FEI Task Force on Medication and Doping

FEI TASK FORCE ON MEDICATION AND DOPING
The FEI Task Force on Medication and Doping Chaired by Mr Sven Holmberg (SWE) held it second meeting in Paris on 2 February.

The Task Force began by reviewing the many meeting that had taken place with members and various interested parties such as the International Jumping Riders Club, FEI Groups I and II and the Swedish Trotting Association.

The task force heard submissions from Dr Andrew Higgins (GBR) Chairman of the FEI Medication Sub Committee and Dr Yves Bonnaire (FRA) Director of the FEI Central Lab on the current procedures for medication control and future possibilities, including the establishment of withdrawal times for a specific group of Equine Medications.

The task force particularly discussed the possibilities of new definitions of doping and medication control especially the difference between medications used for the welfare of the horse that were still in the horses system during competition and substances that were deliberately used to enhance performance.

Mr Philip O’Connor (IRL) member of the FEI Judicial Committee explained the current judicial system and the need to ensure fairness and “due process” for all persons regardless of the case. Possibilities to speed up the process were also discussed in detail and will be among a range of proposals which will be brought to the FEI General Assembly in April.

The Task Force will now consider all the information gathered and will begin the process of writing its formal report and proposals. A final meeting will be held in March and the report will be sent to National Federations before presentation at the FEI General Assembly in London.