The U.S. Equestrian Federation rules are very clear about banning any medication given to enhance performance. Use of Carolina Gold [which contains the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA] is in clear violation of the rules. The bottom line is that it’s cheating.

This trainer believes people will always be trying to outsmart the system—so maybe the system needs to change.

Having returned to training in 2009 after a 15-year absence, I find everything has changed, and everything has stayed the same. When I “retired,” hunters still were primarily Thoroughbreds, and the conversations I had with other professionals were often about how to get them to be quiet enough in the show ring.

Effective immediately, the U.S. Equestrian Federation has banned the use of “Carolina Gold” or any other product containing gamma aminobutyric acid. The drug, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, is thought to calm horses but currently has no scientific data to support the claim. 

The Fédération Equestre Internationale has enacted changes to the 2011 Equine Prohibited Substance list. The changes, which are pending approval by the FEI Bureau, will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2012. 

Three substances have been added to the Prohibited List. They are:

-Magnesium sulphate injections: used to calm horses when administered intravenously, can cause cardiac arrest in certain instances

-ACTH (adrenocortcotropic hormone): a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that, with overuse, can cause breakdown in a horse’s joints

Three horses were disqualified from competing in the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sept. 4 for hypersensitivity. Romanov, ridden by Billy Twomey of Ireland, All Inclusive NRW ridden by Denis Lynch of Ireland, and Vancouver DML, ridden by Simon Delestre of France, were declared unfit to compete by the Fédération Equestre Internationale with the unanimous agreement of the thermography team and all veterinary and FEI officials.