Hunter/jumper trainer Winn Alden of Bristow, Va., will be suspended for five months and fined $5,000 after a horse she exhibited, Cameo Appearance, was found by the U.S. Equestrian Federation to have gamma-aminobutyric acid in its body in excess of normal levels.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which can act as a tranquilizer. It is the main ingredient in the Carolina Gold supplement, though it’s not known if Carolina Gold was used in this instance.
The violation was discovered after testing performed at the Jump For The Children Hunter Jumper Benefit Horse Show in Raleigh, N.C., Nov. 5-10, 2013. Cameo Appearance is an 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Paparazzo—Squeaky Spring) owned by Barbara Sheffield.
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Alden’s suspension begins on Sept. 1, 2015, and it will terminate at midnight on Jan. 31, 2016. During that time, Alden will not be able to take part in any USEF-licensed competition as an exhibitor, participant or spectator. Horses she owns or leases, or who are shown in her name, are also suspended. Sheffield must return all ribbons, trophies or prize money won at Jump For The Children, and she also must pay a $300 fee.
Alden did not provide a statement before press time.
