The ‘avoidable’ death of a top horse requires ‘effective new tools’ to improve animal welfare

Following the death of show jumper Chromatic BF at the World Cup finals, new initiatives to “support the welfare of sport horses” were announced in the USA.

Katharine Branscomb's 13-year-old gelding Chromatic BF collapsed and died in the stable shortly after the second round of the competition on April 18. He had finished third with his rider Jill Humphrey. It was reported at the time that Chromatic BF received a “refreshment and a routine injection of electrolytes” from the U.S. team veterinarian after his round.

US Equestrian (USEF) has sought “as much information as possible” about what led to Chromatic BF’s death.

“Although the autopsy was inconclusive, after consulting with experts to investigate the findings, USEF believes the most likely cause is the medication administered to the horse by a USEF-appointed veterinarian shortly before its collapse,” a USEF spokesperson said.

“The veterinarian appointed by the USEF decided to administer FEI-approved medication to the horse, which he believed would help maintain the horse's performance over the following days.”

Ms Branscombe said she recognised that Chromatic BF's death was the “unintended consequence of a single veterinarian acting alone, without prior consultation with anyone on Chromatic BF's team, in a well-intentioned but failed attempt to prepare the horse for the show jumping final due to take place two days later”.

“I really appreciate that the USEF is now taking substantive steps to improve the welfare of sport horses and better protect all of our competition horses,” she added.

USEF and FEI confirmed H&H that the veterinarian who administered the medication to Chromatic BF did not breach any FEI rules and no action will be taken against the veterinarian.

USEF and Ms. Brancombe have developed initiatives “to learn from this tragedy and reduce the risk of a recurrence.” These include revising USEF's Consent Agreement for Equine Participation, which specifies that, except in emergency situations, no medication will be administered by team veterinarians at international competitions without the prior consent of the athlete, who is responsible for any substances present in the horse under FEI regulations.

The association will work with the American Association of Equine Practitioners to develop an educational program for team veterinarians on sports medicine and welfare. In addition, a new education/research program will be launched on behalf of Chromatic BF.

Ms Branscomb told H&H she was “quite optimistic that the tragic and preventable death of my beloved horse will have a lasting positive impact on the safety and welfare of sport horses in all USEF-sanctioned events from today onwards”.

“It has taken courage and hard work from everyone to arrive at what I sincerely believe is a powerful set of new tools that will enrich and enhance the lives of our competitive equestrian teammates,” she said, adding that the next step is to set priorities and guidelines for the projects.

A spokesman for the FEI said H&H The FEI recognises and supports the USEF’s initiatives as they “send an important message to the global veterinary community”.

“In light of the events, the FEI has stressed the importance of limiting injections to those that are essential and safe. We also strongly recommend avoiding the off-label use of medication wherever possible,” said an FEI spokesperson.

“We have asked that a careful risk-benefit assessment be carried out for any treatment administered, with particular care being taken to avoid injectables when a safe and effective oral option is available.”

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