United States Eventing Association

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

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."