Tag Archives: GABA

USEF Upholds Horse Welfare and Fair Play with Stiff Penalties for Doping

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Hearing Committee has issued its first decision imposing penalties pursuant to the Equine Drugs & Medications Penalty Guidelines that went into effect January 1, 2016. The Penalty Guidelines recommend ranges of penalties for violations of the Drugs & Medications rules with regard to particular categories of forbidden substances. Substances in Category IV, which include GABA, contain the most serious penalties. The Penalty Guidelines also take into account whether it is the respondent’s first, second, or third offense.

Larry Glefke received a 24-month suspension and a $24,000 fine after Kelley Farmer’s horse, Unexpected, tested positive for GABA at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show in a Pre-Green Hunter 3’3″ class on July 28, 2016. Glefke was identified on Unexpected’s entry blank as the trainer. Farmer was identified as Unexpected’s owner and rider.

The Hearing Committee also found sufficient evidence to support imposing a 12-month suspension and a $12,000 fine against Farmer in her capacity as a “Person Responsible,” and thus accountable for the condition of the horse under General Rule 404 of the Drugs & Medications rules.

In support of the penalty against Glefke, the Hearing Committee referenced his prior reserpine violation, also a Category IV substance, a recent violation involving the sedative acepromazine, and a violation for filing false Medication Report Forms. These are factors considered under the Penalty Guidelines for enhancement of penalties. Likewise, the Hearing Committee noted Farmer’s prior reserpine violation as a factor that attributed to the penalty awarded against her.

The Hearing Committee expressed concern that despite their awareness of the charges against them and of the scheduled hearing, neither Glefke nor Farmer attended the hearing or submitted any witnesses or evidence to rebut the charges against them.

Bill Moroney, USEF Chief Executive Officer, said, “We applaud the Hearing Committee’s decision in this matter. We are focused on ensuring safety and fairness in equestrian sport. The use of GABA in horses competing in USEF competitions compromises these priorities. Our Equine Drugs & Medications program is designed to protect our horses, as well as the participants who compete clean horses. It’s clear from the penalties issued in this decision that the Hearing Committee takes the purposes of the program very seriously.”

From the USEF Communications Department

GABA and “Carolina Gold” Use Discovered at USEF Competitions

Lexington, KY – As announced earlier this year, any product containing gama aminobutyric acid (GABA) is deemed a forbidden substance under USEF Rules. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and is a principal ingredient of “Carolina Gold.”

As a reminder, because there are no recognized medical uses for this substance, the use of a Medication Report Form to report its administration is NOT applicable under USEF rules. Currently, GABA positives have been detected and are pending enforcement through the USEF’s Regulations Department for adjudication by the USEF Hearing Committee. Trainers and veterinarians involved in the sale or use of this substance may be subject to significant fines and/or suspensions.

GABA was also added to the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List as a Banned Substance and its presence in any equine sample would be a violation under the Equine Anti-Doping Rules. It is important to note that individuals considered “Persons Responsible” for using a Banned Substance may receive a two year suspension and up to a 15,000 CHF fine for a first offense. The penalty may be enhanced for a repeat offender.

This penalty structure may be applicable for violations at USEF national competitions. A violation of this rule may subject an individual to a two year suspension and a significant fine.

Important Information Regarding the Use of the Prohibited Substance GABA – Ingredient in Commercial Product “Carolina Gold”

Lexington, KY – Tasked with protecting the welfare of equine athletes and ensuring the balance of competition, the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program consistently monitors new products and product claims.  From time to time products appear on the equine supplement market making claims of their effects on the performance of horses in competition.

Recently, reports of the use of a product called “Carolina Gold” have been brought to the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program. One of the principal constituents of this product is gama aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

While initially not considered a forbidden substance, the use of GABA as a “calming supplement” does violate the spirit and intent of the Equine Drugs and Medications Rule.  During recent research and administration trials involving “Carolina Gold,” many adverse reactions were documented.  The nature of these reactions has prompted immediate action from the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program.

Continue reading Important Information Regarding the Use of the Prohibited Substance GABA – Ingredient in Commercial Product “Carolina Gold”