Brigid Colvin’s seven-month suspension and $7,000 fine from the U.S. Equestrian Federation has been upheld by the Supreme Court of the State of New York-New York County in a decision filed on Sept. 25. Colvin was originally suspended from the USEF in a July hearing committee decision after Inclusive, the horse her daughter, Tori, rode in the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, tested positive for "gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA] in excess of normal physiological levels.” Brigid filed argued that 'the USEF decision [to ban and fine her] was arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion and not supported by substantial evidence.' Justice James stated: 'Although this court agrees with the petitioner that it would be completely irrational for her to participate in illegally medicating Inclusive and then tell the drug tester that her name be inserted as ‘Trainer,’ her lapse in judgment under the circumstances does not refute substantial evidence that she undertook the responsibility of the Trainer.' Steve Rivetts was listed as the trainer on the entry form and Colvin's name was listed on the drug tester's paper work (along with Rivett's name on the drug test paperwork). However the court dismissed Colvin's petition.
