Four months after the tragic death of U.S. show jumper Chromatic BF at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Riyadh, the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) has acknowledged that medications administered by a federation veterinarian likely contributed to the gelding’s death. This acknowledgment has led to the announcement of several new horse welfare initiatives that were championed by Chromatic BF’s owner and breeder, Kc Branscomb.
The USEF has introduced three new initiatives aimed at improving horse welfare and ensuring better communication and decision-making regarding horse health during international competitions. The first initiative involves revisions to the Horse Participation Consent Agreement, which will now stipulate that no medications can be administered to horses by team veterinarians without the prior consent of the athlete responsible for the horse. This change ensures that riders are actively involved in medical decisions for their horses.
The second initiative focuses on continuing education for USEF team veterinarians. In collaboration with the American Association of Equine Practitioners, a program will be developed to keep veterinarians up-to-date on performance sports medicine, emerging therapies, equine exercise physiology, and pharmacology. This initiative aims to ensure that treating veterinarians are well-informed about the latest developments in equine healthcare.
The third initiative involves the establishment of a research program in Chromatic BF’s name. This program will support research related to caring for sport horses and improving their well-being. The USEF has pledged to make a financial contribution to this philanthropic fund, which will fund research aimed at enhancing the health and welfare of high-performance equine athletes.
The changes come after Chromatic BF’s death, which occurred shortly after he was administered a cocktail of medications without the consent of his rider or owner. The post-mortem report was inconclusive, but after further study, USEF acknowledged that the medications likely played a role in the horse’s death. This acknowledgment marks a significant step towards improving horse welfare and ensuring better practices in the future.
Kc Branscomb, Chromatic BF’s owner, played a crucial role in advocating for these changes. She emphasized the importance of putting horses first and working towards a positive change in the industry. Branscomb’s efforts, along with the collaboration between USEF and other organizations, have led to the implementation of these new initiatives aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of performance horses.
Overall, the new initiatives introduced by the USEF represent a significant step forward in prioritizing horse welfare and ensuring better communication and decision-making in horse healthcare. By acknowledging the role medications played in Chromatic BF’s death and implementing these new programs, the USEF is taking proactive steps to improve the lives of sport horses and promote a culture of care and responsibility within the equestrian community.
