The Jockey Club Launches Incentive Program for Thoroughbred Sport Horses

The Jockey Club Launches Incentive Program for Thoroughbred Sport Horses:

NEWS RELEASE

October 14, 2011

Contact: Bob Curran Jr. (212) 521-5326

The Jockey Club today announced the launch of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which will recognize and reward the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at locally, nationally or internationally sanctioned horse shows. The Jockey Club has committed $100,000 to the Thoroughbred Incentive Program for a pilot program in 2012.

“The Thoroughbred Incentive Program is a natural extension of our ongoing efforts in Thoroughbred aftercare,” said James L. Gagliano, The Jockey Club’s president and chief operating officer. “We encourage other groups to join us as we assist with the transition of Thoroughbreds into second careers.”

“Thoroughbreds are versatile athletes, which makes them ideally suited for any number of disciplines beyond the racetrack,” said Dell Hancock, a steward of The Jockey Club, a longtime Thoroughbred owner/breeder and a former horse show competitor. “The Thoroughbred Incentive Program will help showcase and reward the breed’s many talents at all levels of competition and will encourage the retraining of Thoroughbreds once they have finished their racing or breeding career.”

“Although a Thoroughbred named Kim’s Song never beat a horse on the race track, she went on to be a national hunter champion and put me on the map as a young rider in the 1970s, so I have a deep-rooted appreciation for Thoroughbreds competing in the show world,” said R. Bruce Duchossois, a horse owner and breeder and championship competitor in multiple equestrian disciplines. “I commend The Jockey Club for developing an incentive program for Thoroughbred sport horses and I strongly encourage show organizers to participate by offering T.I.P.-sponsored Thoroughbred classes and awards in 2012.”

Horse show organizers that would like to offer a T.I.P. Thoroughbred class and/or high point award at their show in 2012 should complete the T.I.P. application available at tjctip.com. T.I.P. sponsorships are available for a variety of disciplines, including eventing, dressage, hunters, jumpers and western and English pleasure, and will include ribbons, prizes and in some cases, purse money. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2011.

In addition to class and award sponsorships at shows, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program will also offer two annual awards in 2012:

The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award will recognize a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work. The award will include a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse or, if not associated with a non-profit organization, to a horse-related charity chosen by The Jockey Club.

The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award will recognize a young rider, 18 or under, who owns or leases a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club or other activities. The winner(s) will be determined through an essay contest with a total award of $5,000 annually that can be applied to the college of their choice or to their participation in an event that furthers their involvement with horses. Applications for the T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award and T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award will be made available at tjctip.com in 2012.

Thoroughbreds registered with The Jockey Club will be eligible for participation in all T.I.P. classes and awards. Horse owners interested in participating in T.I.P. can find more information regarding eligibility and assistance with identification of Thoroughbreds at tjctip.com.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

19-Oct-11 9:00 AM

All American ProRodeo Finals Will Stay in Waco

All American ProRodeo Finals Will Stay in Waco:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (PRCA) – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has signed an agreement with the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo Committee that will keep the All American ProRodeo Finals, presented by Pendleton Whisky, in Waco for the next three years.

The Extraco Events Center in Waco has been the home of the season-ending championship since its beginnings four years ago – first as part of the Heartland Series and for the past two years as the $500,000 finale for the All American ProRodeo Series – and has enjoyed increased fan support each year.

The recently-completed Oct. 7-15 event had record attendance, up five percent from a year ago.

“The All American ProRodeo Series was created to provide opportunities for our members,” said PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman, “and the Finals in Waco have been a big part of that. We have had some real success stories there, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the Heart O’ Texas committee for years to come.”

All PRCA rodeos with added money of $30,000 or less – more than 400 rodeos this year – are automatically part of the All American ProRodeo Series and the Finals in Waco are a big incentive for up-and-coming professionals while also helping rodeo committees increase participation throughout the year.

“We take pride in the role we play in helping contestants and committees,” said Wes Allison, President/CEO of the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo. “From our standpoint, the format fits so well with our (Heart O’ Texas Fair), and we are excited to continue our collaboration with the PRCA. It’s been great for our fans and great for our committee.”

The final round of this year’s All American ProRodeo Finals amply demonstrated the role the series can play in developing new stars in the cowboy sport. The team roping was won by 2011 PRCA/Resistol Rookie of the Year Header Joshua Torres and his brother Jonathan. Rookie Riley Duvall, 19, won the steer wrestling and 20-year-old Jacob O’Mara won the bull riding and a rodeo-best $16,413.

“It’s a great series,” Duvall said. “It gives guys like me, who are just starting out and can’t go to some of the bigger rodeos a chance to learn and get better and compete at a big-money rodeo like Waco. Wes and his committee do a great job. They get great stock and treat everybody well. It’s a real good deal. It helped me out a bunch. The money I earned (at Waco) will now get me into some of the big winter rodeos coming up.”

Great American Country’s television coverage of the All American ProRodeo Finals will air on Oct. 30 at 10 p.m. (ET), with rebroadcasts on Oct. 31 at 1:30 a.m., Nov. 27 at 10 p.m. and Nov. 28 at 1:30 a.m. (Dish Network, Chanel 167, and DirecTV, Chanel 326). GAC will also broadcast the Finals from Waco in 2012.

Number of Thoroughbred Mares Bred Fell 10% in 2011

Number of Thoroughbred Mares Bred Fell 10% in 2011: Statistics from The Jockey Club for the 2011 North American breeding season show the number of stallions that serviced mares fell 11.5% and the number of mares bred declined 10% when compared to the same period a year ago....

APHA gearing up for an exciting World Championship Horse Show

APHA gearing up for an exciting World Championship Horse Show:

More than 900 Paint Horses and over 2,500 entries to converge for top-end competition

Fort Worth, TX— Visitors to the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Open/Amateur World Championship Paint Horse Show on November 2-12, 2011, will be treated to a showcase of colorful horses and riders. Featuring nearly a thousand horses, the World Show will take place at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and encompass 235 classes and name 178 World Champion titles in world-class equine competition.

The APHA World Championship Show features talented American Paint Horses as well as Paint Horse breeders, owners and exhibitors from around the world.

Open and Amateur competitors will be the focus of this show, in addition to the big payout classes such as the Slot, Breeders’ Futurity, Challenge and Sweepstakes classes. Over $500,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded during the 11-day competition to top finishers in a full array of classes and disciplines.

It’s not too late to enter your American Paint Horse in the World Show. Entries are accepted until 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the class being held. Visit http://oawcs.apha.com for a complete daily schedule, entry forms, rules and to view current class entries.

Challenge Classes

Four of the Challenge classes feature Paint Horses who are making their name known early in their careers. Many talented 3-year-olds will compete in hunter under saddle, Western pleasure, reining and cutting for money and bragging rights. APHA adds $5,000 to each Challenge class. For a complete class schedule, visit http://oawcs.apha.com.

The Non-Pro Versatility Challenge is a class designed to showcase the versatility and athletic nature of the American Paint Horse and their riders. Each horse-and-rider team will compete in four events—hunter under saddle, Western pleasure, reining and barrel racing—with $2,500 added by the APHA.

Bridleless Western Pleasure

The Bridleless Western Pleasure is unique in that the horses are required to not wear a bridle to control the horse. Only a small leather strap around the horse’s neck is permitted, therefore showing the horse’s natural movement without direction from the rider’s hands. This class is scheduled as the final class on Saturday, November 12, in the John Justin Arena.

Breeders’ Trust Select Sale

On Saturday, November 5, the Breeders’ Trust Select Sale will offer over 40 Paint Horses enrolled in the APHA Breeders’ Trust program to be sold through a live auction in the John Justin West Sale Arena. The showcase preview will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the John Justin Arena, and the sale begins at 2:00 p.m. The Breeders’ Trust Select Sale catalog is online at http://oawcs.apha.com/sale to preview the horses available. If you plan to attend the sale, be sure to come for the Preview Party sponsored by eyeD on Friday, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in Cattle Barn 4.

Special Events

During the show, the APHA “On The Road” satellite program will be near the APHA Information Booth located in the John Justin hallway from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. to conduct business such as registrations, transfers, subscriptions and memberships. To find out what paperwork is needed, contact the APHA Registration Department at (817) 222-6423.

The American Paint Horse Foundation will host a Therapeutic Riding Demonstration on Saturday, November 12, in the John Justin Arena. This inspirational presentation demonstrates how equine therapy helps people rehabilitate, improve balance, coordination and confidence through the interaction with horses.

The tongue-in-cheek “world championship” dog races have become a huge hit with the World Show fans. The number of entries grow each year. Come watch the hilarious introductions, the antics of the dogs and cheer for your favorite. This year they are scheduled for November 7 and 11. Check the schedule of events for times.

Two free horsemanship clinics will be held in the John Justin Arena on November 10 from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., and on November 11 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. featuring NRCHA professional and “Road To The Horse” Champion, Richard Winters. Join us as he shares his in-depth knowledge and take-home practical skills to improve communication and body control with any horse. Clinics are sponsored by eyeD Equine Identification Technology.

On November 11, Veterans Day, the show will take time to honor the servicemen and woman and their families during a special presentation and Color Guard salute in the John Justin Arena.

Keeping the Bitted Horse's Mouth Healthy

Keeping the Bitted Horse's Mouth Healthy: Some equine issues are evergreen. For example, how do you prevent that piece of leather from rubbing your horse? Or how can you keep his mouth healthy and comfortable when wearing a bit?
...

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: Publication year: 2011
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Available online 19 October 2011
Courtney Ann Welch, Gary D. Potter, Pete G. Gibbs, Elena M. Eller
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.

What Is Colic?

I thought this article by Dr. Lenz has some good comments about walking a horse versus letting them lay down. For many of our clients it is faster to load the horse and haul to a clinic. For our veterinarians the workup done at a hospital is more in depth and can be performed more safely. If a horse is wanting to lay down, that is not a reason to avoid a trailer ride. It is much easier to pull a horse off a trailer, than it is to try and do colic surgery on the farm. Intense pain is an emergency and one we believe should be addressed at the hospital as quickly as possible. - Ben Buchanan, DVM, Specialist Internal Medicine, Specialist Emergency and Critical Care

What Is Colic?:

How to recognize the symptoms and what to do about them.

What should you do if your horse is showing signs of colic? Journal photo.

By Dr. Thomas R. Lenz in The American Quarter Horse Journal

Colic remains a major cause of sickness and death in horses.

Approximately 10 percent of all horses suffer at least one bout of colic during their lifetimes. And a little more than 6 percent of those die, nearly twice as many horses as are affected by other diseases or injuries. Here, we’ll focus on what to do while you’re waiting for the veterinarian to arrive.

What Is Colic?

The word “colic” simply refers to abdominal pain. It covers a multitude of abdominal and intestinal problems, ranging from simple excess gas in the intestines to severe torsion or twisting of the intestines. It can also include stomach ulcers, uterine pain in pregnant or post-foaling mares and pain associated with disease in organs of the abdomen.

It is critical for horse owners to recognize the early signs of colic, because the sooner the horse is seen and treated, the greater his chances of recovery. All colics begin with mild pain and subtle symptoms. If the horse is lucky, it will be a mild colic and resolve on its own or with moderate treatment from a veterinarian.

However, the first clinical signs might be an early stage of a life-threatening colic that will eventually require extensive treatment or surgery. Unfortunately, no one can tell at the beginning.

Signs

Signs of colic in the horse vary, but include not eating, yawning, restlessness, groaning, repeatedly curling the upper lip, looking at the flank, continuous or intermittent pawing, circling, backing into a corner or post, standing in a stretched position, lying down repeatedly, rolling and sweating excessively.

Remember that these signs are not specific for any particular type of colic and no colicky horse is likely to show all of them. Know how your horse acts normally to recognize anything unusual.

What Do You Do?

Remember that all colics are emergencies and a veterinarian should be contacted as soon as possible. Once you’ve determined that your horse is colicking, call a veterinarian immediately. Provide the veterinarian with as much information over the phone as possible. This should include the clinical signs (pawing, sweating, rolling, etc.), the horse’s rectal temperature (normal between 98 to 101.2 degrees Fahrenheit), the horse’s heart rate (normal is 30 to 40 beats per minute), and the horse’s gum color (normally pink, but might be blue if the horse is in shock or dark red if the horse is toxic).

Now that you’ve made the call, and the veterinarian is on his way, what should you do while waiting?

Here are a few simple guidelines. First of all, do not allow the horse to eat. In severe colic, the horse will not want to eat, but in a mild colic or during periods of low pain, the horse might attempt to eat. Although interest in feed is a good sign, it could make the colic more severe or interfere with oral treatments. If nibbling a little green grass seems to help, that is OK, but do not allow access to hay or grain. If possible, move the horse to a grassy area with good footing and few obstacles. This will make it easier to handle the horse if he wants to lie down.

To Walk or Not to Walk?

The big question is whether or not to walk the horse. It is commonly believed that if a colicky horse rolls, he will twist an intestine. That can be true in horses with severe colic where intestines are filled with fluid and devitalized. However, in the vast majority of horses, rolling is not going to twist the intestine. Most twists and displacements occur while the horse is standing, and rolling is an attempt to get comfortable. The real problem with horses rolling, especially uncomfortably, is that they are very likely to injure themselves or their handlers, and they expend huge amounts of energy.

Here are my guidelines for when and when not to walk a colicky horse.

Remember that a horse lies down and attempts to roll to relieve pain and find a more comfortable position. If the horse lies down and stays down quietly, even in an unusual position, leave him alone. If he wants to get up and change positions periodically and then lie down again, leave him alone. If he constantly gets up and down and tries to roll frequently, walk him around.

Long-term walking can actually tire a horse, so do it only when absolutely necessary to take the horse’s mind off his pain. There is some debate as to whether or not walking stimulates intestinal motility. Occasionally, a horse suffering from gas colic will benefit from trotting or a trail ride, which seem to move the gas along. But there is no evidence that walking either stimulates intestinal movement or corrects a twist. Unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian on the phone, do not medicate the horse before the veterinarian arrives. Many common sedatives and painkillers decrease intestinal movement and might actually make the colic worse. Others affect heart rate or lower blood pressure and can put the horse at risk of shock.

Note any unusual character, color or composition of the horse’s manure and the frequency of defecation or urination. Also, note if the abdominal girth has changed during the colic episode, especially if it is enlarged. Note the frequency and intensity of the painful episodes and whether they are continuous or increasing in severity. All of this information will help the veterinarian determine the cause of the colic.

Colic is a true emergency, and getting a veterinarian on the scene as quickly as possible is the key to saving the horse.

Texas Still Takes Rustlin’ Serious – Convicted Cattle Rustler Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison

Texas Still Takes Rustlin’ Serious – Convicted Cattle Rustler Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison:

RUSK, TEXAS (TSCRA) – Convicted cattle thief Michael Bradberry, 52, Alto, was sentenced to 32 years in prison and $173,000 in restitution today by 2nd Judicial District Court Judge Dwight Phifer.

Bradberry was found guilty in August 2011 after an investigation led by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Jimmy Dickson revealed he had stolen more than $100,000 worth of cattle and money from his employer over a 2-year period.

Dickson praised District Attorney Elmer Beckworth for his aggressive prosecution and Judge Phifer for sentencing Bradburry appropriately.

“Rural theft is a very serious crime, and today we were able to send a clear message that, in Cherokee County, we don’t tolerate theft of any kind,” said Dickson.

TSCRA has 30 special rangers stationed strategically throughout Texas and Oklahoma who have in-depth knowledge of the cattle industry and are trained in all facets of law enforcement. All are commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 134-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest livestock association in Texas, TSCRA represents more than 15,000 beef cattle producers, ranching families and businesses who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 79.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement and livestock inspection services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry news and information, insurance services and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.

The Effect of Glucosamine and Chondroitin on Stressed Equine Cartilage Explants

The Effect of Glucosamine and Chondroitin on Stressed Equine Cartilage Explants: Publication year: 2011
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Available online 22 October 2011
R.S. Harlan, R.C. Haut, M.W. Orth
Effective prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis for horses is still needed. This research tests the ability of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (GLN/CS) to mitigate inflammatory and mechanical stress in vitro. In this study, GLN/CS mediate this effect by a decrease of the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and a decrease of proteoglycan release from the extracellular matrix in stressed cartilage explants. Explants were cultured with interleukin-1 (IL-1) + mechanical trauma with and without GLN/CS. NO and prostaglandin E2 were measured as indicators of an inflammatory response. Glycosaminoglycans were measured as an indicator of cartilage breakdown. NO levels in the stressed explants with GLN/CS treatment were lower than the IL-1 + mechanical impact treatment alone and did not differ from control group. The glycosaminoglycan release was also lower in the GLN/CS treatment than the IL-1 + mechanical impact treatment, although the prostaglandin E2 concentration was not affected. This study offers some evidence that GLN/CS treatment can partially mitigate the catabolic response to inflammatory stress and mechanical trauma in equine cartilage explants. These results provide additional support for the continued study on the benefit of GLN/CS for horses with cartilage degeneration.

Broodmare Nutrition: Preparing for Fall and Winter

Broodmare Nutrition: Preparing for Fall and Winter: All broodmares should have their body condition assessed regularly, as mares in good body condition have a reservoir of stored fat that can be used during cold winter weather. Mares in good body condition at foaling are also easier to rebreed....

The State of the Equine Genome Sequence

The State of the Equine Genome Sequence: The field of equine genetics got a huge boost back in 2007 when the first horse genome was successfully sequenced. Now, four years later, what is the state of that novel sequence?...

Rattlesnake Bites in Horses: A Retrospective Review

Rattlesnake Bites in Horses: A Retrospective Review: Horses bitten by rattlesnakes have historically had a higher mortality rate compared to other species, but according to the results of a recent study, their chances for a recovery might be better than originally thought....

Snake Bites

Snake Bites:

Would you be prepared if your horse was bitten?

The aftermath of a muzzle-bite: major swelling in the face area. Photo courtesy of Dr. Murray Fowler, University of California-Davis.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

The snake wouldn’t have attacked Cary Lightsey’s horse had it not been in pain.

In fact, Cary rides through the same area of snake-infested woods just about every day, and he has only had to deal with one snake bite.

The majority of snake bite cases reported in the United States are people bitten while trying to pick up one of the slithery reptiles.

“Even if you can’t see the snake, a horse often knows it’s there through its animal senses and can tell you there’s something wrong,” Dr. Robert Gukich, of Lake Wales, Florida, says. “If a horse balks at going over an obstacle, there may be a reason for it.”

Snakes tend to hide under logs and rocks or in shady areas when the weather is hot.

Be careful on the trail, as well as at home, especially when moving obstacles in your pasture or arena.

However, if your horse is bit, the following guidelines may help in its recovery:

• Assume the snake is venomous. If possible, take a good look at the snake. Veterinarians can better treat your horse if they know what kind of snake bite they are dealing with.


• Get medical treatment immediately. “Timing makes a big difference in the horse’s chances of survival, especially if the horse is bit on the head,” Dr. Gukich says. “Get your horse to a veterinarian as soon as possible.” Head bites are common because horses, out of curiosity, often stretch their nose down to sniff a snake. Because the head is an area of major blood supply, head bites can be far more serious than bites to limbs.

The American Quarter Horse Journal has brought its readers the greatest events, introduced them to legendary horses and people and provided tips on riding, training, racing, management and health.

• Calm the horse down. Increased heart rate causes higher blood flow, dispersing the venom to larger areas of the body.


• Place a wide constricting tourniquet, such as a rolled-up bandana or piece of clothing, about two inches above the bite, if the bite is on the horse’s leg. The band should be tight enough to compress the veins and lymphatic vessels, but not tight enough to constrict the underlying arteries. It should be as tight as the band a nurse applies when drawing blood. Do not place tourniquets on the horse’s head.


• Wash the bite with soap and water. If possible, get the horse to a stall or confined area, even if that means trailering for a short distance.


• Do not cut the bite area. Recent research shows that this old practice worsens the damage.


• Do not suck venom from the bite by mouth. It might not hurt to use a rubber suction cup from a snake-bite kit, but many experts say this practice doesn’t necessarily help the situation.


• Do not apply cold or hot compresses. Leave the wound at its current temperature.


• Call your veterinarian immediately. Make sure your cell-phone batteries are charged before you ride.

If you spend a lot of time on trails or in areas heavily populated with snakes, talk with your veterinarian about a personalized first-aid kit that will fit in your saddlebag or trailer. Be sure you know the best way to administer the drugs.

Join the 235,000 people who read the Journal each month, including more AQHA judges and professionals than any other publication.

“If your veterinarian agrees, I think it’s a good idea to carry some corticosteroids, an analgesic agent and maybe even a tourniquet with you,” Dr. Gukich says. “If you’re way out in the woods, it often takes a large-animal vet an hour or so – even for emergency services – to reach you. If you carry some drugs to give the horse immediately, it can greatly increase the comfort of the horse before the veterinarian arrives.”

Here are a few suggestions for emergency supplies:

• Tourniquet – or make your own from a bandana. The goal is to keep the venom in the bite area; the tourniquet helps prevent the blood from spreading throughout the horse’s bloodstream


• Analgesic agent or corticosteroid – to ease the horse’s pain and reduce inflammation


• Soap


• Cell phone


• Six-inch piece of garden hose that can be lubricated and inserted into the nostrils of a horse who has been bitten on the face. Face bites swell dramatically, and the hose piece might keep the horse’s air passages open enough to enable him to breath until swelling subsides with treatment.

Breeding Basics: The Mare's Reproductive Cycle

Breeding Basics: The Mare's Reproductive Cycle: Horse breeding is a business full of rewards and disappointments. Breeders eagerly await the birth of a healthy foal, but they also understand the risk of abortion or of a mare not conceiving.

Study: 'Nanny' Horses Reduce Weaning Stress for Foals

Study: 'Nanny' Horses Reduce Weaning Stress for Foals: According to a new study by Austrian researchers, foals cope with the stress of weaning better when they're accompanied by mares other than their dams before and after weaning. ...

Horse-Sitting 101: Legalities to Consider

Horse-Sitting 101: Legalities to Consider: Leaving your horse in the care of another person--even a trusted friend--can be a nerve-wracking experience. It's possible to eliminate some of the anxiety, though, by preparing for the trip in advance.
...

Equine Quarantine Recommendations

Equine Quarantine Recommendations:

Quarantine is an important, effective and underused practice on horse farms. Quarantine can reduce the risk of introducing new infectious agents to animals on the farm or limit the spread of something that’s already starting to circulate through the herd.

A recent article from TheHorse.com gives a good overview of why and how to implement quarantine. Importantly, it emphasizes that quarantine is not just for large, high-risk farms, and that any farm can and should have a quarantine plan. Not everyone can implement a quarantine protocol easily. We know and accept that, but the inability to implement a textbook quarantine program can't be used as an excuse to do nothing. Even a cursory quarantine program, with some basic practices to reduce direct and indirect contact of quarantined horses with other horses, can be very useful.

Most of the time, quarantine goes uneventfully and no problems are encountered. That sometimes leads to complacency, but it's the few cases where quarantine contains a problem that makes it all worthwhile. The implications of a single horse getting past quarantine can be huge, both for the individual farm and more broadly (e.g. Australian influenza outbreak). The article has some sound, practical advice that all horse owners should consider.

Rick Perry Names Houston CFA to Racing Commission Board

Rick Perry Names Houston CFA to Racing Commission Board:

By David Hooper, CEO, Texas Thoroughbred Association

Photo by Lucy Reyna, Horseback Magazine

AUSTIN, (TRC) – GOVERNOR PERRY APPOINTS HOUSTON CFA TO TRC TO FILL PABLOS’ VACANCY

Governor Rick Perry has appointed John T. Steen III, a Chartered Financial Analyst and director of commercial development for Lone Star NGL LLC, to the Texas Racing Commission to fill the unexpired term of former TRC Chair Rolando Pablos, which runs through 2013.

Steen earned a Bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and two post-graduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a past member of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Steen is expected to be introduced at the next TRC meeting on November 15.

17 CANDIDATES TO RUN FOR 3-YEAR TERMS ON TTA BOARD IN 2012 ELECTION

The Texas Thoroughbred Association Board of Directors met via conference call early this morning and accepted the recommendations of the Nominating Committee by confirming 17 candidates to run for 3-year terms on the TTA Board in the 2012 election of directors taking place later this fall.

There are 13 candidates running at large for five statewide seats. With their home city in parentheses, the at-large candidates are: Dr. Shirley Browne (Richmond), Jack Cook (Rockdale), Carl Davis (Lindale), Ed Few (Jasper), Lewis Hall Jr. (Fort Worth), James Hughes (Seguin), Bill Jordan (Weatherford), Mark Martinez (San Antonio), Eddie Milligan (Murchison), Dr. Jacquelyn Rich (Lott), Mike Rose (Dallas), Danny Shifflett (Hempstead) and Jeff Stevens (Richardson).

The at-large incumbents are Few, Jordan, Milligan and Shifflett. In addition, Drs. Browne and Rich, who have been the respective East and Central Region directors in recent years, have chosen to run at large in the upcoming election rather than as incumbents for their Regional seats.

The East and Central Regions will each have two candidates on the respective Regional ballots. The East Region candidates are Brent Savage (Cypress) and Hal Wiggins (Houston). The Central Region candidates are Dr. Tom Castoldi (San Marcos) and Jerry Chapman (Waco).

Ballots will be mailed November 1 to eligible TTA members along with background information on each candidate. Ballots must be received in the TTA office by December 15.

TEXAS-BREDS TAPTAM, TEXAS COUNTRY DOLL 1-2 IN $103,750 OPEN INDIANA STAKES

Trainer Bob Baffert shipped Freedom Star from the West Coast to Hoosier Park for the $103,750 Mari Hulman George Stakes on October 1 and she went postward as the 4-5 choice to win the 1 1/16-mile race, but Freedom Star could do no better than fourth as two Texas-breds ran one-two, both at 11-1 odds.

The consistent veteran mare Taptam, owned in partnership by Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch, added to her record of accomplishments by opening a daylight lead late and winning by 1 ¾ lengths over Jim Warvell’s homebred and trained Texas Country Doll, who finished 2 ½ lengths before Afleeting Lady. Taptam completed the distance in 1:45.60 and paid a generous $24.60 after having turned in a lackluster effort finishing 11th in Ellis Park’s Gardenia Stakes in her most recent outing. Taptam’s career earnings are now $575,338.

The versatile Warvell and his wife Jan, along with daughters Sonna and Toni, comprise the Warvell Family inductees to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth in 2010. The Warvell Family is commemorated in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame with the following recognition: “The Warvell Family, based in Weatherford, Texas, has performed in almost every major American city, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Japan, Brazil, England, Singapore, and even Kuwait. Their spectacular acts have been the highlight of PRCA Rodeos, Fairs and Wild West Shows. Jim and Jan Warvell, along with daughters Toni and Sonna, kept audiences thrilled with acts featuring Roman Riding, Trick Riding, Trick Roping, Comedy Routines and Dancing Horses.

“One of the most spectacular acts featured Jan riding a beautiful white horse at liberty without a bridle or saddle. Trained by Jim Warvell, ‘White Feather’ and Jan would jump a white convertible car in the arena in front of a spellbound audience. Today, 2009, finds the Warvells are still active in the horse business. Jim and Jan are owners and trainers of race horses. Toni is active in cutting, training and judging equine events and since the 1992 Euro Disney opening, Sonna has had the starring role as ‘Annie Oakley’ in ‘Le Legende de Buffalo Bill,’ Disney’s largest dinner show located in Paris, France.”

Congratulations Jim and continued success for you and Jan with your race horses and to your daughters in their respective careers in the horse industry.

75th KEENELAND ANNIVERSARY SEASON OPENS WITH 5 GRADE 1s THIS WEEKEND

Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, KY, opens its 75th anniversary season with a spectacular 3-day racing program that includes nine graded stakes, five of which are classified as Grade 1, and they will be contested in spectacular weather as the leaves transition into their beautiful fall colors.

The meet opens on Friday headed by the $400,000 Darley Alcibiades (G1). There are three Grade 1s on Saturday’s card topped by the $600,000 Shadwell Turf Mile. The $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) tops Sunday’s card.

TVG personalities will provide live coverage of the Keeneland meet. The track’s races are also streamed live on Keeneland’s website. Saturday’s featured stakes will be shown on VERSUS, part of the NBC Sports Group, from 4-5pm CDT.

WASTED TEARS MAKES FINAL CAREER START IN KEENELAND’S FIRST LADY (G1)

Bart Evans’ homebred and trained 6-year-old multiple stakes-winning mare Wasted Tears, three-time winner of Lone Star Park’s Ouija Board Handicap (G3), will make her final career start in one of Keeneland’s three Grade 1 stakes this Saturday when she goes postward against a full field of 11 older fillies and mares in the $350,000 First Lady Stakes at her favorite distance of one mile on turf.

Wasted Tears enters the First Lady with 12 wins in 21 starts, plus two seconds and one third for earnings of $923,963. A First Lady win will make her a millionairess. In addition to her Lone Star Ouija Board wins, Wasted Tears also boasts Grade 2 triumphs in the John C. Mabee at Del Mar and the Jenny Wiley at Keeneland, and a Grade 3 victory in the Honey Fox at Gulfstream Park. Wasted Tears finished fifth in the First Lady last year.

Fast furlongs…The International Simulcast Conference, held in Scottsdale, AZ, this week, placed special emphasis on discussions of improved spacing of major stakes to maximize handle and the positive results realized by several tracks when takeout rates were reduced…The one-time brilliant mare Life at Ten has finally been retired and will be sold in Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale after failing to win this year following her non-performance last November in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic that spawned controversy and investigations that are still not resolved…Equibase’s 9-month summation of industry economic indicators finds purses up 0.6%, wagering down 7.6% and racing days down 5.2% compared with the first three-quarters of 2010…Dallasite Jerry Namy’s Shared Prospect, undefeated in two starts including the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3), gives Texans a rooting interest connection in Keeneland’s $400,000 Breeders’ Futurity (G1) on Saturday…Retama Park has carded several full fields for its 10-race programs this weekend, with 94 horses in the entries on Friday night and 104 on Saturday.

RACE DAY MEDICATION, DRUG TESTING COMMITTEES PROVIDE UPDATES TO RMTC BOARD

RACE DAY MEDICATION, DRUG TESTING COMMITTEES PROVIDE UPDATES TO RMTC BOARD:

Photo by Lucy Reyna, Horseback Magazine

NTRA, (RMTC) – At its October 6 meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium board of directors heard important updates from the race day medication, drug testing initiative (DTI) and research committees. Items presented for discussion included penalty guidelines, race day medication administration, security and surveillance, drug administration studies and the research being conducted under the RMTC-funded post-doctoral program.

NTRA President Alex Waldrop presented a model rule to reflect the RMTC’s earlier recommendations that furosemide only be administered on race day by regulatory veterinarians. The RMTC board voted to approve the model rule presentation to the Association of Racing Commissioners International Winter Meeting in Tucson, December 8 and 9, 2011.

Under the proposed language of the model rule, regulators or their designees will have responsibility for race day administration of furosemide. The various adjunct bleeder medications that have been used in some jurisdictions would no longer be authorized.

RMTC Vice Chairman and CEO of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations Alan Foreman presented a report on the work of the RMTC Penalty Guidelines Committee. Mr. Foreman reported that the committee continues to pursue a simplified classification system of drug categories and penalty guidelines.

“Additionally, it is the committee’s goal to produce a list of appropriate testing decision levels and corresponding recommended withdrawal times for the various therapeutic medications,” Foreman said.

Mr. Foreman also acknowledged the work of The Jockey Club in developing the revised racing medication rules for incorporating recommendations emerging from this and other committees of the RMTC.

RMTC Chairman Dr. Bobby Lewis acknowledged the ongoing industry debate regarding the race day use of furosemide and the work of the RMTC subcommittee chaired by Chris Scherf, Executive Vice President of the Thoroughbred Racetrack Associations, which is studying the matter.

The principal objective of the committee, which was formed as a result of the International Summit on Race Day Medication, EIPH and the Racehorse, held at Belmont Park in June, was to study various means of comprehensively measuring the effects of eliminating furosemide in a population of starters. While other organizations including the Breeders’ Cup and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association have announced their plans for phasing out the use of furosemide in selected races beginning 2012, Dr. Lewis reiterated that as the industry advocate for medication matters, the RMTC will continue to monitor and study this issue, and stands ready to assist the industry in formulating rules and policies to support whatever change the industry decides.

In other business, the RMTC directors also heard an update from RMTC Project Manager Dr. Gregg Scoggins on the work of its DTI committee and ongoing administration and threshold level research for several therapeutic medications including the most commonly prescribed corticosteroids. The RMTC board approved funding for development of an analytical test for ITPP and heard recommendations from the scientific advisory committee on the direction of future RMTC research efforts.

Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, director of the Orthopaedic Research Center at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, was invited to share his expertise in the field of pharmacological effects of corticosteroids and their clinical uses.

“Dr. McIlwraith is an internationally-recognized expert in research on these products, and his input is timely considering the progress that has been made by RMTC with the ongoing corticosteroid administration trials,” said RMTC Chairman Dr. Robert Lewis.

The RMTC Board of Directors will convene again in Tucson, Arizona, in conjunction with the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s Annual Conference on Racing and Gaming in December.

The RMTC consists of 25 racing industry stakeholders and organizations that represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Arabian racing. The organization works to develop and promote uniform rules, policies and testing standards at the national level; coordinate research and educational programs that seek to ensure the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses and participants; and protect the interests of the racing public.

Restorative Dentistry in Horses

Restorative Dentistry in Horses: Dental care for horses isn't quite equal to human dentistry at this point, but in recent years advancements have been made in the field of equine restorative dentistry that are giving owners options when faced with some dental disorders....

Don’t Let Equine Influenza Ruin Your Congress or World Show Experience

Don’t Let Equine Influenza Ruin Your Congress or World Show Experience:

A fall vaccination with FLUVAC INNOVATOR can help protect against upper respiratory disease.

Don't let equine influenza catch you by surprise at a big show. Journal photo.

From AQHA Corporate Partner Pfizer

It’s that time of year again when the seasons shift, days are shorter and colder, and your American Quarter Horse’s coat gets longer.

While some horse owners are settling down for the season, others are gearing up for their biggest competitions of the year – the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the AQHA World Championship Show.

Unfortunately, this can be the time of year when upper respiratory disease such as equine influenza virus rears its ugly head. Equine influenza virus is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting the respiratory tract in horses.

Equine influenza is a virus of the H3N8 subtype. Two different equine H3N8 subtypes appear to be circulating internationally¹. It is important to note that these equine flu strains are different than the flu strains affecting humans.

Equine influenza is contagious and can be spread primarily by a couple of different means. The first is through respiratory tract secretions. Coughing horses can release the virus into the air, where it can spread up to 30 to 50 meters¹. It can also be spread by direct contact between horses and indirectly via a person’s hands or clothing or on inanimate objects such as buckets, tack or lead ropes¹. Flu symptoms in horses may include elevated body temperatures, loss of appetite, harsh dry cough, depression and nasal discharge.

If you’re a fan of Thoroughbred racing, you won’t be disappointed with our American Quarter Horse events. The excitement is real. AQHA’s FREE Guide to Wagering on American Quarter Horse Racing will help you win at the racetrack.

The best method for helping protect horses against equine influenza is to have them vaccinated by a veterinarian. Pfizer Animal Health’s FLUVAC INNOVATOR helps provide protection against equine influenza virus. In addition, FLUVAC INNOVATOR vaccines also contain equine herpes virus, types 1 and 4, to help protect against rhinopheumonitis. The FLUVAC INNOVATOR vaccines, along with other Pfizer Animal Health equine vaccine combinations, are included in the Equine Immunization Support Guarantee.

The Pfizer Animal Health Equine Immunization Support Guarantee provides up to $5,000 for reasonable diagnostic and treatment costs if a horse properly vaccinated by a veterinarian contracts the corresponding equine disease. Disease protection backed by the Equine Immunization Support Guarantee includes infection from West Nile virus, equine influenza virus, tetanus, eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus, western equine encephalomyelitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus. Vaccinations must be performed by a licensed veterinarian with an established client-patient relationship to be eligible.

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners vaccination guidelines, adult horses, previously vaccinated against equine influenza, should be revaccinated at six-month intervals. This includes performance, show or pleasure horses constantly at risk of exposure². In other words, even if your horse was vaccinated against equine influenza virus in the spring, he may require a booster in the fall. For further vaccination guidelines, horse owners should consult their local veterinarian, as guidelines may vary between parts of the country, age and use of the horse.

Another option to help bolster immunity is the use of immunomodulators, which can help a horse’s immune system function more efficiently against certain diseases. An example of an immunomodulator is ZYLEXIS, an inactivated (killed) Parapox Ovis Virus that stimulates the horse’s immune system to aid in the reduction of equine upper respiratory disease associated with equine herpesvirus Type 1 and Type 4 infections. When administered prior to exposure to stressful situations, ZYLEXIS can help stimulate a horse’s immune system to function more efficiently against EHV types 1 and 4 infections.

AQHA is proud to offer The Guide to Wagering on American Quarter Horse Racing, an information-packed, 48-page downloadable report, FREE to you!

A healthy immune system helps horses combat travel stress and being in an unfamiliar environment where they may encounter horses shedding upper respiratory viruses. Supplementing feed with electrolytes can aid in electrolyte rehydration if horses become finicky about drinking water away from home. Work with your veterinarian to prepare a wellness plan for your horses based on travel plans and other factors — the best protection is to maintain your horses’ health and limit the risk of exposure to disease.

Keep in mind when competing at the All American Quarter Horse Congress or the AQHA World Show that hundreds of horses are coming and going from these facilities over the course of the event. Practice good barn hygiene when you arrive at the destination facility. Disinfect stalls prior to moving your horses in and do not use common water buckets or feed areas on event grounds. Other items that should not be shared include twitches, lip chains, halters, bits or other items that may touch a horse’s eyes, nose or mouth. Keep daily body temperature logs for your horses, particularly if they seem lethargic or go off feed. Isolate sick animals immediately when signs of disease are recognized. Follow proper sanitation and disinfection techniques for stalls and any shared items and avoid direct contact with unfamiliar horses when possible.

All brands are the property of Pfizer Inc., its affiliates and/or its licensors. ©2011 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.

References:

1. Bug of the Month: Equine Influenza Virus. Equid Blog University of Guelph.Posted December 11, 2010. Available at: http://www.equidblog.com/2010/12/articles/another-category/influenza/bug-of-the-month-equine-influenza-virus/http://www.equidblog.com/2010/12/articles/another-category/influenza/bug-of-the-month-equine-influenza-virus/. Accessed on March 24, 2011.


2. Equine Influenza. American Association of Equine Practitioners. 2008. Available at: http://www.aaep.org/equine_influenza.htm. Accessed on March 24, 2011.

Revised 2012 FEI Prohibited Substance List Effective Jan. 1

Revised 2012 FEI Prohibited Substance List Effective Jan. 1: The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), following approval by the FEI Bureau, has announced a small number of changes to its 2011 Equine Prohibited Substance List.
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Are Stabled Horses at Increased Risk for Developing Colic?

In the past it has been shown that any change in stabling or exercise increases a horses risk for mild medical colics. This paper suggests that being in a stall reduces colon motility. It does not show a link between that and colic.

Are Stabled Horses at Increased Risk for Developing Colic?: According to the results of a recent study performed by a group of British researchers, there is a decrease in stall-kept horses intestinal motility (or movement of digesta) as compared to pasture-kept horses....

Guest Commentary: Killer Horse Buyers Are Heroes and Saviors

Here is an interesting perspective on the horse slaughter debate.

Guest Commentary: Killer Horse Buyers Are Heroes and Saviors:

OP ED: By Rep. Sue Wallis, (R) Wyoming

Recently I was interviewed on a radio show that included the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS) Wayne Pacelle spewing venomous remarks like, “horse slaughter is a predatory business where killer buyers outbid people who just want to save horses,” “horse slaughter is inhumane,” “Americans don’t eat horsemeat, and we shouldn’t be supplying people who do,” “all horse meat is contaminated and unfit for human consumption…” Every single one of these statements is absolutely, categorically, false.

Good people in the horse business are getting a very bad rap from so-called “nonprofits” who are anything but–radical, anti-agriculture activist groups like HSUS and their many offshoots that target honest, taxpaying citizens so they can “rescue” horses. “Rescue” is code for stealing horses without compensating the owner, and then holding them hostage so that they can be “re-homed” or kept as poster horses to raise more and more dollars. “Re-homed” means “adopting them out,” or in other words, selling them to some kind hearted sucker, often for far more money than they would ever bring in a sale ring for any purpose, and with lots of strings attached. Innocent horses palmed off on someone who likely doesn’t understand how expensive it is to keep a horse, or how difficult, and who is hampered by very limited options. They didn’t buy the horse fair and square with the right to sell them when they find out they can’t afford to keep them. They have “adopted them into a forever home as their nonhuman companion for which they are solely responsible.” The end results are good people saddled with unnecessarily guilt soaked burdens they can’t get rid of.

The typical horse buyer on the other hand has “rescued,” “re-homed,” and “re-purposed” thousands of horses, done it all on their own dime without a single handout from anybody, and don’t get any credit. Horse buyers are in the business of finding a purpose for horses that are unwanted, unneeded, or no longer useful.

Of course they profit from it, that is how one makes a living in this country. Last I heard paying someone a fair price for anything (including horses) that they don’t want, don’t need, or can’t keep, and selling it to someone else who has a use for it for a profit is still the time-honored American way.

Horse buyers differ from cow buyers, hog buyers, and lamb buyers in one significant aspect–the horse buyer has an opportunity and an economic incentive to find out if the horse they just bought might be wanted or useful for something besides meat. In a normal market situation any horse that can be ridden, driven, or even one that is really good at bucking people off, is worth a lot more than one that is only suitable to feed somebody or something. Because it means more money in their pocket, every horse buyer will take the time to find out if they can maximize their profits.

Prior to 2007 people who were good with horses would buy a horse that went through the sale ring without saddle or halter, take them home and try them to see if they could train them, fix some bad habits, tune them up a little and sell them for a tidy profit. If the horse didn’t work out, they always had the option of taking them back to the sale and holding their money together for another try because any horse in reasonably good shape would hold their value as a meat animal.

That opportunity to “rescue” and “re-home” horses is now gone, and the total responsibility for the number of suffering, starving, mistreated horses falls squarely in the lap of the animal rights do-gooders who have destroyed the chances for thousands of horses. Not only are these horses not getting the chance that they used to–far too many bad outlaw horses that are bound to hurt somebody are now getting passed around from person to person because there is nowhere else to sell them. The supply pipelines to the Canadian and Mexican processing plants are plumb full of grade A meat horses and the price for even the best candidates is pathetically low.

In the end, the horse buyer is a savior to otherwise doomed horses. Horses that wind up being processed for food are slaughtered under exactly the same laws and regulations as every other species of livestock. Government inspectors responsible for ensuring both humane treatment and food safety are required to be present at all times that animals are being processed. Horses have to be killed instantaneously with a minimum of stress and no pain. As in all meat production, protocols, testing, and inspection of the meat ensures they provide a wholesome, nutritious, and delicious product to a very willing and appreciative worldwide market. A market that would be even larger if those who would like to use horse meat here in the U.S. had a chance to buy it like any other good meat.

Horses who are killed cleanly and quickly in a regulated and inspected facility that is designed for the unique characteristics of horses, in a process performed by professionals, with equipment designed for the purpose, have a far better fate than any of the alternatives–plus the added benefit and comfort for horse owners of knowing that the horse’s life was not wasted. There is no fear, no screaming, no being butchered alive–all of that is the worst sort of fallacious propaganda without one ounce of truth. The horses do not suffer and they never know what hits them.

In the choice of being starved to death in the back yard because the owners can’t afford to feed them, can’t sell them, can’t give them away; being turned out to fend for themselves and inevitably starve, die of thirst, or be eaten alive by predators because they don’t know how to survive in harsh environments; to live in misery and die in prolonged agony–every caring person who knows and understand the true situation will make the right choice. The humane and regulated use of horses for meat is the only moral and ethical choice.

But common sense and doing the right thing for animals play no part in the strategy and tactics of radical activists who want to destroy all property rights for animal owners, to put animals on the same moral plane as human beings, and most importantly of all for their fat wallets and long term wealth–make humans the “guardians,” not owners, of animals so that animals can be represented by human attorneys who would protect the “rights” of our animal “companions.” The anti-slaughter activists have taken up the vilification of every horse business in the country as evil, uncaring, sadistic monsters who love nothing better than to profit off of the pain and suffering of animals. Sadly, they have learned that emotional misinformation is the most expedient method to wring dollars out of the pockets of horse loving people who don’t know any better.

For these reasons and more, practically every horse industry and agriculture organization in the country have joined with thousands of individual horse owners and businesses to oppose all appropriations riders and bills in Congress such as S. 1176 and H.R. 2296 that seek to eliminate the use, sale, or transportation of horses for slaughter. See the findings of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Report on HORSE WELFARE: Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences of Domestic Slaughter Cessation.

Instead of making things worse for horses and for the people who love them, we ask Congress and the American people to restore the horse industry. We should all be celebrating the true heroes. Those who have dedicated their lives, and work every day to find the best purpose for every horse. Those who make an honest and legitimate business making sure that no horse is left to suffer unnecessarily. If truth, honor, and a big heart count for anything in this country anymore, then a huge dose of long overdue appreciation is due to every one of the few remaining stalwart, heroic, saviors of doomed and suffering horses…the horse buyers. God bless them.

Sue Wallis is a Wyoming State Representative, rancher, and a leader of

United Horsemen, a nationwide grassroots organization of horse people working for a better future for the horse industry by advocating for the return of humane and regulated horse processing, and for the responsible management and control of overpopulated wild and feral horses on federal, state, tribal and private lands. Sue can be reached at sue.wallis@united-horsemen.org

Who's Better At Biosecurity?

Who's Better At Biosecurity?:

There are a lot of recommendations out there for establishing or improving sound infection control practices on horse farms, many of which can be found on this very blog. Some refer to such practices as "biosecurity," but what's done on horse farms compared to the often very strict biosecurity protocols at facilities such as swine or poultry operations (e.g. all-in all-out management, closed barns, shower in) is very different, so we prefer to call it an infection control program, rather than "biosecurity." Regardless, one of the biggest challenges with regard to infection control, in almost any setting, is getting people to comply with all the various policies and recommendations. Unfortunately, it's not enough to just tell people what needs to be done (that'd be too easy!) - knowledge by itself usually won't change people's behaviour. They also need to be motivated to change their behaviour, for example by the potential for a positive reward (e.g. they get to take their horses to shows) or the potential to avoid a negative outcome (e.g. their horses don't get sick). Furthermore, individuals need to really believe they are capable (physically and mentally) of performing the required tasks - if they don't think they can do it or be effective at it, they're unlikely to try. In reality, getting people to change their behaviour to adopt sound infection control practices can be quite complex.

A study soon to be published in Preventative Veterinary Medicine (Schemann et al. in press) looked at some of the factors that affect horse owners' biosecurity practices and perceptions. The study was performed in Australia one year after the devastating equine influenza outbreak that occurred in 2007, using an online questionnaire to which 759 horse owners responded. Each owner's biosecurity compliance was rated as low (30%), medium (20%) or high (50%) based on how often they reported using 16 different infection control measures.

Factors that were associated with low compliance or poor biosecurity practices included people who:

• were younger in age


• had two or more children


• were not involved with horses commercially


• had no long-term business impact from the 2007 equine flu outbreak


• were not fearful of a future outbreak of equine flu in Australia


• thought their current hygiene and access control practices were not very effective in protecting their horses

Now, studies based on surveys of this kind always need to be taken with a grain of salt, as the study population itself was difficult to define and the information was all self-reported by owners, which can lead to confounding and misclassification bias. Nonetheless, the results are still interesting and on the whole are consistent with behaviour theory. Those whose income and livelihood were not dependent on the horse industry, and those who were not fearful of another outbreak, would be less motivated to put the effort into infection control measures. Furthermore, those who felt that what they were doing already wasn't really effective (for whatever reason) would be less motivated to try harder because they can't see the benefit. It's quite possible (as the authors speculate) that having two or more children results in less compliance with infection control simply due to the time constraints associated with having kids. Lack of time to properly perform infection control procedures is a major barrier to compliance, even in human hospitals, particularly with understaffing issues. The lower compliance among young people is also common to studies looking at protective behaviour in human health, possibly because young people have a sense of certain degree of invulnerability that results in riskier behaviour overall.

When it comes to infection control, the old adage "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link" is very important to remember. Although 50% of the horse owners in this study reported having high biosecurity compliance, the 30% with low compliance could ruin all their efforts should another outbreak occur, by contributing to the transmission and propagation of the disease on their own farms as well as to others. Hopefully this study will help the horse industry and government identify specific groups (i.e. young people, those not financially dependent on horses) at which educational and motivational campaigns can be targeted in the future.

Clenbuterol toxicosis in three Quarter Horse racehorses after administration of a compounded product

In addition to Ventipulmin toxicity, we have seen toxicities in other similar medications. Be careful when using over the counter and compounded medications. Not all are equal.

Clenbuterol toxicosis in three Quarter Horse racehorses after administration of a compounded product: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 239, Issue 6, Page 842-849, September 15, 2011.

Salmonella and Colitis in Horses

<i>Salmonella</i> and Colitis in Horses: Salmonellosis and colitis--two equine ailments that are commonly associated with each other--are a bit like the chicken and the egg: you don't always know which came first, according to Jamie DeFazio, CVT, VTS-EVN....

Equine Biosecurity Risk Calculator

Equine Biosecurity Risk Calculator:

After an extensive development and review process, an Equine Biosecurity Risk Calculator (click here) is now available online on the Equine Guelph website. This joint venture of Equine Guelph and Colorado State University, with support from the AAEP Foundation and Vetoquinol, is designed to offer practical advice on equine infectious disease risk and control.

While no one can really give an exact number regarding "risk" of infectious diseases on any particular equine facility, it is possible to identify areas in need of improvement. That's what this "calculator" is designed to do. Horse owners can complete the online questionnaire and get a general assessment of risk, plus detailed information about areas of concern. The calculator is free to use and no identifying information is collected.

Every horse owner should try this and see what areas are identified that could be improved. While facilities are quite variable in their application of infection control practices, I've yet to encounter a "perfect" facility - undoubtedly everyone will get at least a few ideas to consider to help reduce the risk of infectious disease in their animals.

Most Accurate Way to Estimate Horse Weight Described

How much does my horse weigh is a common question. While our scale is the best method, here are some other options. An equally important question is much should my horse weigh. Let us help you if your horse is overweight or underweight.

Most Accurate Way to Estimate Horse Weight Described: Weight tapes, formulas, or simply "eyeing it" are among the average horse owner's options for estimating their horse's weight on the farm. Guessing weight by eyeing a horse is a bit like a carnival game, but Auburn University researchers re...

Dental Checkups

Dental Checkups:

Keep your American Quarter Horses in top performance shape with regular dental care.

Keep your horse in tip top shape with the help of your equine dentist. Journal photo.

From AQHA Corporate Partner Pfizer

Regular dental care for horses is critical to support overall health and avoid potential problems.

Uneven wear or sharp points on a horse’s teeth may lead to weight loss and poor performance. Annual dental checkups can help identify and correct any issues that may have developed over time.

Horses’ teeth erupt continuously throughout their life, making regular dental care a necessity. Horses evolved to continuously graze up to 16 to18 hours per day on grasses and other forage, wearing teeth down through a grinding action.

Today, many horses spend only a few hours each day eating with the result being uneven dental wear. Uneven wear can result in sharp point and ridges that make it difficult for the horse to properly grind feed and may cause sores or cuts in the mouth.

Cuts and wounds are inevitably going to happen to your horse. Are you prepared? Download AQHA’s FREE Horse Wound Care report so you will be.

When a horse is not able to fully chew and grind grain and other feed, improperly chewed food may not be digested completely. Symptoms of dental problems may include dropping grain while chewing, excessive drooling, chewing with the head tilted, discomfort or resistance while wearing a bit, head tossing, facial swellings, weight loss and a decrease in performance. Making an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in dental care to evaluate your horse can help avoid these issues.

Veterinarians first examine the teeth with the aid of a light and speculum to determine if there are diseased teeth or teeth with sharp points that prevent normal chewing.

The dental exam also gives the veterinarian the opportunity to check for other problems, such as excessively worn teeth, loose or broken teeth and infected gums. Horse’s teeth grow at varying rates, so consult with your veterinarian to schedule a dental exam at least once a year.

Veterinarians may employ a variety of therapeutic procedures to correct a horse’s dental problems, but the most common of these is floating. Floating is performed by the veterinarian with the use of a large file, or float, to smooth or contour the teeth into a normal grinding surface.

Sedation often helps facilitate examinations and floating by calming the horse, in order to allow the veterinarian to place a speculum in the horse’s mouth for the exam and treatment. Specific medications, such as detomidine, also provide an analgesic effect that reduces pain for the horse.

Educate yourself on when it is imperative that you contact the vet and when you can take care of the injury at home with AQHA’s FREE report, Horse Wound Care.

Not only do these benefits create a significantly less traumatic experience for the horse, they also help decrease the chance of injury to the owner or veterinarian during a procedure.

Dental exams can be scheduled to coincide with spring and fall vaccinations as part of an overall wellness regimen. Talk to your veterinarian to determine an overall wellness care plan for your horse.

Travel Documents: Know What You Need to Travel with Horses

In addition to this article, please consider traveling with written authorization to allow emergency responders and veterinarians to treat your horses in the event of an accident. It needs to identify your horse and how much you are willing to authorize in treatment costs. We hope that nothing like a trailer accident happens to you, but it never hurts to be prepared.

Travel Documents: Know What You Need to Travel with Horses: Before you hit the road with your horse, it's important to know what you need to bring along, whether your destination is around the corner or half way around the world. Find out what documents you'll need to secure before you travel with horses....

In Wake of EHV-1 Outbreak, Some Say Better Biosecurity Measures ...

In Wake of EHV-1 Outbreak, Some Say Better Biosecurity Measures <b>...</b>: The EHV video features Kenton Morgan, DVM, Dipl. ACT, a veterinary specialist at Pfizer Animal Health; Doug Byars, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ...

Autumn ideal time to tackle encysted small redworms - Pfizer

Often referred to as "Blood Worms" small encysted strongyles can pose health problems to you horse.

Autumn ideal time to tackle encysted small redworms - <b>Pfizer</b>: Autumn is the ideal time for British horse owners to treat their animals for encysted small redworms, Pfizer Animal Health says. These are the most common parasites found in horses today. They can pose a serious health risk to horses and it is ...
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A Look Inside Your Horse's Compounded Medications

Cheaper is not always better. Talk to us about your supplements and other medications. Generic and compounded are not the same thing and not always legal. With a poorly produced medication, at best you waste some money, but at worst you lose your horse. Let us help you figure out what is good and what is not.

A Look Inside Your Horse's Compounded Medications: It ultimately is the responsibility of horse owners, and their veterinarians, to ensure horses are receiving safe, effective treatments and not illegally compounded products....

Equine Alternative Medicine Gaining Steam in Vet Schools

BVEH has always been on the forefront of offering alternative therapies like chiropractic and acupuncture.

<b>Equine</b> Alternative Medicine Gaining Steam in Vet Schools: Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM), such as massage therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic, is gaining popularity among horse owners, yet not all equine practitioners feel confident providing these services. Why? ...
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Mosquito-Killing Laser to Prevent Equine Infectious Disease?

Mosquito-Killing Laser to Prevent Equine Infectious Disease?: The lengths we, as horse owners, go to trying to keep mosquitoes away from our horses are endless. From topical fly repellents to feet through remedies--you name it, we've tried it. But soon could be a new option to consider....

Selecting a Thoroughbred: The Role of Genetics

I thought this was interesting. Expect to see much more of this in the future. Much work still needs to be done to validate many of these athletic potential tests. - Ben Buchanan

Selecting a Thoroughbred: The Role of Genetics: The number of aspects a potential horse owner evaluates can be endless. But add to that list molecular genetics. Researchers are learning what genes (when found or not found) could suggest about a Thoroughbred's athletic potential....

Selecting a Thoroughbred: The Role of Genetics

Selecting a Thoroughbred: The Role of Genetics: The number of aspects a potential horse owner evaluates can be endless. But add to that list molecular genetics. Researchers are learning what genes (when found or not found) could suggest about a Thoroughbred's athletic potential....

AAEP Emphasizes Importance of Rabies Vaccines

AAEP Emphasizes Importance of Rabies Vaccines: The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) stresses the importance of vaccinating horses to protect against rabies, a deadly but preventable neurological disease, as it recognizes the World Rabies Day on Sept. 28....

25 Cases of EEE Confirmed in Wisconsin Horses

25 Cases of EEE Confirmed in Wisconsin Horses: Twenty-five cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) have been confirmed in Wisconsin horses since mid-August, mostly in north central Wisconsin, State Veterinarian Robert Ehlenfeldt, DVM, said Friday (Sept. 23). ...