As a result of a number of recently reported equine fatalities associated with the use of Medroxyprogesterone (MPA), US Equestrian will reconvene its MPA Panel to further analyze the use of this substance in horses competing at USEF-licensed competitions.
This latest information on equine fatalities associated with the use of MPA underscores the need for the MPA Panel to meet and review the critical information about this substance in order to provide our members with the information they need to protect their equine partners.
The MPA Panel was first convened in the winter to 2017 due to discussion in the veterinary community and the emergence of research regarding the efficacy of MPA in competition horses. Specifically, the question focused on how MPA affects the competition horse, since research indicated that MPA does not interrupt estrus in mares. This was especially important due to its increased use in geldings and stallions, and also to the reports of increased dosages being administered.
Following discussions at public hearings and town halls, as well as feedback from our members, the MPA Panel recommended that we continue to monitor the use of MPA, including implementation of MPA-specific medication reports in order to capture more information on dosage, administration schedules, and the continued presence of the substance in a horse’s system after the last known administration. However, the recent reports of equine fatalities have raised greater concern regarding the safety of this substance in horses.
US Equestrian remains steadfast in our efforts to protect human and equine athletes. As such, we will update our membership on any changes to the permitted use of MPA. In the interim, USEF strongly discourages the use of MPA by its members and also recommends that you consult with your veterinarian.
The USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) 2021 Team Challenge calendar is now available! This new program was announced in October 2020 and so far there have been over 60 teams register and 18 team challenges added to the 2021 calendar.
There are currently 34 FEI events on the U.S. Eventing calendar for 2021 with the first taking place in mid-March. While all national events in the U.S. follow the USEF Rules For Eventing, international events follow the FEI Rulebook.
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.
In a difficult year for the sport of eventing, it was volunteers like James (Jim) Newman who helped many events stay afloat. Through www.eventingvolunteers.com, Newman recorded a total of 292 hours and 51 minutes of volunteer service in 2020. Newman’s dedication to the sport amidst a pandemic earned him the top spot on the USEA Volunteer of the Year Presented by Sunsprite Warmbloods leaderboard.