Editor’s Note: This resource has been a staple of the EquiApps library since 2017. For the 2026 season, we have streamlined and updated this guide to provide a concise, high-impact overview of the latest standards, ensuring you have the essential facts at your fingertips.
In international equestrian sport, fairness and horse welfare are non-negotiable values. To protect these principles, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) enforces strict regulations on medication use through the FEI Prohibited Substances List. This list defines which substances are not permitted in a horse’s system during competition and forms the foundation of clean and ethical sport.
FEI-prohibited substances are divided into two main categories. Banned Substances have no acceptable therapeutic use in competition horses and are strictly forbidden due to their high potential for performance manipulation. Controlled Medication Substances, while sometimes necessary for veterinary treatment, are prohibited during competition because they may mask pain, reduce inflammation unnaturally, or alter a horse’s natural performance.
The primary objective of the FEI Prohibited Substances List is to protect horse welfare. Horses must compete only when fit, healthy, and free from medication that could conceal injury. At the same time, the regulations ensure fair competition by preventing artificial advantages that undermine skill, training, and horsemanship.
Compliance is enforced through the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Programme (EADCMP), which includes random testing and laboratory analysis of blood and urine samples. Under the principle of strict liability, riders are fully responsible for any prohibited substance found in their horse, regardless of intent.
Many violations occur unintentionally, often due to misjudged withdrawal times, contaminated supplements, or poor communication within the support team. To minimize risk, riders and trainers should consult the latest FEI lists, apply conservative withdrawal periods, avoid unnecessary supplements, and work closely with qualified veterinarians.
Ultimately, understanding and respecting FEI prohibited substances is essential for preserving integrity, protecting horses, and maintaining trust in equestrian sport at all levels.
This guide is being updated with expert insights. Stay tuned