On April 22, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) issued the following advisory in reference to their drugs and medications program:

Important changes to the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Rules for the 2014 competition year became effective Dec. 1, 2013. These important changes were discussed and published in multiple distribution channels in 2013. The change to General Rule (GR) 414 introduces a new concept called "Prohibited Practices" to the equine drug and medication rules. For your convenience GR 414 rule is printed at the end of this advisory.

There are a few bullet points to remember to comply with GR 414:

  • No horses or ponies may be injected within 12 hours of competing.

  • There are only three exceptions to this rule: therapeutic fluids, antibiotics, and dexamethasone (for the treatment of hives).

  • All excepted substances must be administered by a veterinarian, a medication report form must be filed, and substances cannot be administered to a horse or pony within six hours of competing

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