Lexington, KY – Tasked with protecting the welfare of equine athletes and ensuring the balance of competition, the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program consistently monitors new products and product claims. From time to time products appear on the equine supplement market making claims of their effects on the performance of horses in competition.
Recently, reports of the use of a product called “Carolina Gold” have been brought to the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program. One of the principal constituents of this product is gama aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
While initially not considered a forbidden substance, the use of GABA as a “calming supplement” does violate the spirit and intent of the Equine Drugs and Medications Rule. During recent research and administration trials involving “Carolina Gold,” many adverse reactions were documented. The nature of these reactions has prompted immediate action from the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program.