Regulation No. 635/1996 on the use of medicines and treatment of show and competition horses

This regulation sets rules on the use of medicines and special treatments for horses participating in shows or competitions. It prohibits a horse from taking part if it has been given medicines, if medicines are detected in a drug sample, if it has been locally anaesthetised, or if treatment has been used to affect its performance or temperament within the relevant withdrawal period. The regulation lists broad categories of prohibited medicines and treatments, including sedatives, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones, diuretics, antimicrobials, antiparasitics, injections, blood or plasma treatment, respiratory masks with medicines, ultrasound, magnetic-field treatment, laser treatment, electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. It sets different waiting periods before competition, ranging from no waiting period for certain topical uses to 2 hours, 14 days, 90 days or 180 days depending on the substance or treatment. It also requires riders or responsible persons to inform veterinarians about intended competition participation, provides for veterinary certificates and notification duties, requires regular drug testing at organised shows and competitions, assigns sampling costs to organisers, and links enforcement and penalties to Icelandic animal welfare law.