Owners should be aware that, beginning this spring, horses may serve suspensions alongside their trainers for certain drug positives. Starting with samples collected after May 31, 2026, cases involving Category II, III, or IV substances that result in a suspension for the trainer will also require the tested horse who in question be suspended at the same time and for the same duration. 

The US Equestrian Board of Directors approved this change, along with other edits to the Drugs and Medication Penalty Guidelines, at a meeting in February 2026. (You can read more about those changes and find a detailed breakdown here.) The Board made these changes because they wanted to incentivize owners to take an active role in their horse’s wellbeing and decision-making on medication administration.   

While the Guidelines are not mandatory and allow for variation with individual circumstances, they are intended to establish the minimum starting penalty for each Category of substances.   

The other guideline changes at the link above were designed to:  

• Enhance member awareness of the process and promote understanding of what to expect if they are notified of a positive finding.  

• Better reflect how penalties for certain substances are currently treated.  

• Reinforce consistency across similar cases and categories of substances. 

Please consult the rules, USEF Drugs & Medications Page, and/or contact the Veterinary Department at [email protected] or 800-633-2472 with any drugs or medications questions.