Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA) advises that an adverse analytical finding involving prohibited substances was determined from the South Australian State Championships held on September 2025.
A horse tested positive to the prohibited substance – 20-Hydroxyecdysone.
The AERA rules required the disciplinary process to be managed by the member’s Division Association and, in this instance, the persons identified as the rider and trainer of the horse were current members of the South Australian Endurance Riders Association.
The horse, Aqaba Signette, and rider Lynn Ruesseler, have been disqualified from the ride. Stella Harbison as trainer and owner of the horse accepted full responsibility for this finding. Penalties have been determined in accordance with the AERA Equine Anti Doping and Controlled Medication rules, by the imposition of fines, loss of results and associated awards, and requirement to pay costs.
AERA reminds all persons involved in the sport of endurance to be aware of what is being given to horses under their care.