Medication Rules
Complying with the medication rules can be a complex and, at times, stressful process for competitors as well as Veterinarians. In the following sections there is information on the rules for USEF sanctioned events which are less restrictive than for those entering in FEI sanctioned events.
USEF Rules
The following is a summary of the information from the 2012 medication rules issued by the USEF and is meant to provide guidance prior to competitions. Medication Information for USEF Competitions (PDF ~ 59.38Kb)
If desired the entire rulebook can be found at the following web address: 2012 USEF Medication Rules
FEI Rules
For those of you competing in an FEI sanctioned competition the medication rules are more restrictive. FEI List of detection times (PDF ~ 76.04Kb)
Entire List of prohibited medications for FEI FEI Medications
AQHA Rules
The medication rules regarding the NSAID list, use of steroids and Robaxin (Methocarbamol )from the USEF rules are identicall. The exceptions are the four medications listed below:
Acetazolamide
May only be administered to horses documented through DNA testing to be positive (N/H or H/H) for HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis). While these rules do not contain a maximum allowable plasma concentration level for Acetazolamide, laboratory detection of levels of Acetazolamide that are not consistent with administration in accordance with the following Guidelines may result in prosecution of a rule violation.
Guidelines: When acetazolamide is administered, the dose should be accurately calculated according to the actual weight of the animal. Each 24 hours, not more than 3 milligrams per pound of body weight should be administered. For a 1000 pound animal, the maximum daily dose is 3 grams.
Lasix - Furosemide
When used must be administered intravenously at least four hours prior to competition.
Isoxsuprine
Guidelines: When administered, the dose should be accurately calculated according to the actual weight of the animal. Each 24 hours, not more than 1.6 milligrams per pound of body weight should be administered (usually divided in two equal doses given 12 hours apart). For a 1,000 pound animal, the maximum daily dose is 1,600 milligrams, which equals 80 20-milligram tablets. No part of a dose should be administered during the four hours prior to competing. Any medicated feed should be consumed and/or removed at least four hours prior to competing.
Local Anesthetics - Lidocaine or Mepivicaine
May only be used under actual observation of event management (or designated representative) and/or the official show veterinarian, either of which must sign the medication report form, to aid in the surgical repair of minor skin lacerations which, by their very nature, would not prevent the horse from competing following surgery. Medication report form must be filed with show management as required in section 2 above.