EWA Welfare Corner: Equestrian Australia Medication Control Policy - Overview

What do you know about Medication Control?

Equestrian Australia (EA) is committed to the international Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the
Horse and to maintaining a level playing field, so everyone competes on their merits under the same
conditions.
So, anyone that competes in any EA affiliated event may have their horse tested. Check out the
Equestrian Australia General Regulations Article 100 (EA Activity Classification). Horses can be tested
at any time from the start of competition until 30 minutes after the final results are posted AND may
be tested more than once during the same competition.

Methods of selection for testing can be:
• Random
• Obligatory
• Targeted

For example,
• Horses may be chosen specifically because their behavior raises suspicion. In other words, the horse may
appear drugged or under the effect of medication (this will be deemed a Ground Jury “targeted test”);
• Horses may be chosen at random from all competitors entered or chosen at random from a
group of winners or place getters (this will be deemed a “random selection”);
• Horses may be chosen because they are winners or place getters (this will be deemed
“obligatory”)
• Horses may be chosen because they have been withdrawn or scratched (this will be deemed
a Ground Jury “targeted test”)
• Horses may be chosen because of poor performance (this will be deemed a Ground Jury
“targeted test”); and/or
• Horses may be chosen at a judge’s request (this will be deemed a Ground Jury “targeted
test”)

Under the Equestrian Australia Medication Control Policy there are certain events at which it is
mandatory to test, these are:
• All National Championships or equivalent (for at least one horse or three percent of the
horses taking part, whichever is the greater)
• All State Championships or equivalent (for at least one horse or three percent of the horses
taking part, whichever is the greater)
• Upon any horse that dies/ has to be euthanized at an EA Competition
• For all classes with prize money totaling more than $2,000 or with a first prize of $1,000 or more
(for at least one horse or three percent of horses taking part, whichever is the greater)
Testing at other events is highly recommended and can take place at any time.

How are horses selected for testing?

The Ground Jury (judges)/Event OC will select the horses/methods of selection and sign the Notification
Forms. The Ground Jury/OC may delegate the responsibility to the Veterinarian. The accredited
swabbing steward is not involved in the selection of horses.
Horses selected should not have their competition or preparation adversely affected.
Remember, always, the welfare of the horse is paramount, and your horse should be your number
one concern. Horses should not compete if they are unwell or injured. If your horse requires
treatment this should be given, even if it means you will not be able to compete for a period of time.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI), to which EA is affiliated has a very comprehensive list
of substances that are tested for and is divided into two sections.

Controlled Medication: Deemed to have legitimate therapeutic value and commonly used in equine
medicine but must not be detectable at the time of competition.

Banned Substances: Deemed to have no legitimate use in competition horses (at any time)

All information about these substances can be found at the link below, or via the FEI Clean Sport App
http://prohibitedsubstancesdatabase.feicleansport.org/

ANYONE WHO COMPETES AT AN EQUESTRIAN AUSTRALIA AFFILIATED EVENT SHOULD CHECK THE
DATABASE OR APP BEFORE TREATING THEIR HORSE.
THINK BEFORE YOU USE, AND IF IN ANY DOUBT, DON’T GIVE IT TO YOUR HORSE
https://www.equestrian.org.au/content/clean-sport-horses

AT FEI SANCTIONED EVENTS, (CDI, CSI, CCI, CPEDI etc) FEI TARGETED TESTING MAY TAKE PLACE.
THIS WILL BE DONE BY AN FEI TESTING VETERINARIAN AND AN FEI TESTING TECHNICIAN.

As of 1 January 2025, in Australia, FEI testing will use LockCon kits. EA National testing will continue to
use the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory’s kits. More information about the FEI Global Equine
Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication program can be found here.

Who can test?

EA trains accredited MCP stewards who will undertake the process at events, assisted by a Vet (who
collects the blood).
Procedures and paperwork to be completed are very clear and a summary of what takes place can be
found here.
If you are approached at an event, please remember that you not only have an obligation to follow
the rules, but you also have clear protection under those rules. The process of testing is strictly
regulated, and you will be guided through it by the accredited steward.
We are working to maintain a level playing field for everyone who competes as well as adhering to
the Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse which is what underpins equestrian sport.
The EA Medication Control Policy can be found here.
The FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations can be found here:
https://inside.fei.org/content/anti-doping-rules

What can I do to prepare if my horse selected for testing?

Firstly, and well before the event, remember to check all medications that may be administered
either by your vet or yourself and that includes topical and herbal medication.
Remember that the officials carrying out the testing are entitled to respect and treat them with
courtesy. They are only doing their job and maintaining the credibility of our sport.
Make sure that you have your horse’s EA registration papers or an electronic copy, or FEI passport with
you at the event. This makes the process of identifying the horse a lot easier than completing a visual
ID form. This is mandatory under EA General Reg 137 (3) but also makes the identification process
easy.
During the testing please be prepared to follow the directions and try not to be distracted as it slows
the process down.
As per FEI Veterinary Regulation 1066, Photographs and films must not be taken during sample
collection.
Be aware that, under EA rules, the testing procedure includes collection of urine and blood samples.
A refusal or willful obstruction by any person to submit a horse for sampling is regarded as a doping
violation under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations.

Results

Most tests return a negative, or clear, result. You will not be notified of this result, but you can check
the result on the EA website which lists all clear samples. This is done by the unique number
(barcode) that you will receive as a receipt for the urine and blood samples and can be found on the
EA Medication Control section of the website:
https://www.equestrian.org.au/medication-control
In the unlikely event that an irregularity is detected by the laboratory, you will be contacted by EA with
options.


Prepared by Jan Smith, Equestrian Victoria Branch Medication Control Officer.
Information current as of April 2025. If you require more information, please contact Jan
on 0417 527 412.