The U.S.  Equestrian Federation and the University of Kentucky have entered into an agreement for the transition of the USEF Laboratory to UK. The new entity will be called the UK Equine Regulatory Testing Laboratory. The transition is effective July 10, and operations will proceed uninterrupted. Dr. Scott Stanley a renowned expert in the field of equine toxicology, who joined the University of Kentucky in September 2018, will lead the newly formed laboratory.

This transaction follows the letter of intent signed by the USEF and UK in October of 2018. Since then, both parties have been conducting their due diligence and negotiating the terms regarding the transfer of the USEF Laboratory.

“Our senior leadership and Laboratory Task Force have done outstanding work in their analysis of this venture and presented a compelling recommendation to the Board of Directors,” said USEF President Murray Kessler. “I am pleased to say that the board unanimously approved this transaction, and we look forward to the advances in testing that our new relationship with UK will bring to our members and their horses while importantly providing complete independence between the laboratory and the USEF regulatory process.”

The new laboratory will expand on UK’s expertise in the areas of equine pharmacology and toxicology and provide additional research opportunities for equestrian sport.

While the new laboratory will assume responsibility for sample testing, the USEF will continue to administer the sample collection process and results management.

“This lab, under the direction of Dr. Stanley, will provide services to a diverse equine clientele,” said Nancy Cox, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “We appreciate the great work of the USEF and look forward to new advances developed through this relationship, as we strive to serve the industry in all aspects of safety.”