The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has developed guidelines for veterinarians who treat horses competing in athletic events other than racing. The document, "Clinical Guidelines for Veterinarians Treating the Non-Racing Performance Horse," promotes medical practices the AAEP believes place the appropriate emphasis on the health, safety, and welfare of performance horses.

Focusing on the highly competitive performance horse environment, the guidelines address the importance of obtaining a specific diagnosis before administering treatment. All medical treatment of performance horses should be based upon a veterinary diagnosis with appropriate time allowed for an evaluation following treatment to ensure the horse is recovered before it competes again. Administering joint injections without specific medical indication is an example of under diagnosis and over treatment. The competition schedule should not be the primary factor when evaluating a horse’s need for medical care.

"The judicious use of therapeutic techniques and medications is at the core of all successful veterinary care," said William Moyer, DVM, AAEP president and head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M. "Just as the AAEP has previously examined the appropriate veterinary care of racehorses, it is important for us, as veterinarians, to equally consider the medical care of the athletes competing in numerous sport horse disciplines."

In addition to medication administration, the guidelines address the use of shockwave therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic therapy, and cold therapy. Also included are recommendations for veterinary medical records, drug compounding, and infectious disease control at competitions and sales. The guidelines will be updated as research provides new data about the medical care of performance horses