Can paprika make a horse hot?

[Dapple Dawn Farm]

I started feeding my horse paprika to help his coat stay dark as it was stated on other threads that that is the main ingredient in those other coat darkening supplements but was much cheaper just to use plain paprika. Well, my OTTB has been really "hot" lately almost to the point of being un-rideable. I know the cold has to factor into the equation but has anyone ever had this type of experience? Oh, and his daily dose of paprika is on hold for now in the hopes he will settle down.

[katarine]

My goofy guy is not an worse on paprika, been on it a year and has made huge strides in his training. You can certainly take one off it as you have, but I think you're just seeing goofy coldy pony syndrome :)

[wlrottge]

Don't know about hot, but it is a "banned" substance, so don't show while on it.

[Dapple Dawn Farm]

I did know that...thanks.

[mhtokay]

aren't there a couple types of paprika? like Hungarian, or Spanish, something like that? doubt it would make a difference, but ya never know.... or maybe you're feeding too much. Isn't it just a tablespoon a day, or something?

[JB]

Paprika itself isn't banned.

However, it contains capsaicin which is banned.

And yes, paprika can aggravate ulcers which can make a horse "hot".

[CarribeanLiving]

aren't there a couple types of paprika? like Hungarian, or Spanish, something like that? doubt it would make a difference, but ya never know.... or maybe you're feeding too much. Isn't it just a tablespoon a day, or something?

1tbsp-2tbsp/day is a good general guideline for paprika. The Hungarian has a good reputation and works well for me.

[Renae]

Ditto on paprika bothering ulcers/creating ulcers, definatly could be what is bothering your horse.

[katarine]

Please cite your sources for paprika causing ulcers.

[Dapple Dawn Farm]

You know, I had the sneaking suspicion that it could be bothering/creating an ulcer as well. I'll have to check into it more. BTW, are ulcers in horses not brought on by stomach bacteria as they are in humans? Is there a different mechanism for horse ulcers and that's why antibiotics aren't effective?

[JB]

Not sure the small amount can *cause* ulcers, but it's a spice, and spicey things, even those on the milder side (such as the sweeter paprikas) can aggravate and existing ulcer.

[katarine]

that's where I'm coming from JB, in asking for sources of the assertion that they CAUSE them.

I totally agree they could aggravate existing ones...but cause them?