“We’re meant to be advocates for the welfare of the horse,” said Rick Mitchell, DVM, of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn., moderator of the Dec. 3, 2005 Performance Horse Forum at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Seattle, Wash. “The dilemma is handling the ill horse and allowing that horse to still compete within the existing rules of the various organizations.”

Practitioners discussed the specifics and ethics of medication rules in equestrian sport, including the rules of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sport).

Many veterinarians said they felt it was easy to keep the best interest of the horse at hand within the rules and regulations of the USEF and AQHA. Medicating a horse within a specific time frame before competition in USEF- and AQHA-sanctioned events has become clearer over the past few years since drug withdrawal times have been continually updated. A medication’s withdrawal time represents how long it takes for the drug to reach a level in the horse’s blood or urine where it is not considered therapeutic or performance-enhancing.

The FEI has a no foreign substance rule, meaning that no drug levels are allowed in horses’ blood or urine. In a common sense clause, “The FEI does allow for some interpretation on the part of the veterinary delegate or the veterinary commission,” Mitchell said. “Antibiotics, fluids, vitamins, and certain food supplements are allowed, but for anything otherwise, they must go to the veterinary delegate and get permission. All meds given during competition through a hypodermic needle must be with the permission of the veterinary delegate. If you use oral meds such as Regumate (oral altrenogest that inhibits ovulation), you must complete a consent form. GastroGard is probably the exception there, but I advise my clients to disclose all such medications