Building up a horse pre-race

Question
Hello,

I train a few horse both thoroughbreds and quarter horses and I was wondering after my horses are fit and has the propers works and speed training in them what medicine, vitamins, etc. should i use to build them up? How far out to give it? etc. What do you use and should they get weekly dose of any type of medication or build-up to keep them "peaking"?? Thanks for your time and knowledge.

John Meche

P.S. Are pain medications benefitial in sounds horses??

Answer
Hi John,
        This is a difficult area of training to handle. Firstly, don't give your horses any drugs etc if they don't need them. If you have got them to peak condition any further 'enhancement' will produce unusual results and may in fact be detremental to the horse. It may also be illegal!
Your vet will the best person to advise you on this. He will take into consideration the feed mix and what sort of training /racing regime you have. Some additional vitamins etc may be appropriate and there will be plenty of commercial 'topping off' supplements available at your feed supply shop.

Sorry this is not really what you were looking for but without knowing anything about your horses I am reluctant to suggest anything specific.

Cheers,

Don Boddie
New Zealand