Riders have been urged to read up on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) rules after three competitors tested positive for prohibited substances.
US eventers Hannah Sue Burnett, Jennie Brannigan and Alyssa Phillips were competing in the CIC3* at Ocala Jockey Club in Florida (17-19 November) when they tested positive for prohibited substances.
Jennie and Alyssa both said they believe the positive tests are as a result of medications that had been prescribed to them for legitimate medical conditions and were not taken in order to enhance their performances.
The Eventing Riders Association of North America (ERA of NA) is now calling on all competitors and their support teams to take time to understand the WADA rules.
“It is imperative that all equestrian athletes understand these rules,” said a spokesman for the riders’ association.
“[This includes] how to prepare for FEI events by knowing what is a prohibitive substance, how to notify FEI for approval of the medication, and how long the process is to be approved to compete or not compete on that substance.”
Equine and human competitors at all FEI events — not just at the top end of the sport — must comply with WADA and FEI doping rules.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Riders can apply for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) if they have an illness or condition that requires the use of medication on WADA’s prohibited list.
This must be fully completed and submitted to the FEI 30 days before competing.
Without this, a rider could receive a ban of up to four years from the FEI as well as sanctions from their national federation.
The winner of the showcase class at an autumn competition is among three riders provisionally suspended from international competition
“A valid prescription from your healthcare provider for one of these prohibited medications does not assure that a TUE will be approved,” added the ERA of NA spokesman.
“It is important that you inform your healthcare provider that you are an athlete that completes clean sport testing under WADA anti-doping rules, and discuss all prescribed medications and potential alternatives.”
US Equestrian team physician Mark Hart added: “All riders competing under FEI rules are subject to random, in-competition and out of competition drug testing.
“It is your responsibility to know if you are taking any medications on the FEI prohibited substance list.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
