Federal Court Rejects Challenge To SafeSport Procedures
A federal appellate court recently dismissed a challenge to SafeSport that was brought by three trainers who had been sanctioned by SafeSport for violating its code of conduct. The trainers filed a federal lawsuit against the United States Center for Safesport (“SafeSport”), the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (“USOC”) and the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (“USEF”).
Rider’s Personal Injury Claim Will Go To Trial
A New York court refused to dismiss the personal injury lawsuit of a rider who claimed a dude ranch employee torqued her knee while helping her mount the horse she was given to ride. The lawsuit was initiated by an experienced horseback rider who participated in advanced riding at defendant's dude ranch for two days.
Trainer Prevails In Lawsuit Alleging Animal Cruelty
A woman hired a trainer to tame and train a wild, “unhandled” mustang she adopted through the Bureau of Land Management. Dissatisfied with the horse’s condition after 4 months, she moved the horse to another barn and sued the trainer for $6,000, alleging the trainer had committed “animal cruelty.”
Racehorse Trainer Avoids Sanctions For Doping Violation
The Ohio State Racing Commission's order penalizing a horse trainer for a positive D-methamphetamine test was invalid because the Commission failed to establish that it had promulgated a rule or issued an order classifying D-methamphetamine as a prohibited foreign substance, despite relying on ARCI guidelines that were never formally adopted.
Break In Sample Chain Of Custody Is No Defense In HISA Banned Substance Case
A thoroughbred racehorse trainer whose first-place finisher tested positive for the banned substance Metformin, a diabetes drug prohibited by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (“HISA”) for use in racehorses, lost his appeal of the penalties imposed upon him for the violation.
Racing Commission Must Prove Test Results With Live Testimony From Lab Director
Thoroughbred racehorse trainer Todd Pletcher successfully challenged a “bute” overage in a sixth place finisher he trained in a race at Saratoga Racecourse in 2022. The violation would have cost him a $2000 fine, a 14-day suspension, which penalties Pletcher will avoid (for the time being) by winning the lawsuit he filed in New York State court.
Federal Lawsuits In Kentucky and Ohio Challenge HISA’s Fee Assessment Formula
Racetrack operator Churchill Downs, Inc., and thoroughbred racehorse trade association Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (“HBPA”), have filed federal lawsuits against the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority, Inc. (“HISA”), challenging the fees HISA has charged them pursuant to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
Top Ten Trainer Tips To Avoid A Positive USEF Drug Test
Avoid compounded medications. Yes, sometimes they are unavoidable. And yes, it is easier to buy the big tub of powder whatever (robaxin, […]
Equine Activity Legislation
Passage of equine activity liability acts gained momentum in the 1990’s. 48 STATES HAVE SOME FORM OF EQUINE ACTIVITY LAW limiting the liability of equine activity sponsors for accidents resulting from risks inherent to the sport. The Current List: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
HISA Bans Veterinarian From Racing For Violating Anti-Doping Rules
A racetrack veterinarian has been banned from racing after the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) pursued cases against him and 13 trainers in connection with what HISA called a “conspiracy” to “evade HISA rules designed to protect and enhance the health and safety of horses and riders.”
Drug-Compounding Company Executive Faces Criminal Charges Related To “Kickback” Deals With Equine Veterinarians
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is pursuing criminal charges against the executive of a drug-compounding company over what it alleges to be an unlawful conspiracy between them and a number of equine veterinarians. Specifically, the indictment accuses the executive “with participating in a conspiracy to distribute an adulterated or misbranded equine drug with intent to defraud and mislead in violation of [federal law]”
USEF Board Approves Organizational Position Statements Related To Horse Welfare
The USEF Board recently approved position statements for the organization on Equine Overuse and on Equine Safety and Welfare. The Equine Safety and Welfare statement emphasizes US Equestrian’s commitment to ensuring horses are fit to compete, maintaining optimal conditions for equine welfare, increasing uniformity, integrity and clarity through oversight, providing lifetime care for horses, and sharing information that enhances safety for every horse, every day.