Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA) advises that an adverse analytical finding involving prohibited substances at the Tasmanian State Championships held on 18 November 2022.
A horse tested positive to the prohibited substance Levamisole.
The AERA rules required the disciplinary process to be managed by the member’s Division Association and, in this instance, the person identified as the rider and trainer of the horse is a current member of the Tasmanian Equine Endurance Riders Association.
The horse, Melody, and rider Melissa Stewart have been disqualified from the ride. Ms Stewart received penalties in accordance with the AERA/EADCM rules, by the imposition of fines, loss of results and associated awards, and requirement to pay costs.
AERA would again remind all persons involved in the sport of endurance to be aware of the risks in campaigning horses who have been given any medications and owners should always seek advice from their Veterinarians.