Horses are the largest picture of strength, speed, and endurance for a very long time. Any trainer or owner uses equine growth hormone (eGH) for equine performance improvement or recuperation, to obtain what they want. On the surface, it may be like a magic pill, but all is not as it appears. Seeing what eGH is going to do to your horse, how it is going to hurt your horse, and alternatives which are better will help you make wise choices on the well-being of your horse.
What is Equine Growth Hormone?
Equine growth hormone is a naturally produced protein used to stimulate growth, tissue repair, and equine muscle growth in equine animals. Synthetic eGH has been studied in veterinary or clinical medicine as having a beneficial impact on wound healing and trauma recovery.
Other studies other than studies, however, eGH use is directed towards performance enhancement—a use category with astronomically severe health, ethics, and regulation-related issues.
Why Some Consider eGH
Equine growth hormone administration is most related to least:
- Easy recovery from accidents
- More muscle and more strength
- More competitive in competition horses
On initial observation, these are advantages, especially under severe competition like racing or show jumping. But then with all short cuts, there is always a price to be paid.
The Hazards of Equine Growth Hormone
Equine growth hormone is not without danger. Among some of the dangers that have been established are:
- Metabolic Issues: Chronic systemic administration of eGH can impact insulin regulation and lead to the manifestations of insulin resistance or metabolic disease.
- Abnormal Growth: Basing the abnormal pattern of growth in young horses places excess load on bones, joints, and tendons and can finally lead to an acceleration of chronic injury.
- Moral and Legal Issues: The equine growth hormone is prohibited by all the large governing bodies of horse sport as a performance-enhancing drug, both unsportsmanlike and unsafe.
- Unknown Risks: Since no long-term studies have been conducted, the full range of risks is unknown.
Safer Alternatives to Grow & Perform Better
Instead of hormones, growth and performance of horses can be augmented through the use of eco-friendly, natural alternatives:
- Healthy Diet: Correctly planned ideal amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals cover healthy repair and growth.
- Good Training: Gradually building and proper exercise routines build strength and stamina in a healthy way.
- Professional Management: Regular inspections and preventative maintenance keep horses at peak performance level while detecting health issues before they can arise.
- Recovery Therapy: Modalities such as hydrotherapy, massage, and brief rest can allow proper healing without the unwanted side effects.
They may take a bit longer, but they’re spending money on your horse’s long-term well-being and athletic ability.
Closing Remarks
Horse growth hormone will provide instant strength or rehabilitation but is accompanied by side effects that are not conducive to your horse’s overall well-being and good health. Or, dedication to training, diet, and vet-maintained health means your horse will grow naturally and ethically.
At VeteQuoilMed, we believe in equine care that respects the horse’s biology and well-being. True success comes not from shortcuts, but from consistent, science-backed care that helps your horse stay strong, healthy, and ready to perform.