New Requirement for Texas Sales Tax Exemption Number May Affect Horse Businesses

New Requirement for Texas Sales Tax Exemption Number May Affect Horse Businesses:

by Alison Rowe

Currently, anyone in Texas can say they are “ag exempt”, sign a form, and buy agricultural products tax free. But this is about to change. As of January 1, 2012, the Texas Comptroller will require all farmers and ranchers to obtain an Agricultural Sales Tax Exemption Registration Number in order to buy tax-free farm and ranch supplies. This new measure was signed into law during the 2011 Legislative Session via House Bill 268, and will be included in Chapter 151, Subchapter E of the Texas Tax Code.

When I was home in Ellis County last weekend, I heard several farmers grumbling about this new requirement and the added “red tape” being imposed on farmers. But is it such a bad thing? Texas Farm Bureau doesn’t think so.

Texas Farm Bureau discussed the new law and posted information for farmers on its blog, Texas Ag Talks. According to the Texas Farm Bureau blog post, the new “registration number” will be good for the overall agricultural industry, because abuses under the current system were so rampant that the agricultural sales tax exemption itself was at risk.

I'm not sure what the State’s intent was in enacting this new law, but I don’t think its affects will be good for many horse businesses. I predict that many Texas horse business owners that have been buying ag supplies tax free in the past will not be able to successfully apply for a registration number in 2012 (at least if they are honest on the application). A link to the application for the new registration number can be found here.

On the very first page of the application, the State boldly warns horse racing, boarding, and training businesses that they do NOT qualify for an ag exemption registration number. Under the list of “principal types of exempt activities” on page 2, the only activity on the list that involves horses states, “I raise and sell horses, mules, donkeys, burros and/or ponies.” The application and other applicable authority suggests that “raising and selling horses” must be your principal activity or your “normal course of business” in order to qualify for the sales tax exemption. The States’s intent with respect to mixed operations such as boarding operations who also breed and sell horses is not altogether clear. The Comptroller has answered some FAQs about horse businesses that give a little insight on how various circumstances will be treated. The Horses FAQ page published by the Texas Comptroller can be found here.

Boarding facilities and horse trainers who check the “raise and sell horses” box when they do not engage in said activities do so at their own risk. Page 3 of the application includes a signed statement by the applicant that acknowledges all of the penalties (criminal and otherwise) that may arise from the misuse of the tax exemption ID. I don’t have any data that suggests how strictly these forms are enforced.

But one thing is clear, the State of Texas will have the name, federal tax ID, Texas taxpayer ID, legal entity filing number (if any), mailing address, physical location, and Texas drivers license number for all horse businesses who buy tax exempt products from January 1, 2012 onward. I would think these things would make it much easier for the State to investigate and discipline someone if the State deemed purchases to be to frequent, too large in amount, or otherwise suspicious.

As under prior law, the sale or lease of horses will still be exempt from sales tax in Texas and a registration number is not required for horse sales or lease transactions. Further, the purchase of horse feed, grain and hay will remain tax free for everyone in Texas (with or without a registration number or exemption certificate).

To access a quick reference chart published by the Texas Comptroller that outlines items that do and do not qualify for sales tax exemption for agricultural production, click here.

Follow me on Twitter @alisonmrowe

Can Jaci Rae Jackson Be Hanged for Horse Theft?

Can Jaci Rae Jackson Be Hanged for Horse Theft?:

We’ve all heard accounts that horse thieves have, in the past, been sentenced to death by courts in Texas or legally hanged by vigilantes. The demise of Jake and his compatriots in the movie Lonesome Dove is a depiction of one such vigilante hanging in Texas. All kidding aside, verifiable accounts of capital punishment for horse theft (both after a trial and by vigilantes) come not only from Texas, but also from other U.S. states and even other from other countries.

Photo: Per Wikipedia, this photo is of a horse thief's hanging in Oregon, circa 1900 [Source]

According to a BBC news story from May 2011, some folks in Scotland even reenacted the events surrounding the 1811 hanging of a fellow named George Watson for horse theft. Watson was described in the BBC article as a “tinker-traveller” who made off with a “distinctive grey Clydesdale mare” belonging to a man who offered shelter to Watson and his family. Watson is alleged to be the last man hanged in Scotland for horse theft.

Urban legend has it that horse thieves can still be hanged or sentenced to death in Texas. But unfortunately for those who still wish to see horse thieves put to death, horse thievery is no longer a capital felony in Texas. Under Texas Penal Code Section 31.03(e), horse theft is a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years in prison) if the value of the horses stolen in a single transaction is less than $100,000. Horse theft in Texas is punishable as a second degree felony (2 to 20 years in prison) if the horses stolen in a single transaction are worth $100,000 to $199,999, and a first degree felony (5 to 99 years in prison) if the horses stolen in a single transaction are worth $200,000 or more. See also Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code.

Pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2008 opinion in Kennedy v. Louisiana, the power of any U.S. state to impose the death penalty against an individual for committing a crime that did not result in the death of a human victim is now limited to crimes against the state (i.e., espionage, treason).

But vigilante justice for horse thieves is not completely dead in Texas. As discussed previously, there are still circumstances under which a person in Texas could legally shoot or otherwise kill a horse thief if the person, for example, is a witness to horse theft in progress and the circumstances warrant the use of lethal force. See these prior posts:

When is it Legal to Shoot a Trespasser?

How to Deal With Trespassers on Your Property

Facts revealed in the recent Jaci Rae Jackson case may cause some to wish capital punishment were still available for horse theft. As you have probably read by now, Jackson is a now 19 year-old Southern Arkansas University student who was charged this week with a number of felonies in Arkansas and Oklahoma for the theft of 5 college rodeo horses and a horse trailer. Jackson cannot (if convicted) be sentenced to death for her actions. Ms. Jackson has also been charged with related post-theft crimes which, according to reports, include allegedly participating in the killing and dismemberment of one stolen horse, and tying the 4 others to trees without sufficient food or water. Ms. Jackson’s arraignment is expected to occur on December 15, 2011.

Photo: Jaci Rae Jackson [Source]

Apropos, how can we all take steps to prevent the theft of our horses and trailers and make sure thieves are brought to justice? Dr. Pete Gibbs, Texas A & M University professor and Extension Horse Specialist, published an informative article entitled “15 Steps to Minimizing Theft of Horses and Equipment”, which can be downloaded here.

Horse Physiology Knowledge Helps Protect Animal Health

Horse Physiology Knowledge Helps Protect Animal Health: If a horse manager knows the individual behavior for each horse, changes from that normal behavior can be followed up with more quantitative measurements to detect disease or stress.
...

Cushing's Disease and EMS Horse Course Archived

This is a nice webinar discussing some common endocrine diseases. Dr. Ben Buchanan is actually at the Navasota Hospital.

Cushing's Disease and EMS <b>Horse</b> Course Archived: ACVIM, ACVECC, head of the ICU and internal medicine units Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Stephenville, Texas. Frank, Schott, and Buchanan discussed the ...

Texas Loves Derbies! Horseback Congratulates the Pin Oak Show

Texas Loves Derbies! Horseback Congratulates the Pin Oak Show:

Texas High Performance Series

LEXINGTON, (Pin Oak) – A Texas flair was in the air at the 2010 / 2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Draw party in Lexington, as the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, Great Southwest Equestrian Center and Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show sponsored the event. But there were no ten-gallon hats to be seen– this party was all about Derbies. The coalition hosted the Draw party to call attention to its Texas High Performance Series, which for the second year, will offer over $80,000 in Derby prize money at the beautiful Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas in March.

Lynn Walsh, President of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, was enthusiastic about the series. “Texas can stand up and be counted with any other circuit in the country now. With the Texas High Performance Series, we offer over half a million dollars in Hunter / Jumper prize money. With our five Hunter Derbies and five Grand Prix events, this series is loaded with opportunity. Plus, we have so many other things that interest all Hunter/Jumper competitors– the history, tradition, hospitality and southern charm that Pin Oak is famous for.”

USHJA CEO Shelby French enjoyed the Texas touches. “The fact that ‘Texas Loves Derbies’ was really evident at the Draw party for the International Hunter Derby Finals,” said French. “Every rider received a wonderful gift bag from the sponsors with the slogan emblazoned on it as they drew for their place in the order of go for the finals. It was a fun event and featured real Texas hospitality in Kentucky!” Even more fun, riders chose from a gallery of toy foxes in hunting attire, whose back number revealed their place in the order of go.

Junior rider Lillie Keenan and her horse C Coast Z ultimately earned the $100,000 Championship First Prize. She drew numbers 4 and 13 for her entries.

Amy Uniss, representing Great Southwest Equestrian Center, was enthusiastic about the improvements to the facility that hosts the Texas Performance Series. “We’ve done over a million dollars worth of improvements so far, including two new OttoSport arenas, working toward our vision of being the top show facility in the Southwest,” says Uniss. “It’s an ongoing project, as there is always something that we can do better. We focus on how to exceed the customer’s expectations next year. It’s a good business model—we never forget who our customers are and we appreciate everyone who shows here.”

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show forms the first two legs of the Texas High Performance Series, continuing its theme of Step Up and Step Out for Children. Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show is held the following week.

Pin Oak Charity Horse Show’s dates for 2012 are March 21 – 25 and March 27 – April 1. For additional information, call 713-621-6290 or visit the website at www.pinoak.org.

Strategic Support Strategies in Chronic Laminitis Cases

BVEH utilizes the service of several farriers at our hospitals who have an interest in laminitis. We are also always happy to work with your farrier to get your horse balanced and back on track.

Strategic Support Strategies in Chronic Laminitis Cases: An effective support system for the compromised hoof involves identifying the areas of compromise and then designing a specific strategy that addresses all the needs of that foot, one veterinarian explained....

Heated Barns and Horses: Special Considerations Needed

Heated Barns and Horses: Special Considerations Needed: Horse owners who use heated barns to keep water from freezing and to protect horses from frigid temperatures during winter should remember supplemental heat can cause problems if used incorrectly....

TAHC: TX origin equine destined to KY are no longer required to meet the entry requirements of providing a negative test for equine piroplasmosis

Link below from TAHC confirms that KY bound horses do not need piroplasmosis testing.

TAHC: TX origin equine destined to KY are no longer required to meet the entry requirements of providing a negative test for equine piroplasmosis

A retrospective comparison of surgical removal and subsequent CO2 laser ablation versus topical administration of mitomycin C as therapy for equine corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma

A retrospective comparison of surgical removal and subsequent CO2 laser ablation versus topical administration of mitomycin C as therapy for equine corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma:

Abstract

Objective  To compare the complications and nonrecurrence rate following topical mitomycin C (MMC) therapy vs. CO₂ laser ablation for treating equine corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Study design  Retrospective study.

Sample population  Twenty-five horses with corneolimbal SCC.

Procedures  Medical records of horses undergoing surgical tumor resection followed by either topical MMC therapy (0.04%) or CO₂ laser ablation between the years of 2004 and 2010 were reviewed. Recurrence and complications were compared between groups and within MMC subgroups defined by the time at which treatment was initiated relative to surgery.

Results  Therapy with topical MMC resulted in a nonrecurrence rate comparable to that achieved with CO₂ laser ablation (82.4% vs. 85.7%, respectively). Initiation of MMC following epithelialization of the surgical site a mean of 15 days postoperatively did not result in increased recurrence rates relative to treatment in the immediate postoperative period. Vision- or globe-threatening complications tended to occur with greater frequency in horses receiving topical MMC in the immediate postoperative period (5 of 6 major complications) relative to following epithelialization of the surgical site (1 of 6 major complications).

Conclusions  Horses receiving adjunctive topical MMC therapy were no more likely to experience tumor recurrence than were horses undergoing CO₂ laser ablation in the horses in this study. Initiation of two to three rounds of MMC following epithelialization of the surgical site results in fewer major complications and achieves comparable disease resolution relative to treatment in the immediate postoperative period.

Cold Weather Horse Care Tips

Cold Weather Horse Care Tips: Horses need extra attention during the cold and wet winter months. By following these helpful tips you can help keep your horse healthy all winter....

Relative Feed Value of Hay

Relative Feed Value of Hay: Relative feed value is one estimate of hay quality, taking into account the hay's expected digestibility as well as expected level of consumption....

NFR Telecasts Break Network Record

NFR Telecasts Break Network Record:

GAC’s 10 nights of live coverage from the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

delivers record viewership

NASHVILLE (PRCA) –Great American Country’s exclusive live coverage of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas (Dec. 1-10) delivered a network record 9.8 million viewers across all telecasts (4.1 million adults 25-54)¹ – a level GAC President Ed Hardy called “historic.”

The GAC coverage connected the interest country music enthusiasts have for rodeo with the artists they love, including fan favorites Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Chris Young in the network’s coverage of the event. Additionally, artist Craig Morgan acted as a roving reporter for seven “inside the WNFR” episodes produced by GAC to take viewers behind the scenes of the big event.

“The connection between country music fans and the rodeo lifestyle has never been stronger,” Hardy said. “Our bringing live coverage of the entire Wrangler NFR has brought hundreds of thousands of new fans to experience both WNFR and GAC.”

This year marks GAC’s first as the home of the WNFR, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. GAC also carries the PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls Tour, as well as its championship rodeos. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo draws nearly 200,000 fans to the Thomas & Mack Arena each year. The event is sold out years in advance.

“This is, as they say, a ‘good ride,’” Hardy said. “There is no better fit than GAC viewers, country music fans, and fans of professional rodeo. We can’t wait ‘til next year.”

“The PRCA is overwhelmingly pleased with the move to GAC,” said PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman. “We strongly believe that GAC’s commitment to the PRCA, including consistent time slots, LIVE coverage of all 10 rounds of the Wrangler NFR and year-round promotion will not only help us better serve our current fan base, but will also provide our great sport with the depth and quality of coverage that will help us develop new fans. The success of this year’s WNFR only proves our shared synergies and we are looking forward to a continued partnership with GAC.”

Don’t miss the 10th Night Wrap Party from The Mirage, only on GAC. Airing tonight at 8 p.m. (ET) and repeating midnight (ET).

American Miniature Horse Registry Offers Own Unique Economic Stimulus

American Miniature Horse Registry Offers Own Unique Economic Stimulus:

For Immediate Release

For more information contact:

The American Shetland Pony Club

Lisa Caldwell, Breed Promotion Chairperson

promotion@shetlandminiature.com

Zona Schneider, Director of Operations

Phone: 309-263-4044

zona@shetlandminiature.com

Hardship Fees for AMHR to Be Cut in Half for 2012

Morton, IL – The American Miniature Horse Registry will slash its fees for hardshipping qualified horses into the AMHR by half from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012.



The hardship fees for eligible stallions will drop from $400 to $200 for the next calendar year while the fees for eligible mares and geldings will be reduced from $200 to $100.



These tremendous offers come by action of the organization’s national board at its recent national convention.



“Who doesn’t love a sale?” noted ASPC/AMHR officer Lewella Tembreull. She added, “This particular sale is a win-win for our organization and our members. Our members benefit because many have horses to hardship. In turn, the association receives additional work, and there will be more horses registered that can then participate in shows or programs such as the Breeders Futurities.”



Miniatures that may benefit from this price drop are any horses currently registered with the American Miniature Horse Registry and American Shetland Pony Club that have reached their third birthday and that meet the height requirements of the AMHR. Other horses registered with a competing registry may also be eligible.



In other news for the American Miniature Horse Registry, owners and enthusiasts with registered three-year-old AMHR horses are reminded to update temporary registrations to permanent on those eligible horses. Updates from temporary to permanent are due by Dec. 31.



The American Miniature Horse registry is the oldest Miniature Horse registry in existence. Each year it registers anywhere from 7,500 to upwards of 10,000 horses. AMHR conducts a national championship show each fall in Tulsa, OK. This event draws more than small equine, making it the single largest event for Miniature Horses in existence. Each year, AMHR gives away in excess of $60,000 in its futurities, incentives and stakes.



For more information on the American Miniature Horse Registry, its programs or the sale on hardships, call 309-263-4044 or visit the association website at www.shetlandminiature.com.

# # #

­­The American Shetland Pony Club, the American Show Pony Registry and The American Miniature Horse Registry are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club offers a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. Visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550.

16-Dec-11 8:00 AM

Practical Tips for Managing Obese Horses and Ponies

Practical Tips for Managing Obese Horses and Ponies: Although many of us have been educated about maintaining our horses at an appropriate body condition, pasture after pasture is still filled with fat horses and ponies....

Laminitis Prevention and Intervention in Hospitalized Horses

Laminitis Prevention and Intervention in Hospitalized Horses: Horses hospitalized for serious surgical or medical conditions are at an increased risk for developing laminitis as a complication of their injury or illness. Thus, preventing laminitis or intervening early in these animals is key....

Plasma Concentration of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in Horses after an Oral Dose

Plasma Concentration of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in Horses after an Oral Dose: Abstract: This study was conducted to study absorption of glucosamine (GlucN) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) in horses immediately after feeding. Six mature mares were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin-square-designed experiment. The experiment consisted of three 15-day periods, which included 10 days of diet adaptation followed by a 5-day sampling period. Blood was drawn after feeding on one day during each sampling period. Horses were fed a control diet (40% hay, 60% concentrate) balanced to meet NRC requirements for maintenance of mature horses (NRC, Nutrient requirements of horses, 1989). In one experimental diet, 2.0 g CS and 5.5 g GlucN were added to the basal ration at each feeding. In the other experimental diet, 3.5 g CS and 8.5 g GlucN were added to the basal ration at each feeding. After collections, blood was centrifuged and plasma was harvested and stored until analyzed for the presence of each compound. Analyses for plasma GlucN were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. CS in the plasma was analyzed using a color reagent, dimethylmethylene blue, followed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. There were no significant differences (P < .05) in the concentration of either CS or GlucN in plasma, when comparing the three different diets. This leads to a conclusion that these compounds were not absorbed intact through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. This poses a question as to whether oral forms of these compounds are absorbed and are able to migrate to joints through the blood to improve joint function.

Competition Horses Housed in Single Stalls (II): Effects of Free Exercise on the Behavior in the Stable, the Behavior during Training, and the Degree of Stress

Competition Horses Housed in Single Stalls (II): Effects of Free Exercise on the Behavior in the Stable, the Behavior during Training, and the Degree of Stress: Abstract: Although housing horses in single stalls limits their natural behavior to a great extent, this housing system is widespread in Germany, especially for competition horses. To improve the welfare of this system, free exercise on pastures or paddocks is deemed suitable, but it is also feared because of injuries and decreased willingness or motivation to perform. In the present study, three treatments were investigated with regard to their effect on the behavior of six competition horses in the stable, behavior during training, and on their degree of stress: daily training without free exercise (no turnout [NT]), solitary turnout for 2 hours after training, and 2-hour turnout in groups of two after training (group turnout). The horses’ behavior in the stable was continuously analyzed through video recordings (2 pm to 6 am) on 3 days at the end of each treatment. The degree of stress was evaluated daily by heart rate variability at rest. The behavior during training was evaluated by a questionnaire answered by the riders, and the distance covered during training was measured by global positioning system. When NT was allowed, the horses showed less lying in the stable compared with the treatments with turnout. Heart rate variability measurements resulted in great individual differences, but generally, there was a higher degree of stress shown with the treatment NT according to the following parameters: standard deviation of inter-beat-intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between successive inter-beat-intervals (RMSSD), and ratio between low frequency and high frequency (LF/HF). The willingness to perform was evaluated as being slightly better in the treatments with turnout than in the treatment without turnout.

Factors Affecting the Glucose Response to Insulin Injection in Mares: Epinephrine, Short- and Long-Term Prior Feed Intake, Cinnamon Extract, and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation

Factors Affecting the Glucose Response to Insulin Injection in Mares: Epinephrine, Short- and Long-Term Prior Feed Intake, Cinnamon Extract, and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation: Abstract: Five experiments were conducted with mares to better define factors that might affect the assessment of insulin sensitivity via direct insulin injection, and to then apply this method of assessing insulin sensitivity to trials which tested two potential supplements for improving poor insulin sensitivity in horses. The experiments assessed the effects of the following: (1) previous administration of epinephrine, (2) overnight feed deprivation versus hay or pasture consumption, (3) 10-day acclimatization to hay in a dry lot versus pasture grazing, (4) cinnamon extract supplementation, and (5) fish oil supplementation on insulin sensitivity. Mares of known high and low insulin sensitivities were used in the first three experiments, whereas mares with low insulin sensitivities were used in the supplement trials. Epinephrine administration increased blood glucose concentrations (P < .05) and prevented the insulin-induced decrease in blood glucose concentrations in both sensitive and insensitive mares. Overnight feed deprivation decreased (P < .06) insulin sensitivity relative to overnight ad libitum access to hay, and both regimens resulted in reduced insulin sensitivity relative to overnight pasture availability; sensitive and insensitive mares responded similarly except when kept on pasture (P = .0854). Ten days of hay consumption in a dry lot reduced (P < .05) insulin sensitivity in insensitive mares, but not in sensitive mares, relative to pasture grazing. Supplementation with cinnamon extract or fish oil had no effect on insulin sensitivity of mares with known low insulin sensitivity under the conditions of these experiments.

2011 NCHA Futurity: How The Sires Ranked

2011 NCHA Futurity: How The Sires Ranked:

2011 NCHA Futurity Leading Sire High Brow Cat

The 2011 Borden Milk/National Cutting Horse Assocation is in the books. All scores are posted and the checks collected. Here's a detailed look how the sires fared.

Not all Equine Heart Abnormalities are Abnormal

Dr. Ben Buchanan is a board certified internal medicine specialist with a strong interest in Equine Heart Disease. If your horse has a heart problem, he has all the "toys" to figure out what is wrong and how to manage it.

Not all Equine Heart Abnormalities are Abnormal: Ever since the death of Olympic Champion Hickstead, there has been an increased amount of public interest in the secret lives of horse's hearts. Luckily, not all murmurs or rhythm abnormalities are career- or life-threatening....

New Equine Guelph Tool Helps Horse Owners Identify Lameness

New Equine Guelph Tool Helps Horse Owners Identify Lameness: Equine caregivers know all too well, identifying and treating lameness in horses can be a frustrating and expensive process. Equine Guelph's new Lameness Lab online tool will help you learn about lameness through interactive activities....

Texas Thoroughbred Association Elects Three New Directors to Help Rescue Troubled Racing

Texas Thoroughbred Association Elects Three New Directors to Help Rescue Troubled Racing:

By David Hooper, Executive Director, Texas Thoroughbred Association

AUSTIN, (TTA) – Eligible Texas Thoroughbred Association members elected three new directors and returned four incumbents for 3-year terms in the 2012 election. Results were tallied under the supervision of TTA First Vice President Dr. Gearald Farris and Director Heidi Maikranz in the TTA offices on December 16.

The three new directors are Dr. Tom Bradfield, Mark Martinez and Hal Wiggins. Martinez was successful as a candidate in the statewide election of 12 at-large candidates. Dr. Bradfield won the Central Region election, and Wiggins tallied the most votes to become the new director for the East Region.

Ed Few, Eddie Milligan, Dr. Jacquelyn Rich and Danny Shifflett were the successful incumbents elected to serve at large.

Martinez has been a San Antonio resident for the past 25 years. He founded M2Technology in 2000 and is currently CEO of the Texas-based company that sells high performance computing solutions.

Martinez’ M2Technology has sponsored the last eight runnings of the La Senorita Stakes, one of Retama Park’s annual twin added-money features. He races under the Agave Racing banner.

Bradfield, a Texas native and graduate of Texas A&M, retired from a mixed animal veterinary practice three years ago to devote attention to Red Fence Farm, a 20-acre nursery located west of Austin, and continue breeding and racing operations that have been in place since the 1980s.

Wiggins, a Houston resident and also a Texas A&M graduate, retired as a trainer after reaching the pinnacle of a 30-year career by developing 2009 Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra, eventually voted Horse of the Year. Since his retirement from training, Wiggins has redirected his interest to breeding and sales representation and participation.

Few, a prominent Jasper native and businessman, has been one of the leading Texas owners and breeders for several years raising runners at his Glorianna Farm. Milligan owns and operates Twin Oaks Training Center, one of the top breaking, training and rehabilitation facilities in the Southwest located in Murchison. Dr. Rich, a past 4-term TTA president, is the current president of Texas Horse Organizations for Racing, Showing and Eventing (Texas HORSE). With her husband Gerald, she owns and operates Deer Haven Farm, a Thoroughbred nursery in Lott. Shifflett has managed Lane’s End Texas, formerly known as Huisache Farm, for Will Farish near Hempstead for more than 35 years during which time the farm’s extensive breeding, stallion and sales operation has made it a leader in the Southwest.

TTA wishes to thank the three outgoing directors, Dr. Shirley Browne, Sue Dowling and Bill Jordan for their years of service, and Jerry Chapman, Jack Cook, Carl Davis, Lewis Hall, James Hughes, Mike Rose and Brent Savage for their interest and willingness to run for the Board in the 2012 election.

The first meeting of the new TTA Board is set for Texas Champions weekend on January 21.

LONE STAR PARK’S REMODELED SIMULCAST PAVILION RE-OPENED TO PLAYERS

After nearly six months of renovations and more than $3 million in expenditures, Lone Star Park’s remodeled state-of-the-art simulcast pavilion re-opened to players on December 5. The down time wait may have inconvenienced some bettors for a while, but they should find the wait very worthwhile.

Upon entering the remodeled facility, simulcast players and sports fans alike will find customer service representatives available to answer questions or provide assistance in finding smoke-free or smoking areas filled with carrels and flat-screen TVS at each end of the pavilion, a spectacular sports bar with high-definition TVs showing live races and sports events in the center, and three new VIP rooms.

The formal grand opening is scheduled for January 12, with horsemen invited to a preview showing on January 7.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK STABLE AREA OPEN FOR 2012 THOROUGHBRED MEET

Thoroughbreds have begun to ship into the Sam Houston Race Park stable area for the 31-day 2012 meet that begins on a high note with Texas Champions Weekend headlining the first two programs on Friday, January 20, when filly and mare stakes take center stage, and Saturday, January 21, when the stakes for colts and geldings are featured..

Eric Johnston, SHRP’s vice-president of racing and racing secretary, said that he and his staff had screened more than 1,300 stall applications for the meet that will extend eight weeks on a 4-day week schedule except for being dark on Super Bowl Sunday. SHRP will run at night on Fridays and Saturdays, have a 5pm post time on Sundays and offer afternoon racing each Monday.

RACING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS SHORTENING PREMIERE TO 6½ FURLONGS

TTA’s Racing Committee met via conference call on December 16 to discuss the proposed 2012 Lone Star Park stakes schedule with special attention being paid to movement of the TTA Sales Futurity one week later in June, and to try to find a way to provide a sprint stakes for older Texas-bred males.

The original stakes proposal called for the $50,000 Premiere for older Texas-breds to be run at one mile in its traditional spot as the first race of the season. The schedule had one other older Texas-bred stakes, the 1 1/16-miles, $50,000 Assault, another 2-turn race, on Stars of Texas Day at the meet’s end.

The committee also took into consideration that Sam Houston Race Park’s 6-furlong, $50,000 Spirit of Texas was the only stakes presently scheduled for older Texas-breds and that race will be run on January 21 on Texas Champions Weekend. After considering several possibilities, the committee came to unanimous agreement on a recommendation to change the distance of the 2012 Premiere to 6 ½ furlongs.

The committee also sent its unanimous support of locating the 2012 TTA Sales Futurity on the third Saturday in June, one week after the Belmont Stakes and three weeks before the first two races in the new Texas Stallion Stakes Series for 2-year-olds. The new date will make the 2012 TTA Sales Futurity a stand-alone stakes event, rather than competing with the last leg of the Triple Crown.

Terry Blanton, representing Texas Horsemen’s Partnership, agreed with the committee’s recommendations, which were submitted to Lone Star Director of Racing Bart Lang last weekend.

VOTING FOR 2011 ACCREDITED TEXAS-BRED CHAMPION CLAIMER BEGINS ONLINE

Voting has begun online to determine the 2011 Accredited Texas-bred Champion Claimer with the choice coming from among 22 Texas-breds, each of which won at least three claiming races at Texas tracks during the past Thoroughbred season. Past performances can be viewed by accessing the Equibase horse search page.

The claiming horse receiving the most votes will be honored along with the 2011 Texas Horse of the Year and all Texas-bred divisional champions at TTA’s Annual Awards Luncheon at a time and date to be determined in the near future. Voting closes on Friday, January 13 at 5pm.

Fast furlongs……Congratulations to Carl Moore on the return to winning form of his 2010 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint champion Chamberlain Bridge as the soon-to-be 8-year-old looked like his old self taking the $73,500 Bonapaw Stakes at Fair Grounds last Saturday……Maryland horsemen and Maryland Jockey Club officials have resolved a dates dispute and agreed to a 146-day schedule for 2012…Monmouth Park will conduct a 141-day meet in 2012 with purses based only on handle while the state of New Jersey reopens bidding for a long-term lease……Northern Kentucky lawmaker has pre-filed a bill to allow the state’s five racetracks to add casinos or slots providing local voters pass a referendum……The American Horse Council reports that the U.S. Congress has taken action that prohibits the Department of Labor from implementing a new wage rule for the H2-B program on January 1, 2012…The December 17 edition of Thoroughbred Daily News featured a “TDN Q&A” with TTA Director Tod Wojciechowski, who will join the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company on January 1 as director of sales……Last Friday, The Jockey Club launched a public website, www.thoroughbredrulings.com, to make regulatory information more easily accessible and allow users to search rulings by trainer, horse, track and jurisdiction……Churchill Downs will allow up to four also-eligibles, based on graded stakes earnings, to be able to draw into the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks by 9am EDT the day before each stakes in case of scratches from the original 20-horse Derby field or 14 fillies in the Oaks……Lane’s End Texas stallion Too Much Bling had two good winners on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on December 10 and 11th with Bling Cha Bling scoring smartly over 6 furlongs in 1:09.78 at Hollywood Park on Saturday and Sam Sparkle posting a mild 7-1 upset of three others in Aqueduct’s 6-furlong, $60,000 Hunch Stakes in 1:10.38 on Sunday……Finder’s Key, a failure as a Thoroughbred racehorse losing all three $2,500 maiden claiming starts, is a star in the much-hyped movie “War Horse,” directed by Steven Spielberg and set to debut on December 25…Jeanine Edwards, the talented ESPN senior broadcast analyst, will become the first female to emcee the Eclipse Awards when the 2012 edition, sponsored jointly by Daily Racing Form and Breeders’ Cup, is held in Beverly Hills, CA, on January 16……Santa Anita’s traditional December 26 opening looms as a post-Christmas holiday treat……The 2012 Texas Thoroughbred Stallion Register is available online and in hard copy……Get well wishes are extended to Betty Davis, who is recovering from recent surgery, and TTA Director Danny Shifflett, who is on the mend after being badly bruised when his truck was broad-sided by a driver running a red light……The TTA office will close at 3pm December 23 and re-open on the 27th……Merry Christmas!!!

Challenges in Hydrating and Balancing Equine Electrolytes

Challenges in Hydrating and Balancing Equine Electrolytes: When horses sweat they lose more electrolytes per liter of sweat than humans do, which means that horses do not develop as strong of a 'thirst stimulus' as human athletes do, one researcher explained.
...

TAHC: RT @TSCRA: Be careful when buying hay over the Internet. TSCRA Special Ranger Larry Hand warns this type of scam is... http://t.co/WBe4kiZk

TAHC: RT @TSCRA: Be careful when buying hay over the Internet. TSCRA Special Ranger Larry Hand warns this type of scam is... http://t.co/WBe4kiZk: TAHC: RT @TSCRA: Be careful when buying hay over the Internet. TSCRA Special Ranger Larry Hand warns this type of scam is... http://t.co/WBe4kiZk

Late-Term Mare and Foal Care Webinar Now Archived

BVEH is always available to help you when you have problems. However, we thought some might enjoy this: Late-Term Mare and Foal Care Webinar Now Archived: To help breeders make the right decisions for their mares and foals, TheHorse.com presented a webinar on late-term mare care, foaling, and newborn/young foal care on Dec. 15, and the webinar is now archived and available for viewing on demand!...

Sweeney Receives 2011 EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award

Sweeney Receives 2011 EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award: Molly Sweeney, of Hockley, Texas, has been chosen as the 2011 recipient of The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award for her volunteer work for over two decades in the equine-assisted activities and therapies field....

All-Class NCHA World Finals Return

All-Class NCHA World Finals Return:

World Champion Bet Hesa Cat & Austin Shepard

Starting this fall, the top 15 horses and riders from all 10 National Cutting Horse Association-approved non-youth any-age classes will earn a chance to compete in Fort Worth, Texas, then take their chances at earning big money and World Champion belt buckles.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM): Update on treatment

Thanks to Clara Feneger for updating this Blog.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM): Update on treatment:

Twenty years ago when I first ventured into EPM research, the standard course of treatment was pyrimethamine (Daraprim®), a common anti-malarial drug, in combination with trimethoprim/sulfadiazine. We used a fairly low dose, and treated for only a few months. However, upon following up with some of those early cases, we discovered that this treatment was not sufficient. Researchers in Oklahoma (Clarke, 1992) found that a much higher dose of pyrimethamine is required to achieve drug levels in the cerebrospinal fluid sufficient to kill the protozoa. After these findings, we adjusted our recommendations to a combination therapy of pyrimethamine (1.0 mg/kg daily), in combination with sulfadiazine (20 mg/kg daily). It turns out that trimethoprim is not recommended, and probably should be avoided, if possible, because it is likely to add to the toxicity of the pyrimethamine, without adding to the efficacy. It's been a long time since I patented that discovery, and there are many other options available now. This disease is absolutely curable, and if you stick to a program of appropriate treatment, you will be rewarded with a healthy horse.

Treatment for EPM has since taken many turns, and hopefully, new products will continue to be added to our arsenal for this disease.

• Pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine is still the most common treatment, because compounding pharmacies have made it very affordable. This is a product which interferes with nucleotide synthesis and therefore the production of DNA. Horses require treatment for 6 to 8 months on this drug combination, and sometimes much longer. The biggest problem with this medication is that the long duration of treatment makes compliance difficult. Many horses are taken off the medication too soon, resulting in relapse of clinical signs.

Side effects are most commonly bone marrow suppression which is manifested as anemia and leukopenia (low white blood cell count). This product is not safe in the third trimester of pregnancy, resulting in foals with profound bone marrow suppression and kidney damage. A less common side effect of this product is a neurologic syndrome of ataxia and facial nerve paralysis, which is usually reversible when the drug is discontinued.

• Ponazuril (Marquis®) is marketed as a paste formulation and has been available for over ten years. The label dose is 5 mg/kg for 28 days, but the relapse rate is high (35%) with this dose. Some studies have shown a higher efficacy with 10 mg/kg (or a double dose).

Minimal side effects are seen with ponazuril, although the safety studies indicated that with extremely high doses uterine edema is seen.

• Diclazuril (Protozil®) is marketed as a daily pellet feed top dress at 1 mg/kg for 28 days. This is a difficult product to recommend, since the company's own research had only a 42% efficacy rate. We had reasonable efficacy in the 1990's when we studied a dose of 5 mg/kg, but the Protozil is very expensive at that dosing rate.
• Nitazoxanide (NTZ) was approved right after Marquis in the early 2000's, but was taken off the market when Idexx dropped their pharmaceutical line. NTZ is very effective for EPM at 25 mg/kg for the first four days and then 50 mg/kg daily for 24 days. This product is highly soluble in fat, so added fat in the form of corn or other oil improves the absorption of the product. This product is only available as the human label tablets (Alinia®).

NTZ, while highly effective, has a number of serious side effects. Much of the product is not absorbed in the small intestines, and passes to the large colon, where it can alter the normal colonic flora. The end result can be absorption of endotoxins and in some cases diarrhea. Among the effects of the endotoxemia can be laminitis or founder. While uncommon, this possible sequela should be carefully watched for in the NTZ treated horse. In most horses, the concomitant administration of oil results in improved bioavailability, which results in less drug passing to the large colon, and a lower rate of side effects.

• Decoquinate has recently been suggested as an EPM treatment in combination with levamisole as an immunomodulator (Oroquin-10®) for a 10 day course of treatment. Decoquinate is extremely inexpensive in the form of Deccox premix, a poultry coccidiostat which is added to poultry feeds to prevent coccidia. At the recommended dose of 0.5 mg decoquinate/kg, 4 g of Deccox premix is sufficient for each daily treatment. In cell cultures, decoquinate is highly effective against the rapidly dividing merozoite stage of the EPM organism. The question remains as to whether the decoquinate actually crosses the blood-brain barrier to get to the parasite. Hopefully, further investigation will add this inexpensive treatment to our arsenal.

Oroquin-10 is a new treatment and as such there is no safety data available. The primary anti-protozoal ingredient, decoquinate, is very safe at high doses in horses. Levamisole has many potential side effects in humans, and has not been studied in horses.
• Oxytetracycline is effective against many protozoa in this class. The problem with this drug is that protozoa become rapidly resistant, so it may work for a short period, but treatment doesn't result in a cure. The advantage of this drug is that it can be used intravenously, and in the case of a horse that cannot swallow oxytetracycline provides a way to get treatment into the animal.

In general, oxytetracycline is a commonly used antibiotic in horses for a myriad of conditions, and is relatively safe. In rare cases, oxytetracycline can cause diarrhea.

In addition to the anti-protozoal treatment, immunomodulators like levamisole are warranted. In addition to levamisole, there are several approved immunomodulators, including EqStim ®, Equimune ® and Zylexis ®. I investigated EqStim in the 1990s as an adjunctive treatment for EPM with pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine and found that horses on average required two months less treatment before clearing the EPM antibodies from the cerebrospinal fluid (negative CSF test). Any immunomodulator may be effective, but less is known about levamisole, so my preference is to stick with the approved products like EqStim.

Anti-inflammatory treatments are an essential adjunctive treatment for EPM. More damage is caused by the inflammation surrounding the protozoa than the protozoa themselves. This may include treatment with phenylbutazone or banamine (1.1 mg/kg 1-2 times daily for 3-7 days), as well as the addition of DMSO (1 g/kg in a 10% solution) administered either intravenously or by nasogastric tube. Corticosteroids may be used if necessary. Antiinflammatory drugs are occasionally necessary at other times during the first six weeks of treatment. Some horses actually get worse during treatment, presumably because of a reaction to the dying parasites, a condition which I termed a “treatment crisis” twenty years ago.

Important supplemental therapies are the addition of neuroprotective supplements, such as vitamin E, folic acid and thiamine.

Now that I've explained the different options, I'll tell you my personal recommendations for the treatment of an acute EPM case. I'm not interested in messing around with unproven treatments, unless I have a chronic, relapsing horse with EPM. My standard recommendation is double Marquis (10 mg/kg) for 28 days, followed by pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine for four months. Unfortunately, even with the higher dose of Marquis, some horses will relapse, making the four months of pyrimethamine/sulfa necessary.

Many of the clinical signs associated with EPM are caused by inflammation rather than the parasites themselves. Therefore, almost all of my EPM patients receive DMSO and a short course of flunixin (Banamine ®) to reduce inflammation. I also recommend daily Vitamin E and folic acid. My preference for immunostimulation is EqStim, which I use at the label recommendation of days 0, 3 and 7 and then twice monthly after the initial series.

Heart Rate's Effect on Equine Performance

Heart Rate's Effect on Equine Performance: A new show ring and a new environment could equate to stress--and even poor performance--for your horse. Because according to Danish equitation scientists, the faster a horse's heart rate in a new environment, the more likely he is to perform poorly....

Low-Dose Corticosteroids for Treating Acute Laminitis

Low-Dose Corticosteroids for Treating Acute Laminitis: Veterinarians often shy away from administering corticosteroids, however, due to possible systemic effects associated with high doses--including triggering laminitic episodes. But corticosteroids' benefits could outweigh the risks....

Embryo Transfer Efficiency of Quarter Horse Athletic Mares

Embryo Transfer Efficiency of Quarter Horse Athletic Mares: Abstract: This study was designed to compare embryo recovery rates and pregnancy rates of athletic and breeding Quarter Horse mares in a tropical warm climate. Thirty-nine barrel racing mares in training and 135 breeding mares as control donors were included. During the training period, the ambient temperature ranged from 31°C to 36°C and the average humidity from 70% to 90%. After the detection of a 35-mm follicle by ultrasound, ovulation was induced with 1 mg of deslorelin acetate (i.m), and insemination was performed 24 hours later with cooled and fresh semen from different fertile stallions. Embryos were collected on day 8 postovulation. The body temperature (rectal) was evaluated from eight athletic donor mares randomly selected from the same studied group. A total of 138 and 657 embryo collections were carried out on training and breeding mares, respectively, with a total of 105 (76%) and 466 (71%) embryos collected (P > .05). Similarly, no differences (P > .05) were observed for the pregnancy rates on day 15 (82/105, 78% vs. 370/466, 79%), and day 40 (73/105, 69% vs. 328/466, 70%) between the training and breeding donor mares. Just after training, the body temperature increased to an average of 39.4°C and the respiratory rate from 14.5 to 35.3 breaths per minute. The results of the present study showed that embryo production from appropriately trained donor mares in good condition were similar to non-athletic broodmares.

NSAIDs and Competition: The Rules are Changing

NSAIDs and Competition: The Rules are Changing: The decision to limit NSAID use in competition horses will help owners and trainers avoid some of the inherent risks associated with multiple-NSAID usage, said Hoyt Cheramie, DVM....

Handicapping App Comes to the Phone

Handicapping App Comes to the Phone:

NEW YORK, (Equibase) TrackMaster today unveiled the TrackMaster Pocket Handicapper app for iPhones and for smartphones running the Android operating system. The app enables customers to order full-day race cards for $0.99 each from any track. Handicapping information includes detailed jockey and trainer statistics, Equibase Speed Figures, power ratings, class and pace ratings, sire and dam statistics, and full past performances.

The TrackMaster Pocket Handicapper can be downloaded free at itunes.com and the Android Marketplace. The app includes a demo race card and the ability to download a single free race each day.

“This is one of the very first apps geared specifically for handicappers and it provides them with a quick and easy way to analyze numerous key ratings and statistics, all distilled and conveniently delivered to their smartphone,” said Jim Vanderbosch, TrackMaster vice president of sales and marketing.

TrackMaster, a wholly owned subsidiary of Equibase Company LLC, provides a full range of handicapping products for the three major racing breeds — Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse and Standardbred. Equibase Company LLC is a partnership between subsidiaries of The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America and serves as the Thoroughbred industry’s official database. Additional information about the companies is available at trackmaster.com and equibase.com.

Soaking Hay: How Much Sugar is Actually Removed?

Soaking Hay: How Much Sugar is Actually Removed?: How much WSC content does soaking actually reduce? According to one team of researchers, it varies depending on how long the hay is submerged....

Unraveling the Mysteries of Aging in Horses

Both Dr. Tiffany Hall and Dr. Ben Buchanan are board certified specialists in Large Animal Internal Medicine and work closely with BVEH clients interested in helping to understand and manage the many health problems faced by older horses. This article details and effort by one researcher to Unraveling the Mysteries of Aging in Horses:

Research Funded By Morris Animal Foundation Exploring Aging Factors

DENVER/November 22, 2011 – Most scientific research is prompted by the search for tangible answers to some of life’s most fundamental questions. Where did we come from? Why do we look, feel and act the way we do? In some underlying form, the drive to understand these concepts is at the heart of scientific progress.

Yet, few questions remain as elusive as those surrounding the biological mystery of aging. Human medicine has been attempting to understand—and halt—this process for centuries. Given that aging inevitably brings a slew of health problems, it’s only fitting that scientists would turn their microscopes toward this phenomenon to understand how it works. Although many scientists study aging to advance the health and well-being of humans, Morris Animal Foundation is committed to helping scientists use these same principles to help animals.

In one such Morris Animal Foundation–funded study at the University of Kentucky, principal investigator Dr. Kristine Urschel is working to understand why old age leads to the loss of muscle mass in horses. Under the guidance of her mentor, Dr. David Horohov, Dr. Urschel’s research could provide support for aging horses in several ways.

“This research could help extend the life expectancy of older horses and also help owners and stakeholders to better care for their aging equines,” Dr. Urschel says.

The team’s research focuses on how other age-related and geriatric diseases might affect protein metabolism. Specifically, the study is first testing to see how levels of inflammation common in older horses are related to protein synthesis. Second, the study is looking at how the age-related disease known as Cushing’s disease may also affect protein synthesis.

Although the study is still a year from completion, results look promising. Many of the techniques being used in this study have been extensively applied in human studies, but never before with horses. Moreover, the study is examining how protein synthesis is affected by age-related factors at the whole-body, muscular and molecular levels. As a result, new treatments based on significant findings in this study can be applied in various ways, including the development of dietary strategies and disease-specific treatments.

Through the continued support of studies such as this one, the mystery of aging will become less elusive and one day will open its secrets to the world of medicine for both humans and animals.

###

Media Contact:

Tina M. Martinez, 800.243.2345

tmartinez@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

30-Nov-11 1:45 PM

Foot Type and Laminitis Incidence in Feral Horses

Foot Type and Laminitis Incidence in Feral Horses: Hampson ultimately concluded there is no one natural foot type in horses and, contrary to popular belief, feral horses are not exempt from developing laminitis....

Avoid Grazing Drought-Weakened Pastures Too Early

Avoid Grazing Drought-Weakened Pastures Too Early: As fall heads toward winter, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas' weather has seen more moisture than earlier in the year, making it appear as though some drought-weakened pasture resources are healthier than they might be....

Treating Laminitis with Acupuncture

BVEH takes a whole horse approach to therapy. This includes acupuncture and chriopractics. Drs. Jay Bickers and Shana Buchanan are trained acupuncturists on staff in Stephenville and Navasota.

Treating Laminitis with Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help boost traditional treatments' efficacy with its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, homeostatic (regulating) influences, and pain-modulating abilities, one researcher said....

Effect of Bit Type on Performance Horses Evaluated

Effect of Bit Type on Performance Horses Evaluated: Choosing the bit that best optimizes the horse's performance and welfare can seem like a daunting task. Equitation scientists are now tackling this topic, and they're starting with the traditional single-jointed snaffle bit....

Texas State Parks Announce $4.6 million Appeal for Help

Texas State Parks Announce $4.6 million Appeal for Help:

Record heat, drought, wildfires spark call for park visits, donations, park visitor revenue, park visitation

AUSTIN, (TPWD) – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department today hosted 11 news conferences at different locations across the state, appealing to the public to visit state parks and make donations to help offset a revenue loss caused by heat, drought, wildfires and a resulting drop in park visitor revenue.

“A ‘triple whammy’ of record heat and drought, devastating wildfires and a corresponding decline in visitation and revenue has created a critical need for Texas State Parks,” said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director. “So, we are reaching out for help.”

TPWD held news conferences at the following state parks or other locations in cities across Texas: McKinney Falls/Austin, Government Canyon/San Antonio, Sheldon Lake/Houston, Cedar Hill/Dallas-Fort Worth, Abilene SP/Abilene, Amarillo Convention and Visitors Council office/Amarillo, Mustang Island/Corpus Christi, State Parks Office/El Paso, Estero Llano Grande/Rio Grande Valley, Tyler SP/Tyler, and Mother Neff/Waco.

Visitor fees fund about half the $69 million operating budget for the state park system, subject to legislative appropriations. For many years, there’s been a steady upward trend, with more people visiting parks generating more revenue to operate them — until this year.

Through the summer and into early fall, traditionally a busy time for parks, many Texans stayed home because of the dry heat. Shriveling lakes and rivers disrupted swimming, fishing and boating, and burn bans prevented campfires. Also, three popular state parks — Bastrop, Davis Mountains and Possum Kingdom — suffered major wildfire damage and produced no revenue for weeks, though all are now back open to varying degrees.

As a result, in August state park system revenue declined 25 percent compared to the same month last year. So far this fall revenue is down11 percent — improving, but still not close to what park leaders say is needed.

“The bottom line is we have a $4.6 million gap in our 2012 park system operating budget,” Smith said. “This is the amount we need to raise to help keep state parks open. We want to alert people now while there is still time to help.”

TPWD is rolling out a multi-faceted awareness campaign stressing three calls to action:

• One, go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/helpparks to make a tax-deductible, year-end donation.


• Two, starting Jan. 1, make a donation when you renew your motor vehicle registration.


• And, most important, because visitor fees pay for about half of park system operating costs, visit state parks.

“Cooler weather makes fall and winter a fine time to visit state parks, which are great places for holiday outings and gatherings,” said Brent Leisure, TPWD state parks director. “Also, recent rains are allowing many of our parks to lift burn bans. That’s making campfires possible once again, an important tradition for many park visitors.”

Leisure said state parks are important for many reasons. They protect unique places and provide settings for healthy outdoor recreation and family fun for millions of people.

State parks are also economic engines for nature tourism. In a 2008 study, the Texas Comptroller found state parks draw outside tourists into host counties, generating millions in annual retail sales and local resident income.

The Texas State Parks operating budget is based on legislative appropriations, but relies on revenue generated by visitor fees. This year, an additional $3 million in revenue was projected.

Also, the legislature passed a new option that allows people to make a donation when they renew their motor vehicle registration, estimating that would raise at least $1.6 million per year. Starting Jan. 1 drivers can donate $5 or more when renewing their registration by mail, at the county tax office or online in counties offering online payment.

“The state park system 2012 budget was set anticipating those two items would raise a total of $4.6 million,” Smith said. “But the money is not there because park visitation and revenue are down markedly due to drought and wildfires, and the vehicle registration donation program is just getting underway for renewals due in January.”

The department is also providing video, radio, web and social media resources for the media and public, all emphasizing the same three calls to action.

Many state parks offer reduced camping fees during “off-peak” fall and winter months, especially for longer stays. Many parks have lifted burn bans—check online for the latest information. And dozens of state parks are hosting special holiday events in December. See http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/calendar/holidays for dates, locations and descriptions.

To learn about the various Texas State Parks and their offerings, or to make online camping reservations, visit http://www.texasstateparks.org. Or call state park information at 1-800-792-1112, option 3, between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

AHC ACTION ALERT! Let Congress Know Youth Involvement in Agriculture is Important to You

AHC ACTION ALERT! Let Congress Know Youth Involvement in Agriculture is Important to You:

AHC ACTION ALERT!

Copyright © 2011 American Horse Council

Let Congress Know Youth Involvement in Agriculture is Important to You

Earlier this year the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed new child labor regulations applicable to agriculture. The proposed new rule, if adopted, would place new limitations on the ability of young people to work for pay on farms or ranches not owned solely by their parents and would effectively bar young workers, under 16, from working in most capacities in agriculture, especially around livestock, such as horses.



The safety and well being of young workers are of paramount importance; however, this rule is overly broad, does not respect the traditional status of agriculture, and would sharply limit opportunities for young people to become involved in agriculture and with horses. More information on the proposed rule can be found here and the AHC comments on the rule can be found here.



Right now, Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ben Nelson (D-NE) are circulating a letter to Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis asking her to withdraw the proposed rule and either maintain the current regulations or draft a new proposed rule that protects young people and preserves the traditional ability of youth to work in agriculture.



The American Horse Council urges you to call your Senators and ask them to sign the bipartisan letter to Secretary of Labor Solis regarding the proposed child labor rule being circulated by Senators Moran and Nelson.



You can reach your Senators by calling the Congressional switchboard at (202) 225-3121. Ask for your Senators' offices and then ask to speak to the staff person who handles agriculture or labor issues.



The deadline for your Senators to sign the letter is Friday, December 16.



Call them and tell them:



"Young people are very important to the horse community and agriculture. Now more than ever it is important young workers are given the opportunity to learn about and become interested in agriculture and horses. Congress, for over 70 years has explicitly allowed young people to work in agricultural because of its unique and family nature. This new proposed rule would place new limitations on the ability of young people to work for pay on farms or ranches owned by their families and effectively bar all other young workers, under 16 from working on farms and ranches. Please sign the letter to Secretary Solis being circulated by Senators Moran and Nelson asking her to withdraw the proposed rule and either maintain current regulations or draft a new proposed rule that protects young people and preserves the traditional ability of youth to work in agriculture."



If you have any questions please contact the AHC.

12-Dec-11 7:00 AM

Pfizer Introduces Equine Wellness Management Service

BVEH is pleased to be among a select group of clinics to offer Vetstreet to our clients. It is an upgrade to our practice management software we expect to implement the first quarter of 2012. Once functional it will allow owners to create an account and see their horse's records including vaccination and deworming histories. It will also allows owners to communicate with the office staff when they notice an abnormality.

Pfizer Introduces Equine Wellness Management Service: Through this service practices can offer online access to horse health information, medical, and wellness recommendations....

Healing the Hoof During Therapy or Layup

Healing the Hoof During Therapy or Layup: Whether caused by injury or lameness, time off from competition affords an opportunity for a farrier to make shoeing and trimming changes to accommodate a performance horse's needs....

Mare and Foal Care: Free Webinar Dec. 15

Mare and Foal Care: Free Webinar Dec. 15: To help breeders make the right decisions for their mares and foals, TheHorse.com will present a webinar on late-term mare care, foaling, and newborn/young foal care on Dec. 15, 8-9 p.m. Eastern U.S. time (brought to you by Merck Animal Health)....

Researchers Evaluate Endocrinopathic Laminitis Prevalence

Researchers Evaluate Endocrinopathic Laminitis Prevalence: Endocrinopathic laminitis might be more common in horses affected by endocrine disease than once believed. Thirty-two of the 36 laminitic horses were affected by PPID or insulin resistance, indicating their laminitis was endocrinopathic in origin....

Researchers are testing virus-based osteoarthritis treatment in horses

Researchers are testing virus-based osteoarthritis treatment in horses: Researchers are testing virus-based osteoarthritis treatment in horses:

Researchers at the University of Florida are using specially engineered viruses to deliver restorative proteins to the joints -More-

NCHA Futurity Set to Open Monday

NCHA Futurity Set to Open Monday:

FORT WORTH, (NCHA) – The National Cutting Horse Association’s most widely-anticipated event of the year, the 2011 Borden Milk/NCHA World

Championship Futurity 50, is set to begin its 20-day run on Nov. 21, boasting 1,600 entries and a purse nearing $4 million.

The annual NCHA Triple Crown series begins with the Borden Milk Futurity and continues with the XTO Energy Super Stakes in April, followed by the Great American Insurance Summer Cutting Spectacular in July. All three events are held at Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Along with the Futurity cutting competition, there will be numerous events at the show, including the following:

Neiman Marcus Futurity Champions’ Cup, presented by Jerry Durant Auto Group

All 32 living past Open Futurity champion riders were invited to the Futurity Champions’ Cup, and 31 of them elected to participate. The past champions will compete in a crowd-pleasing format every horse enthusiast will want to attend. The Champions’ Cup will begin at 4 pm on Nov. 26. General admission is $10, with proceeds benefitting the NCHA Foundation. Tickets may be purchased online at nchatickets.com or during the show at the NCHA Information Booth in the Best of the West Tradeshow.

One lucky fan (18 years old or older) will win $15,000 off the purchase of the new vehicle from the Jerry Durant Auto Group of Weatherford, Texas. The winner will be chosen from a random drawing of ticket numbers at the event. Jerry Durant Auto Group is the Official Auto Dealership of the NCHA Triple Crown.

Neiman Marcus will also host a Futurity Champions’ Cup party open to all NCHA members at their Ridgmar Mall location on Friday, Nov. 25, at 7 pm with food, beverages, live music and Christmas shopping opportunities.

Mercuria Energy/NCHA World Championship Finals

This year’s $200,000-added Mercuria/NCHA World Finals will once again be held in conjunction with the Borden Milk/NCHA Futurity. The format will feature the Top 15 Open horses and Top 15 Non-Pro riders from the 2011 point year in a riveting competition for a world championship title. Go-round action will take place in the Watt Arena at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 27, and Thursday, Dec. 1 as well as the final go-round at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Admission is free.

“Best Seat In the House” to be Auctioned

A unique package that will give one cutting horse fan the experience of a lifetime will be auctioned (from the Will Rogers Coliseum arena floor) immediately preceding the 2011 NCHA Futurity finals

The package will include custom chaps signed by all of the living riders of the past Futurity champions, from the first Futurity champion, Buster Welch, to 2010 champion Lloyd Cox.

To top it off, the package will feature literally “the best seat in the house,” accommodation in the sixth box on the judges stand during the finals. The unique perspective from the middle of the arena has never been available to a spectator before and it will give the top bidder the same view of the action as the judges have.

Cutting Horse Gold: A 50-Year History of the NCHA Futurity

Award-winning author and cutting horse historian Sally Harrison published Cutting Horse Gold: A 50-Year History of the NCHA Futurity, this fall. Based on exclusive interviews and never-before-published personal accounts, the book traces the history of the NCHA Futurity from the inaugural event up to last year’s record breaking top score. A limited edition hardcover version will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, as well as a paperback version, both available at for purchase at the NCHA Information Booth. Or visit www.sallyharrison.com for the latest news about this unique collector’s item.

Pat Parelli Natural Horsemanship Clinic

One of the most successful horsemanship clinicians, Pat Parelli, will conduct a clinic in the Watt Arena on Sunday Nov. 27 from 1 to 4 pm, showcasing his proven Parelli Method. Parelli bases his teachings on the horse’s ability to communicate and relate in their natural world. His method has proven success for horse lovers of all levels and disciplines. General admission tickets are $20 each and can be pre-purchased at nchatickets.com.

Celebrity Cutting

The 17^th Annual Celebrity Cutting presented by the Careity Foundation will be held Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at Will Rogers Coliseum. This year’s lineup includes Lyle Lovett, Sonny Burgess, Bob Kingsley and more. Proceeds from the event provide funding for a variety of supportive clinical services for cancer patients in the Tarrant County areas. Visit www.celebritycutting.com to reserve tickets.

Best of the West Premier Shopping Experience, presented by Coors Light

The Best of the West Premier Shopping Experience presented by Coors Light opens Nov. 21 in the Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall. This exhibit features 100,000 square feet of merchants offering clothing, art, tack, jewelry, furniture and more.

Admission is always free and it will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. through 7 p.m. during go-rounds and will remain open with extended hours through the semi-finals and finals performances. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Cowboy Santa

Need to settle up with Santa before Christmas? Cowboy Santa will be in the Best of the West Trade Show taking Christmas lists on Nov. 25 – 27 from 1 to 4 p.m., Dec 1 from 1 to 4 p.m., Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 3-4 from 1 to 4 p.m., Dec. 8-9 from 4 to 7 p.m., and Dec. 10 from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Ride the Mechanical Cutting Horse

Get a taste of what attracts people of all ages to one of the fastest growing equine sports. The mechanical cutting horse and cow will be set up at the Best of the West Trade Show for the duration of the show. It simulates the quick maneuvers and hard stops of a real cutter, and it has multiple speeds for riders of all ages and skill levels.

Commemorative Belt Buckles

Visitors to the show will have the chance to purchase a commemorative 50^th Futurity belt buckle, made by Gist Silversmiths.

Meet the Stars of PBR

Four of Professional Bull Riding’s greats will be signing autographs from 1 to 3 pm in the Best of the West Shopping Experience on Saturday, Dec. 3. Headliners comprise Ross Coleman, Colby Yates, Cord McCoy and J.W. Hart. The guys will also try their skills at riding the mechanical cutting horse. PBR will also have Martinez’s Far West, a top PBR bull, on display outside the exhibit hall.

Historical Futurity Display

A special display celebrating the NCHA Futurity Open Champions will greet visitors to the Best of the West trade show in the Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall where hundreds of vendors will offer an unparalleled shopping experience in the weeks before Christmas..

Each of the display’s five sections will focus on a decade of past NCHA Futurities, with historic photos, statistics and more.

Meet the legendary Buster Welch

Buster Welch was not only the inaugural Futurity champion in 1962, he is also a five-time winner of the prestigious title. Buster will be in the Amon G Carter Exhibit Hall from 3 to 5 pm on Saturday Dec. 10 to shake hands and sign autographs.

Cooper’s Bar-B-Que Reception

All NCHA members are invited to a special reception at Cooper’s Bar-B-Que in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards Sunday Dec. 4 at 7 pm. The reception will also feature a Christmas Art Show and Sale with this season’s complete inventory of Jerry McAdams original works. Cooper’s is located on North Main Street, next to Billy Bob’s Texas.

Ranch and Breeding Operation Tours

NCHA will host a ranch and breeding operation bus tour to select locations in Parker County Dec 7 and 8. The tour will stop at some of the industry’s top operations and stallion stations. Two-time Futurity Champion Leon Harrel will serve as the tour guide. If available, tickets can be purchased the day of the tour for $40.

Western Bloodstock sales

Western Bloodstock will host cutting horse sales beginning Monday, Dec. 5 and continuing through the finals day on Saturday, Dec. 10. On Saturday, Dec. 10, XTO Energy’s Super Stallion Saturday, an event that showcases many of the top cutting horse sires in the industry, will begin at 8:00 a.m. Visitors are welcome to walk through the barn at the Watt to have a closer look at the stallions. In light of the 50^th Futurity events, Western Bloodstock invited all 20 living Open Futurity Champion horses to join in the Super Stallion Saturday festivities. For more information, visit www.westernbloodstock.com.

Trigger and Bullet Happy Trails Tour

In honor of Roy Rogers’ 100^th birthday, stop by the Amon G Carter Exhibit Hall anytime Dec 1 – 10 to see Trigger “The Golden Palomino” and Bullet “The Wonder Dog” on their 48-state Happy Trails Tour.

International Lounge

International guests will be welcomed to the show with a space to call their own – the international lounge. Located next to the NCHA Information Booth, the lounge is great place to relax and watch the live feed from the coliseum. Guests will also receive a welcome bag stuffed full with goodies.

Held annually at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, each year, the NCHA World Championship Futurity showcases the next generation of leading cutting horses in their first arena competition. Since the inaugural Futurity in 1962 with 35 entries vying for a purse of $18,375, this event captures the imagination of fans around the world as more than 1,500 of the world’s top horse and rider combinations compete for a piece of a purse estimated at nearly $4 million

The National Cutting Horse Association has more than 20,000 members from a wide range of backgrounds. Each year more than 2,200 NCHA-approved events are held throughout North America, with more than $40 million in prize money awarded. For more information visit www.nchacutting.com or call (817) 244-6188.

Veterinarians Connect the (FDA-Approved) Prascend® Dots: Will Senior Horses Need to Change to the New Medication to Control Cushings and IR Symptoms?

Veterinarians Connect the (FDA-Approved) Prascend® Dots: Will Senior Horses Need to Change to the New Medication to Control Cushings and IR Symptoms?: The imminent release of Boehringer Ingelheim's FDA-approved Prascend to the equine market may mean serious changes are afoot for senior horses that are currently being treated with the compounded medication known as pergolide to control symptoms of equine Cushings disease (PPID) or insulin resistance.

Florida: Still Waiting on Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing Rules

Florida: Still Waiting on Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing Rules: As Gretna Racing heads toward its Dec. 1 opening of Florida's first pari-mutuel barrel racing meet, issues including the wagering format and a Quarter Horse industry group's challenge to Gretna Racing's state-approved license remain unresolved....

Winter Driving Tips for Horse Owners

Winter Driving Tips for Horse Owners:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2011) – With the change of seasons, USRider – the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians – reminds those who travel with Horses to be careful when traveling and invest time doing routine preventive trailer maintenance to enhance their travel safety.



It is imperative to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Be sure to maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s service schedule. It’s also important to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic.



“When it comes to vehicle maintenance, especially heavy-duty vehicles towing precious cargo, it is better to be proactive than reactive,” said Bill Riss, general manager of USRider. “If you have not already done so, establish a relationship with a trusted ASE (www.ase.com <http://www.ase.com> ) mechanic. It is essential that you do this before your vehicle breaks down on the side of the highway while towing your horse trailer.”



USRider recommends that you check tire pressure before each trip. This is especially important with temperature changes. If you are traveling from a warm climate to a cold climate, air pressure in your tires will drop. On the other hand, when traveling from a cold climate into a warm climate, the air pressure will rise.



A weak battery will usually reveal itself during cold weather. If your battery is more than a couple of years old, be sure to check it prior to cold weather setting in. Otherwise, you will most likely be inconvenienced on some cold morning when the battery fails to start your vehicle.

When driving, a good rule of thumb to follow on the road is “rain,ice & snow – take it slow.” Before setting out on a trip, take the time to check weather reports and plan accordingly. Be sure to allow extra time for inclement weather. Mother Nature doesn’t care that you need to be somewhere at a certain time.



Always drive with your headlights on during inclement weather – even if it is not dark. USRider recommends that Horse owners drive with headlights on anytime when trailering Horses, regardless of weather, because of increased visibility afforded by using headlights.



Also during inclement weather, be sure to increase distance between vehicles to allow more stopping time. USRider recommends that you double the normal distance between vehicles when towing a Horse trailer.



“Stopping on snow or ice without skidding and/or jackknifing takes extra distance. Use brakes very gently to avoid skidding,” added Riss. “If you begin to skid or jackknife, ease up on the brake and steer into the skid to regain control.”



During winter months, traction tires are recommended. In order to qualify as a traction tire, tires must have at least an eighth of an inch of tread and be labeled Mud and Snow, M+S, All-Season, or have a Mountain/Snowflake symbol. Since tire performance can vary, a trusted area dealer may be able to advise you on the best tires for your vehicle.



Since it’s difficult to know what road conditions you may encounter during the winter, make it a practice to re-fuel when your vehicle fuel gauge drops below the halfway mark. In many states, you can dial 5-1-1 for travel conditions and road closures.



In some states, vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), including some passenger trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers, must carry chains on certain highways November 1 through March 31. Check with the Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles for information on the states you will be traveling through.



USRider provides roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to its members through the Equestrian Motor Plan. Standard features include flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, towing up to 100 miles, roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with Horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit www.usrider.org online or call (800) 844-1409.



For additional safety tips, visit the Equine Travel Safety Area on the USRider website at www.usrider.org.

17-Nov-11 8:00 AM

To Blanket or Not to Blanket

To Blanket or Not to Blanket:

One of the most confusing decisions when trailering in cold weather is whether to blanket your Horse, said Neva Kittrell Scheve, author and equine travel expert. Horses are very comfortable in cold conditions, and most will travel very well during the winter. Two important factors should be considered when making this decision, according toScheve:



Ensure that the trailer is well ventilated because Horses are prone to respiratory illness. A trailer that is not properly ventilated becomes filled with toxic air from the hay dust, shavings,and any gases from urine and manure. The body heat produced by the Horses also builds up inside the trailer.



Keep Horses hydrated in the summer as well as during the winter. Dehydration is the most common cause of colic. Horses can become dehydrated even during the winter if they do not drink or they lose water through perspiration. If a Horse is dressed too warmly, it will tend to lose more fluids than it should.



Be sure to dress the Horse according to the situation. If the Horse has a full winter coat and does well in daily life, it will not need a blanket for the trailer trip. In this case, open the roof vents and a few windows in the back so the air does not blow directly on the Horse. If you have a stock trailer that does not have windows that close, a light sheet can protect the Horse from the wind. If the Horse is body clipped or does not have a heavy coat, it should wear the same weight blanket that it would normally wear, and vents and windows should be open.



Long-distance trips require a little more preparation. Be ready for driving through different temperatures. Pack blankets of different weights so you can change them as the weather changes during travel. Be sure the Horse does not sweat too much. It could get wet and get chilled. Also, the Horse can lose water through sweat and become dehydrated.



About the Equine Network

The Equine Network provides, creates, and distributes relevant content and services to passionate horseenthusiasts while connecting them to each other and the marketplace. The Equine Network is the publisher of award-winning magazines: Horse&Rider, EQUUS, Dressage Today, The Trail Rider, Spin to Win Rodeo, American Cowboy, Practical Horseman, and Horse Journal. The Equine Network also publishes a proprietary line of books and DVDs for sale through its store, HorseBooksEtc.com. The Equine Network provides emergency roadside assistance through its recent acquisition of USRider, and is home to several websites including: EquiSearch.com, Equine.com, MyHorseDaily.com, DiscoverHorses.com, AmericanCowboy.com, and Horse-Journal.com.

17-Nov-11 8:15 AM