By KEITH BRADSHER
HONG KONG — Four horses and their riders were suspended from Olympic show jumping on Thursday after preliminary tests suggested that the skin of the horses may have been treated with a banned derivative of chili peppers.
Combinations of horses and riders from Brazil, Germany, Ireland and Norway were all suspended after initial tests showed the presence of capsaicin, which is widely used in topical ointments for the treatment of minor horse injuries. The substance is banned at the Olympics because it can also serve as a mild stimulant.
The banned rider Tony Andre Hansen and his horse, Camiro, were part of the Norwegian show jumping team that captured a bronze medal on Monday. The Fédération Equestre International, the sport’s international governing body, deferred a decision on whether to revoke the bronze medal until after final test results were confirmed.
Four Equestrian Riders Suspended for Chili Pepper Derivative....
