EA and EWA will be running a promotional course on Saturday 18 June for interested people wanting to become an EA Medication Control Program Steward as well as giving the opportunity for those current stewards needing a refresh. The course will be presented by EA's NMCO Dr Penny Dow.
What is a Medication Control Program?
The Medication Control Program (MCP), or Swabbing, is the testing of a horse’s urine and blood samples to ensure that all horses are competing under the EA and FEI competition rules - without being influenced by prohibited substances - to create a level playing field.
In Western Australia, EWA administers the MCP for national events for all disciplines held in this State (excluding FEI sanctioned events) to conduct equine medication control at selected and random events. This is funded from a levy from each new horse registration in the State.
What is the Role of a Medication Control Swabbing Steward?
At the instruction of EWA, a Medication Control Swabbing Steward is required to:
• Attend a nominated event;
• Notify the competitor(s) of the horses(s) that have been selected for testing;
• Stay with the horse at all times from the time of notification of swabbing selection until the testing is complete;
• Work with the nominated veterinarian to ensure that all appropriate forms are completed properly;
• Send samples to the nominated laboratory for testing (unless this is carried out by the attending veterinarian).
For more information including pricing and to register, download the EA Officials Course Entry Form.
