The framework for discussions around the possible use of anti-inflammatory drugs in competition horses has been laid out by the sport's world governing body.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has announced further steps in the fierce debate over in-competition use of a limited number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) under strictly prescribed limits.
The issue threatened to split equestrian sport late last year after an unexpected vote passed by the General Assembly in Copenhagen would have allowed small quantities of certain common inflammatory drugs, including phenylbutazone, in horses during compeition.
This new policy and list of drugs was to have replaced the previous zero-tolerance policy of the FEI on January 1 this year.
An outcry followed among leading equestrian nations, complaining there was inadequate consultation over the proposal. There were suggestions some nations may not have have been aware what they were voting for in backing the so-called "progressive list".
The FEI initially delayed the policy's introduction to April 5, pending further consultation. However, with growing unrest and even talk of a possible boycott of the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky this year, the FEI was forced to backtrack.
It announced in December that the drugs issue would instead be put to a vote at this year's General Assembly, to be held in Chinese Taipei early in November.
The FEI has meantime retained its zero-tolerance policy, with an updated list of medications.
The FEI's executive board met this week and discussed the issue.
Afterwards, it announced the next steps in the debate.
A central point in the debate, it said, would be the FEI Congress on NSAID Usage and Medication in the Equine Athlete, to be held in Lausanne in August.
To lead the debate, the board appointed an FEI Congress Committee, chaired by first vice-president Sven Holmberg and composed of Chris Hodson (second vice-president), John McEwen (chairman of FEI veterinary committee), Graeme Cooke (FEI veterinary director), Dr Yves Rossier, and Professor Leo Jeffcott as members.
It has yet to announce the membership of a group which would consider the drugs lists.
The FEI said it intended to publish the science currently available on the subject online in mid-April.
By the middle or end of July, information will be sent out for consultation. It will reflect the policy issue of whether the FEI should allow the restricted use of NSAIDs, provided the levels are limited and are deemed by the list group not to threaten horse welfare and not to be performance enhancing.
In August, the congress will be held in Lausanne.
The consultation process with national federations would begin at the end of August. Lists and Congress proceedings will be sent to national federations and consultation will occur.
Final lists will be sent to federations in October, in the lead-up to the General Assembly vote early in November, which will set in place a new drugs policy.
The revised policy would not come into effect until April next year.
The FEI said the public would be able to access the website carrying information on the debate, including all the scientific material.
"National Federations, riders, trainers, officials, event organisers, veterinarians, the media as well as the general public will be able to access the science currently available and will be encouraged to submit their contributions to the debate," the FEI said.
Further details on the launch of the online platform and the logistics of the Congress will be announced in due course.
Facebook
Twitter
HOME SITES 
