What’s allowed, what’s risky, and how to keep your horse—and your record—clean on show day. Bookmark this for vet-box sanity checks.
Rules vary by discipline and change annually. Always check the latest official lists and consult your vet.
A classic “hot” counterirritant found in some old-school liniments and braces. Multiple high-profile positives. Treat as outright prohibited for FEI competition and commonly banned elsewhere.
Label clues: capsaicin, capsicum oleoresin, cayenne, “hot muscle rub,” “heat-activating.”
Converts to salicylic acid. Under FEI it’s a controlled medication with thresholds. Heavy or occluded topical use can push levels. If wintergreen shows on label, avoid near show time.
Label clues: methyl salicylate, wintergreen oil, gaultheria, salicylates.
Topicals with genuine anesthetic effect (e.g., lidocaine, mepivacaine, procaine, bupivacaine) are broadly forbidden. Even residual contamination can be risky.
Label clues: “numbing,” “anesthetic,” “-caine” endings.
Common OTC counterirritants. Different bodies treat these differently; testing targets evolve. If it says “cooling/icy/hot” and lists menthol or camphor, treat it as a risk close to competition.
Label clues: menthol %, camphor %, “icy,” “cooling rub.”
Look for obvious red-flags: capsaicin/capsicum, methyl salicylate/wintergreen, and anything “numbing.” If a plant oil is listed (e.g., wintergreen), remember the metabolite could be controlled even if the plant name sounds “natural.”
Pro tip: Avoid “hot” products under wraps or boots. Occlusion = more absorption = more risk.
Racing and polo have separate frameworks (e.g., HISA/HIWU, USPA). If you cross over, confirm those lists too.
Old barn tub? Take a photo of the label now. If testing ever comes up, your notes help.
These are generally considered low-risk in simple topical form, but rules evaluate specific substances, not vibes. Search each named ingredient in the current FEI/USEF resources before use and avoid occlusion if you’re uncertain.
Menthol appears in many OTC rubs; treatment varies by body and evolves with testing priorities. Treat menthol/camphor products as risk close to competition and verify status via the FEI database and your federation’s guidance. When in doubt, choose a menthol-free option for show day.
“Natural” doesn’t mean “permitted.” Methyl salicylate metabolizes to salicylic acid, which is a controlled/threshold substance under FEI. Heavy or occluded use can trigger findings. Safer plan: avoid around competition.
For capsaicin/capsicum, treat as a hard no in the week leading up to competition (historic advisories specify a 7-day avoidance). For anything else flagged as controlled/threshold, your vet should advise a conservative wash-out period.
No universal, official FEI “product certifications.” The only reliable method is to check each named ingredient against the current lists/databases and follow the testing program rules for your discipline.
If your discipline isn’t listed, ask your steward or TD for the current policy and substance list.
This guide is for general education. Always consult your veterinarian and your governing body’s current rules before competition.
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