Query

[alm]

Most of the posts on drug-related topics get real convoluted, real fast. It\'s hard to make sense of them after a few entries.

Let me propose a new thread based on a focused question, and see where it goes.

What if all drugs that masked a horse\'s problems (led by anti-inflamatories) were put in one category and all drugs that enhanced a horse\'s physical ability to perform well and maintain a level of performance were put into a second category (led by steroids because it is a current issue.)

What is right or wrong with banning the former, because they lead to injuries when the animals are pushed beyond their limits...and making all the latter available legally and cheaply to all participants, because they help the animal to avoid injury to some extent?

I\'ll sit back and listen (read.)

[girly]

I think drugs and steroids used by vets to address a horse\'s ailment should be used but the horse not allowed to race until the issue is corrected. They must be medically cleared. No exceptions.
 In regards to steroids for performance enhancement only, clearly they should be banned.
 I\'m no expert, but common sense tells me that people should not push these animals to the point of bleeding out to gain one more second on the racecourse. I\'d like to see any of us run 15 mph let alone 60.
 This may be tmi, but I\'ve been dealing with a frozen shoulder (very painful) and just got a steroid shot last week. Feel 100% better, but I\'m not going to run out to play tennis until my PT is over.
 We just found out today that Tiger Woods won the US Open with a torn ACL and a double stress fracture in his shin bone. Well, he\'s an adult and that was his choice. These animals have no choice. People need to accept the physical limitations of these animals and trust their natural instinct and drive to run without forcing more performance out of them than they are capable of. They will still give us all a great event!