Equine Canada has announced that for the first time, all Canadian riders attending the 2009 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships will be drug tested according to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP).
CADP is the set of rules that govern doping control in Canada and is compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code and all international standards.
“Equestrian sport is unique in that the rider is part of a horse-rider team. It is the rider who is responsible for both. Drugs affecting mental or physical performance of the rider can put both the rider and the horse at risk,” said Dr. Adam Steacie, chair of the Equine Canada Human Medications Committee. “Discussion of this responsibility is important in equestrian sport, as is the drug-free sport message in general. This teaches our athletes the procedure and process, so they will be more comfortable with the process in the future.”
The intent of the new program is an educational opportunity for all Canadian juniors and young riders, as well, it is an occasion for all up and coming riders to experience the testing procedures at an event prior to a major international competition such as the Olympics, World Equestrian Games or Pan American Games.
Normally, testing is conducted without advance notice to the riders; however, Equine Canada aims to make this a positive experience for young and junior riders as they are transitioning into international level competition.
The North American Junior Young Riders Championships (NAJYRC) is held annually under the rules of the FEI. The competition hosts the disciplines of eventing, dressage, show jumping and reining. Many of the world’s top riders, including many Olympic gold medalists, got their international start at NAJYRC.
In 2009, NAJYRC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, KY, July 22–26, 2009. This top international venue has been completely redesigned to host the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Photo copyrighted: Barbara Schnell
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