As of 10/96 the answer is YES. An FEI Bulletin with the Rules For Endurance,
4th edition 1997 was sent to the AHSA (The United States National Federation)
at that time. The 4th edition,1997 spells out for the first time the rules for
Marathons. The FEI choose to incorporate the rules for the sport of Marathon
with the rules for the sport of Endurance. I have a copy the rules and will
give you the basics:
The Marathon is designated as a CMEI, Concours de Marathon Equestre
International. The course of a CMEI can be a distance from 40 to 50 km (24 - 31
miles). They must comply with requirements laid down in the Rules for Endurance
Riding and General Regulations. The NF's can organize a CMEI only if they have
organized at least one CEI (Concours de Raid d'Endurance International) of 80 km
or more in the previous 24 months. In all CMEI's a veterinary inspection
organized as a trot-by, must be held between km 10 and km 15 after the start.
In addition, a Vet Gate with a timed hold not shorter than twenty minutes must
be organized close to the middle of the course and another Vet Gate with a timed
hold of not less than 15 minutes must be organized not earlier than 3 km before
the arrival.
NEW as of 10/96(for Endurance but also applies to Marathons): The OC of all
International Rides have the OPTION to organize the Final Inspection in the more
traditional way which is :Pulse and respiration must be taken and registered on
the veterinary card with in 30 minutes. Horses my (their typo not mine.I think
it should read may) be presented for final lameness inspection immediately
following arrival if this is provided for in the schedule. This inspection is
to determine whether the horse is still fit to be ridden after a normal rest
period and it will include the same control as the inspections during the
course. Each horse shall be checked against the veterinary card.(Note: This is
a departure from a more stict standard of: Horses will be presented for the
final veterinary inspection no sooner than 30 minutes after crossing the
finishing line. The time of the final inspection must be indicated in the
schedule. This inspection is to determine whether the horse is still fit to be
ridden after a normal rest period and is performed by the Vet. Commission in the
same way as the inspections during the course.
OR
The OC of all International Rides have the option to organize the Final
Inspection as follows: A Vet Gate organized as per described earlier must be
held not earlier than 3 km before the finishing line. The last three km of the
course should present no natural hazards of any kind and no demanding change of
altitude. The President of the Veterinary Commission and/or the Foreign
Veterinary Delegate and one or two members (in total three persons) of the
Veterinary Commission, must examine together within 2 hours after the finish
line, in the competition stables, all horses which have completed the course and
determine whether any of them, for any reason, needs to be immediately
administered any invasive medication (prohibited substances, injections and
parenteral fluids). If such treatment is necessary for the horse's welfare and
safety within the 2 hours, these horses must be eliminated and the
classification adjusted accordingly.
In a separate post I will give the reaction of the Eldric (European Long
Distance Riding Conference) Veterinary Commission and of the USET.
Sincerely
Lori Stewart
AERC International News Editor
E-mail from: R. K. and L.D. Stewart, 26-Jan-1997