Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) announced an overhaul of its doping controls, following conclusions of an expert group set up after show jumper Denis Lynch (pictured above) broke doping rules at the Olympics and was banned.

It followed the Athens Olympics in 2004 when Ireland's Cian O'Connor was stripped of the gold medal after his horse, Waterford Crystal, tested positive for a banned substance.

The plans include all of Ireland's national riders having to be licensed and being asked to fill out a log book of medication given to their horses.

Other measures include an overhaul of HSI's medication and anti-doping testing programme, a request that all prohibited practices (like the use of spiked boots) are outlawed under animal welfare legislation and a new penalty and disciplinary structure.

Dr Gordon Holmes, who chaired the investigation said in the course of the committee's work concerns were expressed about "a lax culture in the sector in relation to prohibited substances and practices".

He said: "We believe that the recommendations in the report are straightforward and can be readily implemented.

"It is clear that there is a real sense within the sector that action is needed."

Ryan's horse Lantinus tested positive for capsaicin, a banned pain relieving medication derived from chili peppers.

Lynch and Lantinus finished tied for seventh in qualifying in the individual jumping class at the Olympics but were prevented from taking part in the final, which was held in Hong Kong.

The world governing body banned him for three months and ordered him to pay 3,750 Swiss francs (£1,908) as a fine and legal costs.

HSI chairman Joe Walsh said he would implement the report's findings without delay.

He said: "Later today this report will be forwarded to our rules committee and they will begin the process of enshrining the recommendations into our rule book.

"I would expect all of these recommendations, including the new anti-doping and medication testing programme, to be fully operational by the end of the year," he added.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said it "applauded" the steps taken by Horse Sport Ireland in furthering the debate on medication control and anti-doping policy.

The FEI Anti-Doping and Medication Commission also met today to collate the recommendations from its key working groups to shape international anti-doping regulation.

FEI secretary-general Alex McLin said: "Today's meeting in Lausanne has proved invaluable in focusing the recommendations of the key working groups towards a clear and unified stance on clean sport.

"We look forward to sharing and discussing our recommendations in coming weeks."

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