If Your Horses Are Named in Your Will, Consider an Equine Trust

If Your Horses Are Named in Your Will, Consider an Equine Trust:
by Alison Rowe
With the development of “pet trust” statutes in several states over the past 10 years, and the story of Leona Helmsley’s Maltese dog, “Trouble”, who inherited $12 million upon Helmsley’s death, stories about the establishment of trusts for the care of animals seem to have been increasingly covered in media stories. Most recently, Veronica Dagher of Wall Street Journal’s personal finance blog, Total Return, published this informative blog post about equine trusts in the United States.
Dagher’s post sets forth a number of reasons why establishing a trust for a horse, as opposed to naming a horse in a will, might be a good idea:

• Wills can be contested if a family member is upset that horses are left a substantial sum of money (this happened in the case of Helmsley’s dog);

• Even if a will is not contested, it must sometimes pass through probate, which could delay care of the horses;

• If a client leaves a substantial sum of money to an heir that is intended to be used to care for horses, the heir might not use the money for the intended purposes;

• The beneficiary receiving title to the horses under a will might not want the horses.

The above factors can indeed cause problems upon the death of a horse owner, and therefore a trust might be a prudent estate planning alternative for many Texas horse owners.
The Texas Legislature passed Texas’s animal trust statute in 2005, and it became effective on January 1, 2006. Our statute is found in Section 112.037 of the Texas Property Code, a link to which can be found here.
Texas’s statute allows a trust for the care of an animal to be established by a living person. The animal named in the trust must be alive during the settlor’s lifetime (i.e. a trust cannot provide for the care of the unborn offspring of a living horse, due to the rule against perpetuities). Under Texas law, an animal trust terminates upon the death of the animal or, if the trust is created to provide for the care of more than one animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime, on the death of the last surviving animal.
In Texas, a settlor can appoint a guardian to care for the horse using the trust proceeds. This person should be one who is willing and able to properly care for the horse(s), and is familiar with costs associated with proper horse husbandry.
Texas law does have a provision that would allow property of an animal trust to be applied to a use other than the property’s intended use under the trust (i.e. care of the animals named in a trust) if a court determines that the value of the trust property exceeds the amount required for the intended use.
If the value of trust property is judicially determined to exceed the amount required for the care of the horse(s), the funds are required under Texas law to be distributed to 1) the settler, if alive at the time the trust property is distributed; 2) the beneficiaries of a settlor’s will, if the settler has a will; or 3) to the settlor’s heirs, if the settler does not have a will or an effective provision in the settlor’s existing will.
As such, horse owners who establish a trust for the care of their animals might use a “belt and suspenders” approach, whereby the horse owner’s will clearly sets forth their intentions for all property of the animal trust, should it for some reason not be used for the purposes set out in the trust instrument.

First 2012 Case of West Nile Virus Seen in PA., Vets Advise to Protect Horses Now

First 2012 Case of West Nile Virus Seen in PA., Vets Advise to Protect Horses Now:
[April 20, 2012; Kennett Square, PA] – A mild winter has been pleasant for residents of the Mid-Atlantic region. It has also created a favorable environment for mosquitoes. With mosquitoes comes the potential to contract West Nile Virus, a debilitating and potentially deadly disease.
The first case of the season of West Nile Virus has been reported in a horse in Northampton County, PA. Entomologists are predicting that weather conditions could make this a particularly heavy mosquito season, and a two-pronged approach of vaccination and management is the most successful way to avoid the disease, according to Ray Sweeney, VMD and Chief of Medicine at New Bolton Center, the large animal campus of Penn Vet.
West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitoes and occasionally other blood-sucking insects, causes an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that can result in a variety of symptoms including fever, lack of coordination, weakness, muscle twitching, colic and intermittent lameness. Approximately one-third of all horses exhibiting signs of the illness do not survive. Although the disease is now considered endemic to all of North America, risk of exposure varies with changes in populations of insect carriers.
Dr. Sweeney advises that the risk of contracting the West Nile Virus can be lessened through both appropriate vaccination and careful management. “Proper vaccination has been very effective in reducing the number of West Nile Virus cases in horses, from an outbreak situation a few years ago to practically no cases reported in horses in Pennsylvania in more recent years,” says Dr. Sweeney. “There is a concern that if we let our guard down and stop vaccinating horses, we will begin to see more cases again.”
Vaccination against West Nile Virus is very effective, he adds, but it doesn’t last forever. “Horse owners are encouraged to check with their veterinarian to find out whether a booster vaccination is recommended.”
Management practices also play a significant role in reducing exposure to the infected mosquitoes. Horse owners are advised to take the following steps: eliminate all standing water from the property, including puddles hiding in old tires, watering cans, gutters and low-lying areas; arrange turnout schedules so that horses are in the barn at dusk and dawn, prime mosquito feeding times; keep mosquitoes from the barn through the use of fans, traps and horse-friendly repellents; and use approved repellents on horses and any clothing such as fly sheets as well.
—About the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world’s premier veterinary schools. Founded in 1884, the school was built on the concept of Many Species, One MedicineTM.
Penn Vet researchers currently have the most National Institutes of Health grants of all vet schools in the country, attesting to the School’s strong basic and clinical research programs in infectious diseases, immunology, neuroscience, cancer, stem cell biology and more. For more information about the research at Penn Vet, visit www.vet.upenn.edu/Research.
The School’s Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, located on Penn’s campus in Philadelphia, PA, houses classrooms, laboratories, medical care and one of the nation’s busiest urban veterinary emergency rooms. In addition, the school successfully integrates scholarship and scientific discovery with all aspects of veterinary medical education.
Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine is the only institution in the state of Pennsylvania graduating veterinarians. The large-animal facility, New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, PA, encompasses hospital facilities for the care of horses and food animals as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry.
For more information about Penn Vet or its hospitals, visit www.vet.upenn.edu.



Related posts:

1. Don’t Risk a Case of West Nile Virus
2. First West Nile Virus Equine Case Reported in New Jersey
3. West Nile Update: Washington State Tops The List Again With Most Horses Affected By The Virus

Best Practices for Pasture Management

Best Practices for Pasture Management:
By Connie Lechleitner
Penn State University’s Dr. Ann Swinker Shares Tips for Maintaining Your Pastures
Lush, green pastures that look almost like a golf course. When you think of the ideal pasture, many of us picture this scenario. While we all want those lush, green pastures, it’s important to determine the goal of our pastures, says Ann Swinker, PhD, equine extension specialist with Penn State University.
“Is your goal for your pasture to provide exercise and turn-out for your horse? Or is it to provide daily nutrient intake?” she asks. “For many of us, it’s somewhere in between.”
How Horses Consume Pasture
As we study pasture management, it’s important to understand the biology of horses and their forage, she noted. “Horses are grazing, herbivore animals who get most of their nutrients from plants. They’re also hind-gut fermenters, and have a digestive system that is backwards from a cow’s,” Swinker said.
“Horses are biologically set up to consume forage, and they have microorganisms in their hind gut that were made to digest pretty fibrous material. They will consume one and a half to two percent of their body weight each day, and along with clean water, salt and minerals, they can meet all of their daily nutritional requirements unless they are pushed beyond maintenance. In fact, 70 percent of their diet should be made up of forage or protein.”
The key advantages to pasture grazing are enhanced overall health, less stress and reduced feed costs. “Your neighbors like your lush pastures, too,” Swinker said. “In addition, pasturing allows you to spread compost more evenly and reduces the manure pile and bedding that accumulates.”
The Pros and Cons of Pasture
Some of the disadvantages associated with pasture grazing are soil erosion, weeds, and water contamination. “Horse owners must also deal with controlling weight gain, issues regarding colic and laminitis, and managing toxic weeds and parasites in the fields.
Swinker noted that while it is easy to say that the pasture doesn’t cost a horse owner, in reality the costs do add up. “Let’s say you spent $50,000 on three acres, paid $3,000 in taxes, $10,000 for a fence,” she said. “Add $1,000 in fertilizer, $10,000 on a tractor and $1,000 on a mower and you’ve got a $75,000 investment.”
What to Plant
Because plants provide nutrition, carbohydrates, protein, minerals and fiber to the horse’s diet, Swinker suggested providing a mix of cool season and warm season plants to allow for growing plants throughout the summer and fall seasons. Among her favorites are timothy, orchard grass or brome grass mixed with a little white clover, red clover or alfalfa to put nitrogen back into the soil.
Because different species of grass peak at different times in the growing season, Swinker noted that the number of horses that can be supported per acre will vary.
“Depending on the species and time of year, for example in April, you might only be able to support one horse per acre on a 10 acre field, but by July you might be able to support 11 horses,” she said.
Watching Grass Grow
Managing horses on pasture also means watching the maturation of the plants and responding as needed. “In the spring, grass is in its vegetative state and has the most nutrients,” she said. “Once it gets into seed head, it reaches the reproductive state and horses don’t like it as well, because it becomes more woody and fibrous. At that point you need to mow it. Mowing also gets rid of weeds.”
Swinker also suggests that seeding new pastures can be a year-long process before horses can graze on it. “If you graze young plants too soon, they’ll die, so you need to be careful putting horses on it too soon,” she said.
Weed sprays can also be helpful in the pasture. “You can spot spray weeds, and keep in mind that some sprays do require that you be licensed. Some sprays can also have a residual affect up to four years and can impact your compost and farmer’s or gardeners’ crops,” Swinker said. “If you have weeds you are unsure of, your extension service can help you identify and treat them.”
Dividing and Conquering Grass
Swinker suggests the use of rotational grazing practices to make the most efficient use of the pasture space available. “It’s tough to maintain unlimited turnout and allow higher animal density while still maintaining proper vegetative cover, unless you irrigate, mow, overseed, fertilize and rotate pasture space,” she said.
“For example, if I have a 10 acre field that is a traditional pasture, I may have a perimeter fence, a shelter and water source,” Swinker said. “If I divide that 10 acres into two, four or even eight smaller cells, and keep a corral or sacrifice dry lot near the shelter and water source, I can make more efficient use of my pasture. My horse would graze on the first cell for one to two weeks, then move to the second cell for one to two weeks, and so on. By rotating cells, I allow the different cells to recover and regenerate new grass growth, and save against overgrazing any one cell.”
Swinker recommends establishing a holding paddock, dry lot or sacrifice lot, to allow a place for horses to go when the field is too wet, or to limit grazing time on lush grass. “You want to establish the lot on a slight slope, close to a hay and water source,” she said. “Pay special attention to drainage, and consider using a geotextile under sand or limestone screenings or even wood chips. If you use wood, avoid black walnut or cherry, which is toxic to horses. The surface will be similar to a riding arena, and in fact many horse owners use the space for training and exercise if it is large enough.
Grading Your Pasture’s Condition
Just like humane officers give horses a body condition score, you can also give your pasture a condition score, Swinker said. “At Penn State, we established a Frisbee method of grading, by sending Frisbees into the field. Wherever they land, we look at the percentage of desirable plants at that spot. Less than 75 percent vegetation is considered an erosion issue, while 80 percent or more of cover is good. Weeds are better than bare ground, but having lush nutritious plants is obviously best.
Swinker reminds horse owners that pasture management is a continuous task. “You can never say you’re done,” she said. However, with proper maintenance, you can achieve the lush, green pasture that you’ve always dreamed of.
To learn more about Penn State’s Equine Pasture Evaluation Disc, visit http://mysare.sare.org/mySARE/assocfiles/940872EPED%20FactSheet1.pdf%20final%206-6.pdf.



Related posts:

1. Best Practices For Pasture Management
2. Annual Horse Pasture Management Seminar, Jan. 31, in Clark County, KY
3. Spring Pasture Management

Now is The Time to Think About Strangles

Now is The Time to Think About Strangles:
by Brittany
In late March, an outbreak of strangles closed the Saratoga Casino and Raceway in upstate New York for three weeks. As spring competition season approaches, it is important to remember that strangles is a highly infectious disease that can have severe consequences for horses. Understanding what it is, how it is spread and treatment options can prove to be a lifesaver for your horse.
What is it?
Strangles, explains Penn Vet Assistant Professor of Medicine Ashley G. Boyle, DVM, DACVIM, is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus. equi subsp equi. It can cause severe swelling of the lymph nodes around the throat, making it difficult for a horse to breathe; hence the name, strangles.
Dr. Boyle, who works at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center in the Section of Field Service, says that strangles should be strongly suspected if a horse suddenly develops a high fever — sometimes higher than 103°F — and appears lethargic or depressed. After the onset of a fever, there will be discharge from the nose, and the lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw can enlarge. If abscesses develop in the lymph nodes, the airway will be narrowed making breathing noisy and swallowing difficult. The horse may hold its neck out straight looking for relief. In horses under the age of five (who have yet to develop normal immunity), horses older than 20, or immune-compromised horses, the signs of strangles will be more pronounced.
In some cases —as many as 20% says Dr. Boyle —S. equi spreads through the blood or lymphatic system, resulting in abscesses that can affect any organ system. “Bastard strangles,” as this condition is known, may appear like colic, even many months after the initial strangles exposure.
In other cases, a mild to life-threatening autoimmune reaction to the bacteria known as purpura hemorrhagica can occur in mature horses after repeated natural exposure to infection.
How did this happen?
Strangles is spread when one horse passes the bacteria to another through close proximity or contact. Equipment such as water buckets, feed buckets, tack and twitches — even clothing and equipment — can also be vehicles for passing bacteria, which, particularly in moist environments, can persist for extended periods. “The bacterium,” explains Dr. Boyle, “attaches to the tonsils, and signs of the illness develop three to 14 days after exposure.”
A horse that has strangles will begin to shed the bacteria after the fever, and for up to six weeks. Outwardly healthy horses, showing no sign of infection, can also be carriers silently shedding bacteria. It’s one of the dangers with this disease. On a more positive note, 75% of horses that have been infected with S. equi subsp equi and have not been vaccinated for strangles will be immune to the illness for up to five years.
Is it strangles?
Early diagnosis is essential for containing this highly infectious disease. Results of bacterial culture of abscess fluid and nasopharyngeal swabs/washes can be read in 24 hours. Even faster is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which can detect the DNA of the offending organism with same-day results.
If a horse is suspected of carrying the bacterium, an endoscopic examination of the guttural pouches (air-filled pockets on either side of the back of the throat) as well as culture and PCR testing of guttural pouch fluid can determine if the bacteria are present.
Examination of serum from a blood test is useful for detecting recent, but not current, infection; assessing the need for vaccination; identifying horses that may be predisposed to purpura hemorrhagica; and diagnosing S. equi subsp equi–associated purpura hemorrhagica and bastard strangles.
Treatment
The goal of treating strangles is three-fold: to control transmission, eliminate infection and provide future immunity to the disease. Uncomplicated cases of strangles are often left to run their course with supportive care, providing lasting immunity. Affected horses should be isolated in a clean, dry stall and fed moist, palatable food. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may be used to decrease swelling and promote eating. Hot compresses or topical 20% ichthammol can be used on abscesses. Your vet may choose to lance abscesses to allow drainage, followed by daily flushing with a dilute iodine solution.
“The use of antimicrobials for treating strangles is controversial,” says Dr. Boyle. “During the acute phase of fever and depression they may prevent abscess formation, but they will also prevent the development of lasting immunity.” In certain cases, however, it is necessary. “Horses with complications such as lack of response to supportive therapies, metastatic disease or purpura require the use of systemic antimicrobials for extended periods. Penicillin is the preferred antimicrobial.”
Horses with severely enlarged lymph nodes and difficulty breathing, she adds, often require emergency surgery to cut a hole in the trachea to free the horse’s airway; cases of purpura hemorrhagica also require the use of systemic corticosteroids.
With strangles, pus tends to accumulate in the guttural pouch, and will need to be removed with special equipment, followed with local application of penicillin gel. If not, pus will dry in to rock-hard pebbles that may require surgery to remove.
Vaccination
Dr. Boyle says an intranasal vaccine is recommended to protect horses against strangles. Two initial boosters are given three weeks apart, followed by annual boosters. The intranasal vaccine should not be given concurrently with other routine intramuscular vaccines or invasive procedures in order to avoid contamination of the intramuscular injection or surgical site. Use of vaccination during an outbreak is not recommended due to the risk of purpura.
Protect your horses against an outbreak
Most outbreaks are thought to originate from introduction of an infected horse into an unprotected population. The following recommendations will help avoid an outbreak, or reduce the risk from an outbreak should one occur:
· New horses should be isolated for three weeks and monitored for signs of disease, including fever.
· Once an outbreak has occurred, take the temperatures of all horses on the farm twice daily. Identifying horses with elevated temperatures enables handlers to isolate these horses before shedding occurs.
· Quarantine the facility to stop all movement on and of the farm.
· Caretakers should change clothing between visits to infected and non-infected horses, and designated equipment should be used.
· Water buckets should be disinfected daily.
· Remove all material from stalls where infected horses have been housed and clean with detergent, then disinfect with a phenol, an iodophor, or a chlorhexidine compound. Surfaces and equipment must be allowed to dry thoroughly.
· Rest infected paddocks for three weeks.
· Carriers are the reason this disease still exists, and the percentage of carriers per outbreak could be as high as 10%. When all cases of strangles have been resolved, throat washes from recovering horses by PCR and culture to detect carriers. Further testing of the guttural pouch should be performed via endoscopy for any horses found to be positive.



Related posts:

1. Strangles a Serious Equine Disease, But Not Often Fatal
2. Innovative Vaccine Shown to Help Provide Immunity Against Strangles in Healthy Horses
3. Free Lecture on Strangles at New Bolton Center

Important Reminder From AQHA: Online Version of Rulebook is Most Current

Important Reminder From AQHA: Online Version of Rulebook is Most Current:
The online version of the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is the default version.
Dear AQHA members,
Please remember that the online version of the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is the default version. After changes are approved by the AQHA Executive Committee, the rules will be updated in the online version of the AQHA Handbook.
For the most current version of the AQHA Handbook, please be sure to refer to the online version, which can be found at www.aqha.com. The AQHA Handbook answers all your questions regarding AQHA rules, showing patterns, horse markings, equipment guidelines and more. You can also download the free AQHA Handbook app for your smart phone or tablet device, such as your iBook, Nook or Kindle.
If you haven’t received your AQHA Handbook, you can request a copy here, or download a PDF version of the Handbook here.
Sincerely,
Patti Carter-Pratt
AQHA Executive Director of Shows



Related posts:

1. Electronic Version of 2010 AQHA Rulebook Now Available
2. AQHA 2012 Rulebook Now Available Online, In Print, and On Mobile Devices
3. 2012 AQHA Rulebook App Now Available on iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Other Devices

Allergic Dermatitis in Horses: A Review

Allergic Dermatitis in Horses: A Review: Allergic dermatitis--simply, inflammation of the skin caused by an irritating stimulus--is a common yet often treatable and manageable problem in horses with multiple causes....

The Evolution of Equine Parasite Control

The Evolution of Equine Parasite Control: Veterinarians and horse owners worldwide are now realizing the problems resulting from following the traditional calendar-based deworming protocols for controlling strongyles and ascarids, one researcher says....

Protein's Role in Fueling Performance Horses

Protein's Role in Fueling Performance Horses: Protein is made up of amino acids, and its main function is in muscle, tendon, and ligament development and repair. Here are three key points to remember about protein's role in fueling the sport horse....

Understanding Breeding Soundness Exams for Mares

Understanding Breeding Soundness Exams for Mares: One researcher explained that the purpose a breeding soundness exam is to determine the probability of a mare conceiving and carrying a foal, and determining the cause(s) of sub- or infertility....

Genomic Research for Equine Performance Indicators

Genomic Research for Equine Performance Indicators: A team of French researchers might be hot on the trail to genomic evaluation of performance--even if that trail seems slow and winding--one researcher said at a recent research conference....

Prevention and Management to Protect Against Strangles

Prevention and Management to Protect Against Strangles: As competition season approaches, it is important to remember that strangles is a highly infectious disease that can have severe consequences for horses. Understanding what it is, how it is spread, and treatment options is crucial for caretakers....

Suit Filed: Claims AQHA Ban On Cloned Horses Violates Antitrust Law

Suit Filed: Claims AQHA Ban On Cloned Horses Violates Antitrust Law:

Dr. Gregg Veneklasen (left) and Jason Abraham

Two Texas Panhandle horse owners filed a federal lawsuit Monday asking a judge to overturn a ban on cloned horses in the world’s largest equine breed registry.

Department of Labor Finalizes Changes to H-2B Visa Program

Department of Labor Finalizes Changes to H-2B Visa Program:


WASHINGTON, (AHC) -  On February 21, 2012 the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule concerning the H-2B temporary guest worker program. This new rule, which will go into effect on April 23, 2012, will make significant changes to the way the H-2B program operates for all employers including those in the horse industry.
“Anyone in the horse industry who uses the H-2B program needs to be aware of this new rule. It makes major changes to the responsibilities of employers using the program and if the new guidelines aren’t followed employers could be fined and barred from using the program,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.
The H-2B program is used by members of the horse industry, principally horse trainers and owners who cannot find American workers to fill semi-skilled jobs at racetracks, horse shows, fairs and in similar non-agricultural activities.
The AHC believes the new rule will make the H-2B program more costly and burdensome for employers who are forced to use the program and has opposed the new rule. “It is unfortunate the DOL decided to finalize this rule,” said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass. “This rule will make it difficult for trainers and others in the horse industry to use the program and could impact American jobs. The current rule was working well for the industry and included many protections for foreign and American workers.”
The final rule, among other things, will:

• Require an employer to pay most inbound and outbound travel expenses for H-2B workers.
• Extend H-2B program benefits, such as reimbursement of transportation cost, to American “corresponding workers” that work alongside H-2B workers and perform substantially the same work.
• Require employers to provide documentation that they have taken appropriate steps to recruit U.S. workers, rather than permitting employers to attest to such compliance.
• Increase the amount of time employers must try to recruit U.S. workers.
• Prohibit job contractors from using the program.
• Define temporary need as 9 months, previously it was 10 months.
• Define full time employment as 35 hours a week, previously it was 30 hours.

“This final rule is complex and has many new provisions and changes. If you are an employer who uses the program you should review the new guidelines and contact the lawyer or agent you use to process H-2B applications to ensure you are in compliance with the new rule when it goes into effect on April 23,” said Pendergrass.
DOL guidance and the complete rule can be found on the Department of Labor’s website at http://www.dol.gov/whd/immigration/H2BFinalRule/index.htm.
“Many Members of Congress are also displeased with this new rule and believe it could hurt industries in their states. The AHC is going to continue to work with those Members to try and roll back this new rule. Unfortunately, gridlock in Washington will prevent any quick action by Congress and the horse industry will have to comply with the new rule for the foreseeable future,” said Hickey.
The AHC encourages members of the equestrian community to visit its website www.horsecouncil.org to learn how federal legislation and regulations impact them and how they can get involved.

KENTUCKY HORSE RACING COMMISSION DEADLOCKS ON MOVE TO BAN LASIX

KENTUCKY HORSE RACING COMMISSION DEADLOCKS ON MOVE TO BAN LASIX:
By David Hooper, CEO, Texas Thoroughbred Association
AUSTIN, (TTA) – With a standing room only crowd in attendance Monday afternoon, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission considered a recommendation passed earlier in the day by its Raceday Medication Committee to phase out the race-day administration of Lasix for all 2-year-old racing in 2013, ending with a complete phase-out for all ages by 2015.
The motion failed to pass on a 7-7 tie vote of the 14 sitting commissioners.
Ironically, there could have been a decisive vote, but former commissioner and prominent trainer John T.

Ward had resigned his seat in order to accept an appointment as the KHRC’s executive director. He assumed his new duties on the day of the vote.
A modified proposed ban is expected to be introduced when the KHRC meets in mid-May.
Stay tuned. This debate is not going away any time soon.
CALHOUN SADDLES 1-2 PREMIERE RUNNERS; ON BRINK OF 2,000 CAREER WINS

Trainer Bret Calhoun saddled the 1-2 finishers in the $50,000 Premiere Stakes, the first race of the 53-day 2012 Lone Star Park Thoroughbred meet, to get the conditioner on track for a defense of the training title that he has won in each of the past two meets in Grand Prairie.
The 16th edition of the Premiere for older Texas-breds found Wimp Free Racing Stable’s recent acquisition Gold Element outgaming his stablemate, Red Coyote, by 1½ lengths under Lindey Wade. Gold Element completed the 6½ furlongs in a very respectable 1:15.70. Deliverer finished third, 2¼ lengths further back after having to be checked in close quarters near the end of the backstretch. Even-money favorite Solar Charge, winner of Sam Houston Race Park’s Spirit of Texas, could do no better than fourth.
Gold Element, a lightly raced 5-year-old son of Valor Farm stallion Gold Legend, was making only his sixth start and winning for the fifth time after having suffered his lone defeat at the hooves of Solar Charge when third last January. Wimp Free Racing, whose principal owner is Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist and DFW radio personality Randy Galloway, acquired Gold Element on Calhoun’s recommendation after the Spirit of Texas. Calhoun added blinkers for the Premiere. The winner paid $10.
Calhoun began this new week of racing on the brink of his 2,000th career training victory. He has two horses entered to run at Lone Star tonight.
JEH STALLION STATION STAKES GIVES RUBY’S BIG BAND HER 12TH WIN IN 36 STARTS

In an era when a racing career is all too often limited to single digits, Ruby’s Big Band is a very refreshing exception. The 5-year-old Texas-bred mare made her 36th career start on Lone Star’s opening Saturday and she earned her 12th victory by taking the $50,000 JEH Stallion Station Stakes by 1¾ lengths over 2-1 choice Joy’s Paradise, with 20-1 Loose Play two lengths farther back in third.
Ruby’s Big Band, bred by Will Farish, races for Terry Propps and is trained by Charles Smith. The winner increased her earnings to $272,449 after running 6½ furlongs in 1:17.57. She paid $11.60.
NEW DEPARTMENT OF LABOR H-2B RULES BECOME EFFECTIVE ON APRIL 23

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued final rules on February 21, 2012 concerning the H-2B temporary guest worker program, and they will become effective Monday, April 23.

The American Horse Council advises all members of the horse industry who use the H-2B program to fill semi-skilled jobs at racetracks, horse shows, fairs and similar non-agricultural activities to become fully aware of provisions in the newly enacted DOL rule governing the program.
Provisions in the new rule: (1) Require an employer to pay most inbound and outbound travel expenses for H-2B workers; (2) Extend H-2B program benefits, such as reimbursement of transportation cost, to American “corresponding workers” that work alongside H-2B workers and perform substantially the same work; (3) Require employers to provide documentation that they have taken appropriate steps to recruit U.S. workers, rather than permitting employers to attest to such compliance; (4) Increase the amount of time employers must try to recruit U.S. workers; (5) Define temporary need as 9 months – previously it was 10 months; and (6) Define full-time employment as 35 hours a week – previously it was 30 hours.
Commenting on the new rule, AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass observed, “This final rule is complex and has many new provisions and changes. If you are an employer who uses the program, you should review the new guidelines and contact the lawyer or agent you use to process H-2B applications to ensure you are in compliance with the new rule when it goes into effect on April 23.”
Fast furlongs…Steve Asmussen became the first trainer in Lone Star Park history to reach the 1,000 win milestone when Primal Jones took last Saturday’s second race…Putting Asmussen’s achievement in perspective, veteran jockey Cliff Berry is the winningest rider to date in Lone Star history, but his 819 victories on the Grand Prairie oval are nearly 200 less than Asmussen’s total…Gulfstream Park’s new dates, starting in early December and ending the first weekend in April, produced new handle records for the 2011-12 meet…Keeneland, with its signature Blue Grass Stakes highlighting a stellar card last Saturday, and Charles Town, which offered the $1,000,000 Charles Town Classic on Saturday night, both posted record daily attendance and handle figures…Keeneland has received KHRC approval to open drive-through betting windows in the parking lots of the Kentucky Horse Park and the Thoroughbred Training Center as a convenience to customers on Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Days…Keeneland has sold 80% of its share in Turfway Park to Rock Gaming, whose chairman, Dan Gilbert, is the founder of Quicken Loans and the majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers… The Turfway ownership is now divided as follows: Caesars Entertainment 50%, Rock Gaming 40% and Keeneland 10%…USDA officials have rejected a second offer to buy bankrupt Yavapai Downs near Prescott, AZ, this time turning down Texas horseman Joe Davis…Spectrum Gaming Group, a New jersey firm, has produced a study showing that adding five new casinos in Illinois and allowing slot machines at the state’s six racetracks would yield nearly $200 million per year for the state and create more than 20,000 jobs…The Jockey Club and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced the launch of a new fan-oriented website, “America’s Best Racing,” which includes information about horses, jockeys, trainers, owners and races, plus tools to explore and learn about wagering, the latest news, videos and photos, all accessed at www.followhorseracing.com…Del Mar has increased purses for 10 of its 33 stakes scheduled during the 37-day summer meet, and added two new added-money events for 2-year-olds on turf, the Oak Tree Juvenile Turf and the Oak Tree Juvenile Fillies Turf, meant to be steppingstones toward the two Breeders’ Cup juvenile turf stakes…Remember all that hype coming out of California over purse increases that would result from raising takeout on two and 3-horse exotic wagers? Well, the California Horse Racing Board’s 2011 annual report, with the takeout increase effective for one year, cites the following declines: handle 15.6%, a loss of over $500,000,000; purses 5.1%, state breeding funds 18.4%, Internet wagering 8%, and revenue for promotions, stable vanning program and other initiatives, 11.4%…Lesson to be learned: raise the price of betting and revenues decline…September 1 will mark a changing of the guard at Keeneland when Nick Nicholson retires and turns the dual reins of president/CEO over to Bill Thomason, the association’s current vice president/CFO…Reports have surfaced in the Bluegrass that historic Calumet Farm, currently held by a trust since its purchase at auction 20 years ago by the late Henryk De Kwiatkowski, is on the brink of being sold to Franklin, KY, businessman Brad Kelley, who already owns interests in several Kentucky farms and has horses running in his name with D. Wayne Lukas…ATB awards for Sam Houston Race Park’s winter/spring Thoroughbred meet were mailed on April 18.

Polo Holds Texas Sized Fundraiser for Houston Cancer Hospital

Polo Holds Texas Sized Fundraiser for Houston Cancer Hospital:

World-class Polo and the Casey Donahew Band Team Up April 28 to Fight Cancer

ALBANY, Texas (MDA) — After a quarter-century, the support for Polo on the Prairie, an annual fundraiser benefiting The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, continues to grow. With $338,880 raised, this year’s U.S. Polo Association-sanctioned tournament has broken all previous fundraising records. In total, the event has raised $4.3 million to benefit cancer research and patient care initiatives at MD Anderson. Midland, Texas, natives Melinda and Henry Musselman, along with Melinda’s mother, Mary Anne McCloud, held the first charity match in 1987. Each spring they welcome hundreds of guests to the Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch in Albany, Texas, to experience the excitement of polo on their hayfield-turned-polo-field and to raise awareness of and philanthropic support for MD Anderson. The event has expanded from two teams to eight and attracts players from around the world. Following the championship match, attendees will feast on a Texas-size chuck wagon barbecue dinner before dancing to the music of rising country music star Casey Donahew. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks finale that will light the West Texas sky. Individual tickets, $75, are available at 866-262-9029 or at events@mdanderson.org. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the event. Media requesting admission to the event are required to show press credentials at the entrance to the ranch. Please check in at the registration tent. See map below. Event schedule: 3 p.m.        Guest registration opens 4 p.m.        Opening ceremonies 4:10 p.m.   Championship polo match 6:20 p.m.   Presentation of trophies 6:30 p.m.   Barbecue dinner 7:30 p.m.   Entertainment by Casey Donahew 9 p.m.        Fireworks display In the event of inclement weather, evening activities will be held in the Stephens County Agricultural Barn located on Texas Highway 180, three miles east of Texas Highway 183.

About MD Anderson The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world’s most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. MD Anderson is one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. For eight of the past 10 years, including 2011, MD Anderson has ranked No. 1 in cancer care in “America’s Best Hospitals,” a survey published annually in U.S. News & World Report. © 2012 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Understanding Equine Sleep Deprivation

Understanding Equine Sleep Deprivation: Horses can become excessively drowsy (sleep deprived) due to pain, monotony, insecurity with their environment, and herd dynamics. Understanding sleep, sleep deprivation, and narcolepsy can mean a clearer diagnosis and management plan....

The Older Horse: An Immunological Perspective

The Older Horse: An Immunological Perspective: As with elderly people, old horses suffer from age-related diseases, such as arthritis, congestive heart failure, Cushing's syndrome, and cancer. They also experience age-related changes in immune function....

Horse Owners Urged to Ensure Vaccinations are Up to Date

Horse Owners Urged to Ensure Vaccinations are Up to Date: With warm weather gathering and mosquito season under way, horse owners are being advised to make certain their equids' vaccinations are current to protect against the threat of two potentially fatal diseases....

Why Too Much Deworming Can be a Bad Thing

At BVEH we strongly believe that targeted deworming and testing horses' fecal egg counts is the most appropriate and cost effective strategy you can use to treat your horses.

Why Too Much Deworming Can be a Bad Thing: While it is unlikely a horse will become ill or suffer harmful effects from being dewormed too often, in the long term, all horses' health can be compromised by the development of parasite resistance to dewormers....

Understanding Equine Osteochondrosis

Understanding Equine Osteochondrosis: The overarching umbrella term 'osteochondrosis' refers to the abnormal endochondral (within cartilage) ossification, one researcher said. Simply put, it's the process by which soft cartilage cells transform into hard bone cells....

Know How to Use A Stethoscope Before You Need It

Know How to Use A Stethoscope Before You Need It: The stethoscope is a valuable part of any equine first-aid kit. Here, Juliet Getty, PhD, explains why this piece of equipment is important and why horse owners should know how to use it before an emergency occurs....

NCHA names Alan Steen new Executive Director

NCHA names Alan Steen new Executive Director: Alan Steen of Georgetown, Texas, has been selected to be the new Executive Director of the National Cutting Horse Association. Steen, who has served as Administrator of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for the past nine years, will assume his new role at the NCHA headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas on June 1. Steen brings [...]

A Comparison of Three Conventional Horse Feeders with the Pre-Vent Feeder

A Comparison of Three Conventional Horse Feeders with the Pre-Vent Feeder: Abstract: This study compared a feeder with molded cups on the bottom (Pre-Vent feeder) with a commonly used rubber tub and hanging bucket feeder to determine differences in time spent eating and feed wastage. Nine Quarter Horse geldings were fed a 12% crude protein pellet diet at 0.75% body weight twice daily from one of the three feeders twice daily for 3 days, and then switched to the next feeder, following a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square design (n = 9). The horses spent more time eating from the cup feeders (31.15 ± 1.43 minutes) than from bucket (19.39 ± 0.42 minutes) and tub (18.87 ± 0.49 minutes, P < .0001) feeders. When fed from cup feeder, horses dropped significantly less feed (3.2 ± 0.52%) of their ration than when fed from bucket (10.2 ± 1.75%) and from tub (7.0 ± 1.32%, P = .001) feeders. When the most wasteful horse was fed from the cup feeder, he lost a mean of 8.7% of his ration, compared with 32.8% when fed from the bucket, and 26.2% when fed from the tub feeders. The cup design is useful for increasing time spent eating and reducing feed wastage.

Lone Star Park gets fresh start with new owner

Lone Star Park gets fresh start with new owner: New owner with deep pockets raises hopes as spring meet commences

BVEH vet featured in The Horse

Gallium Nitrate and R. Equi Shedding (AAEP 2011): Ben Buchanan, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, of Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Navasota, Texas, described an antimicrobial strategy designed to reduce the incidence of R. equi infection at ...