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  Discussion on Help for stallions
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2001 - 10:09 pm:

I started out by asking about the AHSA regulations on Guaifenesin. I have since seen it on the "forbidden" list of the AHSA. I have a stallion who is very well behaved, but the moment we walk in the show ring he gets this huge rush. What I would call an adrealin (spelling?) rush. Almost uncontrollable. He is a "roarer" and when he gets "up" in the ring his breathing is worse, then I am battling the rush from hormones, and his anxiety because he cant get enough air. I have used ACTH with no success. He is quiet and well behaved until he actually goes in the ring. I have also thought .. o.k its just a training issue, but its not, it is solely hormonal, or chemical. Guaifenesin sounds like exactly what he needs. (too bad its not legal) I Have even gone to schooling shows where they dont test. Put 1/4cc of ace IV and he walks in the ring like a puppy dog!! Any help would be appreciated. I have tried ACTH, Dex (up to 6cc's), B1, and can not due to AHSA rules us Valerian, or Tryptophane. This horse is eating a low carb, no corn, high fat diet. I am not looking for a tranquelizer per say, as he is a jumper and I do need him attentive, and sharp. I am just looking for something ot keep his chemicals, or hormones, (whatever it is) in line. He is such a different horse I have even thought of drawing blood before and after his going in the ring to see what it is that is making him act like this.
Any help would be appreciated.


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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 12, 2001 - 6:01 am:

Hello Borderline,
The problem is the way the rules for the AHSA are written: (and I paraphrase) any drug, chemical or foodstuff, whether on the list or not, that has an affect on your horses mental status is forbidden. Not knowing your situation it is hard to know what you have tried and what might work or not. You might put a pasture full of horses next to your stallion so he can get use to their prescence?
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Sep 13, 2001 - 10:37 am:

I have tried that, only to have him run a trench on the fence line, loose 200 lbs, and blow a quarter crack. He has no regard for self safety, or preservation when his hormones take over. I understand the AHSA rules, and am also aware, as I'm sure you are that there are MANY, MANY people who show on "altered" horses. I am looking to benefit everyones safety, as if I come off it will put a lot of people in danger. I dont know what else to try. I had a friend advise to give 25cc/day of regumate in the feed. (have tried up to 15cc/day with no effect)I also have progesterone in oil. I think its suppose to go IM but I dont remember how much to give. I am also looking into the surgery to tie back the flap. He isnt loud unless he is on this rush in the ring though. Any help /suggs would be greatly appreciated

Posted on Thursday, Sep 13, 2001 - 12:34 pm:

Hi Borderline
Is he OK in the schooling area and then nervous in the ring??? How old is he and how big are you jumping him? Do you think he feels over faced and that is causing him stress? As the rider do you get more nervous as you go into the ring and he is picking up on that? I can totally understand his fears once he gets worked up and then has a hard time breathing.....that must be scary for him and maybe he has started to associate going in the ring with this.
Maybe some more schooling shows at a low level and the bit of ace which you said helps. Slowly cut back on the ace and keep the jumps low until he is comfortable.
My mare is the opposite and is a nutcase in the schooling area and a true Champion in the ring.
~Barbara

Posted on Friday, Sep 14, 2001 - 12:56 pm:

Thanks barbra, but he is only doing 3'6, and is by no means overfaced. I have taken him to schooling shows but at this level the jumpers are min 3'6. The height is not a problem, he is actually better over the bigger jumps because he has to pay attention to what he is doing. I do not get nervous, and he has never been nervous about anything. Anxious ... yes, nervous no. He doesnt spook at anything. He is pretty good in the schooling area, a little up but I nothing like in the ring. He is also the same way to ride at home, where he KNOWS where the mares are and simply doesnt pay attention. I know it is solely related to his hormones and or the adrenal area, as he is fine on 1/4cc of ace which doesnt allow him to get distracted. I dont see how I can cut the 1/4 cc any less unless I mix it with saline. I am really looking for something to show him on. I have put him on the regu-mate.. we'll see how that works. Vicks in the nose doesnt work either. Thanks for the suggs. but this one really isn't a training issue. Let me know if you hear of anything.

Posted on Friday, Sep 14, 2001 - 3:39 pm:

Sorry Bordeline, I don't have any ideas for him as far as meds go.
There are 1cc syringes you could use if you were interested in trying to decrease the amount of ace.
It does seem odd that he is pretty good in the schooling area where other horses are schooling but gets *anxious* in the ring.
How old he is?
Barbara
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