Competing a horse on antihistamines

[celticdiamond]

Hi all I am potentially getting a new horse to ride at the weekend on loan (my boy is off work) and she has competed unaffiliated previously. Only problem is she's got a pollen allergy so has antihistamines every day as issued by her vet. Doesn't seem to bother her.

My only concern is I want to jump BS and BE with her, and as far as I'm aware antihistamines are banned by the FEI. Anyone have any suggestions of legal substances that may do the same job?

Thanks

 

[LeannePip]

BS and BE are run to their own rules so you need to check what their rules are on anti histamines, unless you are going straight out internationally you don't need to worry about FEI rules

 

[ellie_e]

Have you tried a nosenet to help reduce pollen intake? Equilibrium is a brand that my mother uses as has a good effect. Also RC/PC/BS etc legal

 

[ester]

you can get veterinary dispensation for them as they are mostly controlled not banned

https://www.fei.org/system/files/2015 Equine Prohibited S...nces List.pdf

 

[celticdiamond]

BE and BS have to run under FEI rules as a member body, and yes they are controlled but still can't really be used, only my understanding though. Thanks for the replies!

 

[GlamourDol]

what sort of level are you going to be doing?

 

[celticdiamond]

Only BE90/100, BN/Discovery/Newcomer eventually. Nothing high level but seen on BS website that they run according to BEF rules which are governed by FEI

 

[GlamourDol]

Only BE90/100, BN/Discovery/Newcomer eventually. Nothing high level but seen on BS website that they run according to BEF rules which are governed by FEI

If I was you, I'd risk it. See if you can get dispensation from BE if you are worried, but the likelihood of you being tested is very very low.

 

[celticdiamond]

I'm going to try her without and see how she is, and shall go from there thanks for your reply

 

[k89]

If the antihistamines are a controlled substance rather than a banned substance you have to apply for dispensation through either BS, BE or BD. If you contact the society you wish to join they will provide you with a form which you will need to complete and get your vet to complete and sign to say that you are using a controlled substance for therapeutic use. This then needs to be carried with you when you are out competing if you get pulled for a blood test you will be required to present this to the veterinary team.

 

[siennamum]

This is all very interesting. My gelding is off games from April to July as he is so under the weather, and has the occasional dose of steroids to make him feel better.
I suspect there would be no dispensation for those tho.

I wouldn't risk it. They tested horses at a C1 show locally last year, it would be mortifying to fail, whatever the level.

 

[Pigeon]

You can also put Vaseline in her nostrils (just a thin coating) to help barricade from the pollen. I do it myself for hay fever and it really works! Combined with a nosenet you may be able to get by without the antihistamines while you compete.

 

[celticdiamond]

Thanks for the replies guys, we're working well without the antihistamines at the moment, long may it continue!