I've only showed in small local shows, and my friend tells me that riders and horses are drug tested in the big shows and events. Is this true? (Umm...not that I'm really worried but I do take pain killers and she told me that would be prohibited.)

I've never been tested, but then I'm not an Olympic competitor! I don't know when testing becomes common. However, the US AntiDoping Agency has guides to prohibited substances for athletes. (800-233-0393) At quick glance, antihistamines, and NSAIDS-nonsteroidal antiinflammtories like Advil, Tylenol, etc. are okay. However, though natural supplements are not specifically banned, they warn that since the FDA does not test supplements, there is no guarantee the supplement isn't contaminated by something illegal. (there's examples of what they found in some supplements...like Prozac!) So you take them at your own risk of testing positive for something.

Additionally, keep in mind that natural calming supplements are banned for use in horses in competition. That includes valerian and chamomile, along with other herbals. The USEF has a list of banned substances for horses. You can email them at medequestrian@aol.com

I didn't know riders were tested for drugs also. But I guess it doesn make sense. Not that I have to worry about it as I'm not a top competitor nor do I take any drugs.

I tried doing some research on this and could not come up with anything stating a rider gets drug tested. I would asume, however, if the rider was acting dangerous while riding, then maybe a test would be in order.

On-the-track however, it states that it is a requirment that all exercise riders and jockeys be tested once a year, but I have never seen that inforced. All suspious behavor, they will drug test at the time and if tested positive, that rider will be rulled off of every track for either a year or lifetime depending on what the Stewart decides.