USEF Reconvening MPA Panel Following Equine Fatality Reports

The United States Equestrian Federation is looking further into the use of MPA.

EDITED PRESS RELEASE, Lexington, Ky. – Following recently reported equine fatalities associated with Medroxyprogesterone (MPA) use, the USEF is reconvening its MPA Panel and further analyzing the use of this substance in horses competing at USEF-licensed competitions.

The MPA Panel first formed in 2017, following emerging research on MPA’s effectiveness in competition horses. The panel focused on questions of how MPA affects competition horses, since research showed it doesn’t interrupt estrus in mares – especially important as the drug was being used in geldings and stallions and also administered in greater dosages.

Following member feedback and discussions at public hearings and town halls, the MPA Panel recommended USEF continue monitoring MPA use, including implementing MPA-specific medication reports capturing more information on dosage, administration schedules and continued presence of the substance in a horse’s system after last known administration.

Recent equine fatality reports have raised greater concerns about MPA’s safety, underscoring the need for the panel to meet and review critical information about this substance and provide USEF members with information they need to protect their equine partners. The USEF will update its membership regarding changes to permitted MPA use. Currently, the USEF strongly discourages using MPA and recommends consulting with a veterinarian prior to use.