Support to Stop Doping in Equestrian Australia Show Horses

Support to Stop Doping in Equestrian Australia Show Horses

Att: All Equestrian Australia Branches, Fellow Competitors, Media and General Public.

Re: Support to stop doping in EA Show Horses

After overwhelming support from fellow competitors, EA Officials and the General Public to try and stop doping in Show Horses, I wish to convey some of the ideas and concerns that have been raised.

I have had hundreds of people contact me through email, phone, facebook, live feed and face to face, to express their support and concern. The following points summarise the main concerns and ideas to aid in the prevention of doping.

1. That this is dealt with at a National level and that every state fall in line and work together to halt the practice of doping show horses.
2. That an independent person/body be responsible for organising random swabbing at as many EA affiliated show horse events around Australia (Dr Warwick Vale – EA National Medical Control Officer, has indicated that he is willing to set up such a program and oversee it).
3.  That the random swabs be taken from winners of either open classes or the Champion and Reserve of that open section.
4. That all swabs are tested and disciplinary action is followed through to the end with no exceptions.
5. That it is the exhibitor of the horse that is disciplined, not the rider or the owner.
6.  That the disciplinary action is; first offence 2 year ban from any EA affiliated event (this is long enough for people to really think twice about committing such an act) plus fines to cover EA legal costs. Second offence life ban from any EA affiliated event plus fines to cover EA legal costs. No deviations, just straight out bans and cost recovery.
7. That Equestrian Australia try to work with the Royal Agricultural Society’s to fall in line with swabbing procedures and disciplinary actions, and therefore any offenders are not able to participate not only in EA affiliated events, but Royal Shows and vice versa.

 

From these points it is clear that many competitors would like to see some of the current rules and regulations tightened up. I believe this is not possible as the EA run under FEI standards, but this does illustrate the frustration and passion of competitors to try and clean up the show horse community.

Many people have indicated that they are willing to help physically, but also financially to help see some of these points put into action. I understand after discussions with Dr Warwick Vale that each EA Show horse state branch will require a minimum of $10,000 per annum to run such a program. Many of the people who have contacted me want to donate money (including some companies) all that will be required will be BSB and account number for each state branch. This may be a good way to kick start a swabbing program, but then each state branch ideally should set up something similar to that in Western Australia. This is where each horse is charged a swabbing levy per performance card (an alternative may be required for SA as Show Horses do not have to have a performance card). I know that some people are opposed to this as we have many costs already, but with the support I have been given in regards to preventing doping I think the majority of people will not have a problem with this if it means it will help to stop drugging of show horses. They will be less hesitant in paying these fees if the swabbing program is made transparent to all and they can see results for their money.

It is understood that the EA have such swabbing programs in place, but the show horse competitors that are opposed to doping of show horses wish to see them in place immediately with the appropriate actions taken and followed through. The two main concerns that have arisen are that if such actions are to occur then how will it be kept confidential so that competitors do not find out where the random swabbing is to occur? What if an exhibitor’s horse is drugged unknowingly and they have not committed the offence themselves, how do you prevent that? The first of the questions can be addressed and covered appropriately if the swabbing program is set up properly. The second question is left up to the exhibitors to make sure their animals are safe and protected if they feel they are at risk.

There are many people who seem to think that is not a big problem in Australian Show Horses, but then there are many who perceive this to be a very hot topic that commands immediate attention.

Dr Warwick Vale is more than happy to help and answer any questions that you may have and is as passionate as I to see all EA disciplines follow the fundamental rationale for the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules.

Dr Warwick Vale

Mobile: 0418 903 095

Email: vale@nw.com.au

 I am looking forward to responses from all parties.

 Rachel Lawrie

Equestrian Australia SA Member 5001280