New US dope- test rule after horses given euthanasia drug in competition

Hair-testing and new protocols for equine collapse have been introduced, after reports of horses' being given barbiturates to calm them for competitions

- By ELEANOR JONES

US EQUESTRIAN (USEF) has introduced hair testing and changes to protocols - as it is thought people are using euthanasia drugs as calmers.

USEF has approved a change to allow horses' hair, as well as blood and urine, to be tested from 1 July.

"Hair testing allows regulators to detect certain prohibited substances such as barbiturates (including the euthanasia drug) more readily and for a considerably longer time than blood or urine," a USEF spokesperson said.

COLLAPSE

THE board also approved a modification to rules on horse collapses at hunter, jumper and hunter/ jumper competitions, to “ensure our equine partners receive appropriate care and are fit to compete before they return to the ring after an unexplained collapse”.

"This will address concerns about the impermissible administration of substances and ensure there is sufficient time for a licensed vet to examine the horse and evaluate their fitness to compete," a USEF spokesperson explained.