Controlled Medications

Equine Sports Council takes a common-sense approach to supporting our equine partners’ health while maintaining a fair playing field and a successful experience for both horse and rider. Our trotting breeds are judged on quality and conformation, which often constitutes more than 50% of the judging criteria, and cannot be achieved through controlled medications.

ESC has partnered with equine medical experts to develop a Controlled Medication policy that allows our show horses to continue the use of daily, regimented medications that do not provide a performance advantage. Many of these therapeutic-classified medications that have no performance enhancing value are permitted without withdrawal.

ESC strongly advises the use of Medical Reports as a documentation tool. These historical records are key to interpreting and clearing adverse findings.

By accessing or using the Equine Sport Council’s (ESC) Controlled Medications Database, you agree to be bound by the End-User License Agreement (EULA). See the EULA tab below.

2026 ESC Controlled Medications

ESC Controlled Medication Assistance 1-855-378-4631 (opt 1)

The health and well being of the horse is the priority and should be medically treated as necessary. Veterinarian's registered with ESC who treat client horses at an ESC show may contact us 24/7 for assistance with withdrawal times. Our ISO-certified lab is also available to help during ESC shows.

At ESC events, a licensed vet must diagnose, prescribe, and oversee medication administration. It is strongly advised that withdrawal times are vet-calculated to ensure ESC Class B and Class C prescribed medications have cleared the horse's system.

2026 Controlled Meds Frequently Used

Drug Name	Equine Dosing	Withdraw HRS	ESC Med Report	Performance Enhancing	ESC Control
Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone	0.1–1.0 g/kg	0 Hrs	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Isoxsuprene	1.2 to1.8 mg per kg of body weight for treatment of Navicular hoof disease	0 Hrs	No Med Report Needed	Therapeutic	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Pergolide, Prasend	2 ng/kg PO daily for treatment of Cushings *Do Not Give with Acepromozine*	0 Hrs	No Med Report Needed	Conditionally - Cushings	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
PEMF, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field	5-10 minute pulsed treatment per trouble area.	0 Hrs ESC	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Benoxinate	Consult Veternarian, Eye/Cornea pain relief	0 Hrs ESC	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Tylenol	20–30 mg/kg	0 Hrs ESC - 15 hrs to clear	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Acetylsalicylic acid, Aspirin	10-15 mg/kg PO	0 Hrs ESC - 30 hrs to clear	No Med Report Needed	No, Avoid Drug Combinations	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Pentoxyfylline	Consult Veternarian, used to treat navicular	0 Hrs ESC - 8 hrs to clear	No Med Report Needed	Therapeutic	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Firocoxib, Equioxx	2.2–4.4 mg/kg, Don't use with Banamine, Bute, Ketofen	0 Hrs ESC, 200 hrs to clear.	No Med Report Needed	No, Subject to NSAID stacking	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Thyroid-L	.5 to 3 mg/kg body weight - orally 1x per day	0 Hrs ESC, 30 to 60 hrs to clear	No Med Report Needed	Therapeutic	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Regumate, Altrenogest	0.044 mg/kg PO daily, may not exceed single dose amounts. permitted use in mares, geldings, studs	0 Hrs ESC, 48 hours to clear plasma 12 days in urine	No Med Report Needed	Therapeutic	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Bromfenac	0.07% to 0.09%, administered to eye, the drug penetrates the cornea rapidly to reach therapeutic peak levels	0 Hrs ESC, up to 10 hrs to clear	No Med Report Needed	No, Avoid Drug Combinations	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Salicylic Acid Pacer (ASA, aspirin)	20 to 50 mg/kg oral	0 Hrs No Withdraw Required	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Banamine, Flunixin	1.1 mg/kg once daily IV/Oral, Don't use with Equioxx, Bute, Ketofen	06 Hrs ESC - 15 Hrs to clear	Med Report Not Needed	No, subject to NSAID stacking	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Bute, Phenylbutazone	2.2-4.4 mg/kg PO/IV, Do not combine with Equioxx, Banamine or Ketofen	06 Hrs ESC - 30 Hours to Clear	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Diclofenac, Voltaren, Surpass	0.2–0.4 mg/kg5" ribbon	06 Hrs ESC, 40 hrs to clear	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Gabapentin	10 mg/kg PO q12h	12 Hrs ESC - 30 hrs to clear	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Dexamethasone	0.05 mg/kg IV/IM	12 Hrs ESC, 20 to 25 hours to clear	No Med Report Needed	No, Avoid Drug Combinations	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Prednisone	No value in horses - does not metabolize	12 Hrs or Consult Vet	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Acetazolamide, Diamox	0.25–0.5 mg/kg	12 Hrs or Vet Calculated	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Betamethasone, Betavet	9 mg or 1.5 mL per joint, Joint Injections	12 Hrs or Vet Calculated	No Med Report Needed	No, Avoid Drug Combinations	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Cetrizine	0.1-0.2 mg/kg PO	12 Hrs or Vet Calculated	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Cortisone	Consult veterinarian	12 Hrs or Vet Calculated	No Med Report Needed	No, Avoid Drug Combinations	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Loperamide	0.04 mg/kg PO q12h	12 Hrs or Vet Calculated	No Med Report Needed	No	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Acepromozine, hydroxyethylpromazine sulfoxide	1 to 2.5 mL	48 Hrs - assumes single IV dose, **Do not combine with Pergolide, sedatives, blood pressure medications	Med Report at Administration	Conditionally	B2 - Strictly Controlled - Performance Enhancing
Medetomidine	5-10 ng/kg IV or IM	48 Hrs or Consult Veternarian	Med Report at Administration	Conditionally	B1 - Strictly Controlled - Conditionally PE
Detomidine	0.003 mg/kg IV or IM	48 Hrs or Vet Calculated	Med Report at Administration	Conditionally	B1 - Strictly Controlled - Conditionally PE
Xylazine	0.5-1.1 mg/kg IV or IM	48 Hrs or Vet Calculated	Med Report at Administration	Conditionally	B1 - Strictly Controlled - Conditionally PE
Methylprednisolone acetate, Depo-Medrol	Low Motion Joint20 mg to 40 mg per jointHigh Motion Joint40 mg to 100 mgBody Dose100 mg to 140 mg	72 Hrs ESC, up to 21 days to clear	No Med Report Needed	Therapeutic	A1 - Generally Controlled - Therapeutic
Albuterol (Salbutamol)	0.02 mg/kg inhaled	Not Published - Vet Calculated	Med Report at Administration	Yes, Avoid Drug Combinations	C1 - Strictly Controlled - Restricted - Performance
Clenbuterol	0.02 mg/kg PO or inhaled. Do not combine with Dexamethasone	Not Published - Vet Calculated	Med Report at Administration	Yes	C1 - Strictly Controlled - Restricted - Performance
Methoxyphenamine	Consult veterinarian	Not Published - Vet Calculated	Med Report at Administration	Yes	C1 - Strictly Controlled - Restricted - Performance
Romifidine	100 ng/kg IV or IM	Not Published - Vet Calculated	Med Report at Administration	Conditionally	B1 - Strictly Controlled - Conditionally PE
Tri-Hist	1/2 ounce per 1000 pounds (1 scoop) of granuals with food every 12 hours	Not Published - Vet Calculated	Med Report at Administration	Conditionally	C1 - Strictly Controlled - Restricted - Performance

ESC Drug Classifications

Class A – Generally Controlled, Therapeutics – These medications are considered necessary by the equine industry to manage the health and well-being of competition horses. ESC permits the use of these therapies while competing, with some medications requiring no withdrawal. Med Forms are not required for Class A medications unless the published Withdrawal Time is greater than 24 hours. In the event of an illness or injury, Vets may file a med report and adjust the withdrawal time according to the plasma half-life of the medication.

These therapies include NSAIDS such as Bute, Banamine and Equioxx; Acetaminophen (Tylenol), which may be combined with NSAIDS and will not cause GI issues; corticosterioids, including hock and SI injectables; hormone therapies such as Regu-mate and Depo Provera; eye and cornea abrasion medications; topical analgesics such as Surpass, and H1 antihistamines such as Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

Class A
Low Infraction, up to $3000, up to 30 day suspension, DQ possible

B. Strictly Controlled – Performance Enhancing – These medications have the potential to enhance performance based on use, especially if used in combination with other drugs. If no published Withdrawal Time is available, the prescribing Vet must calculate the withdrawal time, ensuring that no traceable amounts are present at the time of competition. In most cases that is .05 ng/mL or 50 picograms/mL. Med reports are required at the time of administration, and should be submitted by the Vet if withdrawal times are being adjusted or calculated.

Substances in Class B include some NSAIDS and corticosteroids, bronchial dilators, masking agents such as diuretics, and medications that affect the central nervous system and/or cardio/pulmonary.

Class B
Medium Infraction, up to $5000, up to 60 day suspension, DQ possible

C. Strictly Controlled – Restricted – These medications may be performance enhancing or subject to abuse. However, in some instances, they may be medically necessary for the horse. These medications must clear the horse’s system before competition. If there is not a published Withdrawal Time, the Vet must calculate the withdrawal time and submit the Med Form, ensuring that no traceable amounts are present at the time of competition. In most circumstances that is below lowest detectable levels of .05 ng/mL or 50 picograms/mL.

If there is a published Withdrawal Time, the Agent/Trainer may submit the Med Form for Class C medications, which includes some opioids, sedatives (such as Acepromazine, Dormosedan and other short-life tranquilizers used for Ship/Clip purposes). Tri-Hist, Albuterol, Clenbuterol and other similar medications with stimulant ingredients must be prescribed by a Vet. Caution should be used with any oral medications in Class C, as dosage is difficult to control.

C. Strictly Controlled – BANNED – These substances are performance enhancing and typically have illicit values or are illegal by local and federal governments. ESC may be required by law in some states to report those testing positive to the authorities.

Class C
Severe Infraction Penalty, up to $10,000, 1YR Suspension, DQ Possible

Any person incurring more than 1 infraction is subject to 1.5 times penalty for each occurrence.

Calculating Appropriate Withdraw
Multiplying a medication’s plasma half-life by 5 (t1/2 x 5) will determine a safe withdrawal time for most Class A therapeutic medications. After that time, 94–96% of the substance will have been processed by the horse’s system.

Class B and Class C medications are subject to performance enhancing, withdraw times should be as long as necessary to ensure no detectable traces or below .05 ng/mL. Your veterinarian will need to establish the correct withdrawal times based on strength, route and overall health of the horse.

ESC subscribes to an efficacy-based approach for the use of controlled medications. Trotting Breeds are judged on many factors, with quality and conformation often accounting for 50% or more of the judging standards — qualities that cannot be influenced by medication. Many medications remain detectable for weeks or months beyond their efficacy. Caffeine, for example, is detectable for up to 18 days; however, as many of us know, its effectiveness wears off in just 2–5 hours.

Two other useful calculations are Cmax and Tmax. When a medication reaches its peak effectiveness, the “Concentration Maximum” (Cmax) indicates the highest levels that should be present; anything above this typically indicates overdosing or an insufficient withdrawal period. Knowing the “Time to Maximum Effectiveness” (Tmax) indicates how long a drug takes to reach its peak. For instance, to get the full advantage of Equioxx, its Tmax is 4 hours, at which point it is at maximum effectiveness.

Keep in mind that with oral medications, it is difficult to ensure the correct dosage was consumed. Many medications can be re-ingested orally through contaminated hay or waste. These factors can occasionally cause concentration overages at the time of drug testing.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCING

Shared Framework: The ARCI, WADA (founded in the 1970s), and HISA (reporting to the FTC) use highly similar drug classifications.

Classification Criteria: Substances like stimulants, depressants, and tranquilizers are categorized by how their pharmacological effects impact a horse’s performance. [1, 2]

ARCI as the Gold Standard: The ARCI holds the most established controlled medication policy due to its extensive medical research documentation and official laboratory certification.

ESC aligns with medical governing bodies to classify the following drug categories as performance-enhancing, displayed from least to most impactful.

Requirements for veterinarians and agents:

Avoid use: Unless medically necessary, avoid use of performance enhancing substances.

Manage clearance: If medically necessary, use precise dosing and withdrawal times so the drug clears the system before competing.

File reporting: Submit an ESC Medication Report immediately at the time of administration.

Drug Category	Pharmacological Action	Impact on Performance
Corticosteroids Low Infraction	Primarily used as an anti inflammatory or arthritic pain management, used in injecting hocks and SI for lower back pain	Improves cadence after reducing inflammation, assists in management of arthritis. Lowest level impact on performance, therapeutic in most circumstances.
Bronchodilators Medium Infraction	Relax and dilate the smooth muscles of the airways (e.g., Clenbuterol).	Improves “wind” by reducing airway resistance, allowing for increased oxygen delivery.
Alkalinizing Agents Medium Infraction	Buffers (like “milkshakes”) that neutralize lactic acid buildup in the blood.	Delays the onset of fatigue by preventing muscle acidosis during high-intensity effort.
Diuretics Medium Infraction	Force the kidneys to expel water and sodium, reducing fluid volume (e.g., Furosemide/Lasix).	Prevents lung bleeding (EIPH) and reduces fluid weight for a lighter race load; can also mask other drugs.
Beta 2 Antagonists Medium Infraction	Act on beta-receptors to relax bronchial muscles; can also have secondary stimulant or anabolic effects.	Aids respiratory efficiency and, in some cases, increases muscle to fat ratios.
Stimulants Severe Infraction	Increase excitation and euphoria by stimulating the central nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.	Increases speed, energy, and work production; helps a horse run harder and faster.
Anabolic Steroids Severe Infraction	Synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote skeletal muscle growth (anabolic) and male characteristics (androgenic).	Improves muscular strength and aggressiveness; aids in rapid tissue repair.
Narcotic Analgesics Severe Infraction	Potent pain killers (e.g., Morphine, Opioids) that act on the central nervous system.	Allows a horse to ignore pain and perform past its natural physical limits.

Veterinarian Submission of Med Report
Veterinarians may request access to the ESC Med Report. Vets must be licensed in the state where the ESC horse show is taking place. ESC requires the practice name, address, office/cell phone numbers, a list of clients treating at ESC events, and confirmation that the ESC Controlled Medication policy has been reviewed and understood. Vets must be comfortable calculating withdrawal times using the plasma half-life formula (t1/2×5). Vets must complete med reports when withdrawal times are calculated and are responsible for notifying ESC if they receive a med form they did not authorize. [1]

For veterinarian access to ESC Med Reports please call the number below.

Veterinarians may call ESC’s emergency line at 1-855-378-4631 (option 1) to validate withdrawal adjustments and permitted ESC concentration levels based on prescribed medication, administration, route, and dosage. Veterinarians must submit ESC Medication Reports to adjust withdrawal times or document exceptions.

Drug Testing Procedure

The ESC Vet is responsible for completing the process below for each entry randomly selected for drug testing. The ESC Vet or Vet Assistant will provide a Drug Testing Information Card to the Agent/Trainer associated with the entry that has been selected. This card provides the Unique Animal Identifier linked to the plasma sample.

Equine Sports Council
ESC Drug Sample Collection Process
Phone: 1-855-Equine1
Email: info@EquineSportsCouncil.org
Web: EquineSportsCouncil.org

End-User License Agreement (EULA) for Use of the Equine Sport Council’s Controlled Medications Database

Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the Equine Sport Council’s (ESC) Controlled Medications (“Database”), you agree to be bound by this End-User License Agreement (“Agreement”).
Disclaimer of Accuracy
The Database content is compiled from commercially available sources. ESC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Users acknowledge that the Database is for reference purposes only.
Use Restrictions
The information in the Database is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for any animals. All dosing instructions are generally based on a 1000 pound (approximately 453 kg) horse unless otherwise specified. Dosages expressed in mg (milligrams) or mcg (micrograms) per kg (kilogram) refer to the weight of the horse or dosing per 100 or 1000 pounds accordingly.
Veterinary Oversight
All medications administered at ESC-sanctioned events must be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Veterinarians should use the Database solely as a tool to help determine appropriate withdrawal times prior to competition.
Withdrawal and Safety
Non-therapeutic Medications must clear the horse’s system before competition. Ensuring plasma concentration levels are below the lowest level of detection (LOD) is the most conservative and recommended approach to withdrawal. The health and safety of the horse take precedence over performance considerations.
Dynamic Database
The ESC Controlled Medications Database is a dynamic, adaptive resource, allowing for updates to reflect current industry changes and evolving circumstances. Maintenance of the Controlled Medications database occurs at least 30 days prior to an ESC drug testing event.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, ESC shall not be liable for any damages arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Database, including but not limited to injury or harm to animals.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws applicable to the ESC jurisdiction.

By using the Database, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the above

STEPS	RESULTS
Step 1 – ESC Requirements of Testing Lab	ESC requires the drug testing lab to have operated successfully for at least 5 years under ISO controls and continually maintain laboratory accreditations for ISO 17025 (A2LA) Competitions Animal Drug Abuse Testing and ARCI accreditation.
Step 2 – ESC Requirements of Contract Vet	ESC requires that the contracting Vet be licensed in the state where the show is being held and specialize in Equine Practices. He/She must carry medical malpractice insurance and successfully pass a criminal and sexual misconduct background check. The ESC Vet may only perform sample collection on the show grounds and should not give drug administration advice or treat any horse on the show grounds.
Step 3 – A&B Drug Testing Kits	Each Drug Testing Kit contains A and B Sample Collection supplies: two hazard bags, three red top vacutainers, one product sealed needle, three security tape strips, gloves and alcohol swabs.
Step 4 – Vacutainer & Security Tape Labeling	A total of three red vacutainers must be filled to 70% with blood. Two vacutainers are designated as “A Samples” and one vacutainer is designated as “B Sample”. All labeling must be completed by the vet and verified by the Agent or designated Proxy/Witness. The Red Security Tape goes over the vacutainer top and down the backside of the vile and should NOT cover the vile’s label. The vacutainer tubes and security tape should be labeled as follows: Vacutainers Labels Animal ID Designate A or B + ESC Security Tape Labels Animal ID Designate A or B + ESC Date Vet’s Initials
Step 5 – Chain of Custody	The ESC contracted Vet or Vet Assistant uses ESC’s Chain of Custody software to log the sample collection. Security measures have been taken to track the IP address, geo location and amount of time it takes to complete the Chain of Custody form. Names of the entry, witness, owner or agent are NOT provided to the lab. ESC’s Chain of Custody begins with the Vet or Vet Assistant notifying an entry at the show ring exit gate that they have been selected for random drug testing. Veterinarian arrives at the stall and the entry’s breed/gender/age is recorded. Testing Kits are opened and labeled with the Unique Animal ID number in the presence of the Witness. The trainer/agent/proxy holds the horse for the Vet to perform the blood draw for two (2) A-sample tubes and one (1) B-sample tube. (If the Trainer prefers the blood be drawn by him/herself or another Vet, that is allowed as long as it does not delay the collection process.) The witness will attest to the blood draw, labeling, bagging and secure storage of the samples by signing the Chain of Custody form. (The witness is there to ensure the process is being followed correctly. He/She is not accepting any responsibility for the results of the testing.) The sample is entered into an electronic log and automatic emails are sent to the witness and the ISO certified Testing Lab. Agent/Owners that do not provide quick and unfettered access to the horse for drug testing, refuse to hold the horse for blood draws or when drug testing attempts fail, the ESC Vet must complete an Incident Report which may result in penalties to the Agent/Owner.
Step 6 – Hematoma Occurrence	While rare, horses may jump or move during a blood draw causing the development of a hematoma from the needle injection. The ESC vet should remove the needle and apply bandages and pressure until the show vet arrives. The ESC vet may not prescribe treatment of the hematoma, and must move onto the next horse to be tested when the show vet arrives. ESC and Horse Show Management are not responsible for any costs associated with hematoma occurrences or treatments. The ESC Vet must complete an Incident Report when this occurs.
Step 7 – Daily Sample & Shipping Logs	Daily Sample and Shipping logs collect only the data required by the testing lab and include the Animal ID Number, Date Collected, Breed, Age and Weight. Logs are electronically generated upon completion of the Chain of Custody form. These logs are available to Show Management, the Lab, ESC and the testing Vet.
Step 8 – Storage, Packaging & Shipping	Samples remain in the possession of the ESC Vet, securely cold stored and then batched and shipped overnight or hand delivered to the Drug Testing Lab.