A Word from the USEF 💛

Important Update Regarding Casein and Competition Regulations Summary:

“As a High Performance Athlete, you must be aware of any brands or products you are associated with — or that may use your image — and ensure you are not unknowingly promoting products that contain prohibited substances.”

• Review all product ingredients carefully.
• Verify with the USEF or FEI whether any listed ingredients are prohibited.
• Supplements with performance effects and prohibited substances are forbidden by USEF.

Our Commitment

For Additional Information:

For Product-Specific Questions:

You may wish to ask directly: “If I were to contact the USEF/FEI, would Hydrolyzed Casein (the active ingredient in StressLess) — or any form of Casein — be considered a prohibited substance?”

Supporting Documentation:

“Under USEF rules, casein and hydrolyzed casein, along with alpha-casozepine, are prohibited. We recommend a 7-day withdrawal for any/all of them prior to competing.Our Equine Drugs and Medications Guideline book references ‘Examples of Common Prohibited Substances Under USEF Rules.’ If ever an item of interest is not found in the guideline booklet, we recommend reaching out to our office for guidance. Casein is also prohibited under FEI rules because it has a similar chemical structure and/or biological effects to alpha-casozepine. Rarely will a supplement be listed by name in our guidelines or on the FEI’s Equine Prohibited Substance List. Since supplement formulations can change, our guidance relies on ingredient lists to give the most accurate advice.” Sarah, USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program

Subject: USEF Advisory to U.S. Athletes
“We’ve received several questions about supplements (particularly calming supplements) and whether various formulations are permitted under USEF Drugs and Medications rules. Because supplements are not FDA-regulated, their use carries the risk that they could contain an ingredient not listed on the label. While responsibility ultimately falls on the athlete or trainer — in conjunction with their veterinarian — we urge all High Performance Athletes to review any products they are associated with or endorse, to ensure they do not contain prohibited substances. Before publicly promoting or using a product in competition, we encourage you to verify its ingredients with our office or the FEI. According to FEI policy, the use of supplements that affect a horse’s performance in a calming or energizing manner — and which contain a prohibited substance — is forbidden.” Christy, USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Program

Thank you for your time and attention, and for continuing to prioritize the health, integrity, and well-being of your horses.