AHP Newsgroup: Game Ready Applauds FEI Regulations Governing Use of Cryotherapy
Prohibitions Against Sub-Zero Cooling Protects Health of
Horses and Levels Playing Field in International Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alameda, Calif. – March 16, 2009 –Game Ready™ today praised recent
actions by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international
body governing equestrian sport recognized by the International Olympic
Committee (IOC), to prevent the misuse of cryotherapy in the treatment of
horses. In its 2009-2012 Veterinary Regulations, the FEI prohibited use of
dangerous sub-zero cooling, while acknowledging that treatment with ice and
water is permissible.
“In such high levels of competition, as those governed by the FEI, trainers
and riders assume a great responsibility in providing the best possible care
to ensure that their horse is in peak condition,” said Robert Croteau,
director of international sales for Game Ready. “The combination of cooling
with ice and massage is a centuries old therapy that is a staple of good
husbandry practice. But in some cases individuals are subjecting horses to
extreme cold for extended periods of time, masking potentially serious
injuries so the horse can compete and not considering the possible
life-threatening consequences. We applaud the FEI for acknowledging the
serious problems associated with misuse of cold therapy and their ultimate
concern for the welfare of the competing horses.”
The 2009-2012 FEI Veterinary Regulations state in Article 1027.3, regarding
alternative treatment of horses at FEI events, that “shock wave therapy and
cryotherapy are not permitted during competition and for a period of five
days prior to the first horse inspection. Cooling with ice and water is
permissible to above 0 degrees Celsius. Cooling with machines that can cool
below 0 degrees Celsius are not permitted unless the machine can be locked
out of the lower temperatures by the Veterinary Delegate.”
Game Ready provides the equestrian market with an injury treatment system
that utilizes ice and water to deliver dry cold and active compression,
preventing injury in horses and speeding recovery from a multitude of
ailments. The Game Ready System is used for post-workout therapy, chronic
lameness, acute lameness, cellulitis, tendonitis, pre- and post-operative
care, bowed tendons, stocked-up legs and wind puffs.
About Game Ready
Based in Alameda, Calif., CoolSystems Inc., makers of Game Ready™, manufactures and markets pneumatic cryotherapy systems for humans, equines and canines. The systems provide intermittent or cyclical compression while simultaneously delivering dry, adjustable cold therapy when applied to the affected area. The system can be operated with minimal training, and with its patented ergonomic wraps, adjustable temperature and compression levels, and its portable design, can be incorporated into a multitude of treatment protocols. For public information, please visit www.gameready.com.
Media Contact:
Susan Lehman, Rockpoint Public Relations