Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law Volume 4 | Issue 1 Article 7 2011 Down the Stretch: Reining in State Approaches Toward a Universal Medication Rule for Racehorses Laurel Benson University of Kentucky Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kjeanrl Part of the Gaming Law Commons Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits you. Recommended Citation Benson, Laurel (2011) "Down the Stretch: Reining in State Approaches Toward a Universal Medication Rule for Racehorses," Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law: Vol. 4 : Iss. 1 , Article 7. Available at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kjeanrl/vol4/iss1/7 This Note is brought to you for free and open access by the Law Journals at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law by an authorized editor of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. DOWN THE STRETCH: REINING IN STATE APPROACHES TOWARD A UNIVERSAL MEDICATION RULE FOR RACEHORSES LAUREL BENSON I. INTRODUCTION In 2009, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) released a document put together by the AAEP Racing Task Force. Within this document, the AAEP called for the adoption of universal medication rules because "U.S. racing jurisdictions impose medication regulations that vary from one jurisdiction to the next." "This disparity in medication rules presents significant challenges to owners and trainers who race horses in more than one jurisdiction, and often leads to confusion about how to best implement appropriate therapeutic regimens." 2 The fact that there is no universal governing body in America leads to horse owners and trainers sometimes racing at the track with the most lax guidelines, a result that is potentially damaging to both the horse and the reputation of the industry as a whole.