The health and welfare of horses and ponies at Equestrian Canada (EC) sanctioned competitions is of utmost importance. Therefore, we encourage you to please take the time to read through the important EC Equine Medication Control (EMC) updates for owners and competitors found below.

Important Information Regarding Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (brand name Depo-Provera)

For 2017, medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) will continue to be considered as a prohibited substance at EC sanctioned competitions in all horses, and warnings will be issued in case of positive tests.

Review the Rules

EC advises that all competitors, owners, parents, coaches and interested parties review the rules, as well as the available information on EMC.

The rules are revised and amended on an annual basis and throughout the season in extraordinary circumstances. It is the responsibility of the horse owner, competitor, coach and person responsible to know and thoroughly understand the rules listed in the General Regulations and in the rule book governing their specific discipline.

Permitted Medications

The administration of select medications is permitted in horses competing at EC sanctioned competitions – subject to restrictions.

Current Permitted Medications

  • One (1) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved for use in Canada for horses: flunixin meglumine or ketoprofen or phenylbutazone or acetylsalicylic acid or firocoxib (by exception) – subject to the restrictions (see EC Rules, Section A, General Regulations, Chapter 10, Article A1003).
  • Anti-ulcer medications: cimetidine, ranitidine, or omeprazole
  • Pergolide
  • Altrenogest (for mares only)

The following are not listed in the permitted medication rule (EC Rules, Section A, General Regulations, Chapter 10, Article A1003), but can be used during an EC-sanctioned competition:

  • Antibiotics, antiprotozoals
  • Antiparasitic products (dewormers)
  • Adequan, Hyaluronic Acid, Pentosan, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate
  • Cyclosporin
  • IV Fluids

For further information on permitted medications, consult the EC Rules, Section A, General Regulations, Chapter 10, Article A1003 or visit www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/equine-medications.

Withdrawal Times

The rules for EC EMC closely follow the equine drug and medication control regulations developed by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA). The CPMA updated its equine guidelines in 2016, and they remain applicable for 2017*. The full CPMA Equine Elimination Guidelines can be found here.

*Please note: the elimination guidelines for anabolic steroids and isoxsuprine were removed, as Health Canada approved drug products are no longer available. Compounded formulations of these drugs were tested by the CPMA and found to have prolonged and highly variable elimination, so appropriate elimination guidelines cannot be given.

Questions?

For questions regarding EC Equine Medications Control, please contact:

Rachel Huebert
Manager, Technical Development
[email protected]
1-866-282-8395 x 115