“If your horse is found to have a banned substance in its system, you are looking at a two-year suspension,” FEI Veterinary Director Graeme Cooke warned riders competing at this week’s Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

The warning came at the riders’ briefing before the start of five days of competition in Geneva (SUI) as part of the FEI’s drive to raise awareness of the Clean Sport Campaign.

The Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping and Driving Finals are the first major competitions since the new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations and Veterinary Regulations came into effect on 5 April 2010.

Riders were provided with Clean Sport Information packs containing an updated Athlete’s Guide and a brochure outlining How Testing Works, both of which are also available online at www.feicleansport.org. These publications have been sent to all National Federations for distribution to stakeholders.

“We want to provide all those involved in our sport, and especially our athletes, with all the necessary tools for the best possible understanding of the new Regulations,” Graeme Cooke said.

Dr Harald Müller, FEI Executive Director Education and Standards, also guided riders through the use of the Prohibited Substances Database, which provides clear guidance on the substances included in the Equine Prohibited Substances List.

All members of the equestrian community are encouraged to visit www.feicleansport.org on a regular basis.

Note to editors:
In the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations, anything prohibited in competition is called a “Prohibited Substance”. Doping substances, which have no place in equine sport, are called “Banned Substances”, while medication substances that are commonly used in equine medicine but prohibited in competition, are called “Controlled Medication Substances”.

For Banned Substances, the ineligibility period (generally known as suspension) is an entry point of two years. For Controlled Medication Substances, the ineligibility period is up to two years.