Why You Should Groom Clean

Scrolling through social media the other week I saw on the Horse & Hound facebook page that two British riders have been stripped of titles after positive dope tests. Dope testing always seems to be a pretty hot topic of conversation across all disciplines. The FEI and other governing bodies such as BS, BE, BD do dope testing to help ensure the welfare of horses competing. Clean sport is a vital part of competing at any level.

So what is a dope test?
The FEI or governing body of the sport can take blood and/or urine samples from any horse competing at any competition. If your horse is chosen for a dope test you will be accompanied by an official to a designated stable with your horse, they will take either a urine or blood sample (sometimes both). Not all horses will urinate so if this is the case then a blood sample will be taken. All samples remain anonymous and are identified on a code basis. The samples are then sent off to the lab for testing of any prohibited substances.

What can we do to help prevent positive tests?
Even if you only have one horse, it’s just as important to have good yard biosecurity as a yard of 100 horses. Listed below are some ways in which we can try and ensure this.
• Use separate feed and water buckets for each horse.
• If a horse is receiving medication use a separate feed bucket to normal (if it’s going in feed), wear disposable gloves when preparing and wash hands after. Wash and store this bucket separately to others.
• Your vet should be familiar with all prohibited substances and know the withdrawal periods.
• Only use feed and supplements form reputable companies and that are certified free from any prohibited substances. It’s also a good idea to keep a note of batch numbers.
• Note down in a yard diary or medicines log book if and when any horse has medication.
• Make sure you are familiar with an up to date list of all prohibited substances. The FEI also has an app you can download ‘FEI clean sport’. Using this app you can search any product or ingredient to check it’s safe to use.
• Be careful if you yourself are taking or prescribed any medicines or cream as cross contamination could easily occur this way.
• If you are a groom or member of the British Grooms Association make sure you complete the Groom Clean certificate.

There is lots of information available on the internet and from the FEI and other governing bodies about dope testing so if you are ever unsure there is plenty of information readily available to you.

If you are a competition or travelling groom it’s also important to think of looking after yourself. Personal accident insurance and travel insurance are vital for this job! You need to think about if you were injured and couldn’t work how it would impact your earnings and your life.

The BGA has different levels of membership to cater for every need, from a standard membership that does not include insurance, then ones that include various levels of personal accident insurance and discounted rates of travel insurance.

These are things you don’t think about until it’s too late, I know I always forget about travel insurance, but now through the BGA you can get it all in one place in one easy package, I highly recommend if you aren’t a member then you join today!

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

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