How do I know what products I can use in competition?

[kate028]

Hi all, this is my first time posting. Yay!!
I was just wondering how people check if any supplements or products like those applied to the skin (muddy marvel, mane and tail grow etc.) contain prohibited substances.
It's annoying to always have to ask the vet and the FEI Clean Sport app doesn't tell you what you can use only what you can't!

Thanks all!

 

[Shay]

There are so many different things available, and different brand names in different countries - so it would be impossible to list everything that you can use world wide.

Occasionally the product itself will tell you - the more reputable companies certainly do. Otherwise look at the active ingredient and check against the prohibited substances list. Muddy marvel is fine. I've not used mane and tail grow but all the ingredients look routine. It is relatively rare for something you put on the skin (other than medications or things not designed for horses) to then also be prohibited. You are more likely to get into trouble with supplements or feeds so that is always worth checking as NOPS compliant or competition safe.

 

[kate028]

Thanks Shay. It just seems to be a little bit of a minefield! I was using Mane-Tail Grow on one of horses who just seems to have dry skin and then a friend mentioned the possibility of there being a prohibited substance in it. Thanks for the information. Do you mind me asking what NOPS stands for?

 

[Shay]

Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances in Feed. Its a BETA scheme what feed manufacturers can sign up to which should ensure (as best you possibly can) that your feed is free from a prohibited substance which might otherwise occur naturally. Thinks like tea, coffee and chocolate all contain prohibited substances and can contaminate feed - also plants which might be found naturally in meadow hay like poppy, foxglove, valerian etc.

It can look really daunting to begin with but it is really just a case of being aware of what is in the products you use. It isn't necessarily about just competition safe either - many of the things on the list you wouldn't necessarily want to put on or in your horse without doing so deliberately and for good reason.