The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) is considering rules to govern racehorses in training in an attempt to identify whether they are at risk for injury.

The proposal stems in part from discussions at the July 8-9 Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit. Speakers at the event said it is vital that owners and trainers have the information necessary to identify at-risk horses.

Under the proposal, regulatory agencies that license people in the horse racing industry would expand their authority to include horses, effectively extending jurisdiction over equines in training.

Congress and the United States Food and Drug Administration have authorized almost every approved drug on the market for direct or indirect use in a horse based upon the professional judgment of a veterinarian. With the veterinary regulatory policy of 21 states requiring the issuance of a written prescription upon client request in lieu of direct veterinary administration, legitimate questions exist as to whether drugs are being used beyond their intended purpose, RCI officials said