Update on Testing Issues
Recently our Medication Control Programme has reported several cases of tests in which low concentrations of sedatives were found in competition horses. In this respect, the following substances have been detected: Acepromazine, Detomidine, Reserpine, Fluphenazine and Guanabenz.

These substances are being used in low dosages to improve the manageability of ‘hot’ horses and are therefore regarded as serious attempts to influence the performance of the horse by medication. Several of the above substances have no regular place in the horse and may be considered as serious infringements of the FEI medication rules. In addition, a substance such as Acepromazine can have a long detection time.

Apparently many riders, trainers or veterinarians were under the impression that horses treated in this way would not test positive. This is not the case. More than seven cases have already entered the legal system of the FEI in a few months, which indicates that the use of these substances is widespread.

Riders, trainers and veterinarians should be alerted to the fact that these cases may be seen as serious attempts to influence the performance level of the horse.