Endurance Rider Cleared of Doping Because of Contaminated ‘Sludge’

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

September 4, 2018
by: Pippa Cuckson

A leading American endurance rider who is also a veterinarian has escaped suspension for a doping offence in Canada, after the FEI Tribunal accepted that contaminated “sludge” was to blame.

Nicki Meuten, 48, and her husband Don, also a rider and retired veterinary pathologist “suspended themselves” once notified of the positive result at the Coates Creek ride in July last year. This prevented their consideration for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, but Meuten said they did not want to be labelled cheaters – they were 100% for horse welfare and totally against drug and physical abuse.

Meuten’s horse FYF Dutch tested positive to the banned anti-depressant O-Desmethyl Venlafaxine (ODMV) after winning the CEI160km ride at the New Lowell, Ontario venue.

Ride coordinator Robert Gielen confirmed that the trail passed through “at least one field” used for dumping sludge, and that the ride base was located at a Girl Guides’ camp, on whose huge septic field many of the competing horses had grazed...

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