What You Need to Know About Using ScentStraps At Recognized Horse Shows

Just like human athletes, performance-enhancing drugs are prohibited for horses competing in nationally and internationally recognized shows. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) each enforce strict rules regarding which medication or other substances can be administered to horses while they perform at these competitions.

Since lavender is on the prohibited substance list, people often ask why HorseScents is approved for use. The nuance is that lavender can be used for aromatherapy, in which case it is inhaled or smelled. It cannot be ingested, injected, or applied topically. Thankfully, the only effective use of lavender is through aromatherapy. HorseScents ScentStraps have been approved by the USEF and FEI for aromatherapeutic purposes, as long as they are used as directed.

An analysis run by Dr. Ann Baldwin helped confirm that none of the chemical components* in HorseScents lavender buds are prohibited under USEF or FEI regulations. Further tests on an un-medicated yearling filly who wore a ScentStrap for five hours per day for 30 consecutive days showed that HorseScents lavender products do not contain any illegal substances. The drug screening this filly received, which was performed by Dr. Kristen Darragh of Miller & Associates, analyzed her blood sample for 27 different drugs using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). None were found despite the filly’s exposure to lavender aromatherapy with a HorseScents ScentStrap. Click here to view drug screening results.

The tests and approvals HorseScents has received mean that riders at every level can enjoy the relaxing benefits of lavender without risking a positive drug test at shows. Whether you’re entering a dressage ring for the first time or competing in an internationally recognized Grand Prix class, ScentStraps help your horse remain relaxed during stressful moments in the spotlight.

PERMITTED USE: When used as directed, our product uses lavender for Aromatherapeutic purposes effectively for performance horses. See FEI Clean Sport, USEF or AQHA Guidelines to learn more.

For any questions about the USEF Statement Approval, please contact the Equine Drugs and Medications Department at medequestrian@aol.com or (800) 633-2472.

To read more about prohibited substances and medications, please see:
FEI Anti-Doping Rules
USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program
AQHA Guidelines and Rules for Drugs and Medications

*A-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, cis-ocimene, trans-ocime, 3-octanone, camphor, linalool, linalyl acetate, caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol, and lavendulyl acetate.