The FEI Board has approved several updates to the Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL), following recommendations from the FEI List Group. The revised list will come into effect on 1 January 2026, and has now been published on Inside.FEI.org for National Federations, veterinarians, and athletes to review.
The annual review ensures that the list remains up to date with current veterinary knowledge, therapeutic developments, and emerging trends in medication use. Riders and support teams are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new designations well ahead of the 2026 competition season.
Key Changes
Among the most notable amendments for 2026:
- Vatinoxan (alpha-2 antagonist) – added as a Controlled Medication; used to reverse the effects of sedatives and improve gut motility.
- 20-hydroxyecdysone – reclassified from Banned Substance to Banned & Specified Substance, recognising its natural occurrence in insects and some plants.
- Fluoxetine and Trazodone – moved from Banned Substance to Controlled Medication; both are antidepressants occasionally used to manage equine behavioural issues.
- Eprosartan and Valsartan – added as Banned Substances; used to control blood pressure and similar to the already banned substance losartan.
- Imidiocarb – added as a Controlled Medication; used for treating equine piroplasmosis.
- Cabergoline – added as a Controlled Medication; used in the management of PPID (Cushing’s disease).
- Etidronic acid, Deferoxamine, Trilostane, Carmoterol, and Isosorbide (including isosorbide dinitrate and mononitrate) – added or confirmed as Banned Substances due to lack of legitimate use in competition horses.
A full list of the 2025–2026 changes can be found in the official FEI document: View the 2026 EPSL changes (PDF)
The consultation process for the 2027 Equine Prohibited Substances List will begin early next year, continuing the FEI’s commitment to transparency and scientific review.
For further queries, the FEI advises contacting caterina.termine@fei.org.
