The past year was a disastrous period for the equestrian sports as far as doping and medication control are concerned. An analysis of the situation will be discussed during the Global Dressage Forum, on 26 and 27 October 2009 in Hooge Mierde, the Netherlands. Ex Director of the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) veterinary department, veterinarian Frits Sluyter, will give an introduction to the discussion.
Frits Sluyter, a veterinarian who now works as the General Secretary of Holland’s top equestrian organisation ’Sectorraad’, left the FEI very shortly before the Olympic Games 2008. During the Games the medication or doping issue hit the equestrian disciplines heavily, as about 30% of the positives during the Olympic Games originated in Equestrian. A communication breakdown between FEI, riders, vets and the laboratory probably played a role in this. The test results have caused a lot of discussion among insiders and outsiders.
After Hong Kong, important medication cases followed in endurance (Middle East) and in dressage (Germany), concerning an ex Olympic champion. Frits Sluyter, who has many years of experience in international medication policies, will give his opinion on the current situation and on the different opinions concerning medication and doping. The much discussed ‘zero tolerance option’ is among the points to be discussed.
More information and to order entry tickets, visit www.globaldressageforum.com
Photo copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
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