The Fédération Equestre Internationale announced today, Dec. 18, that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in competition will be on the agenda for the 2010 FEI General Assembly meeting in Chinese Taipei, Nov. 1-6.
The international equestrian community has been in an uproar since a “progressive list” of allowed substances passed by a narrow margin at the 2009 FEI General Assembly on Nov. 19.
The progressive list allowed for small amounts of the NSAIDs phenylbutazone, salicylic acid and flunixin, along with other substances previously banned under FEI rules.
Although the progressive list passed, 53-48, key equestrian nations such as Germany and Great Britain were staunchly against it, and there was even mention of boycotting the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games if the new rules were implemented.
In response to the uproar, the FEI decided to keep the current rules through April 4. On April 5, the FEI will implement the October 20 Prohibited Substances List, which is a more detailed version of the current list. The new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations and the revised Veterinary Regulations will also go into effect on this date.
Before the next General Assembly meeting, the FEI List Group will review the Equine Prohibited Substances List, particularly NSAIDS. They’ll examine whether or not the use of these substances in competition, singly and at specifically prescribed levels, is a threat to horse welfare and whether or not these substances, at specific levels, are performance enhancing.
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Legal concerns will be addressed by the FEI Legal Department to see whether the restricted use of NSAIDs in competition is in conflict with any national law.
National federations will have the opportunity to voice their opinions, and FEI President Princess Haya will consult with other equestrian bodies, including racing authorities.
Once this full consultation process has been completed, the List Group will publish the 2011 version of the Equine Prohibited Substances List with validated levels regarding horse welfare and performance enhancement issues.
At the next General Assembly, national federations will vote on whether the FEI should allow the restricted use of NSAIDs, provided the levels are limited, don’t threaten horse welfare and aren’t performance enhancing, as decided by the List Group.
“There was a clear need to debate this issue further, and the decision to put the policy choice to the vote at the 2010 General Assembly reflects that,” said FEI Secretary General Alex McLin.
