FEI petition on "Progressive List” and the use of drugs

[foxyfilly39]

I have been following the news of this closely as I'm currently studying for a BSc in animal welfare.

I'm very surprised when looking at the petition list this morning, of the lack of professional riders on the list both from the UK and Europe. Does this mean they might support the decision of the FEI to allow low levels of these 5 drugs?

I feel that more needs to be published concerning the effects such low levels actually have on the horses. Plus it may well be the FEI way of damage control now that so many top riders in media exposed competitions (Olympics) have been caught out via drug testing. This low level of drug usage may allow for accidental cross contamination, with out influencing the actual results.

This may well lead to less negative exposure of the sport in the media, which seems to be increasing every year.

I'm all for the welfare of the horse, the important factor in this change of policy is, how influential will the actual permitted levels be.

Don't forget that the use of these drugs is also optional if riders really cared about their horses, and not winning prizes at the cost of their animals welfare this would not be an issue.

 

[Onyxia]

I would think most just dont want to get on the wrong side of their owners or the FEI....
As you say,use of these drugs is optional and I think(and hope) most riders would not compete is the horse needed some bute to do so.