The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) today issued a statement on new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations passed by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) General Assembly Nov. 19. The passed regulations included a "progressive list" of substances that will now be allowed in competition in limited amounts, including phenylbutazone, flunixin, and salicylic acid.

The USEF statement follows.

The USEF is supportive of the rule change allowing certain non-steroidal medications included on the "Progressive List" passed at the FEI General Assembly in Copenhagen earlier this month. The list includes medications that would be allowed in FEI competitions and which are already permitted in USEF competitions.

These medications are not considered by to be performance-enhancing in human athletes and because of this distinction, they are not prohibited. While it is the human athlete that is solely responsible in making the decision to use these non-performance enhancing medications, it is the responsibility of the FEI to protect and ensure the welfare of our equine partners. By placing restrictions on the use of the NSAIDs to include low level administrations and continuing a rigorous program of veterinary examinations and inspections, the FEI is providing for equine welfare while still prohibiting the non-judicious use of these and other medications consistent with the Clean Sport initiative