By Equestrian Life

When it comes to equestrian events and doping, we generally think about the horse rather than rider. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also has rules that apply to riders as well.

Late last year in the US, three riders tested positive to prohibited substances at the CIC3* at Ocala Jockey Club (Florida). The eventers, Hannah Sue Burnett, Jennie Brannigan and Alyssa Phillips, returned positive swabs following the November 2017 event.

Two of the riders, Jennie and Alyssa, believe the positive tests resulted from prescribed medications and were not taken to improve performance.

The Eventing Riders Association of North America (ERA of NA) has urged all riders to understand the WADA Rules and Policies for human athletes competing in FEI events.

USEF Team Physician Dr. Mark Hart offered some advice, which can be read here.

The United States Equestrian Federation released the following statement when the positive tests were revealed last year:

USEF Statement on Prohibited Substances Found Present at CIC3* Ocala-Reddick

22/12/2017 - The FEI announced today that the results of samples collected from three U.S. athletes at the CIC3* Ocala-Reddick Florida event revealed the presence of Stimulants, which are Prohibited Substances according to the 2017 Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), in force at the time of sample collection. Contrary to speculation, cocaine was not detected in any samples taken at the event. Effective immediately, these athletes, Jennie Brannigan, Hannah Sue Burnett, and Alyssa Phillips are provisionally suspended from participating in FEI and USEF sanctioned activities in accordance with WADA’s Mandatory Provisional Suspension requirements. In order to ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal process, the USEF will not comment further on these cases.

Source: USEF website

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