Horse owners and riders are being offered the chance to learn about new international anti-doping rules which come into effect on 5 April.

The free information days being held throughout March and April will give guidance to horse pet owners about changes in regulation.

The events are being hosted by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and topics covered include the horse prohibited substances list, new stewarding rules for security at horse events and medication log books.

The first day is set to be held at the Blackwell Grange Hotel near Darlington, Yorkshire, with other information events planned for Glasgow, Northamptonshire, Liverpool, Surrey and Gloucestershire.

The BEF said it was "vital" that horse riders who compete in International Equestrian Federation (FEI) competitions are aware of the new rules and do not fall foul of them.

Breaking the rules could result in a two-year ban from other FEI contests.

The education days will also cover human drug use and BEF chief medical officer Dr Peter Whitehead is expected to give talks on the human prohibited substances list, along with how riders can be exempted from this regulation on medical grounds.