As in many other sports, doping plays an important role in equestrian sports when it comes to competitions and performance comparisons. Unlike in athletics, however, it is not the human being who tries to enhance their own performance by taking certain substances, but the animal whose performance is to be enhanced by administering these substances. Since the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the issue of doping in equestrian sports has also come into the public spotlight due to numerous proven cases of doping, which has resulted in considerable damage to the image of equestrian sports.
In equestrian sports in particular, a distinction can be made between chemical and physical doping. Chemical doping refers to the administration of chemical substances with the aim of enhancing the horse's performance. Physical doping involves using force to compel the horse to perform at a higher level. This includes barring, neurectomy, ice treatments, and the use of ultrasound and UV rays. All these methods desensitize the animals, influence their perception of pain, and disable the body's own protective barriers.
Prohibited medication refers to substances that are permitted during training but must no longer be detectable in the horse's body on the day of competition. The so-called withdrawal period describes the time that must elapse between the use of a medication or method and the horse being allowed to compete.
Unintentional doping is also a major problem among amateur riders. This involves the administration of certain feed supplements or care products that contain substances that fall under the doping regulations, but of which the owners are unaware. Many products now indicate whether they are permitted during competition (ADMR compliant) or not (not ADMR compliant). Owners or keepers of competition horses should therefore ensure that all treatments and medications are fully documented. Your veterinarian will be happy to advise you on a case-by-case basis regarding permitted medications and any withdrawal periods.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), founded in 1999, has set itself the goal of coordinating the fight against doping in competitive sports worldwide and has drawn up the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), which has formed the internationally binding basis for legal anti-doping regulations since 2009.
The FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale), the international governing body for equestrian sports, has also signed the WADC and is therefore committed to the provisions set out therein. The FEI's rules and regulations, the Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules (EADMC), which were developed on the basis of the WADC, define the frequency and methods of doping control as well as lists of prohibited substances and limits for unauthorized medication.
Based on the provisions of the WADA, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has drawn up a cross-sport anti-doping code, the National Anti-Doping Code (NADC), at national level. This NADC forms the basis for the rules and regulations of all sports federations in Germany.
For equestrian sports, the type of violations, the detection and investigation procedures, and the corresponding sanctions are precisely defined by the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules (ADMR) of the German Equestrian Federation (FN). The ADMR are part of the Performance Test Regulations (LPO) and are based on the principles of the Animal Welfare Act. At the same time, they serve to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of riders, as the behavior and reactions of horses can change unpredictably under the influence of certain substances.
The FN provides detailed information on its website about all principles, rules, controls, and the safe use of medication in training, as well as the treatment of horses in the event of illness with regard to upcoming competitions. In addition, the current lists of prohibited substances and methods, as well as unauthorized medication with the corresponding withdrawal periods, can be found here.
At all competitions organized in accordance with the provisions of the LPO or WBO, medication checks may be carried out by the FN at any time. Urine or blood samples can be used to determine whether the animal was under the influence of prohibited medication or substances at the time the sample was taken. The exact procedure and testing method are specified in detail by the ADMR. Tournament organizers receive special, standardized test kits to carry out the tests.
A distinction is made between mandatory, random, and targeted tests. Mandatory tests are carried out, for example, at major international events such as championships or the Olympic Games, where the horses that finish in the first three places are tested. At the national level, the horses to be tested are selected at random. Targeted checks are carried out if there is reasonable suspicion of doping.
If a horse tests positive for a prohibited substance during a medication check, the rider, driver, lunger, or owner is always responsible. Different penalties are imposed depending on the type and amount of the substance detected. The severity of the penalty also depends on whether the medication was administered during training or during competition. Both the horse and the rider may be suspended for a certain period of time and competition results may be retroactively disqualified. Any refusal to submit the horse to the required testing will also be punished as a violation of the anti-doping rules.
Just like humans and dogs, more and more cats are developing the metabolic disease diabetes. However, diabetes in cats differs from that in dogs and humans in a number of key ways. Middle-aged neutered male cats are particularly affected. Maine Coon and Siamese cats are more susceptible to diabetes.
Horses are flight animals. If something frightens them, they will run away faster than some owners can even blink. There are many possible triggers: a large green tractor while out riding, posters in an indoor riding arena, or children playing in the yard. However, with the right exercises, you can help your horse become more calm over time.
Rotz, often referred to as skin rot or skin worm, is one of the longest known diseases affecting horses. It is a bacterial, epidemic infectious disease characterized by purulent skin and mucous membrane ulcers and a mostly chronic course. While the disease is still widespread in Asia, Africa, and South America, it has been considered eradicated in Germany since 1956, although it was detected in a horse for the first time again in 2015. Due to the danger it poses to humans, the disease is still notifiable.
You probably often see your velvet-pawed friend licking themselves thoroughly, vigorously working on one spot or another of their fur. Cats groom themselves. Nevertheless, it is useful to help them with their fur care, not least to find and remove any parasites. The coat change will also be more pleasant for your cat if loose hairs are brushed out regularly. Especially with certain breeds such as Angora or Persian cats, you should stick to a daily routine to keep your pet well-groomed and healthy.
Are outdoor cats or indoor cats healthier and happier? What are the respective advantages and disadvantages, and what suits my cat and my lifestyle best? Here you will find useful information to help you make your decision.
If your horse is rubbing itself more than usual, you should take a closer look, as itching can be a key symptom of many skin diseases or allergies in horses. However, some metabolic disorders can also cause itching in horses. This condition is very stressful for your animal and should therefore be examined and treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Phlebitis is an inflammatory change in the vein wall. In horses, the jugular veins, which are located on either side of the neck in the jugular groove, are often affected. These veins transport blood from the head to the heart. Due to their location and easy accessibility, they are most commonly used for injections, infusions, or the insertion of intravenous catheters.
In order to truly understand this disease, which has been known for 2000 years, it is first important to understand the structure of the hoof roll. Riders often say, "My horse is lame, it has hoof roll." Strictly speaking, however, every horse has a hoof roll; this term refers only to the anatomical structure consisting of the navicular bone, bursa, and deep flexor tendon. The navicular bone is a small, elongated bone shaped like a shuttle, which lies transversely at the back of the hoof joint under the deep flexor tendon. Between the tendon and the navicular bone is the navicular bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that prevents pressure and friction between the tendon and the bone. Only the term navicular disease or podotrochlose describes the actual condition, which can affect all three components.
Mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a chronic degenerative disease of the heart valves. It is the most common heart disease in dogs and mainly affects older dogs of smaller breeds. An exception is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which often develops the disease at the age of 1.5 to two years.
Your cat is sure to appreciate a change of scenery now and then, especially if it lives indoors all the time. Of course, it's not just indoor cats that like to play with their humans—outdoor cats enjoy it too.
Are you also fascinated by the beauty, intelligence, and strength of character of these cheerful, playful companions? Wonderful! Then we have some tips for you.
Since the liver has a very high regenerative capacity and functional reserve capacity, most liver diseases in horses initially progress without visible signs of disease and are only diagnosed at an advanced stage.
