Latest from Horse & Hound in Bute

Bute tests show contaminated meat has got into food chain

Charlotte White — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:48:43 +0000

Bute has been found in the meat from eight horses out of 206 killed in one week in the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed today (14 February).

Since 30 January the FSA has been checking the meat of all horses slaughtered in the UK for traces of the drug, which is considered dangerous to human health and is not allowed in meat.

Six of the contaminated samples were found at LJ Potter Partners in Taunton and the other two at High Peak Meat Exports Ltd, a trading name of the Red Lion Abattoir in Nantwich, also known as Turners’.

The meat from Potters’ had already been shipped to France, and the FSA is working with the French authorities to trace it.

The remaining meat did not leave the Cheshire slaughterhouse and has now been destroyed.

From Monday (11 February), a new testing policy has meant no horse meat has been released from slaughterhouses until it is proved clear of bute.

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Shocking news that frozen lasagne brand is 100 per cent horsemeat

Charlotte White — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:05:20 +0000

Tests have shown that some Findus beef lasagne ready meals are 100% horsemeat, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed.

The products, made by the French company Comigel, have been taken off the shelves of convenience stores and supermarkets across the UK.

And the FSA has said the levels of horsemeat point to criminal activity rather than inadvertent contamination on the part of meat suppliers.

An FSA spokesman said: “We have no evidence to suggest that this is a food safety risk. However, the FSA has ordered Findus to test the lasagne for the veterinary drug phenylbutazone, or ‘bute’.

“Animals treated with phenylbutazone are not allowed to enter the food chain as it may pose a risk to human health.”

Eight horses slaughtered for human consumption in the UK last year had been given bute.

People who have bought any Findus beef lasagne products are advised not to eat them and return them to the shop they bought them from.

Other companies that use meat from Comigel — including Aldi and Tesco — have removed beef products from their stores.

Ten million beef burgers were withdrawn from sale last month after traces horsemeat were found by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

Tesco’s Everyday Value Beef Burgers contained 29% horsemeat.

World Horse Welfare has said the abuse of horses in the meat trade goes largely unreported.

Chief executive Roly Owers said: “Where there is horsemeat, you can bet there is horse suffering and not just at the time of slaughter.

“The whole European trade is mired in inadequate laws, needless suffering and the elephant in the room is the spread of infectious equine disease.”

He said the charity does not oppose humane slaughter or the eating of humanely produced horsemeat, which is a personal choice, but it is campaigning to stop the needless long distance transportation of 65,000 horses per year across Europe to slaughter.

Horsemeat could be tainted with bute, Parliament is told

Charlotte White — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:38:28 +0000

Horsemeat that has been tainted with the anti-inflammatory drug bute could be getting into the food chain, the British Horse Society (BHS) has warned.

And its concerns were been brought up in Parliament today (24 January) by shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh.

Ms Creagh told the House of Commons that “several” UK-slaughtered horses had tested positive for bute, despite it being unlawful for horses that have been administered the drug to be slaughtered for meat.

But agriculture minister David Heath said all meat is checked to ensure it is fit for human consumption and meat that tests positive for bute and other drugs is disposed of.

“Where positive results for phenylbutazone [bute] are found, the Food Standards Authority investigates and takes follow-up action to trace the meat,” he told the Commons.

Tesco everyday value beef burgers were found to contain 29 per cent horsemeat in tests by the Food Standards Authority of Ireland (FSAI), it was revealed earlier this week.

And very small amounts of horse DNA — between 0.1 and 0.3 per cent — were found in some beef burger ranges sold by Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Iceland and Dunnes Stores.

No bute was found in the samples tested by the FSAI.

Bute banned in British Showjumping competitions from 1 April

Horse & Hound — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:27:08 +0000

New British Showjumping (BS) rules that ban painkillers like phenylbutazone (bute) in national competition from 1 April have not been publicised to members, say riders.

BS is currently the only governing body of an Olympic discipline that allows horses to compete on bute at national level.

But the organisation will also be the first of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) member bodies to adopt international horsesport’s new anti-doping and controlled medication system.

But members claim to be in the dark about the rule, with the first warning of it appearing in an article posted on the BS website less than a month before the change comes in.

South Wales-based producer Polly Parker told H&H: “I have been a member of BSsince the 1960s and I cannot remember a time when non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, like bute, were not allowed nationally competitions.

“I am sure I am not the only person to be unaware of the rule. The story explaining the changes has already gone off the front page of the website and how many riders check the website anyway?”

Rider Alex Barr, who is based near Glasgow, said he had not heard about the rule, but has a bute ban on his yard already.

“We have a mix of horses jumping at national and international level on the yard so we try not to use bute at all. It’s much easier for the stable staff to have one standard to work to,” he said.

And rider Stuart Harvey from Surrey said: “I was not aware of the rule. Bute is something yards use all the time — I think BS should make these rules very clear.”

BS chief executive Iain Graham explained that it was leading the way in anti-doping measures because its rulebook runs from April to March and would not comply with the

1 January 2012 deadline if it waited until later in the year.

British Eventing (BE) and British Dressage (BD) rulebooks are issued each January.

He said riders would be told of the change in the BS magazine, which is published this week, and all riders would be emailed or text-messaged by their regional rep asking them to check the BS website for information.

“The big change is over bute, but we will ensure all riders are aware of the rule and will be rolling out education on the subject this summer, wherever riders are brought together,”

he said.

Random drug tests will continue at national competitions, but will be carried out by FEI vets from next month.

Once BE and BD have also signed up to the rules they will be common across all British equestrian disciplines.

A BEF spokesman said: “The new system will see an increasing number of anti-doping tests across disciplines and affiliated members should expect their horse to be tested — whether they are competing at grass-roots or national championship level.

“It is hoped that the creation of standardised national guidelines will make things clearer for riders.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (17 March, 2011)

FEI plan for bute in equestrian competition turns full circle

Horse & Hound — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:47:02 +0000

The FEI — horse sports’ international governing body — proposes shelving its plans to allow the use of bute in competition, a topic which has caused global uproar over the past 10 months.

Last week, the FEI completed a full about-turn on its proposal to allow low-levels of bute and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) during competition.

FEI veterinary director Graeme Cooke explained the change of heart.

“The evidence to allow NSAIDs in competition at this time is contradictory and data is limited,” he said.

“This is the recommended approach and we have asked national federations [NFs] to examine the proposal and comment. The general assembly will be asked to vote on which way the FEI should go.”

The FEI executive board released the proposal last week, following a congress in Switzerland last month at which experts failed to agree on whether giving NSAIDs during sport would be detrimental to performance, or enhance it.

“We will be doing more research on detection times for bute,” said Mr Cooke. “We noted requests during the congress for riders to be able to give horses something after an event.”

More research is underway

The current “acknowledged” time it takes for bute to leave a horse’s system [withdrawal time] is seven days, based on a dose of two sachets per day, for five days.

“In the real world, horses are given much lower doses, so we’re looking at the withdrawal time for a single injection, to show people they can give a lower dose at the end of an event

and still legally compete the next weekend,” added Mr Cooke.

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) has given its full support to the plans on behalf of its 40 member nations, which includes the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

Following the inaugural EEF general assembly last week, president Dr Hanfried Haring said: “This is the right decision for the EEF, for the welfare of the horse and a drug-free sport.”

BEF chief executive Andrew Finding also welcomed the FEI’s new approach.

“The right policies are now being pursued in support of our horses, riders and fair play,” he said, but warned it was “misleading” of the FEI to suggest it had any jurisdiction over the use of medication after an event.

Professor Leo Jeffcott, who last year wrote a letter of opposition to FEI president Princess Haya on behalf of leading vets globally, said the policy change was “fantastic news”.

He added: “It is a very important decision for the future of the sport.”

But whether the pro-bute nations will agree and vote to maintain the status quo is unclear. Emotions on both sides of the debate have run high, and Princess Haya has since last November offered to support the less vocal nations who wanted the change.

In a letter to the FEI’s member bodies in December, the Princess wrote: “I give you my word that this issue will be on the table in the form of a policy decision for the general assembly in 2010.”

The US Equestrian Federation has allowed bute in competition for 42 years and has been backing the plans. But as H&H went to press on Monday, neither USEF president David O’Connor nor chief executive John Long had answered repeated requests for comment.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (16 September, ’10)

Equine vets, trainers and officials still puzzled on bute debate

Horse & Hound — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:00:13 +0000

What is the effect of giving bute to a horse in competition?

That’s the question riders, vets, trainers and sporting officials from Europe and all over the world fought to understand in a two-day FEI conference in Switzerland this week.

The conference, held in Lausanne on Monday and Tuesday (16 and 17 August) was organised by the International Equestrian Federation following the furore last November when a hasty vote was taken to allow bute in competition.

The FEI later backtracked, and began a year-long consultation and education process, of which this conference — attended by H&H — was part.

But delegates were left none the wiser following two days of scientific presentations and debate around the topic, as a growing gap between America (where bute is allowed) and Europe (where it is not allowed).

Aachen director Frank Kemperman said yesterday: “This congress is not decisive, and must give direction”, urging that to allow non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in horse sport would be “a backward step”.

But US team vet Tim Ober countered that horses needing “a little help” should be allowed some bute.

The contentious subject of whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like bute should be permitted in competition will be put to the vote at the 2010 International Equestrian Federation (FEI) General Assembly.

• To read a full report from the conference, and behind-the-scenes debate, see next week’s issue of H&H (26 August).

Doping experts to educate horse industry at FEI ‘bute’ congress

Horse & Hound — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:10:47 +0000

Experts in the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are to educate the global horse industry on how drugs such as bute effect equine performance.

Dr Wayne McIlwraith from the USA, Professor Pierre-Louis Toulain (France) and Prof Ken Hinchcliffe (Australia), will speak at a two-day, open to all congress in Switzerland organised by the FEI.

The congress is part of the FEI’s six-month “education and information campaign” to allow national federations to make an informed decision on whether NSAIDs should be used in competition, at the FEI general assembly in November.

• Register for the congress at www.fei.org

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (17 June, ’10)

Debate on the use of bute in horse sport set for mid-August

Horse & Hound — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:47:07 +0000

A global debate on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as bute in competition has been scheduled in August.

The FEI — the international governing body of horse sport — has scheduled the debate for 16 and 17 August in Lausanne, Switzerland. National equestrian federations, horse riders, owners, vets and trainers from around the world are all invited.

The two-day congress is part of the FEI’s global consultation on the use of NSAIDs such as bute in competition.

Last November the FEI met with huge opposition after a vote was passed to allow NSAIDs such as bute in horse sport without prior discussion with national federations.

The debate in August will be chaired by a panel of leading vets from around the world — many of whom were horrified at the FEI’s plans.

Following the August meeting, a formal consultation will begin with National Federations, to allow them an educated and informed vote before the FEI general assembly in November.

The governing body later backtracked, saying more consultation was needed.

America halves the amount of bute to be allowed in equestrian sport

Horse & Hound — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:46:16 +0000

The US Equestrian Federation (USEF) has halved the amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) permitted in competition horses.

From December 2011, the equivalent of only one sachet of bute will be allowed in national equestrian competition, as opposed to two which has been allowed up until now.

A statement released yesterday by the USEF equine drugs and medication programme said:

“Over the years ongoing veterinary research has revealed that not only is there little or no benefit to administering more than one NSAID to a horse for most medical concerns, it can actually cause potentially harmful, even severe side effects.”

To ease riders, vets and owners into the new rule, anyone administering two sachets of bute to a horse within five days of taking part in affiliated competition must file a NSAID disclosure form with the event.

The about-turn is likely to cause considerable comment among the horse world — particularly from those who are against the use of NSAIDs in equestrian sport.

The USEF voted in support of the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) plans to re-introduce NSAIDs in to horse sport last November.

The FEI’s decision on the levels to be allowed — the equivalent of two sachets of bute — was based on existing USEF rules.

FEI to launch global consultation on the use of NSAIDs in horse sport

Horse & Hound — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:52:13 +0000

Horse riders, owners, vets and trainers from around the world are to be involved in a global debate on the use of drugs such as bute in horse sport.

The governing body of horse sport, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), has launched a global consultation on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs in competition.

The consultation will begin next month, when existing research on the use and effects of NSAIDs on the competition horse will be published in a dedicated website.

Everyone involved in horse sport around the world — from event organisers to grooms — will be invited to contribute their thoughts to the FEI via the website.

In July, information will be sent out to equestrian nations worldwide to enable them to attend a debate in Switzerland in August over whether limited levels of NSAIDs such as bute should be allowed in horse sport.

The August debate will be chaired by a panel of leading vets from around the world — many of whom spoke out in horror last November at the FEI’s plans to introduce NSAIDs.

Following the August meeting, a formal consultation will begin with National Federations, to allow them an educated and informed vote before the FEI general assembly in November.

British World Class Performance Director Will Connell said the consultation is “exactly what is required”.

He told Horse & Hound: “I hope riders, owners and every involved in the sport participates — this is a hugely important subject and people need to get involved.”

Last November the FEI met with huge opposition after a vote was passed to allow NSAIDs in horse sport without prior discussion with national federations.

The governing body later backtracked, saying more consultation was needed.

Bute in competions decision put off ’til November 2010

Charlotte White — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:38:32 +0000

The subject caused a furore in the horseworld after being voted through at the 2009 general assembly last month.

“There was a clear need to debate this issue further and the decision to put the policy choice to the vote at the 2010 General Assembly reflects that,” said FEI secretary-general Alex McLin.

The FEI announced today (18 December) that a group, which will include representatives from additional stakeholders including relevant animal welfare groups, will conduct a full review of the equine prohibited substances list, looking in particular at NSAIDs.

The review will decide whether or not the use of these substances in competition, singly and at specifically prescribed levels, is a threat to horse welfare and whether or not these substances, at specific levels, are performance enhancing.

National federations (NFs) will have the opportunity to voice their opinions through their group chairs.

Other equestrian bodies, including racing authorities, will also be consulted.

NFs will vote on whether the FEI should allow the restricted use of NSAIDs, at the 2010 FEI General Assembly, which will take place in Chinese Tarpei, from 1-6 November 2010.

Worldwide support for delayed return of bute in horse sport

Horse & Hound — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:15:06 +0000

Equestrians nations, vets and welfare organisations from around the world have welcomed “time out” on the bute row — and plans to put off the re-introduction of painkillers in horse sport for at least a year.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) last week bowed to increasing pressure from vets and national federations (NFs) as the row over the issue of allowing non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) in competition threatened to split the federation.

FEI president Princess Haya has now asked NFs to support a 12-month delay that could result in a complete U-turn.

“At last some common sense prevails,” said endurance vet Fred Barrelet, who wrote a damning letter to Princess Haya after Copenhagen. “This was pushed through far too hastily, so now people can sit back and discuss this properly.

“To my mind this is the first step in ensuring NSAIDs remain prohibited, not just for veterinary reasons, but for sporting fareness.”

If NFs agree to the delay, Princess Haya has promised a year-long period of consultation and scientific research, before offering a “policy choice” at the general assembly in December 2010. The rest of the clean sport initiative, also passed in Copenhagen, will be introduced on 1 January.

Although a firm decision has not yet been announced, every equestrian nation H&H has contacted — including those in favour of allowing NSAIDs in sport — agreed to the delay.

The British Equestrian Federation described the U-turn as “very good news”. Chief executive Andrew Finding said he expected the majority of NFs to agree.

“This must be the right way to go and we welcome the change of heart,” he said.

Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Isreal, the Netherlands and Germany also said they agreed fully with the proposal.

And although Belgium, Russia and the US are in favour of NSAIDs in horse sport, these federations have agreed to the delay.

Belgian secretary general Ingmar De Vos told H&H: “We support the demand for a delay. We are not against the principle but believe more time is needed to examine the scientific and judicial consequences.”

• To read more reaction, see this week’s edition of Horse & Hound.

FEI gives in to pressure on bute issue and suggests further delay

Horse & Hound — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:56:01 +0000

Bute may not be allowed in competition for another year, following moves by the FEI to quell the row threatening to split the world of horse sport.

Princess Haya, president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), has done about turn by asking national federations to agree to “time out” on the issue. She wants the issue of allowing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in horse sport to be debated at the 2010 general assembly.

In a letter sent out to national federations on Friday evening, Princess Haya acknowledged both those for and against the use of bute and other NSAIDs in competition have strong opinions.

“Unfortunately, the division of opinion is so deep and so passionate, that it threatens to divide our federation,” she said. “This is not an outcome we can accept.”

Princess Haya has suggested to the federations that all other rules in the FEI’s clean sport programme are implemented on 1 January, 2010, but over the next year more research and consultation is carried out on the issue of NSAIDs in horse sport.

“I give you my word that this issue will be table in the form of a policy choice for the general assembly in 2010,” she said.

On 19 November, the FEI general assembly narrowly voted in Copenhagen to allow bute and other NSAIDs to be used in competition.

Last Tuesday, the FEI suggested delaying the introduction of the new rules until April.

• For reaction and debate, read this Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound.

Equestrian nations worldwide back delay on new bute regulations

Horse & Hound — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:38:16 +0000

Equestrian nations from around the world have welcomed the delay on new drug rules for horse sport.

But they warn a lot of work needs to be done to ensure the plans to allow bute and other painkilling substances are not permitted during equine competition.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) yesterday announced the delay in implementing the new Equine Prohibited Substances List, and accompanying regulations. These will allow low doses of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as bute, and three other commonly used drugs, to be permitted during competition.

The decision taken at the FEI general assembly in Copenhagen to adopt the so-called ‘progressive list’ caused uproar — and continues to.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) — which voted against the idea — met on Monday night to discuss the regulations. All of the vets present at that meeting believe the plan is a retrograde step for the sport.

HSI chairman Joe Walsh said the delay was a “sensible and pragmatic move”, but warned: “It is clear that changes are needed in this list, and that the issue will not go away.”

His comments were echoed by Paul Cargill, president of Equestrian Australia (EA), who spoke up strongly against the new rules when they were passed at the FEI general assembly in Copenhagen.

“EA did not ever back the introduction of this list, and the FEI had not allowed adequate time for debate and dialogue on the issues arising,” said Mr Cargill.

“We are now seeking the science to come to a solution that ensures that the welfare of the horse is respected and the safety of athletes is not compromised. We will then make submissions and are confident that the ‘progressive list’ as it stands is not introduced.”

And France Galop, the governing body of horse racing in France, issued a strong statement against the rules this morning.

It read: “A horse that is under treatment must be considered as recovering and not as a horse fit to carry out a sporting performance.

“The recent decision taken by the FEI is a worrying step backward…(we hope) national federations will be able to convince FEI that, on this occasion, the horse is made more vulnerable at a time when modern societies wish to protect it.”

But while the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) also welcomed the delay, it believes the introduction of low doses of NSAIDs to be a positive step forward for horse welfare, and said the intervening time before implementation should be spend on education and communication.

FEI backtracks over bute and delays rule implementation to 5 April

Horse & Hound — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:18:00 +0000

New rules allowing painkillers like bute to be used on horses during competition will not come into force until next April.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has backtracked on the plans following worldwide uproar over the new rules, due to come into force on 1 January 2010.

Instead, the new Equine Prohibited Substance List and the accompanying regulations — which allow bute, aspirin and flunixin, along with several other equine drugs to be used in competition — will come in on 5 April 2010.

Announcing the delay this afternoon, FEI president Princess Haya said: “The FEI has been criticised for not providing sufficient time for consultation…and there has been widespread unease about the late publication of the progressive list.”

The FEI says the intervening months will be used for “broader debate and consultation” and “supplementary research“.

Princess Haya added: “Views that have been expressed are being taken extremely seriously by the FEI as legitimate welfare concerns and we give similar importance to our membership’s decision to effect a policy change.”

On 19 November, the FEI general assembly voted 53-48 for the change in policy in Copenhagen.

Badminton Horse Trials ‘very unhappy’ that bute is allowed

Horse & Hound — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:14:20 +0000

Badminton Horse Trials has added its voice in the fight against allowing bute in equestrian competition.

Hugh Thomas, director of the international event has written to FEI president Princess Haya urging her to “do whatever is necessary to change or suspend this decision, and to do so urgently”.

In his open letter to the president, Mr Thomas said the Badminton Horse trials team is “utterly committed” to running the event “in the spirit of clean sport”.

He said he is “very unhappy” at the prospect of being asked to run an event under the new rules.

“We believe that if a horse needs these drugs to appear sound, whether in actual competition or at the horse inspections, he should not take part in the competition,” he said.

Badminton final scores

“The soundness or otherwise of a horse is integral to the three-day event, which is a test not only of his ability and his rider’s, but also to his fitness and soundness.”

Mr Thomas’s letter follows a barrage of correspondence to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) from leading vets around the world.

Leading endurance vet Dr Fred Barralet, together with 19 of his colleagues, wrote to Princess Haya earlier last week.

He warned the use of non-steroidal anti inflammatories could cause “catastrophic breakdown” in the endurance horse, in which the use of bute is particularly damaging.

Dr Barrelet, from equine veterinary specialist practice Rossdales & Partners in Newmarket, said the change in FEI policy is “the cause of utmost concern for FEI endurance event and treatment vets”.

FEI painkillers rules contradicts their research in 2004

Charlotte White — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:59:45 +0000

Horse & Hound has uncovered paperwork that shows the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) decision to allow horses to compete on painkillers is in direct contradiction to research they undertook five years ago.

At the 2004 FEI General Assembly national federations agreed to cut the allowable level of salicylates (asprin) from the level they are now proposing because they believed it was open to abuse by “topping up”.

In the release from 2004 the FEI says: “The 2004 FEI General Assembly agreed to change the threshold for salicylates, in line with the proposals submitted by the Veterinary Committee.

“The previous thresholds for salicylates were 750 µg/ml in urine and 6.5 µg/ml in plasma. Experiences in testing had indicated that abuse of salicylates was possible, obtaining a clinical effect in the horse by administration of low doses without exceeding the threshold.”

They said: “an extensive study in 650 samples for the salicylate content and a subsequent bio-statistical analysis of the results indicated that a decrease of the threshold was possible, thereby making abuse of the substance more difficult”.

They decreased the levels to 625 µg/ml in urine and 5.4 µg/ml in plasma.

At the 2009 General Assembly in Copenhagen last week a narrow majority of equestrian nations voted to allow horses to compete on low levels of dichloreacetate (lactanase), isoxuprine (vasodilator), acetycysteine (mucolytic) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) Phenylbutazone or bute, Salicyclic acid or aspirin and Flunixin.

It has provoked outrage throughout the horseworld.

Senior vets demand Princess Haya reopens ‘bute debate’

Horse & Hound — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:17:13 +0000

Senior vets from around the world have written to FEI president Princess Haya condemning the decision to allow medication in competition horses.

The letter has been written by Prof Leo Jeffcott and signed by leading vets from the UK, France, Germany, USA, Australia and Finland.

“We believe a decision has been made that was premature, ill-considered and seriously retrograde,” say the equine vets. “This decision will have a serious and negative effect on welfare and profound repercussions for equestrian sport.”

They say that allowing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will “lead to the abuse of horses in competition that are unfit to compete” and ask Princess Haya to reopen the debate.

The letter is the latest in a fast escalating row over the decision taken in Copenhagen last week.

British vets say bute in competition will lead to ‘catastrophic injuries’

Horse & Hound — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:34:51 +0000

Leading equine vets in Britain have slammed a decision to allow horses to compete on painkillers. They say using bute on a competition horse could lead to “catastrophic injuries”.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) says the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) decision to allow six medications in competition is an “extremely retrograde step for horse welfare”.

“This decision obscures the distinction between therapy and subjecting unsound horses to the stresses of competition,” said a statement from the group of leading horse vets.

“Furthermore, we have grave concerns that horses competing while under treatment with pain-relieving medicines, are at an increased risk of musculo-skeletal lesions progressing to catastrophic injuries.”

As part of its so-called “clean sport programme” the FEI decided last week to allow six substances — many of which are painkilling — to be used during competition.

Before that, the FEI has always had a “zero tolerance” policy on drugs in sport, and the about-turn caused outrage.

The leading equestrian nations around the world are lobbying for a re-think, and one leading event, CHIO Aachen, has already said it will not run under the new rules.

The British Equine Veterinary Association added: “We see this as a backward step for the development of equine sport and one that is contrary to the public aspiration of drug-free competition.

“We would strongly encourage a rational review of the available evidence and, if necessary, new research to try to formulate a more scientific basis for these regulations.”

Aachen takes a stand for clean horse sport and will not allow bute

Horse & Hound — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:21:08 +0000

One of the most prestigious events in the horse sport calendar has been the first to take a stand against the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) rule to allow bute in competition.

Horses will not be allowed to compete at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen in Germany next year if they have been given bute or any of the other five controversial substances permitted by the FEI last week.

“We do not want unsound or injured horses in our sport,” said Michael Mronz, general manager of the Aachener Reitternier GmbH.

“The CHIO Aachen 2010 will not be carried out on the basis of the current FEI regulations, but according to the ethics of clean sport.”

Aachen director Frank Kempermann was one of the many vocal opponents to the plans during the FEI general assembly in Copenhagen last week.

Elected as chairman of the FEI’s dressage committee, Kempermann made no secret his vehement opposition to the new prohibited substances list — allowing six drugs to be given — after they were voted in.

Afterwards, he said: “The FEI’s decision is a contradiction to our idea of clean sport.”

In Germany, giving isoxuprine to a horse is a criminal offence.

A spokesman for the FEI said: “As an international event, CHIO Aachen will be run under FEI rules. However organisers of FEI international events will not be required to adopt any elements of the new prohibited substances list that violate the national law of the jurisdiction in which the competition is being held.

“European countries have been contacted to establish where such exceptions will need to be made.”

• An online petition has been set up to fight the new ruling. Visit www.no-fei.com

Online petition fights FEI decision to let horses compete on bute

Horse & Hound — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:05:24 +0000

Do you agree with the decision to allow bute to be given to competition horses?

An online petition has been set up to fight the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) decision to allow horses to compete on bute and five other controversial drugs.

The site — www.no-fei.com — was only set up this morning, Tuesday 24 November, and already has 1,700 signatures.

Last week a narrow majority of equestrian nations voted at the FEI general assembly to allow low levels of dichloreacetate (lactanase), isoxuprine (vasodilator), acetycysteine (mucolytic) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) Phenylbutazone or bute, Salicyclic acid or aspirin and Flunixin.

The way in which the plans were presented, at short notice, caused outrage. And the decision, taken on Thursday in Copenhagen, has been questioned ever since.

Most leading equestrian nations are vehemently against the idea — and talk of a challenge abounds.

To sign the petition, visit www.no-fei.com.

• To read more on this story, and what it means to everyday riders and to horse welfare, read this Thursday’s issue of H&H (26 November).

FEI president Princess Haya refuses to allow a re-vote on bute

Horse & Hound — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:02:44 +0000

Britain’s and Ireland’s calls for a re-vote on the decision to allow bute in competition have been dismissed.

Damian McDonald chief executive of Horse Sport Ireland has questioned this afternoon whether delegates at the FEI general assembly understood fully what they were voting for.

“On 13 November it was stated by the FEI that we would get a choice between the ‘progressive list’ and a list legally called the ‘20 October list’,” he said.

“But this morning we were asked to vote on ‘progressive list’ and ‘current list’, and the current list we had until now is very different from the list of 20 October.”

He urged to allow a revote to be absolutely certain that federations were clear on what they were voting for, a call backed up by British Equestrian Federation (BEF) chairman Keith Taylor.

“I suggest that if there is sufficient doubt in the room that a vote should be retaken,” said Mr Taylor.

But FEI president Princess Haya refused to allow a re-vote, claiming a number of delegates had already left the assembly. Before they left, the Princess said they had told her of their concern that the FEI might backtrack on the decision taken this morning.

“The vote has been taken,” said Princess Haya. “We will not take it again.”

German equestrian federation president Breido Graf zu Rantzau warned: “How can we leave Copenhagen like this? It divides the FEI.”

FEI vice president publicly slams decision to allow bute in sport

Horse & Hound — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:20:29 +0000

The vice president of the FEI has publicly slammed the decision taken today to re-introduce bute into horse sport.

Sven Holmberg addressed the 102 national federations gathered in Copenhagen for the FEI’s general assembly just before he was voted to remain chair of the show jumping committee.

“I support 100% the clean sport programme but the progressive list cuts the legs off that,” he said to a quietened room.

“It allows treatment of horses in competition, and it will be rejected by the social media.”

Mr Holmberg, who is number two to Princess Haya, FEI president, added: “If you thought recent media reaction against rollkur has been tough, just wait to see what happens with this.

“I still wish to stand for election, but understand if you don’t want me know I have made my position known.”

Mr Holmberg was re-elected as chair of the jumping committee, and Frank Kempermann — another very vocal detractor — was elected chair of the dressage committee.

As the general assembly broke for lunch, talk around the buffet table centred on a possible challenge to the decision.

Although the FEI maintains it released details of both lists to the national federations on 13 November, many say today the plans came as a complete surprise.

Where moves for the “progressive list” came from is not yet understood.

Bute will be allowed in horse sport throughout the world

Horse & Hound — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:30:29 +0000

Bute will be allowed in horse sport around the world from 1 January 2010.

National federations have this morning voted in favour of adopting the “progressive list”, on which low levels of phenylbutazone (bute), flunixin and salicyclic acid (aspirin) will be allowed in competition.

There were gasps of shock and dismay as, out of 102 votes cast, 53 voted for the progressive list, 42 for the current list and 7 abstained.

The FEI has set the level to allow for a small single dose of one of the three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to be given 24 hours before a competition. The doses have been set to ease muscle stiffness but, supposedly, not to mask a problem such as arthritis.

But FEI director Graeme Cooke declined to comment on whether the new rule would be open to abuse, and allow for a small dose of bute to be given on the day of competition. He added: “We need to do more research”.

Britain voted against allowing NSAIDs in competition.

British Equestrian Federation chief executive Andrew Finding explained: “We voted against the adoption of the progressive list. Not because it isn’t worthy of consideration but as there was insufficient time to consider and debate the issues fully and to consult with our member bodies and experts on the implications.”

The clean sport recommendations and rules were this morning adopted by overwhelming majority, just before the national federations voted to adopt the progressive list.

• To read in-depth reaction and what this means for you, see next week’s Horse & Hound (26 November).

Uproar at FEI proposal to allow horses to compete on bute

Horse & Hound — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:46:19 +0000

Should riders be allowed to compete on horses that have been given a small amount of bute?

That has been the subject of heated discussion this afternoon at a meeting of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The liveliest debate during a meeting to unveil the FEI’s completed work on “clean sport” centred on the proposal for a complete policy shift to allow horses to compete on low levels of painkillers.

A new list of banned substances and controlled medication is the lynchpin of plans unveiled this afternoon in advance of voting during tomorrow’s general assembly.

But there are two lists. The first — “current list” — continues with the FEI’s zero-tolerance policy. The second “progressive list” would allow low levels of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) within horse sport around the world.

“If the FEI accepts this, there will be uproar in many countries,” warned Bo Helander of Sweden. “It’s completely unacceptable for horse welfare, and changes the whole philosophy of the FEI.”

Tomorrow the nearly 100 national federations assembled in Copenhagen will vote on whether phenylbutazone (bute), flunixin and salicyclic acid (aspirin) should be allowed.

“Let’s talk about doping and not doping again,” urged Ulf Helgstrand, president of the Danish equestrian federation. “If we introduce the list I’m afraid the public and sponsors will shoot us down and say we only want to stop the number of positive tests.”

And Frank Kempermann, general director of Aachen warned he would lose sponsors, adding: “I can’t understand how this proposal can be made.”

Barbados, France, Norway, Germany, America and Ireland added their voices of dissent.

There was only one voice of support — a vet from South Africa who asked why, if a horse steps on stone or suffers mild colic the day before a big competition can bute not be given.

“If it happened to a human, he would be allowed to take Voltaren and ride,” he said. “It is so expensive to get a horse to an event, we should be able to treat.”

Vets fight EU rules to keep access to bute

Charlotte White — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:57:11 +0000

Vets across Europe hope to win an exemption from EU rules for phenylbutazone, or “bute”, one of the UK’s most commonly prescribed equine drugs.

The horse is classed as a food-producing animal, so only substances with known residue times in meat can be used on horses which might end up for human consumption.

Bute has never been tested, so just one dose means the animal must be signed out of the food chain on its passport. This threatens the continued availability of the drug.

Under an amendment adopted by the EU in July, European vets have been asked to suggest drugs “that bring an added clinical benefit compared to other treatment options” and could be added to the list of approved medications.

If agreed, bute would be allowed for use in meat-producing horses, alongside a six-month withdrawal period.

Prof Josh Slater, secretary of the Federation of European Veterinary Associations, said: “We argue that phenylbutazone has benefits over other drugs in the areas of laminitis, pain relief during surgery and certain orthopaedic conditions.”

A huge number of horses enter the food chain across the EU and drug companies need to be able to sell their products across Europe.

It costs around £40million to bring a product to the market and Prof Slater says companies are loath to spend money testing bute to EU standards when other drugs are available.

The Netherlands has already stripped bute of its licence.

Lee Hackett, head of welfare at the British Horse Society, backed these concerns.

“It is important that vets have access to bute. There are alternatives, but they are more expensive and, in some circumstances, not as effective,” he said.

Gwenda Bason from Dechra Veterinary Products said: “The clinical need for bute in the UK is obvious from our sales levels to vets and we are keen to ensure it continues to be available.”

Confirmation of whether the drug will be included in an EU consultation is expected from the European Medicines Agency in October. The final decision will be made by EU commissioners next year.

This news story was first published in H&H (24 September, ’09)

New equine mobility supplement: Vetrofen

Horse & Hound — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:25:04 +0000

The company that brought Oxyshot to the market, Animalife, has recently unveiled a new mobility supplement called Vetrofen, which it says is “instantly more effective than any Bute alternative”. And it is putting its money where its mouth is by offering a money-back guarantee.

The powder supplement is described as “a completely natural, powerful antioxidant, which has been proven to be safe, without side effects for both short-term and continuous regular maintenance use”.

According to the Animalife website, Vetrofen is a blend of Scutellaria Baicalensis and Acacia Catechu botanical plant extracts, contains no banned substances and is safe to use under Jockey Club and FEI rules.

Designed to help horses recover quickly from knocks and bumps, as well as

soothing joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons, Vetrofen is being marketed as being able to help competition horses in hard work cope with knocks and bruises, as well as maintaining mobility in older horses.

Three different courses of the supplement are available from www.animalife.co.uk

Instant impact 24 hour booster pack for £9.99
7 day course for £16.99
21 day course for £39.99.

For more details visit: www.animalife.co.uk

Costs of £50k expected in bute case

Horse & Hound — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:07:23 +0000

A successful show rider has been ordered to pay damages of £5,653.64, plus costs — which are expected to be in excess of £50,000 — after putting a horse that was on bute forward for a pre-sale vetting. A judge ruled that she had acted “dishonestly and fraudulently” by administering the drug prior to the veterinary examination.

Mrs Annette Hance sold Rich Champion, her lightweight show cob gelding, to Mrs Gerry Spencer for £8,000 in October 2004. Shortly afterwards, the previous top amateur British Show Hack Cob and Riding Horse Association winner was found to have a distinct shiver and hindlimb irregularity; subsequent veterinary investigations confirmed a degenerative bone spavin.

The horse had undergone a five-stage pre-purchase vetting, and when the blood sample was tested subsequently, it was found to contain phenylbutazone, or bute.

As the medical conditions were likely to prevent Rich Champion from further show ring success, Buckinghamshire-based Mrs Spencer instructed equine specialist Darbys Solicitors to enter into negotiations for the return of the horse with Oxfordshire-based Mrs Hance’s solicitors, Ashfords.

Following an 18-month legal battle, no settlement could be agreed and the case went to court.

His Honour Judge Harris QC, sitting at Oxford County Court, dismissed Mrs Hance’s explanation that the analgesic had been administered accidentally when four identical feed buckets became confused as “an unlikely and untruthful explanation”. Having heard veterinary evidence from both parties, he concluded that the horse’s condition would have been evident before the examination had it not been for the presence of bute.

The trial took place in March, but Mrs Spencer is still waiting for costs to be agreed. If no agreement is reached, there will be a hearing in December when enforcement proceedings are likely to take place.

This news report was first published in Horse & Hound (2 November, ’06)

Bute consumption record clarified

Horse & Hound — Mon, 22 Dec 2003 11:40:21 +0000

DEFRA has clarified the position regarding bute and horses for human consumption in the wake of widespread confusion in the industry.

The horse passport statutory instrument provides for administration of bute – as a substance not listed in Annexes I, II, III and IV of the European veterinary residue regulations – to be recorded on the passports of horses intended for consumption.

However, a section of existing residues legislation has the effect that only substances listed in Annex I-III can be given to horses entering the food chain, irrespective of when treatments are given.

DEFRA’s Alison Reeves explains: “European horse passport legislation makes provision for a six-month withdrawal period for substances such as bute. But because of earlier action to allow vets to use bute in most UK horses, bute product literature says that it is not authorised for use in horses for slaughter for human consumption.

“We are amending the residues legislation to remove this ambiguity so it is clear to all that horses are not prohibited from the food chain where bute was last given more than six months before slaughter.”

Rural affairs minister Alun Michael says: “The residues legislation hadn’t caught up with the setting of the six-month withdrawal period for bute.”

Read more about the controversy surrounding silhouettes in this week’s (18 December) issue of Horse & Hound magazine