British riders and owners are being invited to learn how new international anti-doping rules will affect them.
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is running educational days throughout March and April to give owners and riders advice on the so-called “clean sport” rules for International Equestrian Federation (FEI) competitions.
Open to owners and riders aiming to compete in FEI competitions in all disciplines, the days are free of charge and designed to help competitors understand what regulations have been changed and why.
Topics covered will include the equine prohibited substances list, new rules regarding stewarding and security at events and medication log books.
Human drug testing rules will also be explained, with advice from UK Anti Doping and BEF Chief Medical Officer Dr Peter Whitehead.
The human prohibited substances list, applications for therapeutic use exemption and making a declaration of use when a prohibited substance is used for a medical condition will all be discussed.
The new FEI Equine Anti Doping and Medication Control rules come into effect on 5 April 2010.
The first educational day will take place on 22 March at the Blackwell Grange Hotel near Darlington in Yorkshire. Subsequent days will be hosted in Glasgow, Northamptonshire, Liverpool, Surrey and Gloucestershire.
For a full list of dates and venues go to www.bef.co.uk.
• H&H will be running an in-depth news special on the rules, and what they mean for you, in our 1 April magazine.