A short video in which Paul Farrington, FEI-appointed veterinarian and member of the thermography team at the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Geneva, explains the concept of hypersensitivity in a horse further to the disqualification of the horse Sapphire ridden by McLain Ward of the USA at the FEI World Cup™ Final in Geneva, is now available on FEI TV and YouTube.

All horses show normal nerve sensation or sensitivity. Where that sensation is increased beyond normal limits it is called hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity can be produced by a range of normal occurrences, such as an insect sting or accidental self-inflicted injury.

Hypersensitisation is the term used to define the artificial production of hypersensitivity and is contrary to horse welfare and fair play.

“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 FEI is pleased to announce the launch of the online FEI Prohibited Substances Database which is now available on www.feicleansport.org. The purpose of this new database is to provide clear guidance on the substances included in the Equine Prohibited Substances List coming into effect on 5 April 2010.