The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has published the 2027 Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL), with several substances being newly classified as prohibited. The updated list will take effect on 1 January 2027.
The EPSL is reviewed annually by the FEI List Group to reflect developments in equine medicine, emerging substances and considerations relating to horse welfare.
Two Categories of Prohibited Substances
The EPSL distinguishes between two categories of Prohibited Substances: Banned Substances and Controlled Medication.
Banned Substances are substances with no legitimate use in the competition horse and/or a high potential for abuse. They are prohibited from use in competition horses at all times.
Controlled Medication have therapeutic value and/or are commonly used in equine medicine. However, they may have the potential to affect performance or present a welfare risk to the horse. Their use is therefore subject to specific restrictions under the FEI rules.
What is Changing in 2027?
Among the changes to the 2027 EPSL, several substances that were previously unlisted will be classified as Banned Substances.
Cariprazine
Cariprazine will be added to the list as a Banned Substance.
Cariprazine is a pharmaceutical substance used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in humans. According to the FEI, it has no legitimate use in the horse and will therefore be classified as a Banned Substance.
Alfadolone
Alfadolone will also be classified as a Banned Substance.
Alfadolone is a general anaesthetic. The FEI has classified the substance as banned due to its potential for abuse.
Suzetrigine
Suzetrigine will be added to the EPSL as a Banned Substance.
Suzetrigine is an analgesic and has been classified by the FEI as a Banned Substance due to its potential for abuse and the absence of a legitimate use in the horse.
These are examples of the substances newly classified under the 2027 list. The complete 2027 FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List, together with details of the changes, is available through the official FEI website.
Reviewing Medication and Supplements
The responsibility for preventing the inadvertent administration of a Prohibited Substance extends beyond prescribed medication. Supplements, feed products and other substances administered to a competition horse may also require careful inspection.
The FEI therefore encourages athletes and Persons Responsible to work closely with their veterinarian when administering substances to horses. A careful review of medication, supplements and feed can help reduce the risk of an inadvertent rule violation.
This is particularly important where substances are used for legitimate veterinary purposes but may nevertheless be prohibited under the FEI rules, or where products contain ingredients that are not immediately apparent from their commercial name or packaging.
Legal Assistance in Equine Anti-doping Matters
An allegation involving a Prohibited Substance can have significant consequences for an athlete and their career. Anti-doping proceedings may involve complex questions concerning the substance detected, its classification, the circumstances of its administration, veterinary treatment, testing procedures and the applicable FEI rules.
Schelstraete Equine Law advises and represents athletes, owners, veterinarians and other professionals in equestrian sport in matters involving equine law and anti-doping proceedings. Our lawyers have extensive experience in disputes and disciplinary proceedings before equestrian governing bodies such as the FEI Tribunal, CAS, and HISA, and can provide strategic legal advice and representation tailored to the circumstances of each case.
If you are facing a doping allegation or another dispute before the FEI Tribunal or another sports governing body, our team can assist you in assessing the legal position and determining the appropriate course of action. Contact us today via info@schelstraete.com or +31 (0)13 511 44 20 to see how we can assist you.
