Newsdate: Wed, 22 Jun 2011 - 04:06 pm
Location: SAN DIEGO, California

Over past competitive seasons, a number of horses and riders have been disqualified because of positive drug tests. The sensitivity of drug testing has increased greatly and often inadvertently administered substances that the horse has come into contact with because of environmental contamination or the use of so-called natural products may lead to positive test results..

It is the responsibility of the riders and trainers to ensure that they do not feed, inject, or apply anything to their horses that might lead to a positive drug test. Ignorance is not a legitimate excuse in equine competitions.

Some measures that the concerned rider or trainer can take in order to avoid or minimise the risk of contamination include:

1. Do not put anything in a horse's mouth unless the contents and composition of that feed/supplement is known. This is particularly true for herbal or so-called “natural” products and many substances that make claims for efficacy. All products should be completely labelled with the ingredients and analysis before you use them.
2. Buy commercial horse feeds only from reputable manufacturers who operate under the most stringent quality-control standards. The feed should be accompanied by documentation that lists the composition and comprehensive details of the nutrient content. A bag tag that states only protein, fat, and fibre percentage would not instill confidence.
3. When possible purchase concentrates and hay from reputable merchants with an understanding of the quality issues relating to performance horses. It is unwise to purchase hay or concentrates from farmers who may have stored these products next to feed or supplements intended for other animal species. Check oats for poppy seed contamination.
4. At FEI-level events where drug testing is being conducted, keep small samples of feed (250 grams) and supplements (30 grams) along with bag tags and/or a record of the batch number, from about one month prior to the commencement of a competition period. These samples should be stored in cool, dry environment away from sunlight for six months. If a positive test is discovered, you will have a reference sample in the event of any problems. Ensure that samples are taken near the bottom of the bag where fine material may accumulate.
5. Do not store feed from other species in any area used for preparing or storing horse feed.
6. Many substances can be absorbed through the skin and detected in tests. Be careful of liniments that may contain oil of wintergreen, which contains methyl salicylate.
7. Do not allow chocolate or coffee to contaminate a feed room or be fed to a horse.
8. Seek veterinary advice regarding the cessation of any treatment prior to competition.

With careful attention to all products that will be in the horse's environment, or that might be injested, injected, or applied to the horse, the danger of possible positive drug tests can be greatly reduced.