The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) has changed the penalties for violations of its prohibited drugs policy. Rules go into effect Jan. 1.
The NCHA announced Tuesday its Executive Committee has voted and passed changes to standing rule 35A.8(d). This decision amends the guidelines for disciplinary actions taken against the use of prohibited drugs in NCHA competitions.
The new rule change states that the use of a prohibited substance will result in the forfeiture of any winnings from the show, a fine in the range of $2,500 – $5,000, and loss of any titles and awards won at the show.
Officials from NCHA said the rule change was proposed by the Horse and Cattle Welfare Committee and is in line with other associations, including American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), on disciplinary actions regarding the use of prohibited drugs.
2021 Rulebook Excerpt:
USE OF PROHIBITED MEDICATION
(EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021)
Rule 35A Discipline for Prohibited Medication
For a first offense resulting from the use of a prohibited substance, forfeiture of any winnings from the show, a fine in the range of $2,500 – $5,000, loss of any titles and awards won at the show;
For a second offense resulting from the use of a prohibited substance, forfeiture of any winnings from the show, a fine in the range of $5,000 – $10,000, loss of any titles and awards won at the show and a one-year membership suspension;
For a third offense resulting from the use of a prohibited substance, forfeiture of any winnings from the show, a fine in the range of $10,000 – $15,000, loss of any titles and awards won at the show, membership suspension of at least 2 years.
The foregoing disciplinary action applies to each “Responsible Person” as defined in NCHA rules.
This new rule will be implemented for the 2021-point year. The updated NCHA rulebook can be found online at nchacutting.com/rulebook.
