Why Do Reiners Have So Many Equine Drugs They Can Use?

If, as many within the reining community claim, horses are not drugged (or medicated) to perform, why is there such an extensive list of permitted substances?

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has released its 2026 list of 185 permitted and conditionally permitted medications for use in reining competition.

Of those 185 substances, 82 fall into the categories of NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, opioids, or sedatives—many of which are classified as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, including the controversial drug Sedivet.

Why are so many pain relievers and anti-inflammatories necessary if these horses are, as often stated, exceptionally well cared for and sound?

While many equine sports are working to reduce or eliminate medication use in competition, the permitted list in reining appears to be expanding.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has formally raised concerns with the NRHA regarding medication policies. Despite this, and even with changes in leadership, Sedivet remains on the permitted list.

The full list is available below.

In the recent journalist-produced video One in Ten: The Scandal That Is Destroying Reining, testing results from major competitions indicate that a significant percentage of reining horses are competing with both approved and unapproved medications in their systems. This represents one of the highest medication ratios reported in equine sport globally.

The question of why some reining horses are shown while receiving medications such as NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, opioids, or sedatives is part of a broader conversation about performance demands, veterinary management, and welfare standards within the sport.

Reining is a highly athletic discipline requiring explosive acceleration, rapid deceleration (sliding stops), fast spins, and precise lead changes. These maneuvers place considerable mechanical stress on joints, hocks, stifles, and soft tissue structures. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory equine drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in equine medicine to manage inflammation and musculoskeletal soreness.

Training intensity can be substantial, with repeated sliding stops and spins performed in preparation for competition. Some horses may receive therapeutic prescriptions to maintain comfort during demanding training schedules. The controversy arises when such medications are administered close to competition, as critics argue they may mask pain that would otherwise signal the need for rest.

Bisphosphonates, which affect bone metabolism, are used in horses diagnosed with certain bone-related conditions, particularly in the lower limbs. Their presence in performance settings has generated debate due to concerns about long-term bone health and whether their use allows horses to continue intense work despite underlying pathology.

Opioids and sedatives are even more controversial. Opioids are powerful analgesics, and sedatives can reduce anxiety or reactivity. In theory, these equine drugs may be administered for legitimate veterinary procedures or short-term therapeutic management. However, when permitted near competition, critics argue they could alter performance expression, mask lameness, or impact rider safety and judging fairness.

Opponents of current medication policies also question why horses would need pain-relieving equine drugs to compete when many other equine sports enforce a zero-tolerance standard for competition-day medications.

Regulatory bodies typically distinguish between therapeutic use, controlled medications with established withdrawal times, and prohibited substances. The ongoing debate in reining reflects a broader tension seen across high-performance equine sports: how to balance competitive success, veterinary intervention, transparency, and horse welfare.

2026 Summary Of Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Medications

Source: NRHA Website

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