Out-of-competition testing
In a previous article, I explained that the FEI had introduced a new system for out-of-competition anti-doping testing in horses. At that time, the FEI had not disclosed how the system would be rolled out and it was unclear who would, in practice, be subject to testing.
The FEI has now confirmed that Endurance will be the first discipline to undergo testing – and a number of Endurance horses will be selected, this year, to be part of a Testing Pool.
Those responsible for horses in the Testing Pool must provide ‘whereabouts’ information to the FEI so that the horse can be located for testing at any time. Such information includes the primary stable address, alternative locations for the horse, contact details for the relevant people, and the competition schedule.
Why Endurance?
There are a couple of reasons the FEI is launching out-of-competition testing in Endurance:
1. In Endurance, the Person Responsible (i.e. the person who receives any sanctions) for out-of-competition testing violations is the Registered Trainer. The Registered Trainer prepares horses for competition, so should be on hand to ensure out-of-competition testing can take place.
This contrasts with other disciplines, where the Person Responsible in out-of-competition testing is the owner. Since the owner often has no involvement with the horse’s day-to-day care, it will be much more difficult to arrange out-of-competition testing.
2. Endurance horses compete over very long distances, meaning the risk of doping is higher than in other disciplines. Out-of-competition testing particularly aims to uncover and deter the misuse of Prohibited Substances in rest periods, when it may previously have gone undetected.
What does this mean for riders, trainers and owners?
Endurance horses in the Testing Pool are most likely to be tested out-of-competition.
However, any horse – whether Endurance or not, and whether in the Testing Pool or not – can be tested out-of-competition. The FEI is entitled to request information about the horse’s whereabouts for this purpose.
Therefore, everyone involved in the care of FEI horses (riders, trainers, owners, vets, grooms etc.) should be aware of the equine anti-doping rules, and ensure that they take precautions to prevent rule violations.
If you have any queries about out-of-competition testing or the FEI rules in general, please contact me on +44 7487 702 114 or ellen.kerr@morgansl.com.
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