?

It can have some beneficial effect for pain relief - just as ice can.[/QUOTE]

I was wondering that myself. Were the horses being rubbed down, and put up in standing wraps with the stuff to give them extra comfort? Or, were they being painted right before jumping to dull the leg? It might burn initially, but it is a pain killer by design.

Capsaicin comes in many strengths too. Light is in the OTC medications for leg rubs, and heavy duty can be in arthritis strength products.

My only questions are WHY were they using it, and why is it banned? Sorry, not up on the regulations on controlled substances during the events. Very sad for the sport though, it makes you wonder what people will do to win.

[willowoodstables]

[QUOTE=petitefilly;3463477]

My only questions are WHY were they using it, and why is it banned? Sorry, not up on the regulations on controlled substances during the events. Very sad for the sport though, it makes you wonder what people will do to win.[/QUOTE]

Actually I think it is considered a foreign substance?? I know, maybe someone had buffalo wings and then pet the horsies (not being a smart butt, but really I can’t beleive someone would get caught for doping…I know wishful thinking)

[MHM]

Here’s an annoying thing.

The NY Times has the story about the 4 suspended riders on the front page of their website.

When the US won team gold on Monday, there was not one word about it.

[Peggy]

My understanding is that the lab used for this Olympics is able to detect capsaicin in lower concentrations than was previously possible. Thus it’s possible that the topical preparations and MagicCushion were used during previous competitions, but not detected by a lab that can’t measure the lower concentrations.

[Ruby_G_Weber]

There are hundreds of “banned substances.”

No matter how good, fast, sensitive a testing lab is it cannot possibly test for every banned substance in every sample in a relatively short time as has been done in Hong Kong.

That means to me they were looking for this particular substance.

A sample can be “negative” for acepromazine, even if the horse was given a cc five minutes before the sample was drawn, if that sample was not tested for ace.

And yes DMK the whole hoopla after Athens, rider reps on the FEI drug committee, moving away from zero tolerance, allowable trace levels, etc. Yes, zero tolerance is unrealistic and the sooner the FEI comes to that realization, the better for the horse and ,oh yes, the sport.

[coriander]

The Capsaicin Conspiracy - buckets of Bigeloil dumped down legs in the dark. :lol::lol:

[grayarabpony]

[QUOTE=MHM;3463542]
Here’s an annoying thing.

The NY Times has the story about the 4 suspended riders on the front page of their website.

When the US won team gold on Monday, there was not one word about it.[/QUOTE]

:no:

[BLBGP]

http://www.chronofhorse.com/index.php?cat=1212907081280700&ShowArticle_ID=1282108080439110

[canyonoak]

To test a horse AT the event, declare it negative–and then test it again and find it positive…seems ridiculous to me when the horse was using the Equi-Block at the time of BOTH tests. Especially when the entire point of the pre-test is to INFORM the PR (person Responsible) that the horse has a problem or not.

As Lynch points out–he has been using Equi-Block in his saddle area for over a year, being tested at event after event–as the horse has a solid competition record and enough wins to require fairly continuous testing.

What a farce!

Guess once again the FEI and WADA forgot that some people really can be innocent.

Well, that’s another career WADA has managed to sabotage-=-this time with the help of the FEI.

[bluemoonfarms]

---

Quote from http://www.chronofhorse.com/index.ph...82108080439110
"He commonly applies a topical substance called Equi-block to his horse’s back to loosen the muscles before working, he said. The label on the bottle he produced read, “Contains capsaicin—will not test.” "

Will not test. I think that says it all. There is no way that every substance used or ingested by an Olympian horse is not fully scrutinized by the vet. Shame on them for trying to stretch the rules.

I have contacted the USEF in the past to find out if certain supplements were legal to use. They were very helpful. When my horse showed in FEI Classes I even went as far as to by organic carrots for her. I was afraid of any chemicals that could have been sprayed on or used on them as they were growing.

It is another dark cloud on another Olympics. How sad.

[M_O_Connor]

There’s a big difference between the phrase: “Will not test,” and “Does not contain any forbidden substance.”

[Carol_Ames]

hot stuff!

similar to cayenne pepper, , it increases blood flow,ie., circulation to the area to which it is applied to It is used as a topical arthritis ointment in humans, and horses; it creates a burning sensation, do not get it near your eyes!:no:, or, on sensitive areas:cry:; similar to putting gasoline on horses legs, in (the “old days” :mad:) it makes horses super careful to NOT touch a pole:o

[Carol_Ames]

hot stuff!

similar to cayenne pepper, , it increases blood flow,ie., circulation to the area to which it is applied it is used as a topical arthritis ointment in humans, and horses; it creates a burning sensation, do not get it near your yes:cry:!, or, on sensitive:eek: areas; similar to putting gasoline on horses legs, in (the “old days” ) it makes horses super careful to NOT touch a pole

[Gry2Yng]

[QUOTE=DMK;3461316]
Yes, but damn near everyone uses Magic Cushion AT horse shows, so there is your conundrum.[/QUOTE]

damn near everyone uses liniment too, but it is a forbidden substance according to the FEI. When you ride at that level you learn how to play in the sandbox for the most part, but sometimes you get caught out. Liniment has alcohol. Alcohol is forbidden, but it would take buckets of it to be absorbed by the skin and show up in a test. That doesn’t mean it isn’t forbidden, you just take your chances.

The FEI’s party line is “hay, water and oats” - everything else is “banned”.

The Federation has a telephone number you can call and you can read them the list of ingredients on ANY product and they will tell you if it will be flagged in an FEI drug test.

They are really helpful. Before any FEI event, all the riders I know go through their grooming kits looking for things that can be a problem and then they sit on the phone with the USEF Drugs and Meds people and discuss any new products they have added to the kit since the last FEI event.

Have no idea whether the purpose behind the use of capsaicin was for a competitive advantage or not, but these competitors, the coaches and the chefs know how to play the game as far as what they are using on their horses. They don’t take the label on the bottle at face value.

capsaicin is not hay water or oats, doesn’t matter if it is used every day by everyone in a hoof packing. Can’t be used at an FEI event. Period. If you think you will be using it in such small amounts that it won’t test, that is a risk you take. The FEI is quite clear.

It is also true that different labs will detect substances at different levels. I have called the Federation in the past and once they told me that all samples pulled in Canada are tested in a lab in the US. Sensitivities in Europe are totally different and horses have to be managed for it. Again, Chef and Coaches know all about this. So no surprise that they might catch something different in Hong Kong or that they might be looking for something in particular at this event (funny how they found a lot of it) whereas they weren’t looking for it at other events.

[Carol_Ames]

th FE![]( agrees!

t’s a shame. I hate seeing medals redistributed after the event is over. I understand cheating is cheating and I hate it. I’m not saying it should be overlooked. However, as a spectator, I like seeing the results determined right there, on the field of play and seeing the winners on the podium, not announced several days later. [IMG]http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/images/buttons/quote.gif)

[GreekDressageQueen]

Once upon a time, I competed in international FEI events and my horses were subjected to drug testing all the time. Our team and our team vet never allowed us to use anything but ice, wraps, pillows (or gamgee), and clay-based poultice. If our horses were sore, we used massage, magnets, cold hosing, and piping hot towels infused with peppermint. Sometimes, we even used steam to help clear airways and bring moisture back to the GI tract during the hot summers. This was only 15 years ago and we were jumpers. There is really no excuse not to be able to follow the “no tolerance” policy. It required many more hours of TLC for each horse and sometimes our horses would still be sore and not compete as well but that’s the risk you take. At least we never failed a drug test. The failed drug tests, the “alleged” doping, the weighted boots, all of these things are just ridiculous. :no:

[MHM]

I’m still amazed at the notion that not every horse at the Olympics gets drug tested. That just boggles my mind.

Doesn’t every race horse that gets a piece of a $2000 claiming race in the United States get drug tested?

You would think they would test every horse there. Don’t they test every human athlete??

[bluemoonfarms]

Manufacturer’s Product Information:

"Equi-Block™
EquiFlite Technologies Inc
Description:
Racehorse Strength topical pain reliever with Capsaicin. Will not test positive.

Indications:
For the temporary care of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, neuralgias, simple backache, strains and sprains of ligaments and tendons, curb and splints in horses.

Ingredients:
Active Ingredient: Capsaicin (0.025%)
Other Ingredients: Deionized Water, Chamomile Extract, Carbomer 940, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine, Propyl Gallate, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben, Fragrance.
This product contains natural products and is subject to color change over time.

Directions:
The key to using Racehorse Strength Equi-Block successfully is that it must be applied to the exact area of lameness. Apply just enough to cover affected area and apply evenly. Apply to both sides of a joint where applicable (i.e., if applying to a hock rub in front, sides and back of hock). This gives maximum results. Apply to affected area not more than 3-4 times daily, for up to 7 days. Wash hands after applying.

Warnings:
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. If Equi-Block gets in eyes, flush thoroughly with water. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin. Do not bandage. Do not apply to unaffected areas. Discontinue use if excessive irritation occurs. Do not use other than directed. If condition worsens, discontinue use and consult a veterinarian. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. For animal use only.

Storage:
Store in original container at controlled room temperature 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the product label or package insert."

So in the first line under description it states that it contains capsaicin and that it will not test positive. Why would they say it will not test positive for a LEGAL substance?

And this from tackoutlet.com

"Equi Block #924

Click to Enlarge

This scientifically advanced topical pain reliever combines the unique pain killing properties of capsaicin (an extract that penetrates the skin) with the soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities of Levonemol. Tremendous success decreasing pain in soft tissue injuries and joints in the equine athlete. Will not test positive, blister or scurf. Works immediately on aplication. Apply 1/2 to 1 oz. to the desired area. Rub in until thoroughly absorbed. 8 oz. "

Again “will not test positive” and this is an advertisement for Equi-Block.

Another from kyhorse.com

“Equi-Block is a topical pain reliever for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with arthritis, tendonitis, strains, sprains and simple backache in horses. Scientifically formulated for racehorses. Contains capsaicin, will not test positive. 8 ounces.”

Once again will not test positive?

[GreekDressageQueen]

I heard Phelps volunteered to be drug tested every 4 hours because he knew some people thought he was taking something to enhance his performance. I think it really raised his credibility and respect within the sporting community.