In response to recent discussions in the equestrian community about the length of time that Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) anti-doping cases can take to prosecute, the FEI is keen to clarify its procedures.

“It is the FEI’s role to ensure the full integrity of competition and fair play, while at the same time ensuring that the rights of the athlete are fully protected,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said. “As an international governing body, the FEI cannot allow that athletes would ever be condemned or sanctioned without having the proper opportunities to defend themselves. It is of course regrettable, on every level, whenever there is a positive finding, but the FEI has to follow due process in the interest of all parties involved.”

Following the confirmation of a positive sample, it is the FEI’s duty to prove to the tribunal that there has been a violation of the "Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations." A positive finding is simply the start of the process.

In the event of a provisional suspension being imposed following a positive finding, the person responsible (PR) can apply at any time for a preliminary hearing to request lifting of the provisional suspension