Page 1137 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

VETERINARY RECORDS

VetBooks.ir A written record should be kept of all treatment, including routine worming and vaccinations

that each horse receives. These records should be stored where they are readily to hand.
When horses are kept at livery, the person running the yard should have access to this

information.

It is advisable for owners of livery yards to obtain written permission to call the vet out to
any horse left in their care. This ensures prompt veterinary attention if an emergency occurs

and the owner cannot be contacted. It can also prevent disputes over responsibility for fees
incurred.

DRUGS AND THE COMPETITION HORSE

Horses should compete on their own merits and their performance should not be enhanced by
the use of any medication. It is reprehensible that any drug or other substance be used to
mask any lameness or disease as this could seriously compromise the welfare of the horse

and rider.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI: Fédération Equestre Internationale) has a
comprehensive list of Veterinary Regulations that are designed to ensure the wellbeing of
horses participating in equestrian sports under their jurisdiction. The British Horseracing

Authority (BHA) and other organizations, e.g. British Showjumping, have their own anti-
doping rules, all of which are aimed at ensuring adequate care and management of the horse

whilst at competitions. These rules are updated annually and can be found on the websites of
the individual organizations.

Prohibited substances

The FEI has drawn up an Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL). These include:

• Banned substances, which are considered to have no legitimate use in the competition
horse and/or have a high potential for abuse.

• Controlled medication, which includes substances with therapeutic value that are

commonly used in equine medicine. They have the potential to affect performance and/or
be a welfare risk to the horse.

The complete list of banned and controlled substances can be found on the FEI website