At its mid-year meeting, the U.S. Equestrian federation made rule changes “in keeping with its ongoing commitment to equine welfare,”
including one that allows testing of a horse’s hair, as well as blood and urine, for detection of certain prohibited substances such as barbiturates (including the euthanasia drug).
Using hair for testing can be done more readily than blood and urine, and involves a considerably longer period of time for revealing presence of a drug. A full list of banned substances will be published prior to rule implementation July 1.
Also effective July 1 are rules dealing with horse collapse at hunter and jumper shows.
“The intent is to ensure horses received appropriate care and are fit to compete before they return to the ring after an unexplained collapse,” according to USEF.
This rule will be modified to state that any horse/pony who collapses at one of these competitions is barred from competing for a minimum of seven days afterward, and is not permitted on the grounds of a USEF-licensed competition during that time. The horse may compete again only if a licensed veterinarian files a form with the federation attesting to the fact that the horse has been examined and is fit to return to competition.
Originally, a horse who collapsed was to be barred from competing for 14 days, but members felt that was too long, and that seven days, combined with removal from the showgrounds, would be more effective.
A rule going into effect Dec. 1 requires veterinarians treating horses on competition grounds to register with USEF, but does not mandate they become members. The new rule ensures event organizers have contact information for practicing veterinarians in the event they need to issue communication about disease outbreaks, biosecurity and best practices for rule compliance.
Some business along welfare lines has been referred to future meetings. They include Hunter/Jumper competition mileage and points, whip use, blood on a horse and return to competition. Board members wanted more work on the proposed changes before voting on them.
The board approved position statements for the organization on Equine Overuse and Equine Safety and Welfare.
The latter emphasizes USEF’s commitment to ensuring horses are fit to compete, maintaining optimal conditions for equine welfare, increasing uniformity, integrity and clarify through oversight, providing lifetime care for horses, and sharing information that enhances safety for every horse, every day.
The Equine Overuse statement acknowledges the growth of competition calendars in several disciplines, which has resulted in more opportunities for horses to compete frequently. USEF asks that horses are assessed regularly for signs of discomfort related to overuse.