Keeping safe whilst competing: Understanding NOPS | Equine Science Matters™

Clean Sport, NOPS and Competition Horses

For many owners and riders, competing is one of the most exciting aspects of equestrian life. To protect both fair competition and horse welfare, equestrian sport is governed by strict rules covering tack, rider conduct, and the use of medications or supplements.

Affiliated competitions operate within structured levels and classes. Competitors earn points, qualifications, and rankings that allow them to progress through the sport, often with placings linked to prize money and horse grading. Each discipline has its own governing body that oversees affiliated competition and establishes the rules competitors must follow. In most cases, these regulations closely align with those of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The FEI runs a Clean Sport programme, which sets out regulations designed to prevent the use of substances that could influence a horse’s performance — either positively or negatively. These rules apply not only to medications, but also to feeds, supplements, and naturally occurring compounds.

Accidental Doping and NOPS

Despite best intentions, certain medications, feed ingredients, or supplements can lead to an accidental positive doping result.

One of the most common sources of this risk is Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS). Many of these substances originate from plants or herbs commonly found around yards or used in equine supplements. Because of this, it is essential that riders and yard managers:

• Carefully check ingredient lists on feeds and supplements

• Take precautions to prevent contamination in feed areas

• Choose products from BETA NOPS-accredited manufacturers wherever possible

Categories of Herbal NOPS

Herbal NOPS are divided into two categories.

High-priority NOPS are completely banned from horse feed and supplements.

Low-priority NOPS may appear in some feeds or supplements and are considered safe for general use, but they remain prohibited in competition and racing. Despite the name, detection of these substances in a horse’s system can still lead to elimination or further disciplinary action.

High-Priority NOPS

Low-Priority NOPS

Checking the FEI Prohibited Substances List

The FEI Clean Sport Equine Prohibited Substances List is an essential reference point. However, it is important to note that the list usually identifies active compounds rather than their plant sources.

For example, meadowsweet itself may not appear on the list, but its active compound, salicylic acid, does.

Reducing the Risk of Accidental Contamination

Ultimately, the person competing is responsible for ensuring their horse complies with competition regulations. However, several practical steps can significantly reduce the risk of accidental exposure to prohibited substances.

Good yard management practices include:

• Avoid keeping tea, coffee, caffeinated drinks, or chocolate snacks in feed rooms or near horses.

• Do not feed horses human treats or baked goods.

• Store all medications (human and equine) away from the feed room in a secure location. Many common cold and flu remedies contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.

• Store supplements containing NOPS ingredients separately from regular feed.

• Use dedicated buckets, scoops, and stirrers, and clean them thoroughly after each use.

• Only use supplements for competing horses that come from BETA NOPS-certified manufacturers.

Manufacturers accredited under the BETA NOPS scheme must ensure that any products containing NOPS ingredients are kept entirely separate from feeds or supplements carrying the BETA NOPS certification throughout the entire production process.

Managing the Remaining Risk

No feed or supplement can ever be guaranteed completely free from contamination. However, with careful management and responsible product selection, the risks can be greatly reduced.

Keeping records of feed and supplement batches can also be extremely valuable. In the rare event of a positive test, these records provide a clear audit trail and can assist in identifying the potential source of contamination.

With sensible precautions and awareness of NOPS, riders can protect both their horse’s welfare and their competition record while remaining compliant with Clean Sport regulations