FEI backtracks over bute and delays rule implementation to 5 April

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news
1 December, 2009

New rules allowing painkillers like bute to be used on horses during competition will not come into force until next April.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has backtracked on the plans following worldwide uproar over the new rules, due to come into force on 1 January 2010.

Instead, the new Equine Prohibited Substance List and the accompanying regulations — which allow bute, aspirin and flunixin, along with several other equine drugs to be used in competition — will come in on 5 April 2010.

Announcing the delay this afternoon, FEI president Princess Haya said:...

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