Page 1141 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• Vacuum therapy

• Physical therapies including physiotherapy, acupressure, trigger point massage,
VetBooks.ir myofascial release, chiropractic and osteopathy

Restricted supportive therapies can only be carried out by a Permitted Equine Therapist or
Permitted Treating Veterinarian (PTV) who has undergone specific training in the therapy
with permission from the VC/VD.

Permitted Equine Therapists must be approved by their National Federation and issued

with an FEI Identification card. They may only carry out the therapies listed on their FEI
database profile.

Acupuncture may be carried out using solid needles by a PTV.

Prohibited Supportive Therapies include:

• The use of Class IV lasers

• Electroacupuncture and moxibustion
• Cryotherapy and shock wave therapy are prohibited at the event and in the preceding 5

days

• Diathermy
• Kinesio-taping is only allowed in the FEI stable area.

The dangers associated with inappropriate medication usage

Cases have occurred where horses have tested positive for anti-psychotic drugs, which are
being given to modify the behaviour of excitable horses to make them more relaxed and co-
operative. Quite apart from the fact that this is a serious breach of the rules, some of the

drugs have potentially dangerous side effects including lowering of heart rate and blood
pressure, as well as sedation. It is likely that if the horse is mildly sedated it may not respond

as expected in any challenging situation. The use of these drugs therefore subjects both the
horse and riders to unknown risks.

Desensitization and hypersensitization of limbs

• Horses are not allowed to compete under FEI rules if any part of their limbs has been
desensitized by neurectomy (denerving).

• The use of anything that makes limbs more sensitive to touch is considered to be an