FEI doping list 2026 — what is changing for phytotherapeutics
Devil's claw, willow bark, salicylates: withdrawal times and thresholds at a glance.
Equiterna Redaktion
Veterinarian · Sports medicine
Many regard phytotherapeutics as harmless because they are plant-based. In the FEI regulations this distinction plays no role: what matters is the pharmacological effect, not the origin.
Prohibited vs. subject to withdrawal
The FEI separates two groups. Banned Substances have no legitimate therapeutic use in the sport horse — capsaicin, for example, or valerian; they are never permitted. Controlled Medication are substances with recognised therapeutic value that can affect performance: allowed in training, subject to a withdrawal period before the start.
Devil's claw is still often assigned to the first group. That has not been correct since 1 January 2016: what is listed is its constituent harpagoside, as Controlled Medication (class B). The difference is no formality — whoever reads "prohibited" thinks "never" and fails to learn the very thing they need: a withdrawal period. No FEI detection time has been published for harpagoside; the withdrawal period is set by the treating veterinarian.
Willow bark provides salicin, which is metabolised to salicylic acid; salicylic acid is subject to a threshold. It too therefore requires a withdrawal period rather than being fundamentally prohibited — unlike harpagoside, though, there is guidance here.
“Plant-based does not mean withdrawal-free. The substance in the blood knows no difference between herb and tablet.”
Before every competition: cross-check feeds and supplements against the current FEI list and observe withdrawal times. When in doubt, consult the specialist.
Sources
Compounds in this article
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
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