You would think that the last thing Rodrigo Pessoa would think of doing at a major competition would be to dope his horse. Afterall, he was handed the Olympic gold medal in Athens after Irishman Cian O’Connor was caught doping his horse.

This time Rodrigo has been suspended himself for 135 days, for allegedly using a banned substance. Pessoa’s horse Rufus tested positive Aug. 23 for nonivamide, a banned pain-relieving medication which is also an agent that can be used for hypersensitisation purposes.  He denies any involvement, and admits the substance could have come come in contact with his horse unknowingly.

It is an indication though how high stakes the sport is now. Lets hope is doesn’t go down the path of the cycyling fiasco.