Controlled Medications
CM802 Controlled Medications All medications used at an ESC sanctioned event require veterinarian diagnosis, prescription and oversight of medication application per named equine. ESC cannot diagnose or prescribe any medications or treatments. It is the responsibility of the agent or owner to ensure substances have sufficiently cleared the horse’s system before competing. ESC classifies over 1000 medications in its Controlled Medications database as BANNED, STRICTLY CONTROLLED or GENERALLY CONTROLLED. Performance enhancing values, efficacy calculations, possible withdrawal times and related ESC Control Penalties are also provided. ESC’s Controlled Medications Database utilizes publicly available data sources, and database changes are not made less than 30 days prior to any event with drug testing. Participants accessing ESC’s Controlled Medications Database must agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA).
1) CM802.1 BANNED SUBSTANCES - These medications can significantly alter the natural athletic performance ability of a horse and can change the outcome in the show ring. This group includes potent stimulants or depressants with psychotropic and habitual characteristics, such as opioids and amphetamines. Others in this category are medications with a high potential of altering the natural athletic performance ability of a horse. Many of these products alter consciousness or physic state and have no approved or indicated use in equines. These drugs can stimulate or depress the central nervous system, muscle blocking attributes, analgesic or neuroleptic effects. Anabolic steroids and other commonly used substances in this category have long dissipation times and can remain detectable >90 days. All substances in this category are not permitted for use at any ESC event.
2) CM802.2 STRICTLY CONTROLLED - These substances require a 24 hour or greater withdrawal and require Medication Reports to be submitted. Recognizing that every horse and medication’s efficacy is unique, the prescribing veterinarian may use these medications to treat a horse for a clinical illness or injury, and the vet is responsible for determining the appropriate withdrawal period from competition. The industry-standard formula for determining efficacy is the half-life of the drug (as determined by the manufacturer), times 5 more of the half-life amount (t1/2 x 5). Using this formula, approximately 94-97% of the drug will have been eliminated from the plasma of the horse or pony and the efficacy of the medication remaining in the plasma will be less than 6%.
3) CM802.3 GENERALLY CONTROLLED - This group consists of commonly used therapeutic medications including NSAIDS, stomach/ulcer medications, navicular and hoof disease therapies, arthritis, hormone and thyroid medications, as well as many other medications with no performance enhancing value. These typically do not require Medical Reports when used per published guidelines and their withdrawal times are zero to 23 hours. Generally Controlled medications allow for concentration levels to be present in the horse’s system. The maximum concentration values allowed are provided in the Controlled Medications database.
4) CM802.4 Shockwave Therapy administered by or under the direction of a Licensed Veterinarian is permitted. Use in stabling areas is not permitted between the hours of 11pm-6am.
5) CM802.5 Delays in Testing - Any individual that delays >30 minutes, disrupts, impedes or does not cooperate with the drug testing process is assumed guilty of a Severe Infraction offense and may be immediately disqualified. The drug testing vet should report to show management.
6) CM802.6 ISO Certified Drug Testing - ESC partners only with ISO 17025 accredited laboratories that follow strict Chain of Custody protocols for drug sampling, security and shipping.
7) CM802.7 ESC Drug Sampling Process - ESC Contracts with Licensed US Veterinarians with equine treatment experience to perform serum collection at horse shows. Veterinarians are required to utilize ESC’s Secured Drug Testing Portal to identify and securely label all plasma collections which are serialized in secured batches and cool shipped to the laboratory for processing. The veterinarian will provide the Agent/Trainer, Owner and/or Steward witnessing the blood draw a witness card and email confirmation.
8) CM802.8 Agent/Trainer Responsibilities - When selected for drug testing, the Agent/Trainer must accompany the Veterinarian or Veterinarian’s Escort without delay to a location for drug sampling to occur (or appoint an immediate Proxy). The Agent/Trainer must ensure the horse is held securely and safely while witnessing the sampling and secure labeling of fluid collections. If a witness proxy is not appointed and Agent/Trainer is unable or unwilling, the Show Manager or Steward may perform as the witness. Agent/Trainer/Owner refusing to witness or provide a proxy without delay may be subject to a Medium Infraction offense.
9) CM802.9 A & B Sampling - Three red top 10 mL tubes must be collected from each horse. Two A Samples and One B Sample at 70% full are required. Trainer/Agent may elect to perform the blood draws but must use ESC equipment and the ESC vet must witness and securely label collection tubes and complete Chain of Custody submission.
10) CM802.10 Accountability of Agents/Trainers & Owners/Leasee - Trainers/Agents assume the responsibility under these sanctioning guidelines, unless there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The Agents/Trainers are responsible for the submission of ALL medical forms before and during the horse show. It is the Trainer/Agent that must ensure dosing and withdrawal times are correct. The Owner or Lessee may be responsible, as well as the person riding, driving or exhibiting.
11) CM802.11 Agents/Trainers & Support Staff - May include grooms, veterinarians, assistants, family or relatives, contract workers or volunteers that are onsite during a horse show and have made decisions and/or participated in the care of a horse.
12) CM802.12 Trainers/Agents - Is the primary person responsible for the care of the horses entered into the competition through entry forms must be signed by the trainer. Trainers have the overall responsibility for safety, care, feeding, conditioning, health and wellbeing of each horse as so designated on the entry forms. Owners acknowledge that Trainers/Agents represent their horses and understand class entries including scratches are the Trainers/Agents responsibilities.
13) CM802.13 Administration of Medication to Horses - Either the Agent/Trainer or licensed US Veterinarian are the responsible parties for administration of medications for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic use.
14) CM802.14 Medical Report - Must be submitted electronically at the time of administration. There are no exceptions to this rule, including but not limited to loss of power, internet or cellular service. Agent/Trainer may submit form however Controlled Substances require a diagnosis and prescription from US Licensed Veterinarian, and must be administered under vet guidance/control. Should the Veterinarian adjust the recommended withdrawal time of a medication, he/she must submit the Medication Report. Link to Medical Report form: https://equinesportscouncil.org/medreport/
15) CM802.15 Recurring Controlled Medication Violations - Second offense over a 12 month period receives mandatory 1.5 times penalty infraction. Three (3) or more offenses over a three year period may result in an extended or permanent suspension and increased fines.
ENFORCEMENT & PENALTIES
CHAPTER 9 - RULE ENFORCEMENT