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HSI refuse to identify riders involved in doping infringements

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has confirmed that there were two violations of its equine controlled medication (ECM) rules this year.

However, it refused to identify the riders or the horses involved in the infringements.

A HSI representative said in an email response to a query: “This year so far, we can confirm that there have been two violations. However, since the year has not yet ended, details of the sanctions to date have not yet been published.”

Equestrian sport’s world governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale says that “controlled medications are acknowledged as substances with therapeutic veterinary benefits, but are not permitted during FEI events because of the potential for their misuse”.

In its recently-published report for 2013, HSI noted that one sanction had been issued against a show jumping rider. Again, it related to an ECM violation, with the animal being KEC Jizelle and the person responsible named as Emily Horgan, from Co Meath.

The spokesman said that, “under ECM rules, Ms Horgan elected for the administrative procedure available for a first-time violation”, ie payment of a fixed penalty, amounting to €500.

The spokesman did not disclose the substance involved.