Dressage Ireland has signed up to the Horse Sport Ireland National Anti Doping policy which came into force on 1st April 2012. A number of information evenings have been held throughout the country to educate riders and owners on what lies ahead.
The Horse Sport Ireland anti doping vets will attend at least two Dressage Ireland shows throughout the year; these can be national or regional shows. The vets will decide who will be tested and there will be at least three or four horses tested at each venue. The level the horse/pony is riding at is irrelevant; it could be preliminary or Grand Prix.
This national anti doping policy will use the FEI rules on what is allowed and what is not.
Drugs administered to a horse are split into three categories; Permitted
– no restrictions Controlled – allowed, but must use the withdrawal period, (vets advice to add a few days onto recommended withdrawal period).
Banned
– these drugs should never be administered to a horse under any circumstances.
For a full list of drugs, or to check any particular drug go to the ‘FEI Clean sport’ website. On the FEI website one can find the name of any drug and it will tell which of the three categories the drug researched falls into. The withdrawal periods for controlled drugs can also be found.
Photo © Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Changes to British Equine Anti Doping Announced
Veterinarians at FEI Events Must Carry FEI ID Card as of 1 June 2012