NCHA Medication Policy

To maintain the highest standards in treatment of horses and cattle, the NCHA has strengthened its penalties for violations of medication policy:

Rule 35.b4D "D. Administration of injectable or oral medications while in the show arena, practice arenas, alleys leading into the arenas or any other public areas of the show grounds is strictly prohibited unless administered in a life-saving situation which should be done based on consultation with a veterinarian. Any member observing activity that violates this rule should immediately report such conduct to the NCHA Executive Director and/or Show Management. If Show Management receives such a complaint, it is required to immediately forward the complaint in its original form to the NCHA Executive Director. The NCHA office will provide complaint forms to all show management for reporting a possible violation of this rule. Use of such form is encouraged, but is not required.

"Any reported violation under this rule will be treated as a complaint under NCHA Rule 37 and be considered in accordance with the procedures contained in NCHA Rules 37 and 38. No filing fee is required for reporting any violation under this rule. Each person found to be involved in a violation of this rule (including but not limited to trainers and their assistants or employees, owners and contestants) may each be subject to receiving the following penalty:

• 1st Offense: $1,000 fine and 6 months probation
• 2nd Offense: $5,000 fine and 12 months probation
• 3rd Offense: $10,000 fine and 6 months suspension

These penalties can be increased as appropriate by the Grievance Committee or Appeals Committee depending upon the circumstances and the nature of the violation.”