Ottawa, ON — The Equine Canada Medication Control Committee (EMCC) has announced new measures to deter abuse and overuse of drugs and medication in horses, to provide fairness to all participants, to protect the safety of competitors, to maintain the health and welfare of the horse and promote fair competitions.
The new standards issued the EMCC are the result of the analysis of several years of drug testing results in Canada. In keeping with its statement of principles, Equine Canada is broadening the scope of equine medication and anti-doping control to as many possible equestrian events in Canada.
The new 2010 measures ensure that competitors can expect a standardized frequency and level of testing at all Equine Canada sanctioned competitions. The 2010 Equine medication control fees are $3.50 per horse entered in Bronze competitions and $7.00 for Silver and Gold competitions. Competitions will be randomly selected on annual basis to achieve the testing frequency targets.
Equine Canada encourages all equestrian sport in all disciplines to participate in anti-doping measures and fair medication control to safeguard the health and welfare of all horses.
“Welfare of the horse is always of paramount importance. We are proud there has not been a positive test in the past two years in EC sanctioned competitions, and we want to maintain the cleanest possible sport. These new standards are part of an accountable, transparent and forward thinking program,” said EMCC committee chair, Dr. Yves Rossier.