Researchers at the University of Florida are using specially engineered viruses to deliver restorative proteins to the joints -More-
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Researchers are testing virus-based osteoarthritis treatment in horses
Researchers are testing virus-based osteoarthritis treatment in horses: Researchers are testing virus-based osteoarthritis treatment in horses:
NCHA Futurity Set to Open Monday
NCHA Futurity Set to Open Monday:
Championship Futurity 50, is set to begin its 20-day run on Nov. 21, boasting 1,600 entries and a purse nearing $4 million.
The annual NCHA Triple Crown series begins with the Borden Milk Futurity and continues with the XTO Energy Super Stakes in April, followed by the Great American Insurance Summer Cutting Spectacular in July. All three events are held at Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Along with the Futurity cutting competition, there will be numerous events at the show, including the following:
Neiman Marcus Futurity Champions’ Cup, presented by Jerry Durant Auto Group
All 32 living past Open Futurity champion riders were invited to the Futurity Champions’ Cup, and 31 of them elected to participate. The past champions will compete in a crowd-pleasing format every horse enthusiast will want to attend. The Champions’ Cup will begin at 4 pm on Nov. 26. General admission is $10, with proceeds benefitting the NCHA Foundation. Tickets may be purchased online at nchatickets.com or during the show at the NCHA Information Booth in the Best of the West Tradeshow.
One lucky fan (18 years old or older) will win $15,000 off the purchase of the new vehicle from the Jerry Durant Auto Group of Weatherford, Texas. The winner will be chosen from a random drawing of ticket numbers at the event. Jerry Durant Auto Group is the Official Auto Dealership of the NCHA Triple Crown.
Neiman Marcus will also host a Futurity Champions’ Cup party open to all NCHA members at their Ridgmar Mall location on Friday, Nov. 25, at 7 pm with food, beverages, live music and Christmas shopping opportunities.
Mercuria Energy/NCHA World Championship Finals
This year’s $200,000-added Mercuria/NCHA World Finals will once again be held in conjunction with the Borden Milk/NCHA Futurity. The format will feature the Top 15 Open horses and Top 15 Non-Pro riders from the 2011 point year in a riveting competition for a world championship title. Go-round action will take place in the Watt Arena at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 27, and Thursday, Dec. 1 as well as the final go-round at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Admission is free.
“Best Seat In the House” to be Auctioned
A unique package that will give one cutting horse fan the experience of a lifetime will be auctioned (from the Will Rogers Coliseum arena floor) immediately preceding the 2011 NCHA Futurity finals
The package will include custom chaps signed by all of the living riders of the past Futurity champions, from the first Futurity champion, Buster Welch, to 2010 champion Lloyd Cox.
To top it off, the package will feature literally “the best seat in the house,” accommodation in the sixth box on the judges stand during the finals. The unique perspective from the middle of the arena has never been available to a spectator before and it will give the top bidder the same view of the action as the judges have.
Cutting Horse Gold: A 50-Year History of the NCHA Futurity
Award-winning author and cutting horse historian Sally Harrison published Cutting Horse Gold: A 50-Year History of the NCHA Futurity, this fall. Based on exclusive interviews and never-before-published personal accounts, the book traces the history of the NCHA Futurity from the inaugural event up to last year’s record breaking top score. A limited edition hardcover version will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, as well as a paperback version, both available at for purchase at the NCHA Information Booth. Or visit www.sallyharrison.com for the latest news about this unique collector’s item.
Pat Parelli Natural Horsemanship Clinic
One of the most successful horsemanship clinicians, Pat Parelli, will conduct a clinic in the Watt Arena on Sunday Nov. 27 from 1 to 4 pm, showcasing his proven Parelli Method. Parelli bases his teachings on the horse’s ability to communicate and relate in their natural world. His method has proven success for horse lovers of all levels and disciplines. General admission tickets are $20 each and can be pre-purchased at nchatickets.com.
Celebrity Cutting
The 17th Annual Celebrity Cutting presented by the Careity Foundation will be held Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at Will Rogers Coliseum. This year’s lineup includes Lyle Lovett, Sonny Burgess, Bob Kingsley and more. Proceeds from the event provide funding for a variety of supportive clinical services for cancer patients in the Tarrant County areas. Visit www.celebritycutting.com to reserve tickets.
Best of the West Premier Shopping Experience, presented by Coors Light
The Best of the West Premier Shopping Experience presented by Coors Light opens Nov. 21 in the Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall. This exhibit features 100,000 square feet of merchants offering clothing, art, tack, jewelry, furniture and more.
Admission is always free and it will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. through 7 p.m. during go-rounds and will remain open with extended hours through the semi-finals and finals performances. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Cowboy Santa
Need to settle up with Santa before Christmas? Cowboy Santa will be in the Best of the West Trade Show taking Christmas lists on Nov. 25 – 27 from 1 to 4 p.m., Dec 1 from 1 to 4 p.m., Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 3-4 from 1 to 4 p.m., Dec. 8-9 from 4 to 7 p.m., and Dec. 10 from 2:30 to 6 p.m.
Ride the Mechanical Cutting Horse
Get a taste of what attracts people of all ages to one of the fastest growing equine sports. The mechanical cutting horse and cow will be set up at the Best of the West Trade Show for the duration of the show. It simulates the quick maneuvers and hard stops of a real cutter, and it has multiple speeds for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Commemorative Belt Buckles
Visitors to the show will have the chance to purchase a commemorative 50th Futurity belt buckle, made by Gist Silversmiths.
Meet the Stars of PBR
Four of Professional Bull Riding’s greats will be signing autographs from 1 to 3 pm in the Best of the West Shopping Experience on Saturday, Dec. 3. Headliners comprise Ross Coleman, Colby Yates, Cord McCoy and J.W. Hart. The guys will also try their skills at riding the mechanical cutting horse. PBR will also have Martinez’s Far West, a top PBR bull, on display outside the exhibit hall.
Historical Futurity Display
A special display celebrating the NCHA Futurity Open Champions will greet visitors to the Best of the West trade show in the Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall where hundreds of vendors will offer an unparalleled shopping experience in the weeks before Christmas..
Each of the display’s five sections will focus on a decade of past NCHA Futurities, with historic photos, statistics and more.
Meet the legendary Buster Welch
Buster Welch was not only the inaugural Futurity champion in 1962, he is also a five-time winner of the prestigious title. Buster will be in the Amon G Carter Exhibit Hall from 3 to 5 pm on Saturday Dec. 10 to shake hands and sign autographs.
Cooper’s Bar-B-Que Reception
All NCHA members are invited to a special reception at Cooper’s Bar-B-Que in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards Sunday Dec. 4 at 7 pm. The reception will also feature a Christmas Art Show and Sale with this season’s complete inventory of Jerry McAdams original works. Cooper’s is located on North Main Street, next to Billy Bob’s Texas.
Ranch and Breeding Operation Tours
NCHA will host a ranch and breeding operation bus tour to select locations in Parker County Dec 7 and 8. The tour will stop at some of the industry’s top operations and stallion stations. Two-time Futurity Champion Leon Harrel will serve as the tour guide. If available, tickets can be purchased the day of the tour for $40.
Western Bloodstock sales
Western Bloodstock will host cutting horse sales beginning Monday, Dec. 5 and continuing through the finals day on Saturday, Dec. 10. On Saturday, Dec. 10, XTO Energy’s Super Stallion Saturday, an event that showcases many of the top cutting horse sires in the industry, will begin at 8:00 a.m. Visitors are welcome to walk through the barn at the Watt to have a closer look at the stallions. In light of the 50th Futurity events, Western Bloodstock invited all 20 living Open Futurity Champion horses to join in the Super Stallion Saturday festivities. For more information, visit www.westernbloodstock.com.
Trigger and Bullet Happy Trails Tour
In honor of Roy Rogers’ 100th birthday, stop by the Amon G Carter Exhibit Hall anytime Dec 1 – 10 to see Trigger “The Golden Palomino” and Bullet “The Wonder Dog” on their 48-state Happy Trails Tour.
International Lounge
International guests will be welcomed to the show with a space to call their own – the international lounge. Located next to the NCHA Information Booth, the lounge is great place to relax and watch the live feed from the coliseum. Guests will also receive a welcome bag stuffed full with goodies.
Held annually at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, each year, the NCHA World Championship Futurity showcases the next generation of leading cutting horses in their first arena competition. Since the inaugural Futurity in 1962 with 35 entries vying for a purse of $18,375, this event captures the imagination of fans around the world as more than 1,500 of the world’s top horse and rider combinations compete for a piece of a purse estimated at nearly $4 million
The National Cutting Horse Association has more than 20,000 members from a wide range of backgrounds. Each year more than 2,200 NCHA-approved events are held throughout North America, with more than $40 million in prize money awarded. For more information visit www.nchacutting.com or call (817) 244-6188.
Veterinarians Connect the (FDA-Approved) Prascend® Dots: Will Senior Horses Need to Change to the New Medication to Control Cushings and IR Symptoms?
Veterinarians Connect the (FDA-Approved) Prascend® Dots: Will Senior Horses Need to Change to the New Medication to Control Cushings and IR Symptoms?: The imminent release of Boehringer Ingelheim's FDA-approved Prascend to the equine market may mean serious changes are afoot for senior horses that are currently being treated with the compounded medication known as pergolide to control symptoms of equine Cushings disease (PPID) or insulin resistance.
Florida: Still Waiting on Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing Rules
Florida: Still Waiting on Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing Rules: As Gretna Racing heads toward its Dec. 1 opening of Florida's first pari-mutuel barrel racing meet, issues including the wagering format and a Quarter Horse industry group's challenge to Gretna Racing's state-approved license remain unresolved....
Winter Driving Tips for Horse Owners
Winter Driving Tips for Horse Owners:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2011) – With the change of seasons, USRider – the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians – reminds those who travel with Horses to be careful when traveling and invest time doing routine preventive trailer maintenance to enhance their travel safety.
It is imperative to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Be sure to maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s service schedule. It’s also important to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic.
“When it comes to vehicle maintenance, especially heavy-duty vehicles towing precious cargo, it is better to be proactive than reactive,” said Bill Riss, general manager of USRider. “If you have not already done so, establish a relationship with a trusted ASE (www.ase.com <http://www.ase.com> ) mechanic. It is essential that you do this before your vehicle breaks down on the side of the highway while towing your horse trailer.”
USRider recommends that you check tire pressure before each trip. This is especially important with temperature changes. If you are traveling from a warm climate to a cold climate, air pressure in your tires will drop. On the other hand, when traveling from a cold climate into a warm climate, the air pressure will rise.
A weak battery will usually reveal itself during cold weather. If your battery is more than a couple of years old, be sure to check it prior to cold weather setting in. Otherwise, you will most likely be inconvenienced on some cold morning when the battery fails to start your vehicle.
When driving, a good rule of thumb to follow on the road is “rain,ice & snow – take it slow.” Before setting out on a trip, take the time to check weather reports and plan accordingly. Be sure to allow extra time for inclement weather. Mother Nature doesn’t care that you need to be somewhere at a certain time.
Always drive with your headlights on during inclement weather – even if it is not dark. USRider recommends that Horse owners drive with headlights on anytime when trailering Horses, regardless of weather, because of increased visibility afforded by using headlights.
Also during inclement weather, be sure to increase distance between vehicles to allow more stopping time. USRider recommends that you double the normal distance between vehicles when towing a Horse trailer.
“Stopping on snow or ice without skidding and/or jackknifing takes extra distance. Use brakes very gently to avoid skidding,” added Riss. “If you begin to skid or jackknife, ease up on the brake and steer into the skid to regain control.”
During winter months, traction tires are recommended. In order to qualify as a traction tire, tires must have at least an eighth of an inch of tread and be labeled Mud and Snow, M+S, All-Season, or have a Mountain/Snowflake symbol. Since tire performance can vary, a trusted area dealer may be able to advise you on the best tires for your vehicle.
Since it’s difficult to know what road conditions you may encounter during the winter, make it a practice to re-fuel when your vehicle fuel gauge drops below the halfway mark. In many states, you can dial 5-1-1 for travel conditions and road closures.
In some states, vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), including some passenger trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers, must carry chains on certain highways November 1 through March 31. Check with the Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles for information on the states you will be traveling through.
USRider provides roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to its members through the Equestrian Motor Plan. Standard features include flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, towing up to 100 miles, roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with Horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit www.usrider.org online or call (800) 844-1409.
For additional safety tips, visit the Equine Travel Safety Area on the USRider website at www.usrider.org.
17-Nov-11 8:00 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2011) – With the change of seasons, USRider – the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians – reminds those who travel with Horses to be careful when traveling and invest time doing routine preventive trailer maintenance to enhance their travel safety.
It is imperative to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Be sure to maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s service schedule. It’s also important to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic.
“When it comes to vehicle maintenance, especially heavy-duty vehicles towing precious cargo, it is better to be proactive than reactive,” said Bill Riss, general manager of USRider. “If you have not already done so, establish a relationship with a trusted ASE (www.ase.com <http://www.ase.com> ) mechanic. It is essential that you do this before your vehicle breaks down on the side of the highway while towing your horse trailer.”
USRider recommends that you check tire pressure before each trip. This is especially important with temperature changes. If you are traveling from a warm climate to a cold climate, air pressure in your tires will drop. On the other hand, when traveling from a cold climate into a warm climate, the air pressure will rise.
A weak battery will usually reveal itself during cold weather. If your battery is more than a couple of years old, be sure to check it prior to cold weather setting in. Otherwise, you will most likely be inconvenienced on some cold morning when the battery fails to start your vehicle.
When driving, a good rule of thumb to follow on the road is “rain,ice & snow – take it slow.” Before setting out on a trip, take the time to check weather reports and plan accordingly. Be sure to allow extra time for inclement weather. Mother Nature doesn’t care that you need to be somewhere at a certain time.
Always drive with your headlights on during inclement weather – even if it is not dark. USRider recommends that Horse owners drive with headlights on anytime when trailering Horses, regardless of weather, because of increased visibility afforded by using headlights.
Also during inclement weather, be sure to increase distance between vehicles to allow more stopping time. USRider recommends that you double the normal distance between vehicles when towing a Horse trailer.
“Stopping on snow or ice without skidding and/or jackknifing takes extra distance. Use brakes very gently to avoid skidding,” added Riss. “If you begin to skid or jackknife, ease up on the brake and steer into the skid to regain control.”
During winter months, traction tires are recommended. In order to qualify as a traction tire, tires must have at least an eighth of an inch of tread and be labeled Mud and Snow, M+S, All-Season, or have a Mountain/Snowflake symbol. Since tire performance can vary, a trusted area dealer may be able to advise you on the best tires for your vehicle.
Since it’s difficult to know what road conditions you may encounter during the winter, make it a practice to re-fuel when your vehicle fuel gauge drops below the halfway mark. In many states, you can dial 5-1-1 for travel conditions and road closures.
In some states, vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), including some passenger trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers, must carry chains on certain highways November 1 through March 31. Check with the Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles for information on the states you will be traveling through.
USRider provides roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to its members through the Equestrian Motor Plan. Standard features include flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, towing up to 100 miles, roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with Horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit www.usrider.org online or call (800) 844-1409.
For additional safety tips, visit the Equine Travel Safety Area on the USRider website at www.usrider.org.
17-Nov-11 8:00 AM
To Blanket or Not to Blanket
To Blanket or Not to Blanket:
One of the most confusing decisions when trailering in cold weather is whether to blanket your Horse, said Neva Kittrell Scheve, author and equine travel expert. Horses are very comfortable in cold conditions, and most will travel very well during the winter. Two important factors should be considered when making this decision, according toScheve:
Ensure that the trailer is well ventilated because Horses are prone to respiratory illness. A trailer that is not properly ventilated becomes filled with toxic air from the hay dust, shavings,and any gases from urine and manure. The body heat produced by the Horses also builds up inside the trailer.
Keep Horses hydrated in the summer as well as during the winter. Dehydration is the most common cause of colic. Horses can become dehydrated even during the winter if they do not drink or they lose water through perspiration. If a Horse is dressed too warmly, it will tend to lose more fluids than it should.
Be sure to dress the Horse according to the situation. If the Horse has a full winter coat and does well in daily life, it will not need a blanket for the trailer trip. In this case, open the roof vents and a few windows in the back so the air does not blow directly on the Horse. If you have a stock trailer that does not have windows that close, a light sheet can protect the Horse from the wind. If the Horse is body clipped or does not have a heavy coat, it should wear the same weight blanket that it would normally wear, and vents and windows should be open.
Long-distance trips require a little more preparation. Be ready for driving through different temperatures. Pack blankets of different weights so you can change them as the weather changes during travel. Be sure the Horse does not sweat too much. It could get wet and get chilled. Also, the Horse can lose water through sweat and become dehydrated.
About the Equine Network
The Equine Network provides, creates, and distributes relevant content and services to passionate horseenthusiasts while connecting them to each other and the marketplace. The Equine Network is the publisher of award-winning magazines: Horse&Rider, EQUUS, Dressage Today, The Trail Rider, Spin to Win Rodeo, American Cowboy, Practical Horseman, and Horse Journal. The Equine Network also publishes a proprietary line of books and DVDs for sale through its store, HorseBooksEtc.com. The Equine Network provides emergency roadside assistance through its recent acquisition of USRider, and is home to several websites including: EquiSearch.com, Equine.com, MyHorseDaily.com, DiscoverHorses.com, AmericanCowboy.com, and Horse-Journal.com.
17-Nov-11 8:15 AM
One of the most confusing decisions when trailering in cold weather is whether to blanket your Horse, said Neva Kittrell Scheve, author and equine travel expert. Horses are very comfortable in cold conditions, and most will travel very well during the winter. Two important factors should be considered when making this decision, according toScheve:
Ensure that the trailer is well ventilated because Horses are prone to respiratory illness. A trailer that is not properly ventilated becomes filled with toxic air from the hay dust, shavings,and any gases from urine and manure. The body heat produced by the Horses also builds up inside the trailer.
Keep Horses hydrated in the summer as well as during the winter. Dehydration is the most common cause of colic. Horses can become dehydrated even during the winter if they do not drink or they lose water through perspiration. If a Horse is dressed too warmly, it will tend to lose more fluids than it should.
Be sure to dress the Horse according to the situation. If the Horse has a full winter coat and does well in daily life, it will not need a blanket for the trailer trip. In this case, open the roof vents and a few windows in the back so the air does not blow directly on the Horse. If you have a stock trailer that does not have windows that close, a light sheet can protect the Horse from the wind. If the Horse is body clipped or does not have a heavy coat, it should wear the same weight blanket that it would normally wear, and vents and windows should be open.
Long-distance trips require a little more preparation. Be ready for driving through different temperatures. Pack blankets of different weights so you can change them as the weather changes during travel. Be sure the Horse does not sweat too much. It could get wet and get chilled. Also, the Horse can lose water through sweat and become dehydrated.
About the Equine Network
The Equine Network provides, creates, and distributes relevant content and services to passionate horseenthusiasts while connecting them to each other and the marketplace. The Equine Network is the publisher of award-winning magazines: Horse&Rider, EQUUS, Dressage Today, The Trail Rider, Spin to Win Rodeo, American Cowboy, Practical Horseman, and Horse Journal. The Equine Network also publishes a proprietary line of books and DVDs for sale through its store, HorseBooksEtc.com. The Equine Network provides emergency roadside assistance through its recent acquisition of USRider, and is home to several websites including: EquiSearch.com, Equine.com, MyHorseDaily.com, DiscoverHorses.com, AmericanCowboy.com, and Horse-Journal.com.
17-Nov-11 8:15 AM
Study: Dental Work Improves Feed Digestibility in Horses
Veterinarians and staff at BVEH are well trained and specialize in advanced dental procedures and routine prophylactic procedures.
Study: Dental Work Improves Feed Digestibility in Horses: Aim for routine dental care before a horse begins displaying signs of discomfort or difficulty chewing. The resulting increased digestibility means greater conversion of feed to energy and--ideally--reduced feed bills....
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