As drugs are metabolized by a horse’s body, they come into contact with growing hair at the roots and may bind to the melanin inside the hair. Drugs that bind well to melanin can be found in hair months after the horse’s body has metabolized them. Hair testing allows us to detect substances at a point in time where they may no longer show up in blood or urine.

The Federation has become aware of rumors that barbiturates (including drugs used for euthanasia) may have been administered to horses to create a sedation effect. Hair testing will allow us to look for this and other banned substances long after they’ve been given.

Hair testing is being deployed to look for banned substances that should never be found in a living horse. A complete list of substances prohibited in hair testing is available here and is subject to updates with notice to membership. 

Hair testing will not replace conventional blood and urine sampling, which will still make up the majority of our drug testing program. Sampling will depend on a number of factors, including random selection, intelligence-based selection, or selection based on placing in competition. 

Mane hair is the preferred sampling medium, though tail hair will be used if needed. Hair samples are usually cut, rather than pulled, and are cut as close to the skin as possible, which means a sample collector would likely be able to differentiate a real tail from a tail extension. Members need to communicate with testing officials if the horse is wearing a tail extension at the time of sampling, and sample collectors will be instructed to ensure fake tails are not tested. It is important to note that it is possible for a hair sample cut from a tail extension that uses real hair to test positive if the extension hair came from a horse who was chemically euthanized. 

Samples for hair tests do not require a significant amount of hair. The hair is typically cut close to the skin, but may also be pulled. The maximum amount taken should not be any wider than a pencil.  

Prohibited substances in this category would be a Category IV violation. Category IV violations carry a recommended suspension of 12 months or more for a first offense and a fine of $12,000 or more. Penalty guidelines are suggestions, and hearing committee panels may use their discretion in their application. More information about penalty guidelines is available here.