Human Anti-Doping

Horse Sport Ireland believes that doping is contrary to the spirit of sport and every member has a duty to ensure that Equestrian Sport is free of doping. In conjunction with Sport Ireland (Formerly The Irish Sports Council) and their policy to cooperate with the international anti-doping campaign administered by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), Horse Sport Ireland engage in the anti-doping programme for humans.

The information that follows highlights key areas with regard to anti-doping. Horse Sport Ireland advises all members to read and understand the anti-doping Rules and to understand their responsibilities under the rules. The consequences of not adhering to Anti-Doping Rules can be severe for Athletes and their support personnel such as grooms, coaches and Chef D’Equipe’s; therefore it is critical that any questions/concerns be clarified with either Horse Sport Ireland or Sport Ireland.

Any registered Athlete of any discipline of an Affiliate of Horse Sport Ireland,  can be subject to Anti-Doping testing in accordance with the General Rules of Horse Sport Ireland.

Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Rules

In 2015, there were several changes to the Irish Anti-Doping rules. Notably, the changes include that a positive drug test can result in a suspension of up to 4 years.

On January 1st 2021, a revision version of the 2015 Irish Anti-Doping Rules came into effect.

The most up to date version of the Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Rules that are adopted and implemented by Horse Sport Ireland are available to view/download below:

All information of Sport Ireland Anti-Doping can be found at the following link:

Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Wallet Card

This wallet card is designed as a brief overview of key aspects of Anti-Doping. You should always refer to the full rules for further explanations within the wallet card.

WADA Prohibited List

The WADA Prohibited List is an International Standard issued annually by WADA that identifies classes of substances and methods that are prohibited in-competition, out-of-competition, and in particular sports. The prohibited list is updated by WADA annually and is available to view/download below:

NOTE: All information on The Prohibited List can be found at the following link: WADA Prohibited List.

Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)

Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications.

If the medication an athlete is required to take to treat an illness or condition happens to fall under the prohibited list, a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) may give that athlete the authorisation to take the needed medicine.

If you have a query in relation to TUEs, please contact please contact Dr Mason  

E: drlmason@horsesportireland.ie

P: 087-1721585 Please send a text message or WhatsApp and Dr. Mason will call you back.

Med – Checker App

It is important that an athlete, their parents, coaches and doctors are familiar with the Prohibited List as above. Athletes can check their prescribed and over-the-counter medications on databases. Horse Sport Ireland recommend that all Athletes and support personnel download the ‘Medication Checker’ Smartphone App available for iPhone and Android for Eirpharm – find it in the Apple iTunes Store or the Google Play Store.

Medication Checker links to the Drugs in Sport Database on www.eirpharm.com

Educational Resources

Sport Ireland E-Learning Course

Sport Ireland have a #cleangreensport E-Learning Course specifically for Anti-Doping Education. This course has been developed by Sport Ireland and covers key topics in anti-doping including testing procedures.

At the very end a certificate of completion will generate, which all athletes and coaches are encouraged to save for their own records. To complete this e-learning course please click below:

WADA True Quiz

WADA’s Play True Quiz is an interactive computer game that tests athletes’ knowledge about anti-doping.   The Quiz is used by WADA in their Outreach Programme at major events including the Olympics, Paralympics and many world championships.  Test your knowledge of anti-doping by taking the Play True Quiz.