The Fédération Equestre Internationale has provisionally suspended Sophie Simpson, effective Aug. 31, after her mount, Why Not, for this year’s Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (Ky.) tested positive for the banned substance capsaicin. Capsaicin is considered a topical analgesic or irritant.
Because the U.S. Equestrian Federation has reciprocity with the FEI, Simpson is also suspended from the USEF.
Simpson, 17, and Why Not, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Hors La Loi II—Kelly, Damiro) mare owned by Simpson Show Jumping, were part of Zone 4’s junior gold team medal, and they earned individual bronze at the NAJYRC in July. The horse is also provisionally suspended for two months.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Sophie Simpson is surprised and deeply saddened by this unexpected news, considering that her goal has always been to give priority to cleanly run sport and the welfare of the horse,” stated a release from Simpson. “Diligent work and research is being done in order to find how the substance could have been introduced into the horse’s system.
“Sophie would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern and support through this unfortunate situation,” it continued.
