CHIO Aachen expands fight against doping

More stewards, more tests – the aim is maximum transparency – support for the FN measures.

The organisers of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, welcome the results of the meeting of the Executive Committee of the German Equestrian Federation (FN) and of the German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR).

“The FN has our full support in its battle against doping in the equestrian sport,” commented Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), organisers of the CHIO. “The present decision to disband the squad and to implement an independent Commission will enable a clear new start for clean and transparent sport,” added Michael Mronz, General Director of Aachener Reitturnier GmbH.

Mronz continued that it must be safeguarded that the next steps are taken consequently: “For example we expect the already initiated discussions with the National Anti-Doping Agency, NADA, to be brought to a speedy conclusion.”

Furthermore, at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2009 (26.6 – 5.7.), the on-site measures in the fight against doping and forbidden medication will be expanded extensively. “We, the organisers, will undertake everything that can possibly be undertaken,” assured Kemperman.

For example this year 42 stewards will be in action in Aachen – therefore on average there is one steward for every eleven horses. Fundamentally, only experienced stewards with top qualifications will be employed at the CHIO. The stewards also carry out a supervisory and control function during the event. They are responsible for making sure that the “Code of Conduct” of the FEI, the International Equestrian Federation, which defines general rules of conduct for the protection of the horses, is complied with. The stewards will primarily be stationed at the warm-up arenas and in the stable area. They have extensive powers of authority regarding horse inspections.

The entire stable area will be monitored 24 hours a day in Aachen. The stewards will be additionally supported here at night by the “Horse-Watch-Service”. This is unique in Aachen, in order to be able to guarantee an exceptionally good monitoring service round the clock. The 19 CHIO vets will also carry out a control and supervisory role parallel to their veterinary activities.

With immediate effect, doping samples will be taken from the top three placed horses as well as a from a horse picked at random at the CHIO Aachen 2009 for all competitions that are relevant for the world ranking lists, in addition to the normal doping samples. As such statistically speaking, every third show-jumper can anticipate being tested. Taking all five CHIO disciplines into account, this means that every eighth horse in Aachen will be tested. All inspections will be carried out by the independent doping inspector of the MCP (Medication Control Programme), this guarantees maximum quality and also the non-appealability of the samples.

Moreover, at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2009, thermographic cameras will be in operation. These cameras can be used to accurately determine the surface temperature of a horse's skin down to a hundredth of a degree – in this way any possible externally applied influences can be detected.

Beyond the afore-mentioned measures, the organiser of the CHIO Aachen point out that the internationalisation of the anti-doping fight is essential. The FEI, the International Equestrian Federation, announced corresponding measures yesterday. “We made the proposal to the FEI, to use the CHIO Aachen 2009 as a pilot project for all measures,” stated Kemperman.