ACP

[Arnie1]

Can anybody advise on the dangers of competing horses given ACP

 

[Fleur100]

ACP is a pre-med and sedative. I doubt any vet would recommend competing while using ACP (so dangerous) and if you check regulations for your competitions it will be prohibited!

 

[PapaFrita]

Do you mean the danger that you might get caught or the danger of a horse for instance hitting a fence and rolling on top of you because his reflexes are impaired?
I don't think it's advisable even to ride a horse on ACP, much less compete one.

 

[Sarah_Jane]

If you are jumping it is downright dangerous as any slight sedative effect could cause the horse to fall. The type of tired fall is the sort that can kill the rider.

I know people do use it a bit to calm horses for dressage but in eventing particularly now they are testing for it.

 

[PapaFrita]

Meant to add, if you have a dangerously exciteable horse, I'm sure your vet can recommend a better alternative to ACP.
I believe magnesium calmers are very effective.

 

[MissDeMeena]

It's alright to ride them on it.. but as said above, don't compete on it!!

I know a few racing yards that'll give horses just coming back into work one for the first few times you ride it..

 

[PapaFrita]

Yes, I realised I was being a bit dramatic after I made the post (although I'm not sure I'd be happy doing too much fast work!)

What I meant to say was that there were probably more effective and safer alternatives to ACP for riding. Having said that, I actually know a nutter or 2 who JUMP their horses on ACP....

 

[MissDeMeena]

don't worry.. i was only using the quick reply.. so was a general post!!

I have to say.. i'm thinking of using it myself this winter.. with two VERY sharp horses to ride out together... am about to start them on this soaked oats diet too

 

[eventingdiva]

My vet gave an owner some to give to a horse for the dressage phase at a PN last year. TBH it didnt really have much of an effect but she didn't have very much. I don't agree with this but it was the vet who suggested it so surely it wasn't THAT dangerous?! x

 

[GatefieldHorses]

competeing on ACP can get you banned from BSJA etc.
It is a banned substance

 

[GatefieldHorses]

you can ride on it, but i would only suggest if youe horse is really bad. We had a very very nervous gelding under saddle. Fine on ground just when he was ridden. Gave him a couple and it took the edge off but didnt really make a difference. Waste of time really.

 

[emmajanerushton]

i wouldnt advise riding a doped horse EVER, i know of someone who used it when hunting as horse a loony and was very shocked its wrong if you cant control them do something about it rather than doping them up, The only time i advocate the use of ACP is when they have laminits as a vasculodilator and as a sedative for box rested horses or those who need to be kept still for a purpose, i know of show ponies who are to sharp being given it and its wrong and not fair to all the sane childrens ponies out there, who need none of this, take it you read the report recently about the show jumping mum putting ACP in polos holes and feeding it to her childs competion at a show jumping event ?

 

[emmajanerushton]

With regarding the Dressage of a pre novice as stated in my above it is not fair togenuine competiors, Hence all should be bloody tested !

 

[MDJO]

My vet told me that ACP supresses a horses reactions and for some reason which currently escapes me, it is more dangerous than a regular intravenous sedative as it can over-ride 'training' i.e. if faced with something spooky or scary the horse may react instinctively and disregard previous training e.g. a soothing voice or the aids - whereas with a normal sedative the horse is just generally subdued but can still listen and react to owner. I think this makes ACP more dangerous as you would not want to be riding a horse which is disregarding the basic aids.