The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is reminding members and competitors of the rule changes surrounding drugs and medications in competition horses.

The new competition year begins December 2011. With all of these important rule changes taking effect, the USEF encourages every exhibitor, trainer, coach, and owner to take the time, prior to competing, to carefully review the "Guidelines for How Long Drugs Remain Detectable" which can be accessed online or by calling 800/633-2472 to request a copy of the 2012 USEF Drugs & Medications Guidelines.

Administration of NSAIDs

Motivated by its commitment to the welfare of the horse, the USEF Board of Directors voted to amend its therapeutic drug rule and restrict use to a single non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) beginning Dec. 1, 2011. Both the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association supported the rule change, and USEF now joins other organizations including the American Quarter Horse Association and Equine Canada in implementing this rule change