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US Equestrian’s general counsel Sonja Keating and Dr. Stephen Schumacher of US Equestrian’s Equine Drugs and Medications Program discuss five steps to take to avoid drug positives.

About This Video

US Equestrian senior vice-president and general counsel Sonja Keating and Dr. Stephen Schumacher of US Equestrian’s Equine Drugs and Medications Program detail five best practices that equestrian competitors can use to protect themselves against positive horse drug tests and penalties. 

Key Principles:

  • Know the Rules
  • Code of Conduct
  • Organization and Cleanliness
  • Ask Questions
  • Be Honest

About The Expert

Sonja Keating and Dr. Stephen Schumacher, DVM
Sonja Keating and Dr. Stephen Schumacher, DVM

Sonja Keating serves as US Equestrian’s senior vice-president and general counsel. A graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, she obtained her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1996. She also is a member of the Junior League of Lexington and served four terms on that organization’s Horse Show Board, which hosts the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, one of the nation’s most prestigious events for American Saddlebreds, Hackneys, roadster competitors, Friesians, and saddle seat riders.

Dr. Stephen Schumacher, DVM, graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, before earning his veterinary degree from Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He has served in US Equestrian’s Equine Drugs and Medications Program for two decades as a testing technician, testing veterinarian, and, since 2006, chief administrator. Until recently he was a member of the FEI Veterinary Committee and remains on the FEI List Group. He oversaw equine drug testing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky.