An important rule change affecting the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in competition horses was approved at this year’s U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting, held January 13-17, 2010.

Motivated by its commitment to the welfare of the horse, the USEF Board of Directors voted to amend its Therapeutic Drug Rule and restrict use to a single NSAID beginning December 1, 2011. Both the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association support the rule change. USEF joins other organizations including the American Quarter Horse Association and Equine Canada in making this change.

While the presence of two of the seven approved and quantitatively restricted NSAIDs in a horse will still be allowed prior to December 2011 (with the exception of the forbidden combination of phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine, trade name "Banamine"), it is important to note that new restrictions are in place concerning their use. Beginning April, 1, 2010, anyone administering two NSAIDs to a horse within five days prior to participating at a USEF-licensed competition will be required to complete and file a NSAID Disclosure Form with the USEF Steward/Technical Delegate or their Designated Competition Office Representative. This form will allow the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program to collect valuable data regarding the use of NSAIDs in competition horses.

USEF has developed an education plan to guide management, owners, trainers, and exhibitors through the implementation of this rule change, including an informational pamphlet and NSAID Disclosure Form. Both the pamphlet and the forms will be shipped to all competition managers for distribution from their competition offices