Re: British Eventing - random dope test

Gerry Henry — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:58:41 GMT

Thanks Wren.

Re: British Eventing - random dope test

Wren — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:21:30 GMT

Have also asked an official friend to verify re timing and choice of competitor for testing.

Re: British Eventing - random dope test

Wren — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:17:42 GMT

Hello. I may be able to help.

I have competed in eventing, both BE and FEI, for 12 years on many different horses.

Sampling is supposed to be random until you get to the higher FEI levels where the winning horses are regularly tested alongside a random sample. With my vet hat on I haven't been asked to test any horses, however I know vets that have and I know a few (lower level, surprisingly) competitors who have been tested.

Apparently I was supposed to be tested at an event last summer but I disappeared too quickly after the XC for them to catch me (a friend was doing the testing and told me afterwards. I had no idea I was going to be tested but am very quick and efficient and don't get off and remove/loosen tack immediately after my XC like a lot of people do, I prefer to keep the horse moving and walk around for 10mins or so on the way back to the box).

Testing at the lower BE/FEI levels happens infrequently, but it does happen and I am very careful both on my own behalf, and that of my clients, to ensure that I'm confident horses will test clear. Minor contamination such as feeding from a bucket which has previously contained bute or using a skin cream with a miniscule amount of steroid in can and does produce positive results and people need to be as professional about this at BE90 level as they are at Badminton.

I'm happy to answer or help with any specific points either openly or by PM.

Re: British Eventing - random dope test

Gerry Henry — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:25:48 GMT

Bump

Re: British Eventing - random dope test

Emily Rainbow — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:38:59 GMT

Whilst I don't BE I have many friends compete multiple horses up to Advanced Intermediate level and never heard of them ever having one so not sure how often they are carried out.