[RC] [RC] Drugs and Riding - Bruce Weary DC - Erick Larson
The question that has been asked several times on this
thread and not answered is: “Does FEI have anti-doping controls on human
athletes?” (paraphrased).
The answer is yes. A quick review of the FEI website
reveals that under article 145 of their rule book: “Subject to prior authorisation
(sp) by the FEI, the use of any Prohibited Substance by a competitor is
forbidden…. The rules and list of Prohibited Substances existing…
are laid down in the World Anti-Doping Code”
In other words equine human competitors are subject to the
same doping regulations as are all other major international sport competitors,
including cyclists like Floyd Landis. The World Anti-Doping Agency regulates
the testing and creates the prohibited substances list. I have provided links
below to both agencies and their related publications.
It is interesting to note that alcohol, while expressly
prohibited during competition in some sports, is allowed DURING competition in
equine sports by the WADA rules. See page 10 section P1 of the prohibited
substances list if you don’t believe me.
Finally, the FEI does provide for some exceptions for
athletes with medical necessity and who have petitioned for an exemption. A
common example would be an asthmatic competitor with a rescue inhaler.
Perhaps some of the medical experts on this board can peruse
the prohibited list and comment on whether Alleve and other medications
mentioned in this thread fall into “no-no” category. Also, would
any FEI competitors comment on their personal experience at FEI rides? Are
there serious attempts at doping control? Do they really make you pee in the
cup? J
