Jan 09, 2018

ERA of NA Urges all Equestrian Riders to Understand the FEI Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes

By ERA of NA - Edited Press Release
Photo courtesy of ERA of NA Facebook page.

Due to the recent news regarding positive test results of samples collected from three Eventing Riders competing in the CIC3* at the Ocala Jockey Club International 3- Day Event this past November in Reddick, Florida; the ERA of NA strongly suggests all equestrian athletes (and their support personnel) competing in any FEI competitions, regardless of the level, familiarize themselves with WADA Rules and Policies. More information can be found at www.globalDRO.org.

The three riders tested positive for prohibited substances under the FEI Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes.

It is imperative that all equestrian athletes understand these rules and how to prepare for FEI Events by knowing what is a prohibitive substance, how to notify FEI for approval of the medication, and how long the process is to be approved to compete or not compete on that substance.

USEF Team Physician Dr. Mark Hart offers the following advice:

“ALL riders competing under FEI rules are subject to random, in-competition and out of competition drug testing. It is your responsibility to know if you are taking any medications on the FEI Prohibited Substance List. Please visit the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA) website, which contains a range of information on testing, regulations, and athlete rights. You should also regularly check the USADA web page that covers all changes to the anti-doping rules.

Another easy way to find out more information about any medication and if it contains prohibited substances is to go to this user-friendly link: Global Drug Reference Online.

In some situations, a rider may have an illnesses or condition that requires the use of medication listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List. A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) from the FEI provides permission for an athlete to have a prohibited substance in their body at the time of a drug test. Without a TUE, a medication violation can result in an FEI and USEF suspension of up to four years. A valid prescription from your healthcare provider for one of these prohibited medications does not assure that a TUE will be approved. It is important that you inform your healthcare provider that you are an athlete that completes Clean Sport testing under WADA anti-doping rules, and discuss all prescribed medications and potential alternatives. If required, a TUE application can be found online or athletes should contact their National Federation/National Olympic Committee. TUE applications need to be fully completed and submitted to the FEI 30 days prior to participating at an FEI event.

Many questions have been raised recently because marijuana (and related synthetic derivatives) is now legal in several states. Regardless of these laws, marijuana is definitely still a banned substance under WADA/USADA anti-doping rules. Additionally, urine clearance times for testing purposes after last use of drugs are quite variable (from days to weeks), so it is strongly advised that all athletes avoid recreational drugs at all times. The use of supplements also carries some risks because some dietary/nutritional supplements can contain prohibited substances. Educate yourself by visting the USADA website.

For a quick reference guide and summary of the items listed above, please click and save this link in your browser."

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Weekend Quick Links: March 29-30

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.

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Just like that, let the official countdown to the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event begin! This year's entry list for the CCI5*-L was revealed today, and the star studded list includes former Kentucky champions, six of the world's top 12 eventers, Olympians, and so much more.

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2025 USEA American Eventing Championships Presented by Nutrena Feeds Heads West to Galway Downs

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Mar 26, 2025 USEA Foundation

Broussard Family Charitable Trust Announces Doubling of Rebecca Farm Travel Grants

Since 2006, the Broussard Family Charitable Trust has supported the sport of eventing in the U.S. and the careers of countless U.S. event riders through multiple grants including the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant (2011), Le Samurai Fund (2008), Cindy Burge Memorial ECP Grant (2006), Broussard Family Charitable Trust Going Forward Grants (2020), and the Rebecca Farm Travel Grant (2011). The USEA Foundation is excited to share that the Broussard Family Charitable Trust continues to remain committed to its support of these grants and has announced the following enhancements for 2025.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA