Rider Reprimanded for Sedating Horse at Competition Venue
A European equestrian federation's Disciplinary Committee has decided on a reprimand regarding the sedation of a horse at competition grounds, based on various regulations, including the Code of Conduct.
The case concerns a rider who sedated their horse for transportation after competitions on multiple occasions, raising questions about whether the horse was fit for competition and whether sedation during the competition period is permissible.
The rider stated that the horse was difficult to load and had been undergoing extensive training, but sedation was used for safety reasons. The competition veterinarians confirmed sedation had been administered at several events, leading to discussions on whether the horse met competition standards.
The Disciplinary Committee concluded that the horse was not sufficiently trained for competition as it required sedation to be transported. The rider’s actions, including the use of a twitch and riding the horse to the competition at one event, were considered questionable under competition regulations.
The committee emphasized that a horse’s welfare and fitness for competition must be prioritized, and sedation for transportation after a competition, even for safety reasons, does not align with the rules.
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