Twin Oaks Enterprises

Recent reports of several horses in Texas dying from Eastern Equine Encephalitis serve as a reminder that Oklahoma horse owners should make sure their horses are vaccinated.

“We’ve always recommended that horse owners in Oklahoma vaccinate for it as a preventive measure,” said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension veterinarian.

The State Veterinarian’s Office with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is unaware of any EEE cases in Oklahoma as of this writing.

EEE is spread by mosquitoes. OSU veterinarians and equine specialists recommend that horses be vaccinated to protect against mosquito-born diseases such as West Nile Virus and Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis as part of their routine health care program.

“It takes a week to 10 days after vaccination for a horse to develop protective antibodies,” she said. “Booster shots should be administered as directed to maintain the highest level of protection.”

Symptoms of EEE include confusion, erratic behavior, staggering and even collapsing. A blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Approximately half of infected horses will survive provided they get timely and appropriate supportive care.

“An infected horse will not spread EEE, WEE or West Nile Virus to humans,” MacAllister said. “Humans can be infected with these diseases, but the source of the virus is not horses. Rather, an infected horse acts as a sentinel that the disease may be in your area. Mosquitoes are the culprit.”

Dave Freeman, OSU Cooperative Extension equine specialist, said there are management steps that horse owners should take in addition to vaccination of animals.

“Police your property and drain sources of stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed,” he said. “Make sure to use approved products that kill mosquito larvae in water sources such as troughs, ponds and even fountains, if applicable, taking care to always follow label directions. Consider sheltering horses at night.”

And don’t forget the personal management: Avoid being outside at night or at dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, and wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants whenever possible. Protect yourself from mosquito bites with a repellant containing DEET.

“It’s important not to panic just because EEE cases have been confirmed across the Red River,” MacAllister said. “Having grown up in Texas, I can attest to it being a problem that crops up from time to time, as it does in many southern states that have significant mosquito populations. The key is to practice good management, for your horse and yourself.”

In addition to Texas, EEE cases have been reported this year in Florida, Louisiana, Missouri and Virginia.

AHC Seeks to Document Equestrian Access Issues on Public Land

The American Horse Council has launched a new effort to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands. The center piece of this effort is an online form equestrians can use to report their personal experiences regarding trails and federal lands that have been closed to them or other access issues.

Americans who use horses and pack stock enjoy a unique experience when they ride on trails and public lands. It is an experience that ties them to the “pioneer” era and provides not only a way to connect with America’s vast and unique natural resources but a link with America’s history and traditions. It is an experience that cannot be enjoyed without a trail system, trailhead access and areas for camping. It is an experience that Americans enjoyed even before there was a national park system and an experience they want to continue.

Unfortunately, equestrians are seeing an increasing loss of access through trail restrictions, trail closures, and use restrictions. Riders and stock users are being excluded from areas that they have historically traveled through and indeed first opened up. It is a loss of opportunities for riders, families, persons with disabilities, school groups and others. There seems to be a management environment less open to these traditional forms of use. Sometimes restrictions on equestrian use are done intentionally through management plans that reduce, restrict or eliminate horses, horse facilities, camping or grazing restrictions, cross-country travel restrictions or closures. Sometimes the restrictions are indirect though a lack of trail maintenance, or over regulation, or lack of services to the public like facilities that provide saddle and pack animals or parking for horse trailers.

In order to better combat this disturbing trend the AHC is asking equestrians to document examples of trails or entire areas that have been closed to equestrians on federal land (National Forest Service, National Parks Service, and Bureau of Land Management, etc). The AHC is seeking all relevant information concerning these closures such as the reason for the loss of access, details concerning any public process that was involved and the history of equestrian use on the closed trail or area.

The AHC is also interested in examples of attempts to bar equestrian access that have been defeated.

“The reduction of trails, trail heads and the closure of public lands to horses and pack animals is a continuing problem for equestrians. However, there is no centralized, comprehensive database that documents any loss of access and even fewer specific examples,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “We hope by giving equestrians a place to report their experiences we can get a better picture of the problem and use that information to fix it.”

The AHC is asking all recreational riders to visit the AHC website and report any access issues they have had using this electronic form https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php. This will be a permanent feature of the AHC website.

“The AHC is committed to preserving equine access to public lands. It is very important for these efforts that we have evidence that demonstrates the extent of the problem and the need for action on the part of Congress or the federal land agencies,” said Hickey.

Welfare and Abandonment Issues Surround Horse Ownership

LITTLE ROCK - Abandoned horses have been turning up in sale barns, cattle pastures and state and federal lands across Arkansas and the country, says Steve Jones, associate professor/extension equine specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

"The abandonment issue affects a number of entities, including land owners, business owners, humane societies and rescue groups and law enforcement," Jones said. "Livestock auction operators are locking facilities at night to discourage people from leaving horses at their facilities."

Buddy Smith, assistant manager of Lewis Livestock Market at Conway, said abandonment "is a reality. It has happened at livestock markets in Oklahoma and other states."

More horses than normal are ending up at local humane societies and horse rescue farms, putting stress on the resources of these facilities, according to Jones.

Some cattle producers have also being affected.

"One Arkansas cattle producer told me he went to check on his cows, and there were two horses in the pasture with his cows. I've heard several stories like that," Jones said.

Kay Simpson, director of the Humane Society of Pulaski County, thinks neglect is a bigger problem than abandonment.

"We've prosecuted several people in the last year for not doing what they're supposed to do to take care of their horses," Simpson said.

In the last year or so, issues related to horse welfare, such as nutrition, health and foot care have become a concern, Jones noted. Many people have less disposable income because of the economy, so they skimp on feed. "We wind up with neglected horses. Incidents appear to be higher than normal."

Several factors hit all at once to cause horse neglect and abandonment, according to Jones.

One factor is the close of all slaughter plants in the United States. The plants are now in Canada and Mexico. It's cost prohibitive to transport horses out of country. "Other issues are the unprecedented rise in feed prices last year and people losing their job," he said.

Smith said the slaughter issue means that many horses have no value.

"We can't sell them. There's no bidder. We don't have a propped up market price because there are no slaughter houses anymore," he explained.

Jones said owning a horse offers the owner with recreational, driving and draft riding opportunities. Arkansas has about 170,000 horses, many of them for recreation.

When you own a horse, he said, if you're buying feed and doing required health care, you'll spend $1,000 to $1,500 a year on its needs. "All of a sudden, the recreation horse becomes a drain on family income and a luxury they can't afford, he said.

Demand for horses has gone away, Jones noted. If a person can afford it, now is the time to buy, because it's a buyer's market.

"The cheapest part of owning a horse is the purchase price," the horse specialist said. "Many people don't plan for long term expense of owning a horse. Feed, hay and health care is constant for 20 to 25 years, the useful lifespan of horses."

One solution, he said, is to reduce the horse numbers.

"A number of stallion owners have told me they're breeding fewer mares for customers. Fewer owners are bringing their mares to them for breeding."

Every horse owner should consider reducing the number of foals born.

"Unfortunately, I'm seeing farms that are breeding horses indiscriminately. They need to reduce their output. Breed your elite mares and stallions that have potential value," he said.

Jones explains there is still a demand for horses, but the market is for horses that have a job or purpose, such as trained horses ready to ride, race or drive.

If a horse owner has pasture with good hay quality, they can eliminate feed. Horses can thrive on hay and pasture, if the hay and pasture meet nutritional requirements.

"Your county extension agent can take a hay or forage sample, and the university can provide an analysis," Jones said.

For more information, contact your county extension agent or visit http://www.uaex.edu and select Agriculture, then Horses. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.

Source: www.extension.org

retirement facilities polled report they are at near or full capacity and, on average, turn away 38% of the horses brought to them. Capacity is clearly the issue in that as many horses stay for life at the facilities as are adopted out.
Survey respondents believe the top solutions for solving the problem of unwanted horses are to educate owners to purchase and own responsibly, increase the ability of private rescue and retirement facilities to care for unwanted horses, reopen the U.S. processing plants, and increase options and resources for euthanizing and disposing of unwanted horses.
“One of the highlights of the survey is the willingness by all respondents to resolve the unwanted horse problem,” said Tom R. Lenz, DVM, chair of the UHC. “We believe these findings will be useful in identifying common ground for all interested groups and aid us in developing solutions that will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of unwanted horses and the horse industry at large.”
The survey was conducted from November 2008 to January 2009 by an independent market research company. More than 23,000 horse owners, equine industry stakeholders and non-horse owners participated. For more information, contact Julia Andersen, UHC director, at (202) 296-4031 or jandersen@horsecouncil.org.

Humane Society Urges Oregon Governor to Make Horse Abandonment a Crime

SALEM, Ore. — The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Oregon House of Representatives for passing a bill that adds horses and other equines to the animal abandonment statute. The HSUS now urges Gov. Ted Kulongoski to sign the bill into law. Originally sponsored by Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, and carried to the Senate floor by Sen. Doug Whitsett, R-Klamath Falls, S.B. 398 makes abandoning an equine a Class B Misdemeanor. The bill passed the House and was sent to the governor by a vote of 59 to 1. The bill was carried in the House by Rep. Jefferson Smith, D-Portland, District 47.

"Abandoning a horse is no less cruel and should be no less a crime than abandoning a cat or dog, and The Humane Society of the United States thanks the Oregon House and Senate for passing this important piece of legislation," said Scott Beckstead, The HSUS' senior state director for Oregon. "For people who can no longer care for their horse, there are many alternatives to abandoning them. The Humane Society of the United States is grateful to the Oregon Legislature for passing this important legislation to protect our equine companions, and we ask Governor Kulongoski to sign it into law."

Background:

Under Oregon law, it is a crime to abandon some animals, but horses are defined as "livestock," which are excluded. Adding equines to the existing statute, does not change their status as "livestock," but it will hold horse owners accountable for neglect and abandonment.
Struggling horse owners do not need resort to abandonment to solve their problems. Rescue groups, online adoption programs, lease arrangements and even humane euthanasia are all responsible alternatives to horse abandonment.
The Oregon Horse Welfare Council, a group comprised of rescue organizations, breed groups, state and local agencies and concerned horsepeople, has created programs throughout the state to provide hay assistance, temporary foster homes and other programs to help horse owners in need.
SB 398 was sponsored by Sens. Floyd Prozanski, D-South Lane, Joanne Verger, D-Coos Bay, and Vicki Walker, D-Eugene; and Reps. Jean Cowan, D-Newport, Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, Jeff Barker, D-Aloha, Vicki Berger, R-Salem, Arnie Roblan, D-Coos Bay, Tim Freeman, R-Roseburg, and Vic Gilliam, R-Molalla.

Source: www.hsus.org

Influenza Forces Race Cancellations At Canadian Track

News from Canada last week was reminiscent of the news out of Australia two years ago, when equine influenza emerged in New South Wales and forced the suspension of racing.

An equine influenza virus has so far affected 300 horses at Hasting Racecourse (photo) in Vancouver, forcing cancellation of all races on July 3 because there were not enough horses to fill them. The week before, on June 26, 18 horses were scratched from the day’s race card.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen that at any racetrack in North America,” said Paul Ryneveld, the Hastings’ director of racing.

While the virus appears to be on the decline, veterinarians are baffled by its appearance at this time of year, much as scientists were surprised by the swine flu that sickened humans in Mexico this past spring.

“To have it appear halfway through the racing season, it’s something that we’re still trying to figure out,” said Ryneveld. “The fact that it’s in the summer months, that’s the strange part.”

Australia had never experienced equine flu before August 2007 (winter Down Under) and the economic repercussions of the epidemic, which closed down racing for six months, are still being felt.

The highly contagious disease is no stranger to North Americans, however. The “Great Epizootic” of 1872-1873 started in Toronto and spread so rapidly that within 90 days U.S. commerce came to a standstill. This was at a time when there were 650,000 horses in New York, alone.

In 2008, according to the American Horse Council, there were 9.2 million horses in the U.S.

Twenty-Year-Old Horse First to Go 20,000 Endurance Miles

Tulip, a Morab gelding who will turn 21 on June 21, is endurance riding’s most enduring equine, with 20,805 miles to his credit. He is the first horse in American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) history to surpass the 20,000 mile mark.

Tulip’s name? The rumor, according to Dr. Les Carr, Tulip’s owner, is that a bed of lovely tulips was nearby during Tulip’s birth. The 15.2-hand Tulip, registered as a half-Arabian by the Arabian Horse Association, is by the Morgan stallion Calamity’s Pizzaz, whose sire is from the Kingston line. His dam, Belif, is a granddaughter of Bu-Zahar, a son of Ferzon-Hall of Fame sire of National Champions.

Carr, of Somerset, CA, has amassed 46,460 miles of his own during his 24 years of AERC competitions. Both Carr and Tulip exemplify AERC’s commitment to valuing equine longevity.

Although he has completed four 100-mile rides, Tulip’s specialty is the 50-mile endurance ride, especially when combined into AERC Pioneer Rides, which include at least three consecutive days of 50- to 55-mile rides. And the grey gelding’s not burning up the trail; he and Carr tend to finish towards the back of the pack in most competitions.

“The AERC motto is ‘to finish is to win’,” noted Carr. “However, winning can be accomplished in different ways. One way to win is for the rider to make the decision to ride the same horse over a long period of time and place at the middle or tail end of the ride. This approach has been my choice.”

Carr’s horse philosophy has evolved over the years, and Tulip is his third horse to go over 10,000 miles. Carr credits starting slowly and carrying a lightweight rider—in Tulip’s case, junior Lainey Porter rode Tulip for his first few thousand miles of competition. “I sponsored and accompanied Lainey, who rode Tulip slowly and followed my strategies and lead,” said Carr.

A pace of 5.5 miles per hour is another of Carr’s tenets. By not galloping or cantering, Carr plans to take nine to 10 hours to complete a 50-mile ride. To make that trail time easier on Tulip, Carr spends most of his riding time standing up in the stirrups. He allows Tulip to eat and drink pretty much continually along the trail, and carefully watches both Tulip’s intake and outgo which, Carr says, “provide significant clinical signs as to the condition of Tulip along the endurance trail.”

Carr isn’t willing to take risks with his high-mileage horse. “If Tulip is even slightly off in his gait—even if the judges say Tulip could continue in the ride—Tulip and I load up and go home. Any sign of colic results in my immediately pulling Tulip from the ride and requesting immediate vet treatment,” said Carr. “My operating philosophy is that there is always another endurance ride to do, but not another Tulip.”

Most years, Carr and Tulip would complete around 1,000 miles of competition a year. Their highest mileage year was 2006, when they completed 1,970 miles. Along the way, the pair have picked up numerous awards from AERC, including regional mileage championships and Pioneer Awards, even a couple of national mileage championships when he was ridden by Porter back in the mid-1990s.

At age 74, Carr keeps himself in shape with bodybuilding and weightlifting when he’s not riding. At 5’8”, he keeps his weight at a trim 148 pounds. A practicing clinical psychologist, Carr considers riding “a mystical and spiritual experience.”

A stairway fall back in 1999 looked like it was the end of Carr’s riding, according to his team of doctors. But after a full year of recovery, he’s been back standing in the saddle for miles and miles every month, although his left leg remains slightly weakened. “I’m appreciative of Brent and Cheryl Johnson, who pitched in and rode Tulip for nearly 1,400 miles during my year off,” said Carr.

Carr has no plans to retire Tulip. The pair have already completed 670 miles in the current ride season. But Carr said that he and Tulip will no longer be doing as many five-day Pioneer Rides (250 miles over five days), instead focusing on one-day 50s and the three-day 155-mile Pioneer Rides.

“Life along the endurance trail is unpredictable, in line with our universe that is inherently chaotic and unpredictable,” said Carr. But the septuagenarian, who rides along with his wife, Jill, and her trustworthy mule, Walker, at his side, Carr hopes to ride Tulip as long as possible along the endurance trails.

For more information about AERC or endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, CA, at (866) 271-2372, email aerc@foothill.net, or visit www.aerc.org.

Source: www.usef.org

Cool Format For A Hot Sale

Western Bloodstock announced recently that the NCHA Summer Spectacular Sale, to be held July 31 through August 1, during the $2 million NCHA Summer Spectacular, will feature flexible options for prospective buyers to watch consigned horses as they work cattle.

The venue features a full slate of demonstrations in Watt Arena on Friday, July 31, the day before the sale. At recent past sales, the auction was conducted as show horses, 3-year-olds and 2-year-olds were demonstrated working cattle.

This year, however, Clearman Video Productions will film each performance and that video, or another provided by the seller, will be made available at a viewing station inside John Justin Sale Arena, throughout the sale, on Saturday, August 1. The videos will also be shown on big screen monitors while the horses sell and while buyers enjoy climate-controlled comfort in the John Justin facility.

“With cattle and horses being brought in and out of Watt Arena during the Summer Spectacular Sale, the indoor temperature is hard to maintain,” said Western Bloodstock spokesman Jim Ware. “By using John Justin Sale Arena, we can insure that everyone is comfortable throughout the sale.

“This format isn’t new,” Ware added. “We have sold thousands of horses in past years using a similar schedule. But if buyers and sellers like this arrangement in July, we will consider a similar format for some of the 2009 NCHA Futurity Sales.”

MANDY MCCUTCHEON TAKES NON-PRO RIDING I SPIN FOR CHICS

June 29, 2008 – Oklahoma City, Okla.
cHistory was made on the night of June 28, 2008, in the historic coliseum at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Okla., as NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida maneuvered Wimpys Little Chic to the NRHA Derby Championship with a 233 score.

The win made the 4-year-old mare, owned by Eleuterio Arcese of Arcese Quarter Horses from Italy and Texas, the only horse in National Reining Horse Association History to ever win the top three events the sport has to offer: the NRHA Futurity, the National Reining Breeders Classic, and the NRHA Derby – what is essentially reining’s version of a Triple Crown.

Flarida won a cool $50,000 on the mare; however, after placing on two other horses in the Derby, his take-home pay totaled $82,607.55 – putting him within $115,000 of hitting the unprecedented $3 Million Dollar Rider mark.

The Reserve title went to Tinsel Jac, ridden by Andrea Fappani, San Marcos, Calif., who scored a 227 and took home the $39,065 Reserve paycheck. The 6-year-old palomino stallion sired by Dolls Union Jac out of Holly Tinseltown by Primary Pine, is owned by Tinsel Jac Partners from Mexico. Fappani also finished third riding Spooks Gotta Gun for Duane Hicks, Marietta, Okla. His 225 score earned him an additional $30,989.47.

The Intermediate Open Derby was split by Jared T. Leclair riding Rootin Tootin Dunit, a 4-year-old stallion by Gallo Del Cielo out of This Is How Its Dun by Hollywood Dun It, owned by the Wolf Stem Partnership, Horse Cove, Ky., and Jason Vanlandingham, riding Gallos Stylish Star, also sired by Gallo Del Cielo and out of A Stylish Queen by Docs Stylish Oak, owned by Anthony Boerma, Pauls Valley, Okla. Both scored a 221.5 and took home a check for $11,431.83. The Limited Open winner was Gabriel B. Diano riding Whiz Shady MA for Roberto Jose Ribas, scoring a 219.5. The pair won $2,352.81.

NRHA’s only Non-Pro Million Dollar Rider Mandy McCutcheon, Aubrey, Texas, repeated her Derby win of 2007 when she again won the Non-Pro Derby riding I Spin For Chics, a 5-year-old stallion sired by Tangys Classy Peppy out of Chics Koko Angel by Smart Chic Olena. The pair also previously won the Non-Pro title at the 2008 National Reining Breeders Classic and took Reserve titles at the 2006 NRHA Futurity and the 2007 NRBC.

The Non-Pro Reserve title was split between Jessicah Keller, Fayetteville, Tenn., riding Helluva Chex, a 4-year-old stallion sired by Nu Chex To Cash out of Full Sis by Peppy San Badger, owned by Hilldale Farm and Sandra Bentien, Auburn, Calif., riding Make It With A Twist, a 6-year-old daughter of Dun It With A Twist out of SR Mischief Maker by Holidoc. The pair also won the Intermediate Non-Pro Championship. Lindy Longfellow, Hanford, Calif., won both the Limited Non-Pro and the Prime Time Non-Pro titles riding SLJ Sweet N Juicy, a 5-year-old daughter of Smart Like Juice out of Jacks My Sugar Daddy by Hollywood Jac 86.

Horse Soldiers

Horse Soldiers. Didn’t John Wayne star in that movie?

It’s hard to imagine anyone better for the role of Captain Mitch Nelson than the Duke. But Horse Soldiers isn’t a movie. It’s a recently published book by Doug Stanton about a small band of U.S. Special Forces that rode horseback with Afghanistan’s Northern Alliance into battle against the Taliban in 2002.

Few of Nelson’s men had been near a horse before they landed in Afghanistan and climbed aboard scrawny, unshod mounts provided by General Abdul Rashid Dostum of the Northern Alliance. The saddles, built for the average Afghan man who weighed 140 pounds, were made of three boards hinged together and covered with goatskin. The stirrups were hammered iron rings attached to the saddle with short leather straps.

Riding with knees next to their elbows and each carrying 300 pounds of weapons, ammo and gear, the men traversed the Hindu Kush Mountains, rising 25,000 feet above the desert, on two-foot wide trails laden with mines and with 1,000-foot drops. After the first climb, upon dismounting most had trouble standing up straight. Some had blood seeping through the seat of their pants, where the saddle had rubbed the skin away.

Nelson’s and Dostum’s mission was to take Maza-i-Sharif from the Taliban with the help of U.S. Air Force bomb strikes on the enemy’s big guns. Before Nelson’s arrival, Dostum’s forces had ridden their horses into sheets of fire from Taliban artillery, backed by tanks, mortars, and machine guns.

During preparations for their first joint battle with 1,500 mounted soldiers, Nelson asked Dostum how the horses would react when the bombs started dropping.

“They will not be nervous,” Dostum assured him.

“Why not?” Nelson wanted to know.

“Because they know that these are American bombs,” said Dostum.

Although they didn’t mind bullets whizzing past them, the horses did buck and rear at the boom and roar of the bombs. But the Afghans rode ahead at a full gallop with reins clamped in their teeth as they fired over the necks of their mounts. When they dismounted, they threw their reins to the ground and stood on them while they fired their rifles.

“The capture of Maza-i-Sharif with fewer than 350 Special Forces, 100 CIA officers and 15,000 Afghans accomplished in two months what the Pentagon had said would take two years - the defeat of 60,000 Taliban fighters,” Stanton points out at the end of the book.

From start to finish, Horse Soldiers is one hell of a ride.

Missouri Has Notified State and Federal Officials of Two Piroplasmosis-positive Horses Missing

Two quarantined horses that tested positive for equine piroplasmosis are missing from a Raytown, MO.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced that two quarantined horses that tested positive for equine piroplasmosis are missing from a Raytown, Mo. equine center, located in Jackson County. Equine piroplasmosis is a bloodborne disease only transmitted to horses by ticks and mechanically from animal to animal by contaminated needles. Humans are at no risk of being affected by this disease.

On June 4, the Department of Agriculture was notified of a piroplasmosis-positive horse and immediately took action placing a quarantine on the Raytown Equine Center and put all of the horses at the facility on 24 hour surveillance. The quarantine, enacted by the Missouri State Veterinarian, was put in place to prevent movement of any horses from the equine center. Two horses were illegally removed from the premises Wednesday night following locks being cut from building doors and stalls. These horses are micro-chipped.

The Department is working with local, county and state officials as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation to locate the horses.

“We continue to do everything we can to locate the two piroplasmosis-positive horses. Although this disease is not easily transmittable and does not affect humans, it is a disease that through ticks and contaminated needles can have a great impact on our horse industry,” said Dr. Jon Hagler, director of the Department of Agriculture. “The Department of Agriculture is working with local, county, state and federal officials to do everything we can to find these horses. We are asking anyone that has seen anything suspicious to notify their local authorities.”

Seven horses tested positive for equine piroplasmosis on June 9. Today, with consent of the horse’s owners, five piroplasmosis-positive horses were euthanized. An equine piroplasmosis-infected horse will show symptoms in mild forms such as weakness and lack of appetite. More acute cases include fever, anemia, jaundice, a swollen abdomen and labored breathing. Horses that survive the acute phase of infection may continue to carry the parasites for long periods of time. There is no cure for equine piroplasmosis.

A Growing Problem from An Old Weed, Poisonous Hemlock

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - The association of poison hemlock with the death of Socrates in ancient Greece in 399 B.C. provides a glimpse of the toxic history of this plant. Two decades ago, an aggressive search was required before a specimen could be found in Arkansas, but now poison hemlock grows abundantly within a stone’s throw of anywhere.

A close relative of carrot, celery, dill and Queen Anne’s lace, hemlock has found a seat in the front row due to its association. Unlike most of its relatives, however, all parts of the hemlock plant are considered toxic to people, as noted in Greek history, and to livestock.

Fortunately, animals seem to be smart enough to avoid hemlock, at least while pastures are supplying other desirable forage. Producers are yet to report that animals have grazed hemlock, and area veterinarians report minimal, if any livestock health issues. Overgrazing is a pattern that will force animals to eat what they know not to consume.

It appears logical that hemlock, due to its abundance in fields, could be caught up in the haying process after which livestock would eat parts of the plant, even if by accident.

The lethal dose for cattle, which is less than for horses, is reported to be from 2 - 5 pounds per 1,000 pounds of body weight. That may be one reason for the lack of death losses since a lethal dose would require a fair amount of intake and hemlock doesn’t appear to be a forage plant to whet the appetite.

Hidden losses may be the major concern, similar to those caused by nitrate poisoning. Low levels of many toxins cause weight, milk, birth defects and other livestock production losses before death enters the picture, if ever. As in the case of nitrate issues, hemlock problems are possibly being blamed on other causes.

Hemlock may take the place of thistle as the primary weed of concern. Unlike thistle, hemlock seeds aren’t carried by the wind to infest neighboring fields. Water, birds and equipment are possible carriers, but most hemlock seed drop near the parent plant and emerge on site. Like thistle, hemlock continues to reproduce abundantly on the increasing acreage of non-farm land.

You can’t help but notice new hemlock seedlings since they are fairly cold tolerant and, beginning in February, provide the first green, fern-like foliage to dress road right-of-ways, fence rows and creek bottoms. The 6- to 8-foot mature plants continue to remind us all summer.

Source: www.extension.org

Will There Be A New And Improved NCHA In The Future?

If It’s Up To Some Members, There Will Be

By Glory Ann Kurtz
June 16, 2009 – Fort Worth, Texas
Is it possible for the NCHA to become more transparent, membership oriented, productive and better listeners?

“Yes,” says, John King, a 38-year member of the NCHA, who judged for 32 of those years and heads up a company called Roster Technologies, Inc. (RT), which specializes in performance management solutions. “The NCHA has a goal of seeking the Texas Quality Award which will do just that for the association,” said King.

According to King, the idea of Performance Management was hatched by Rick Ivey, the NCHA Chief Financial Officer, to gather job descriptions for the NCHA employees. The idea was approved by the Finance Committee and was funded several years ago. If any of you attended last year’s NCHA Convention, you saw a sampling of those job descriptions in a booklet each member received. (Rick Ivey’s job description has as one of the goals to achieve the Texas Quality Award.)

But that was just one of the first steps toward achieving the award, which is open to small and large businesses, manufacturing, service organizations, organizations from the public sector and not-for-profit organizations.

King introduced the NCHA to the RT System, which provides a path to achieve and sustain world-class performance through the Malcolm Baldrige process. The Texas Quality Award for Performance Excellence is a prestigious award which is as much sought after for the detailed, individualized feedback report for corporations and non-profits as it is for the award.

According to Ivey, there are additional changes that have to be made before the associations is in a position to apply for the annual award and it may even take a year before the NCHA would be in a position to even compete for the award.

“The NCHA has signed off on attempting to document policies and procedures within the Association to try to win this award, said Ivey, who works through the Finance Committee. He feels the processes to win the Texas Quality Award can help the association make it through the maze of new oversights being implemented by the government, as well as the new Internal Revenue rules, regulations and forms that became law in 2008. Most of these new rules and regulations are designed to make the association more transparent.

The preparation for the Texas Quality Award would require documentation policies on conflicts of interest, election and vote-counting methods, judging processes and how members could have more direct input into the decision-making process through their association's board members.

Actor, Horse Owner Joins National Healthy Horse Campaign

The American Quarter Horse Journal – When James Pickens Jr. lost his roping horse, “Smokey,” it was devastating and brought home the importance of having all his horses seen by a veterinarian twice a year.

Now, Pickens has joined with the American Quarter Horse Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health in a national public awareness campaign called “Keeping Horses Healthy.”

Pickens, an AQHA member and star of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, lends his celebrity power to the television and radio public service announcements. An American Quarter Horse owner and competitive roper, Pickens’ love of horses led him to help educate other owners on the importance of twice-a-year wellness exams from a veterinarian.

The PSAs include three television and three radio spots that are 60, 30 and 15 seconds long. The PSA campaign is designed to let horse owners know about the health dangers their horses face.

“The health challenges faced by the nation’s 9.2 million horses are many – from deadly mosquito-borne and respiratory diseases, to joint health and nutrition issues, injuries and infections,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr. “Yet according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly half of all horses won’t see a veterinarian this year. Not surprisingly, equine health emergencies happen more often than they should and many are preventable.”

Twice-yearly wellness exams help veterinarians detect, treat and prevent equine health problems before they result in emergencies or a prolonged setback. Exams are also the ideal time for veterinarians to educate horse owners about nutrition, behavior, emerging local disease threats and other horse health issues in the area.

The PSAs, and more information about equine health, can be found on the America’s Healthy Horse Web site at www.americashealthyhorse.com.

Farnam Offers Help With Free Fly Control Management Guide

PHOENIX – Why do we fight flies? It is undeniably true that flies are annoying both to us and to our horses. But did you know that flies and other biting insects pose a major health risk to your horse and you. Flies may carry a number of dangerous diseases that become more of a problem as fly populations increase.

Let Farnam show you how to keep your horse comfortable this summer with the new Fly Control Management Guide.

The guide explains several simple, smart strategies for effective fly fighting. To begin with – start your fly control program early to keep fly populations down all season.

Ultimately, the goal is to keep flies off your horse. You can spray it on, roll it on, wipe it on, or use a combination of techniques – this guide discusses several products for use on your horse to aid in accomplishing this goal.

The guide also introduces information about the only feed-thru fly control product granted reduced-risk status by the EPA that is proven 97-100 percent effective for inhibiting the development of adult house and stable flies in the manure of treated horses**.

Treating both indoor and outdoor areas will go a long way in keeping the flies away from your horse and you. Do you know all your options? The guide contains information about products you may not be familiar with.

Fly control management tips to keep the area clean and eliminate fly breeding material are also included in the free* guide.

“Horse owners have trusted Farnam® fly control products for more than 50 years to help protect their horses from flies, gnats, mosquitoes and ticks,” said Martha Lefebvre, marketing manager, Farnam Horse Products. “Farnam is known for providing effective fly control that helps eliminate flies on all fronts and at all stages of the fly life cycle. The new Fly Control Management Guide explains how to make the best use of these products to achieve the desired result.”

The Fly Control Management Guide is available* from participating feed and tack stores, retailer open houses and events and major equine tradeshows. It is also available on the www.farnamhorse.com web site under the Promotions tab. While on the web site be sure to click on the Coupons tab for money saving coupons on our most popular fly control products.

Farnam® fly control products are the official fly control products of the American Quarter Horse Association and the United States Equestrian Federation.

Summertime Activities at the AQHA Hall of Fame

America’s Horse – The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum offers many exciting exhibits and events this summer. Located in Amarillo next to the American Quarter Horse Association headquarters, the Hall of Fame & Museum is a great place to visit while traveling to a horse show or vacationing with the family.

On exhibit now in the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Gallery is a celebration of The American Quarter Horse Journal’s 60 years of publication. The past six decades of the magazine are displayed with former magazine covers and written history. It is a unique reflection of the past 60 years of AQHA and the American Quarter Horse. The Journal exhibit will be up through August 3.

The 2009 Hall of Fame class will take its place in American Quarter Horse history as the new exhibits are unveiled to the public for the first time July 21. The exhibits of the five people and three horses inducted into the Hall of Fame this year will be showcased as the 2008 class takes its place in the timeline. The 2009 inductees will join 130 people and 76 horses already in the Hall of Fame for making a significant impact on the American Quarter Horse breed and the Association.

On August 15, America’s Horse in Art will return to the Hall of Fame. This art show and sale features various works of art, such as paintings, sculptures and drawings. This year’s show will feature equine art from 24 top western artists. Mikel Donahue created the signature piece for the show: a colored pencil drawing. The art show will continue through November 14.

Another special event at the Hall of Fame this summer is Camp It Up for children. Several different sessions will be held, including Horseology 101, Horseology 102 and Career Camp. Since Camp It Up’s inception in 1999, hundreds of young people have participated. The week-long camps are full of fun and interactive learning. Campers spend summer days playing games, making friends and learning all about American Quarter Horses. Call (806) 376-5181 to make reservations or visit www.aqhhalloffame.com for more information.

Be sure to visit the Hall of Fame & Museum this summer to experience all the wonder and enjoyment of the American Quarter Horse. The summer museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The museum is closed on Sundays.

For more information on the Hall of Fame & Museum, visit www.aqhhalloffame.com.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

Source: AQHA Press Release

Double Eagle Flying High Despite Mine That Bird's Defeat in Belmont

Just an hour after Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird was upset to finish third in the $1 million Belmont Stakes, his co-owner’s Quarter Horses, Time For A Cigar and Shaboomato, finished first and second in the $308,073 Ruidoso Derby in New Mexico.

“I was disappointed after the Belmont,” said Jerry Nicodemus, Double Eagle Ranch’s manager and a retired AQHA Hall of Fame jockey. “But this really picked me up, finishing first and second.”

It was the third consecutive victory for Time For A Cigar, who covered the 400 yards in :19.803 to win by 1 1/2 lengths under jockey Mark Anthony Villa. Both Time For A Cigar and Shaboomator are trained by Tony Sedillo and were purchased by Mike Allen’s Double Eagle Ranch for a total of $60,000. They earned a combined $203,456 in the Ruidoso Derby; Mine That Bird claimed $100,000 for third place in the Belmont.

Brenda Beautiful, the 7-10 favorite in the Ruidoso Derby, finished fourth.

“She’s fine,” said the former 2-year-old champion filly’s trainer, Paul Jones. “She just got pushed out to about the 12 hole and jumped the shadows.”

Shaboomator, who returned from an eight-month layoff to finish fourth in his Ruidoso Derby trial and one win from eight career starts, was sent off at odds of 29-1.

Mine That Bird, owned by Allen and Buena Suerte Equine of Roswell, NM, made a strong move four-wide in the final turn of the Belmont Stakes to take command of the lead coming into midstretch, where he was overtaken by Summer Bird. Dunkirk finished second by 2 3/4 lengths with Mine That Bird a neck back.

Summer Bird was sent off at 12-1 under Kent Desormeaux for trainer Tim Ice. The Birdstone son is owned by Jayaraman, Kalarikkal and Vilasini.

Thoroughbreds Have Another Option For A New Career At Kentucky Racetracks

Lexington, KY - The Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC) offers Kentucky Thoroughbred racehorse owners an immediate option for horses whose careers have ended on the track. At four Thoroughbred racetracks in Kentucky - Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, and Ellis Park

- stalls are available for any unwanted Thoroughbred whose racing career is over that has been surrendered to KyEHC. This option has been available for more than six months. The number of owners choosing this option has increased significantly as the economy has declined and as more owners have become aware of how easy it is to surrender their horses to KyEHC. Upon arrival at KyEHC, all horses are given a physical evaluation by a veterinarian and those that are physically and mentally sound are available for adoption.
KyEHC surrender forms are available from the Racing Secretary's office at each track. When surrender papers are completed at the racetracks, KyEHC has volunteers at each track to handle, feed and water the horses until transportation arrangements can be made to get the horse to KyEHC's central Kentucky farm, usually within 24 hours.
KyEHC's Mission is to provide humane treatment and shelter while working as a clearinghouse to seek adoptive homes for all of Kentucky’s unwanted equines, regardless of breed: to educate the public and raise awareness for responsible equine ownership so that fewer horses end up in crisis; and, to work with and serve as a model for organizations with the same mission in other states: to save America’s equines from inhumane treatment.
"We have taken in over 400 horses since opening our doors in April 2007, and approximately 275 of those have been Thoroughbreds. We are in desperate need of funding to continue and are asking the Thoroughbred industry to support KyEHC to ensure this option will continue to be available for Kentucky's Thoroughbreds," stated Development Director Cyndi Greathouse.
KyEHC, a charitable 501(C)3 organization that is sustained solely through grants and private donations, is the only equine organization in the state of Kentucky with an open-door policy where no equine in need of shelter is ever turned away and no fee is required to surrender an equine.
For more information about the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, adoptable horses, or volunteering please visit www.KyEHC.org or call Executive Director Lori Neagle at 859-881-5849.
[Horses from KyEHC which are available for adoption are posted on the Kentucky Horse Park website each week and featured in the HORSeNEWS newsletter]

Source: www.kyhorsepark.com
New equine industry group to hold first planning meeting
by Julie Harker
The United Organizations of the Horse is a newly forming lobbying group for those whose aim is to restore and maintain viability in the equine industry. Sue Wallis is a Wyoming state representative and spokesperson for the new group, "The horse industry in the United States and has been hit by kind of a – oh – triple whammy." Wallis says the bad economy, an upsurge in animal rights-driven initiatives impacting the industry, and the closing of the three remaining horse slaughter facilities in the U.S. have resulted in zero market for lower end horses, "We've taken those horses and we have turned them into very expensive liabilities with no options."
Wallis tells Brownfield she helped found the United Organizations of the Horse to provide strong leadership in the equine community at the national level where she says a void currently exists. Wallis says the future of the equine industry is at stake, "We know that in order for there to be any chance of our livelihoods, our traditions, our culture surviving, we have to find a way to communicate."
The American Horse Council has taken a neutral stand on the issue of horse slaughter. Wallis says her group will lobby to restore it. The United Organizations of the Horse has its first planning meeting in Washington, DC on June 14th.
Wallis says the organization's number one core principle is that horses be managed and cared for humanely.

Related Links:
United Organizations of the Horse
Animal Welfare, Animal Rights
By Rhonda Frasier

There is a huge difference between the two. I personally have never known an animal who had rights. Those are usually left for humans, because we are supposed to be superior to all else on earth.

So onto what is real and does exist - Animal welfare:
It is my belief that we, while here on Mother Earth we are bound by duty to take care of everything we deem beneath us. This includes all animals. If we are truly perceive ourselves as superior, then it follows that as a superior being that we have the responsibility to them as custodians of their welfare.

I am an animal lover and always have been, I am also human and by being human I have made my fair share of mistakes with animals. One of which was going against my better judgment - going with “what everyone else was doing.”

I am sure I am not alone here. Now that I have more knowledge, age to speak my mind and the guts to take the heat from that action. I would like to talk about the effort of changing the age of the futurity to 4 and under/over, instead of the existing 3 and under.
I won’t bore you with stat’s like:

2007 NCHA FUTURITY -   1068 horses being shown.
Then the next shows - (+/- a horse)
   Abilene 212 horses from the futurity were shown
   SDCHA 15 horses from the futurity were shown.
   Augusta 135 horses from the futurity were shown.
   Tunica 155 horses from the futurity were shown.
   SouthPoint/MH 105 horses from the futurity shown.
   PCCHA Derby 28 horses from the futurity were shown.

Who really knows where and why these horses didn’t show next , but the numbers themselves are astounding to me. I am truly embarrassed that we have not already done something more productive towards the betterment of our cherished athletes. We are asking these long yearlings, (had all of 18 months to learn the whole world) to maybe saddle and trot, lope, bathe, trim, trailer, meet other horses and people, stalled usually in a new barn and list could go on. He’s to do this in, if he is lucky, 6 months.

In the next year and half, he has to pack a rider, work a cow to the point of perfection, be shod, more trailering, maybe hock injections, bute, long hot days, stand tied for hours etc. This is all “normal” for the life of a working horse. Stop and think about it, how long would you last under half these conditions? We put up a half million dollars, give them a time limit of roughly 4 years from the time of birth (Jan 1st to Nov 15th.) usually less, most foals are not born January 1st. The average futurity horse is probably more like 3 ½ years old if they were born around April.

In my mind these are the most impressive athletes we have in the horse industry. I want to preserve them and the past they represent by respecting them enough to give them a better chance at a more humane career opportunity. Fort Worth is “thee” place to be for the cutting horse industry.

July and August are the two worst months for livestock health related issues. Then our upper states, where trainers deal with the cold weather months, would have a better chance of catching up to the southern climates. Wouldn’t it be better for the horses, trainers and owners, if we could maybe slow down. Money cannot be more important than a living breathing thing that we have forced and are blessed to have in our lives.

Maybe it’s not that we are doing anything wrong, I just truly believe we can do it better. We OWE it to these horses and the industry as a whole. I know there is a self appointed group out there doing studies to see if we are physically hurting them at the current age standards. I think we need to concentrate on positive moves and not dwell on the past. I can’t imagine there being one person out there who could honestly say “more time for a young horse to develop is a bad thing.”
Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign Aids More Than 1,400 Horses
Veterinarians and equine rescue and retirement facilities are teaming up to help rehabilitate, revitalize and, ultimately, find new homes for America’s unwanted horses through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC). Although the campaign was launched only four months ago, the UHVRC already has provided aid to more than 1,400 horses across the nation.

Established in December 2008 by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the UHVRC is committed to protecting the health of unwanted horses by donating equine vaccines to qualifying equine rescue and retirement facilities.

“The Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign has been tremendously successful so far in accomplishing the goal of providing equine rescue and rehabilitation facilities with the resources they need to promote the health and welfare of the horses in their care,” says Cynthia Gutierrez, DVM, Equine Technical Services Veterinarian for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. “To date, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has donated 1,470 PreveNile^® West Nile virus vaccines, 1,470 Prestige^® V vaccines and 1,380 EquiRab™ rabies vaccines through the UHVRC to equine rescue and retirement facilities across the country.”

The widespread need for a program like the UHVRC is evident from the more-than-100 applications received by the program since Jan. 1, 2009, from eligible equine rescue and retirement facilities. Applications for more than 4,500 horses have been submitted by facilities in 35 states.

“It is extremely encouraging to see so many rescue and retirement facilities and veterinarians working together to apply for aid from the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign,” says Dana Kirkland, Industry Education and Development Coordinator for the AAEP. “We are thrilled that we have been able to donate vaccines for more than 1,400 horses in need thus far; however, demand still exceeds supply. We look forward to accommodating more facilities and their horses as the program continues to grow.”

Getting Involved
Equine rescue and retirement facilities should work with an AAEP-member veterinarian to complete and submit an application, the facilities checklist and the equine vaccine order form to receive complimentary Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health equine vaccines.

Three of Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health’s equine vaccines are available through the UHVRC program: PreveNile West Nile virus vaccine; EquiRab rabies vaccine; and Prestige V (KY93, KY02 and NM2/93 flu strains, EHV-1, EHV-4, EEE, WEE and tetanus).

Equine facilities that follow the AAEP Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities and have a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status are qualified to receive support from the UHVRC. To download an application and the AAEP Care Guidelines or to learn more about the UHVRC, visit: www.UHVRC.org.

A portion of all Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health equine vaccine sales beginning Dec. 1, 2008, has gone to support the UHVRC. To learn more about Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health’s full line of innovative, high-quality equine health products, visit www.intervetusa.com.

Tippy-Toed Foals May Have Contracted Tendons

URBANA, Ill. -- If you see your mare's newborn filly prancing around the stall like it is wearing invisible high-heels, you might be a little concerned that your foal is dreaming of being a ballerina instead of a barrel racer or hunter jumper. But don't worry; one of the most common deformities that equine veterinarians deal with in newborns is contracted digital flexor tendons. This may cause foals to walk on the toes of their front hooves instead of being flat footed.
Dr. Eric Carlson, equine surgery resident at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, explains that there are several suspected reasons why this malformation may occur, though there is little hard scientific proof. "One reason contracted tendons might happen is due to intrauterine malpositioning, in which a mare may be carrying a foal that is a bit too large relative to its size," he explains. Other culprits may be ingestion of locoweed and hybrid Sudan grass during pregnancy, goiter, or a dominant gene mutation in the sire.
No matter what the cause, the end result is the same: a tendon that is too tight or too short for the foal's legs. Anatomically speaking, all horses have two major tendons that run directly behind their cannon bone (the large bone between the horse's knee and fetlock). They are fittingly named the superficial and the deep digital flexor tendon. Since the deep tendon attaches to a bone inside the horse's hoof, if it were to be contracted or shortened, it would cause the horse's leg to curl up beneath itself--which is exactly what happens in a case of contracted tendons.
Veterinarians can correct the deformity in many ways, but each case requires individualized treatment. Fortunately, "the prognosis for a foal born with contracted tendons is good," says Dr. Carlson. While some minor cases may not need any treatment, more severe deformities require intervention.
One of the treatment options veterinarians can try is an intravenous antibiotic. While the thought of using an antibiotic for a problem other than an infection may sound perplexing, "it is thought that the drug prevents the influx of calcium ions into the muscle fibers and brings about relaxation," explains Dr. Carlson. And relaxation is exactly what the doctor calls for if tendons are pulled so tightly that the hoof cannot touch the ground appropriately.
Other options include using toe extensions that help to change the break over point of the hoof and stretch the tendons, as well as splints or casts. In a few rare cases surgery is needed to correct the problem, but that is usually more common with the acquired deformities, not the congenital ones.
It is important to note that if a newborn foal has a difficult time walking, it will need human assistance every few hours around the clock to stand and nurse. Although Dr. Carlson knows all too well that sleeping on a straw-floored stall for a few nights with a newborn foal may not be the most comfortable bed, the reward is priceless. Watching what was once a crippled filly take her first few steps to nurse without human assistance is worth the wait--even if it does happen at two in the morning.

Source: www.extension.org

Abandoned Horse Found Near Grand Junction, Colorado

The Bureau of Land Management recovered a horse abandoned in the Winter Flats area Friday, May 15, inside the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Herd Management Area north of Grand Junction. Officials are investigating to see if they can determine the owner of the horse. The male stud horse had experienced injuries from other wild horses in the area, and BLM is keeping the animal in a pen at one of its facilities until an investigation has been completed. Abandoning any kind of animal—large or small—on public lands is inhumane as well as illegal and punishable by state and federal law. BLM’s Grand Junction Field Office manages up to 150 wild horses on public lands designated specifically for that purpose.

"If you find that you can’t take care of your horse or no longer want it, please don’t abandon it on public lands," said Wild Horse Specialist Jim Dollerschell. "Domestic horses are not adapted to the rugged terrain or to foraging for food in the harsh desert, and chances of a slow and painful death are high."

Wild horses will typically ostracize and fight off horses that are unfamiliar to their band, increasing the odds for injury to animals. More importantly, domestic horses can introduce disease to a wild horse herd, increasing the risk of a catastrophic die-off of the herd. Dealing with abandoned animals diverts BLM resources away from the wild horses they are tasked with managing.

BLM urges citizens to act responsibly and humanely in caring for your own animals. If you are struggling with adequate care of large animals, don’t wait until you are faced with no options. Place an ad in your local paper to find another owner. If it is an older animal with health issues, have it humanely euthanized. While most rescue organizations in the country are overwhelmed with too many unwanted horses, you can try researching organizations online that are still accepting animals.

For further information on the management of wild horses, contact BLM Wild Horse Specialist Jim Dollerschell at (970) 244-3016.

Source: www.blm.gov/co

New Stem Cell Lab for Horses Opens at UC Davis Veterinary School

Focused on providing the latest in stem cell therapies for horses, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine today opened its new Regenerative Medicine Laboratory at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

The new laboratory provides a state-of-the art facility for processing, culturing and storing stem cells for use in horses. It is one of only four such university-based veterinary stem cell labs in the nation, providing services to clients and referring veterinarians.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new clinical service to our clients for their horses as a complement to our stem-cell research program,” said Bennie Osburn, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “Stem cell science is leading us into a new era in human and veterinary medicine.”

In recent years, scientists have made significant advances in using stem cells to treat horses suffering from diseases including colic and neuromuscular degeneration, as well as burns and other injuries. Horses have been one of the first species to benefit from veterinary stem cell therapy because they are prone to many of the injuries that can be successfully treated with such therapy.

“The marvelous thing about stem cell therapy is that it holds the promise of a cure,” said Sean Owens, a veterinary professor and director of the new Regenerative Medicine Laboratory. “We can use pharmacological medicine to alleviate the pain associated with orthopedic injuries in horses, but only with biological medicine such as stem cell therapy can we actually repair the damage that has already been done.”

The research-driven laboratory is expected to yield new knowledge that also will benefit other animal species.

New laboratory

The new Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, located on the first floor of the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, will support the clinical arm of the veterinary stem cell program. Lab personnel will process, culture and store stem cells that have been collected from the hospital’s equine patients to treat injuries.

The laboratory also will provide stem cell collection kits to private veterinarians so that they can harvest stem cells from their equine patients and return the cells to the UC Davis lab for processing or storage. Processed stem cells then will be returned so that the veterinarians can treat their patients. Some horses also will be referred to the teaching hospital for stem cell treatments.

While the costs associated with stem cell processing and treatment will vary from case to case, the fee for processing and expansion of one bone marrow sample will be approximately $1,800. Each sample will be expanded into four therapeutic stem cell doses. One dose will be returned to the submitting veterinarian, while the other three will be stored for future use. The fee for stem cells injections at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital will vary according to the number and frequency of doses administered. For most patients, the fee will be approximately $1,500.

Stem cells and regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine is the field of human and veterinary medicine that involves creating living, functional tissues to repair or replace tissues or organs that have been damaged by injury, disease, aging or birth defects.

One way to do this is by collecting stem cells, which are unspecialized cells that can be induced in the laboratory to become specialized cell types such as muscle, blood and nerves.

The use of embryonic stem cells has raised much debate in human medicine. It is important to note that the new regenerative medicine program at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital does not use embryonic stem cells, but rather stem cells that have been collected from the horse’s own blood or bone marrow.

“The stem cell, with its ability to recreate, repair or revitalize damaged organs or tissues, is rapidly changing all of medicine," said Gregory Ferraro, a veterinary professor and director of UC Davis’ Center for Equine Health. “The application of stem cell science to treating horses is advancing so quickly that within three to five years, the treatments that are currently being provided for orthopedic repair in athletic horses will seem crude in hindsight.”

Veterinary stem cell team

The Center for Equine Health is coordinating a five-year collaborative research study, now in its second year.

The study is being carried out by a team of 11 UC Davis veterinary researchers, who are working to develop methods for collecting, processing, storing and administering stem cells to repair bone, tendon and ligament injuries in horses. These types of injuries are common problems especially for race horses and other performance horses. The team’s early findings indicate that stem cell treatments may reduce the recurrence of certain tendon and ligament injuries and lessen the progression of arthritis associated with traumatic joint diseases in horses.

This veterinary team, under the direction of professor and equine surgeon Larry Galuppo, also has established a working partnership with the UC Davis Health System’s Stem Cell Program in human medicine, directed by Jan Nolta, a medical school professor and one of the nation’s leading stem cell researchers.

Private and public support

The UC Davis veterinary regenerative medicine program was created with the generous support of Dick and Carolyn Randall, reining-horse enthusiasts from Cupertino, Calif. The Randalls donated core funding to launch a five-year, $2.5 million study of the therapeutic potential of adult stem cells.

The new Regenerative Medicine Laboratory is supported by funding from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Center for Equine Health.

About UC Davis

For 100 years, UC Davis has engaged in teaching, research and public service that matter to California and transform the world. Located close to the state capital, UC Davis has 31,000 students, an annual research budget that exceeds $500 million, a comprehensive health system and 13 specialized research centers. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than 100 undergraduate majors in four colleges -- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science -- and advanced degrees from six professional schools -- Education, Law, Management, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing.

Source: www.news.ucdavis.edu

Resolution Benefits Montana Horsemen and Economy, Transportation and Recreation Planning

The Gallatin Equestrian Partnership (GallEP) of Gallatin County, MT successfully led an effort to pass a statewide resolution encouraging the consideration of equine activities in community transportation and recreation planning. The effort began when equine activities such as riding and driving were left out of Bozeman’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails plan and the Greater Bozeman Transportation Plan Update. GallEP worked for months with the committees producing both plans, but were unsuccessful in their efforts. As a result, horses are not allowed on any City of Bozeman trails, and rural road travel is becoming increasingly unsafe as roads are being paved with no shoulder while traffic volumes and speeds increase.

Undeterred, the GallEP leaders were able to enlist the help of Senator Gary Perry (R of Senate District 35), who recognized the historical, cultural and economic importance of horses to the State of Montana. Perry sponsored a resolution that recommends city, county and state officials plan for safe equestrian access when planning and designing transportation and recreation corridors. Final language for the resolution can be found at http://www.elcr.org/resources/resc_26.pdf. (The resolution is also available at http://laws.leg.mt.gov/laws09/law0203w$.startup . Type in resolution # SJ17.)

GallEP received assistance in gathering grassroots support for this resolution from the Equine Land Conservation Resource of Lexington, KY, the Montana Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen and the Montana Horse Sanctuary. The approved resolution has been sent to Montana Department of Transportation for its consideration and to the Montana League of Cities and Towns and the Montana Association of Counties for distribution to their members.

For more information about the Montana resolution, visit www.GallEP.org or email gallepmt@yahoo.com. If you would like to pursue a similar resolution in your state, contact ELCR at www.ELCR.org or email info@ELCR.org

Source: ELCR Press Release

Rachel Alexandra Struts Her Stuff In Preakness Stakes

Published By MJC
Published May 16, 2009

BALTIMORE, 05-16-09 – A sprinkling of late afternoon rain could not dampen the sparkling performance of Stonestreet Stables LLC & Harold McCormick’s Rachel Alexandra, who took it to the boys and won the 134^th running of the Grade 1, $1,100,000 Preakness Stakes Saturday at Pimlico Race Course.

Before a crowd of 77,850 who contributed to the $86,684,470 which was wagered on the 13-race program, the 3-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro broke alertly from her far outside post and promptly engaged speedy Big Drama as the field raced toward the clubhouse turn in the 1 3/16-mile classic. She is the fifth filly to win the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the first since Nellie Morse in 1924.

Ridden by Calvin Borel, the tall bay filly pushed her head to the fore as the top pair raced down the backstretch. She never relinquished the lead, opening up by four lengths at the furlong pole before coming under a late assault from Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Derby third-place finisher Musket Man.

At the finish, Rachel Alexandra had won by a length in 1:55.08 over the fast main track. Mine That Bird, under new jockey Mike Smith, rallied to catch Musket Man and finished second, by a half-length. Behind Musket Man, in order, came Flying Private, Big Drama, Papa Clem, Terrain, Luv Gov, General Quarters, Friesan Fire, Pioneerof the Nile, Tone It Down and Take the Points.

Rachel Alexandra, the 9-5 favorite, paid $5.60, $4.60 and $3.60 while winning her sixth consecutive race. She topped a $39.20 exacta, a $216.20 trifecta and a $2,903.80 superfecta. The Super High Five, coupling the first five finishers of the race in exact order, paid $17,001.60.

Reining to be First Test Event for 2010 World Equestrian Games

The American Quarter Horse Journal – The Kentucky Cup Reining will not only be the first event to slide into the new indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in July, it also will be the first official test for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
A four-star FEI event, the Kentucky Cup Reining offers a similar format to the Games in both nation’s cup competitions and individual championships. The Nation’s Cup team competition will be July 21 and the individual finals will be July 23.
“Every discipline that is in the World Equestrian Games, by FEI regulations, is required to host a test event leading up to the main event,” said National Reining Horse Association Executive Director Dan Wall. “By doing this test event, they can literally test the facilities and make sure the management team is prepared to run an event the magnitude of the World Games.”
Nations expected to field teams include Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland and the United States. Additionally, many nations are anticipated to send athletes for the individual competition, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, The Netherlands, France, Spain and Uruguay.
“This is a test reining event, but the anticipation and excitement leading up to the Games in 2010 is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Wall added.
Participants in the Kentucky Cup Reining will be among the first to compete in the newly opened indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, giving them a first glimpse at the same structures where 2010 Games reining championships will be held. This opportunity is important for all nations interested in bringing home medals from Kentucky in 2010.
Tickets for the individual finals are available from the World Games Box Office at greatly reduced prices to encourage everyone to come and enjoy the relatively new FEI sport of reining. More information on how and where to buy tickets will be announced as it becomes available.
Reining was added to the FEI as a discipline in 2000 and was featured for the first time in 2002 at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. The reining competitions at the 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany, launched the discipline and its athletes into fame, with sold-out performances and loud, fanatical crowds.
As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games come to Kentucky, the sport of reining is sure to enjoy a sort of “homecoming” in the United States as the only western discipline recognized by the FEI. Plans are under way to feature reining in new and exciting ways in 2010, including a newly approved schedule format – allowing for more public sessions of the discipline.
Reining superstars like AQHA Professional Horsemen Tim McQuay, Matt Mills and Pete Kyle along with two-time FEI World Reining Masters champion Rudi Kronsteiner, 2006 World Equestrian Games individual champion Duane Latimer and NRHA’s only $3 million rider Shawn Flarida.
About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

Source: www.aqha.com

Sweet Lil Lena euthanized

Sweet Lil Lena, dam of the cutting horse earners of more than $700,000 and maternal granddam of High Brow CD, 2008 NCHA Horse of the Year and winner of $521,000, was euthanized last week due to the complications of Cushing’s disease. Owned at the time of her death by Dana Harrah, the 1984 daughter of Smart Little Lena lived the last 10 years of her life at Shelly and Rick Mowery’s ranch in Weatherford, Texas (pictured with the Mowerys on April 26, 2009).

“It was a hard decision to make, but it was time,” said Shelly Mowery, who counted Sweet Lil Lena among a band of well-known senior mares that she cares for, including former Non-Pro world champion Jae Bar Maisie, 30.

A full sister to 13-year-old sire Smart Lil Scoot, winner of $266,125, Sweet Lil Lena was one of her sire’s leading producers and rank’s among cutting’s top 25 dams of money earners. Her richest money earners from 10 performers include current sires Sweet Lil Pepto ($218,655) and Pepto Taz ($130,174), as well as Sweet Little CD ($106,085) and Sweet Lil Boo ($70,772).

Bred by Diamond M Cutting Horses of Houston, Sweet Lil Lena earned over $100,00 as an NCHA Futurity finalist with Russell Harrison; as 1988 Tropicana Open champion under Bill Freeman; and as a non-pro finalist for Eli Shtabsky. She was purchased by casino owner John Harrah in 1998 and transferred to Dana Harrah in 2004.

Sweet Lil Lena’s last foal was the 2007 High Brow Cat daughter DBH Sweet Lil Cat.

Options for Dealing With Unwanted Horses Are Limited

LINCOLN, Neb. — What to do with an unwanted horse is almost always an issue for horse owners, but that question is more predominant these days.

The closure of horse processing plants and the economic downturn have left more unwanted horses to roam Nebraska's fields.

"It's a big problem everywhere," said Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln extension horse specialist. "People have very limited options as to what to do with a 1,000- to 1,200-pound animal."

It is unknown how many total horses are in Nebraska, but the last estimate a few years ago was about 180,000, Anderson said. The reasons for horses becoming unwanted vary.

In many cases it's due to economic reasons. Horse owners may find themselves in more financial difficulty in the down economy, and that's made worse by the increasing cost of hay. Taking care of a horse costs an estimated $2,300 a year, which includes basic care costs such as feeding, veterinary care and shelter, she said.

Some horses are unwanted because they become sick, lame or elderly, or are no longer able to function as a show, race or work horse. Sometimes the owners, particularly children who have grown up, have lost interest in the horse.

What to do with these unwanted horses has become more of an issue with the closing in 2007 of the last U.S. horse slaughterhouse, Anderson said. Previously, owners could sell their horses to "horse traders." The traders sometimes sold surplus horses to processing facilities which then exported the meat to Europe and Asia, supplied food for some zoo animals, and used other parts for numerous other functions, she said.

The closure of the plants has reduced the options owners have with unwanted horses. The result is that more abandonment, abuse and neglect cases are being seen, Anderson said.

Anderson has received several calls from people asking to donate horses to the university but there is no room for more, she said. Some desperate people abandon their horses on the property of others or even on public land, leaving them to fend for themselves.

One of the worst situations of neglect recently has been the case of an Alliance rancher arrested April 17 after about 60 dead horses and 200 starving horses were found on his property, the 3-Strikes Mustang Ranch.

The best remaining options for unwanted horses include:

1. Market the horse privately through Web sites, riding stables and barns, feed and tack stores, local and regional horse magazines and publications, veterinarians and farriers, horse shows and organizations.

2. Take the horse to a rescue organization. Nebraska horse rescue organizations include: Epona Horse Rescue in Minden, (308) 293-5654 or eponahorserescue@msn.com; Phoenix Rising Horse Rescue in Atkinson, (402) 925-5836 or phoenix.rising.horserescue@hotmail.com; Heartland Horse Rescue in Linwood, (402) 707-5567 or cpersing@heartlandhorserescue.com; Lightning Creek Ranch in Crawford, (308) 765-1232 or lorystorm@comcast.net; SS Horseshoe Ranch in Holdrege, (308) 567-2283 or plamor@gtmc.net; or The Best Little Horse House in Hastings, (402) 461-6917 or equineconsultant@hotmail.com.

3. Sale barns can provide an outlet for horse sales, but owners have little control over who buys the horse, where it will go or its selling price.

4. Euthanasia can be a difficult decision but a better alternative than neglect or prolonged suffering. However, cost to have a horse euthanized by a veterinarian can range between $100 and $200, which does not include the cost of carcass disposal.

Extension does not recommend one option over the other, Anderson said.

"All I can tell a person is these are the kinds of things you can do. The ball is in their court," she said.

Options for disposing of a horse carcass include burial, composting, cremation and rendering, all of which are at a cost to the owner, Anderson said.

One of the primary factors contributing to unwanted horses is the lack of education people have about taking care of the animals, she said. People need to know more about the costs and responsibilities of taking care of a horse before they get one. The "Unwanted Horse Coalition" was formed to help educate individuals on responsible horse care and provide information on dealing with unwanted horses.

Source: www.extension.org

Horse slaughter bill now law in Montana

That legislation to allow investor-owned horse slaughter plants in Montana is now law. It went into effect when Montana governor Brian Schweitzer chose to neither sign nor veto the action. The law limits opportunities for legal action against such investors.

Other states are also considering legislation that would permit horse slaughter plants to operate. They include Georgia, Kentucky, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Washington and Tennessee. There are also bills pending in the U.S. Congress.

Montana horse slaughter bill becomes law

By The Associated Press

HELENA - Legislation to allow investor-owned horse slaughterhouses in Montana and limit opportunities for legal action against them became law on Friday, after Gov. Brian Schweitzer neither signed nor vetoed the measure.

Friday was the deadline for Schweitzer to act and, with no action by him, House Bill 418 automatically became law.

The bill includes some protection against court injunctions that would stop or delay slaughterhouse construction. The measure sponsored by Rep. Ed Butcher, R-Winifred, aims to limit the kind of legal challenges that forced the last U.S. slaughterhouses, which were in Illinois and Texas, to close in 2007.

During the 2009 legislative session, which ended Tuesday, Schweitzer rejected the limit on legal action. He said it would strip people of appeal rights important in environmental protection. The Legislature then rejected the changes Schweitzer wanted.

Butcher said during the session that the governor's amendments would make the bill "an empty shell because nobody's going to invest five to six million in a business in Montana if they're going to be harassed."

Schweitzer has said that as an owner of livestock and horses, he supports the humane processing of horses to produce meat for human consumption.

His communications director, Sarah Elliott, issued a terse statement Friday, saying only that "the governor made his opinion on this bill known, the Legislature did the same. No action was taken and the bill has now become law."

The bill brought lawmakers and the governor a flood of e-mails and telephone messages, from across the country, in support of the legislation and against it.

Recreational Trails Program Up For Reauthorization

The AHC is working to preserve the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. If Congress does not take action this year this program could no longer be available to recreational riders.

The RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. It was created in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was last re-authorized in 2005 as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, this law is about to expire. The RTP will have to be re-authorized in the next national surface transportation program bill if it is to continue.

Since its inception the RTP has provided approximately $677 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails.

Although each state manages its own program, 30% of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30% on motorized, and 40% percent on multiuse projects.

“The RTP is one of the few sources for federal funding of trail projects that are not on federal land. The program is a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their state and local parks,” said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass.

In the coming months Congress is expected to begin work on the next 5 year highway bill. The AHC, in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational trail users is requesting that Congress not only re-authorized the RTP, but also increase funding for the program to $555 million to be spent over the five years of the bill.

The AHC urges recreational riders to contact their members of Congress to voice support for this program. “This is a great program and I hope equestrians will take the time to call or write their Representatives and Senators and let them know this program is important to the horse community,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.

Source: www.horsecouncil.org

K-State Equine Veterinarian Sheds Light on Contagious Disease

MANHATTAN, Kan. – For many horse owners, springtime means foaling and breeding time. It also means they should be aware of a venereal disease in horses that can cause infertility in mares, according to a Kansas State University equine veterinarian.

Although it has been found in several states since December, 2008, no cases of contagious equine metritis (CEM) have been confirmed in Kansas horses to date, said Maria Soledad Ferrer, an assistant professor in K-State’s Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital. Six mares in south-central Kansas were exposed to three infected stallions in Indiana, but none were confirmed to have contracted the disease.

CEM is a sexually transmitted, exotic disease of horses caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the first case of CEM ever diagnosed was in England in 1977. The first case confirmed in the United States was in March, 1978. The disease is considered a foreign animal disease and although it has been eradicated more than once in the U.S., it has surfaced a few times since 1978.

According to an April 10 update by APHIS, 17 stallions and five mares in the United States have been confirmed as positive for T. equigenitalis by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. In addition, locations have been confirmed for 733 additional horses exposed to the bacterium. The 755 horses are located in 47 states. All positive horses, and all exposed horses that have been located, are currently under quarantine or hold order. Testing and treatment are being put into action.

There is no evidence that CEM affects people, according to APHIS K-State veterinarian Ferrer answered several questions about CEM.

What should horse owners look for? There are no obvious external signs in stallions. Infected mares can experience temporary infertility. Mares with active inflammation present a thick mucoid vulvar discharge. Some mares may become carriers, and while they remain infective, they show no external signs.

If a horse is treated successfully after contracting CEM, will it ever be sound to breed? Mares and stallions that have been successfully treated and certified CEM negative are sound to breed.

How can owners who are sending mares off for breeding (in state or out of state) make sure they will not contract CEM? The disease was considered exotic in the United States. Therefore, the risk of contracting CEM after breeding to non-exposed stallions is thought to be low. There have been no reported cases of exposed or positive stallions in the state of Kansas. If breeding mares to previously infected or exposed stallions, proof of CEM negative status after treatment should be requested. Mare owners can contact the state veterinarian if they have questions about risks or state regulations for transport of mares from and to states where positive cases have been reported. Since CEM can be transmitted via artificial insemination, owners who are shipping cooled semen in for AI should take the same precautions. Isolating the mares for 21 days upon return to the farm or insemination, and keeping strict biosecurity practices can help prevent the potential spread of CEM and other diseases to other horses at the farm.

Do stallion owners in Kansas need to be concerned about mares coming from out of state or even in state, for breeding? Once more, given that the disease was foreign, the risk of a stallion contracting CEM after breeding a non-exposed mare is thought to be low. Since no official reports of CEM-positive mares in Kansas have been issued, breeding to in-state mares should possess a low risk. Stallion owners should contact the state veterinarian if they have questions about risks or check on state regulations for transport of mares from and to states where positive cases have been reported. They are also encouraged to work with their veterinarians to implement biosecurity measurements that would prevent introduction or dissemination of CEM or any other disease.

States where horses have been confirmed to have CEM include Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, Wisconsin, and California, according to APHIS.

More information about CEM is available on the USDA-APHIS Web site http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/cem/.

Source: www.extension.org

Kentucky Derby Winner Upset Mine That Bird Has Strong New Mexico Roots

By Sally Harrison

Purists scoffed at New Mexico-bred Peppers Pride when she broke the world record for most consecutive wins. Now they have Mine That Bird to deal with.

Mine That Bird, a 50 to 1 shot with two starts this year at Sunland Park near El Paso, scored the second biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history yesterday, defeating second-placed Pioneerof the Nile by 6 3/4 lengths.

“I wasn’t worried. He’s a small horse and I knew I could squeeze him through,” said jockey Calvin Borel, who brought Mine That Bird flying up the rail, much the same way that he did with Street Sense, when he won the 2007 Kentucky Derby.

It was the greatest margin of victory in the Derby since Assault’s 8-length win in 1946. Barbaro won by 6 1/2 lengths in 2006.

“I didn’t have any real feeling that I could win the Derby,” said New Mexico-based Bennie “Chip” Woolley, the only first-time Kentucky Derby trainer to win in the race’s 135-year history. “They say you are supposed to come with high hopes and low expectations. All I knew is that we’d be more competitive than anybody thought we would.”

Owned by Mark Allen and Leonard Blach, both of Roswell, NM, Mine That Bird was a $9,500 purchase at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton October Yearling Sale. Allen and Blach paid $400,000 for the gelded son of Birdstone, after he won 4 of 5 starts at Woodbine in Toronto and was made Canada’s 2-year-old champion.

Mine That Bird placed second in his first start this year for Allen and Blach at Sunland Park, but finished a disappointing fourth in the Sunland Derby on March 29. He was being pointed toward a stakes race at Lone Star Park in Texas, when richer candidates (Mine That Bird had earnings of $374,381) began dropping out of the Kentucky Derby.

“This is an opportunity you might never get again,” said Woolley, a former rodeo bareback rider who for the past 25 years has primarily trained Quarter Horse runners.

Leonard Blach owns and operates Buena Suerte Equine, a well known New Mexico Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred breeding facility, former home of Quarter racing legends Go Man Go and Easy Jet. Mark Allen’s operates family-owned Double Eagle Ranch in Roswell. His father, Bill Allen, operated Alaskan oilfield service business Veco, and was a witness in the corruption investigation of former Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens.

Looks like selenium killed those polo ponies

by Bob Meyer

Florida officials say an overdose of the trace mineral selenium was probably what killed those 21 polo ponies in Wellington on April 19th. Florida State Veterinarian, Dr. Thomas Holt said the animals had "significantly increased selenium levels" in samples tested by the state agriculture department’s animal diagnostic lab. Those results were confirmed by independent testing conducted by the University of Florida, University of California-Davis and Cornell University.

Selenium is essential for cell function but large doses are toxic. The source of the selenium is still under investigation however Franck’s Pharmacy, which admitted they had made a mistake on a medication prepared for the horses, confirmed the mistake was with selenium. Franck's Chief Operations Officer Jennifer Beckett says they will continue to cooperate fully with authorities in the investigation.

Polo Pony Deaths Lead to Review of Substance Policy

Wellington, FL - During its semi-annual Board of Governors meeting today, the United States Polo Association (USPA) voted to establish a committee to examine existing and additional safeguards for polo horses including developing a prohibited substance policy.

The USPA’s Board of Governors approved the following motion:

“In light of the tragedy that occurred this past week, the USPA Equine Welfare Committee requests that the USPA Chairman establish a research committee to (i) review the forthcoming results from the civil authorities conducting the formal investigation and (ii) develop appropriate policies that will ensure the safety and well-being of polo horses.”

“The USPA has a tradition of promoting equine safety. The Board of Governors today approved the establishment of a review committee to examine equine safety issues in polo, including veterinarians, players, owners and polo leaders. The committee will examine the practices and policies of other equestrian organizations, as well as examine existing protections for horses and possible improvements including the establishment of a prohibited substance policy,” said Peter Rizzo, executive director of the USPA.

"We need to look after the best interests of the horses. Ultimately, what we do best for the horses will be best for polo and the United States Polo Association," said Adam Snow, a world-class U.S. polo player and former 10-goaler who will be participating in the finals of the U.S. Open Championship on Sunday.

For over sixteen years, the USPA has maintained an Equine Welfare Committee whose major goal is to ensure the welfare, safety and protection of horses. The committee focuses on the rules of Polo in an effort to make the game as safe as possible for the horses. The USPA is 100% committed to preventing a tragedy of this nature from happening in the future.

The USPA has been organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions, and games and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts.

Source: www.us-polo.org

Andrea Fappani Pilots Cromed Out Mercedes To Win 2009 NRBC Open Championship

It was only fitting that the top two divisions of the 2009 National Reining Breeders Classic Open finals were all about family – after all the NRBC is the top reining sire program in the nation.

Andrea Fappani has had much luck on Custom Crome offspring at the NRBC. In 2005 and 2006 he was the Reserve Champion on Custom Legend, and came back to earn the Championship in 2007. “They’ve been good to me. Steve Simon has really supported me, and Custom Crome offspring are great,” he said.

At the 2009 NRBC, he earned his second Open Championship on Cromed Out Mercedes, a 4-year-old stallion by Custom Crome and out of Princess In Diamonds. “He felt really good. He’s smooth but powerful at the same time. That’s really hard to do in this large arena,” Fappani admitted. “I really enjoyed it tonight. There was smoothness and speed together. It was a very good combination.”

The San Marcos, California, trainer drew up midway through the competition, and while his score of 232 gave him a point and half lead over the current leader – the toughness of the competition ensured he did not rest easy. “After my run I started loading the trailer and I wasn’t listening to the scores. That’s what I do when I have a good run – I don’t stick around. I knew I was good but there were some great horses yet to show. After my run, I was going to be happy wherever I ended up no matter what, but I’m even happier now,” he laughed. The Championship came with a generous paycheck of $75,000, a year’s use of a four-horse Featherlite trailer from Twin Cities Featherlite, a Continental saddle from Continental Saddlery, and a multitude of other prizes from jackets, coolers, dishware, and of course, the signature crystal trophy of the NRBC.

Cromed Out Mercedes is owned by Rancho El Fortin, a three generation family ranch in Muzquiz, Mexico, owned by a father, five brothers, and two sisters. Many members of the Ramon family turned out to cheer on Fappani and Cromed Out Mercedes. Aldo Ramon, one of the brothers, spoke for the family, saying, “This is great. Andrea saw this horse when he was two and really liked him, and called us up and said he’d found a special horse. We bought him, he went to the National Reining Horse Association Futurity, and did well there. Now he has won this, and it’s really great,” he said.

Fappani took another Rancho El Fortin entry, Custom Harley, by Custom Crome and out of Peppys Tonette, to the NRBC Open Finals, but ended in twenty-ninth place. “Custom Harley is a great horse, too. He was a little off tonight, and had some trouble, but both of these stallions are very awesome horses,” noted Claudio Ramon.

Shawn Flarida and Wimpys Little Chic, as draw twenty-nine out of the field of thirty, were expected to put on a show. Having already won the NRHA Open Futurity, the NRHA Open Derby, and last year’s NRBC Open Championship, those estimations seemed a good bet. And while the talented mare, by Wimpys Little Step and out of Collena Chic Olena, didn’t disappoint, her score of 231.5 could not budge the leaders.
But the Reserve Championship came with a check for $62,000, and their score easily topped the Open mare division, worth an additional $14,490. Add that to the $7,021 the pair won in the first go round, and Wimpys Little Chic unofficially became the NRHA’s leading earner.
In the Intermediate Open division, it was Marco Ricotta who wowed the crowd with a score of 232 in the first section of the Open finals on Hollywoodstinseltown, owned by David Silva. As he left the arena, it was an emotional celebration at the back gate. “This is great and I am very glad that I could win this for David and Bonnie,” noted Ricotta after the awards ceremony.

The assistant trainer, who currently works for NRHA $2 Million Rider, Tim McQuay, in Tioga, Texas, gave much of the credit for the win to his mount. “He was right there and really honest. It was like he was telling me he would do whatever I wanted to do. Tonight he showed me how good of a mind he has,” he said.

It was a true example of the circle of life that embodies the NRBC, as Hollywoodstinseltown comes from a family with roots deep in program’s history. The 5-year-old stallion is by the legendary Hollywood Dun It, owned by Tim and Colleen McQuay. Along with his long list of other accomplishments, Hollywood Dun It also sired two NRBC Open Champions. Hollywoodstinseltown’s dam is Miss Tinseltown, who is owned by the Silvas and won the NRBC Open Championship in 1999 with McQuay at the reins.

The Silva’s collected $28,853 for the Intermediate division title, along with a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, and the signature crystal trophy. Numerous other prizes filled the win photo – a testament to the great sponsorship the program enjoys.
Although there was one Limited Open entry in evening performance of the Open finals, the Limited Open and the Level 1 Open Championships were won during the first section of Open Finals competition, and ended in a tie for the Championship. Riders Sebastian Petroll and Deon Locke opted to settle for a Co-Championship instead of a run off.
Petroll, who currently works for Tom McCutcheon in Aubrey, Texas, rode Miss Brim Peppy to a score of 222 early in the competition. “She was very good this horse show. She was even a notch better than she was in the preliminaries,” he said.

Petroll noted that Miss Brim Peppy, a 5-year-old by Lil Ruf Peppy and out of Bay Brim Hat, has “matured over the last year. She’s really changed.” Miss Brim Peppy is owned by Roxanne Koepsell.
Deon Locke knew Little Lenas Solano was going to do well. Having ridden the gelding since he was a 2-year-old, he spoke truthfully when he said, “When I was warming him up it was the best he has ever felt. He stopped huge and turned as good as he can.” Little Lenas Solano, by Smart Like Juice and out of Get Down Sassy Sue, is owned by Reggie Dowell.

Both riders earned $1,425 each for the Open Level 1 Co-Championship, and $9,122 for the Limited Open title. The Limited Open Championship also came with a saddle generously sponsored by Eagle Mountain Saddlery.

Brent Wright, who earned NRHA Million Dollar Rider status at last year’s NRBC, won the Open Prime Time on Miss Rey O Shine, a mare by Shining Spark and out of Miss Rey O Lena. Wright rode the mare to a score of 230, to win $2,400 and a custom saddle from Kyle Tack.
But that was only a small part of the money that the pair won on Saturday evening – they placed fifth in the Open finals, good for $32,000.

The NRBC is held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The week-long event began April 13, and finishes up on April 19.

Polo team captain: 21 dead Wellington horses all got vitamin injection

By BRIAN HAAS Sun Sentinel
WELLINGTON, Fla. — The top player of Lechuza Caracas told an Argentine newspaper that the team's 21 horses were likely killed by a vitamin commonly given to the horses before polo matches -- a vitamin mixture the U.S. Federal Drug Administration says is not used in the United States.

"Having it in your pocket and carrying it around is interstate commerce, makes it illegal," said Siobhan DeLancey, spokeswoman for the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Top Lechuza player Juan Martín Nero told the newspaper La Nacion that the horses were commonly given a vitamin called Biodyl that the team administered not for performance enhancement, but to help the horses recover from the wear and tear of a polo match.

"We have no doubt about the origin of the problem," Juan Martín Nero told the newspaper. "There were five horses that were not given the vitamin and they're the only ones that are fine."

DeLancey said the FDA has not approved any drug called Biodyl. FDA records also indicate the drug has been confiscated as shipments entered the country as recently as October.

Nero said the dose given to the horses Sunday was typical, meaning that whoever produced the drug may have made a mistake.

"For us, the suspicions are that there was something bad at the laboratory," he said.

Biodyl is produced by the France-based Merial company. According to Saadat International, a Merial importer, Biodyl is designed to be used to combat fatigue, certain sicknesses and to help animals recover. A fact sheet on the drug says it is also used to help condition racehorses. Merial has not yet responded to a phone message left for comment.

University scientists on Tuesday found hemorrhaging during necropsies of the horses that mysteriously died in Wellington.

But the results so far have been inconclusive.

Officials at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville and a state-run animal laboratory on Tuesday finished preliminary examinations of the Lechuza Caracas polo team's horses. Sarah Carey, spokeswoman for the veterinary school, said the university examined 15 horses and the state lab in Kissimmee finished the remaining six necropsies.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are continuing law enforcement investigations into the deaths, but said they had no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

"There is no indication at this time of any criminality, any criminal intent, foul play," said Sheriff's Office Capt. Greg Richter. "There's every indication these horses ingested or were injected with something that caused them to pass away. We certainly want to work it thoroughly, just in case."

Today's scheduled polo game has been delayed because of rain. The U.S. Open tournament will resume 1:30 p.m. Thursday with a memorial service following the 5:30 p.m. game.

The 21 horses started ailing Sunday afternoon as they arrived at the International Polo Club Palm Beach fields in Wellington. Some grew dizzy and collapsed on the field. Fans from the stands rushed to help the horses. Fourteen died Sunday, the rest early Monday.

Investigators, who are awaiting test results, have said the horses likely died from some sort of toxin they came in contact with or a reaction to some drug they ingested. The horses were kept on the Lechuza Caracas property in Wellington since at least December and had been transported to the field in open-air trailers, said Tim O'Connor, spokesman for International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Initial results from necropsies didn't make things much clearer Tuesday.

Carey said university scientists noted bleeding in some of the horses, but in small amounts and not in consistent locations.

"The gross findings did not yield anything that would suggest a specific cause of death," she said.

More results could come as early as tomorrow from testing the horses' water, feed and environment, but officials plan to run a battery of tests on blood and tissue samples. Carey said that veterinarians were prescient enough to get tissue samples when the horses were still alive.

"Tissues from a live animal can reveal things that are not always able to be seen in dead tissue," Carey said.

Much of the work to be done will occur at the university's Racing Lab, which tests racehorses for banned substances.

There are no rules dictating how owners care for their horses before a match. But polo officials are hearing from some players and owners calling for pre-game drug testing of horses and riders.

"In any sport it would be beneficial to have drug testing. I think it would be beneficial to polo," said Neil Hirsch, owner of the Player's Club restaurant and the Black Watch polo team. "Hopefully this will turn out to be something very explainable and everybody will learn from it."

Nero said he was fine with new anti-doping rules, but angry that the idea that some suspect performance enhancing drugs played a part in the horses' deaths.

"That's something crazy. We live off of those horses, we're not going to sabotage our own business," he told La Nacion. "Lechuza has been playing for many years. We played in England where they did have controls. Nothing has ever happened. For me if they want, they can put in anti-doping, but it won't matter at all, I don't think it's going to prevent anything."

Sun Sentinel Staff Writer Carlos Harrison contributed to this report. Brian Haas can be reached at bhaas@SunSentinel.com or 561-243-6633.

Florida County Issues Health Alert After EEE Kills Three Horses

DAYTONA BEACH - The Volusia County Health Department is advising residents that Volusia County is currently under a Public Health Advisory for mosquito-borne illness. Residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Since the beginning of the year, three horses have died from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus including two during the first week of April. The increased mosquito-borne disease activity in the area suggests there is a potential public health threat.

No human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis are reported in Volusia County or in the state at this time.

“We continue to ask county residents and tourists to be mindful and diligent regarding their personal mosquito protection efforts at this time in Volusia County,” said Paul Minshew, environmental health manager for the Volusia County Health Department. “It is important to be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses, how to prevent them, and to act accordingly.” Personal mosquito protection efforts should include the “5 D’s” for prevention:

Dusk and Dawn -- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.
Dress -- Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
DEET -- When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.
Drainage -- Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

The Department of Health continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s Environmental Health web site at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/arboviral/index.html , call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-888-880-5782, or Volusia County Health Department- Environmental Health at 386- 274-0694.

Source: Volusia County Health Department Press Release

Twenty-one polo horses die in Florida

by Bob Meyer

Officials are still trying to determine what caused the death of 21 polo horses in South Florida Sunday. The animals, owned by a team from Caracas, Venezuela, had just arrived at the U.S. Polo Tournament in Wellington when 14 of them collapsed. Another seven were disoriented and staggering. Dr. Scott Swerdlin of the Palm Beach Equine Club, International Polo's consulting veterinarian group says 14 died at the grounds, one was euthanized and the others died within 45 minutes at the Venezuelan team’s barn.

Swerdlin believes the deaths were due to feed or shots. He does not believe it was intentional. The horses suffered pulmonary edema, which means fluid accumulated in their lungs, and cardiogenic shock, Officials say whatever killed the horses was not airborne or contagious. Necropsies will be conducted on the horses with the preliminary findings expected late Monday or Tuesday.

PALM BEACH, FL. -- State investigators think 21 polo horses that died Sunday were likely stricken by "an adverse drug reaction or toxicity" that led to their rapid demise.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office launched parallel law enforcement investigations of the horses' deaths today as scientists and veterinarians try to figure out what killed them.

"Because of the very rapid onset of sickness and death, state officials suspect these deaths were a result of an adverse drug reaction or toxicity," said Terrence McElroy, spokesman for the state agency, in a written statement.

"At this time, there is no evidence that these horses were affected with an infectious or contagious disease."

The Sheriff's Office assigned two detectives to conduct a parallel death investigation. He said investigators have already talked to veterinarians who worked on the horses and they hope to speak with the horses' owner.

"Any time something of this magnitude happens, we want to find out what happened," said Capt. Greg Richter, in charge of the Sheriff's Office's Wellington district. "There's no indication of foul play at this point."

Meanwhile, scientists and veterinarians are testing samples of food, vitamins, supplements and hay to see what killed the 21 horses in Wellington during the last 24 hours.

And the horses' corpses have arrived at two sites for necropsies: 15 at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville and the rest at a state laboratory in Kissimmee.

The horses arrived at the International Polo Club Palm Beach field about 2 p.m. Sunday.

Less than an hour later they fell ill and Dr. Scott Swerdlin, a veterinarian with the Palm Beach Equine Clinic, was summoned.

More than a dozen local vets and vet technicians dropped everything and came to the field.

They administered intensive therapy, including IV lines and fluids, and treated the horses for shock.

The animals showed signs of pulmonary edema, which means fluid accumulated in their lungs, and cardiogenic shock, Swerdlin said.

"There was no pain, they were just disoriented," Swerdlin said.

Each of the horses, all between 10 and 11 years old, was valued at about $100,000, polo club spokesman Tim O'Connor said.

Twelve or 13 horses died on the field and another was later euthanized at Swerdlin's Wellington clinic.

The others died at Lechuza Caracas' barn, where there are about 85 horses. Some bouquets were left outside the Lechuza property on Monday.

Sarah Carey, a spokeswoman for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, said the school has received 15 of the horses and will perform necropsies on eight of them.

She said the other seven aren't insured and horse owners can only recoup insurance if necropsies are performed.

A full-scale investigation by the U.S. Polo Association, the sport's governing body, is expected to open today.

The deaths have fueled speculation in Wellington, a village well-known for being extremely horse-friendly. Though there have been numerous reports of mass horse deaths, few have felled so many of the animals so quickly.

Equestrian enthusiasts and officials were quick to dismiss the possibility that the horses could have been poisoned by someone. Swerdlin said there was "zero possibility" of foul play.

He thinks the likely culprit is food or shots. There are regulations against doping, but vitamins and IV fluids are permitted.

"You're not going to make a horse faster by something you give," he said.

It would take at least 10 years to rebuild a barn of Lechuza Caracas' caliber, he said: "These were some of the best horses in the world."

Though the polo tournament will continue on Wednesday, Lechuza Caracas has pulled out, said John Wash, president of club operations for the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Other teams had offered to provide the mourning team with horses, but they declined.

Wash said everyone is concerned about the effect the incident will have on polo.

"It won't just be the polo scene in Wellington," Wash said. "I think it will affect the polo scene worldwide."

While testing for performance-enhancing drugs is not routine in the International Polo Club, it's not a concern for players or owners, according to Don Dufresne, a Wellington lawyer who specializes in equine law.

"I have never experienced anybody doping horses," he said. "I could make an argument that there are no regulations because it's a self-policing situation. There's no benefit in hurting the sport or hurting the horses."

Unlike in horse racing, there's no financial incentive to dope polo horses.

And any speculation that Lechuza Caracas' horses may have been intentionally harmed is probably more fiction than fact, he said.

"The likelihood of somebody going in and injecting 21 or 80 horses and not being detected is so slim and remote, in my opinion," Dufresne said.

Dufresene, who is also the immediate past president of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and a member of the U.S. Polo Association, said: "The initial findings of adverse reaction or toxicity wouldn't surprise me since it was limited to one group of horses.

The question is, were all those horses injected with the same stuff?"

"I don't see where it could hurt in any way if there's criminal wrongdoing and they have reason to believe there's been criminal wrongdoing," he said.

The sense of camaraderie on the field during Sunday's tragedy was heartwarming, he said.

"The community rallied around the situation with probably 100 volunteers," Dufresne said.

"Over every horse were three to five people triaging. The reality is that the polo community is much more like a family."

Third Cutting In The Clover with 230-point Win in the Super Stakes

Boyd Rice was “a little bit nervous,” after NCHA Futurity champions Metallic Cat and Beau Galyean scored 226 points deep in the second set of the Super Stakes Open Finals, Sunday, April 19.
“I told Halee, my wife, there are a lot of points between 219.5 and 226,” said Rice, referring to Galyean’s mark and the next-highest score of 219.5 by Eyez On Me and Bill Riddle.
“Yes, but there are a lot more above 226,” said Halee, who had warmed up Third Cutting for her husband to show as the 21st rider in the 23-horse field.
With that thought in mind, Rice and Third Cutting, owned by Carl and Shawnea Smith, Jacksboro, TX, went full throttle with a 230-point performance - just one point shy of the 231-point record set by Sunettes Dually and Matt Gaines in the 2001 NCHA Super Stakes.
“He’s been good all week and I haven’t had to do much with him,” said Rice. “He’d actually been a little too wild, moving too much, and I just tried to slow him down this afternoon. I guess it worked.”
Rice purchased the Boonlight Dancer son for the Smiths out of last fall’s Polo Ranch Dispersal. The colt had been trained until then by James Payne.
Third Cutting and Rice advanced to the semi-finals with a cumulative score of 444 points and marked 219 in the Semi-Finals.
Including checks as a top finalist in the NCHA Futurity and the Abilene Spectacular, Third Cutting’s earnings now top $215,490.
In all but five years of the 28-year history of the NCHA Super Stakes, Metallic Cat’s 226-point score would have won the event.
“Boyd had a great run,” said Galyean, who showed Metallic Cat as the eighth horse in the second set. “But I feel pretty good about our run. A 226 is pretty high in this building (Will Rogers Coliseum). And it just goes to show that you never know.”
Metallic Cat, a High Brow Cat son owned by Alvin Fults, Amarillo, TX, is cuttin’s leading 4-year-old money earner with $448,921, including $26,300 from the SSIF.
In additon to his NCHA Futurity championship, he was also champion of the Abilene Spectacular and reserve champion of the Tunica Futurity.
“We did the best we could,” said Galyean, who was a non-pro rider last year at this time. “I feel very honored to ride him. He’s a really smart, brilliant horse.
Non-Pro champions
“It’s just a dream, really,” said Megan Miller, of her rare double championship wins aboard Travs Scooter (221.5 points), in the Super Stakes Non-Pro Classic, and Itawtathenapuddycat, in the Super Stakes Non-Pro with 219.5 points.
Only Jim Milner, in 1987, aboard Playboy Bee Jay and Docs Hickory Chicks, has achieved the same accomplishment.
“I feel really lucky,” said Miller, whose husband, trainer Matt Miller, won the 2006 NCHA Non-Pro Futurity on Travs Scooter and was reserve champion of the 2006 Non-Pro Super Stakes on Hokies Cat. “I’m just riding the wave and enjoying every moment. This is something I never imagined would happen.”
Itatawthenpuddycat, by Athena Puddy Cat, was an open finalist at the Augusta Futurity and the Tunica Futurity under Matt Miller.
“He’s a special horse,” said Miller, who rode Travs Scooter to win the NCHA Super Stakes Non-Pro Classic. “He’s just gotten better and better every go-round.
Lindy Ashlock and Rey Nounce claimed the Super Stakes Non-Pro reserve championship with 219 points, after claiming the second go-round and the Non-Pro Semi-Finals win with 219 points.
“I won the first go-round of the (NCHA) Futurity and then we ran into some problems,” said Ashlock, who purchased the Dual Rey son from Gail Holmes, last year at this time. “We had body clipped him and it scalded his back, so he was sore.”
Itawtathenapuddycat now has career earnings of $38,700; Rey Nounce has earnings of $33,252.

Team U.S.A. Wins International Reining Celebrity ChallengeAQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

Source: www.aqha.com
The American Quarter Horse Journal – The show was on in Las Vegas today as the world’s top FEI dressage and show jumping riders took to the arena in an entertaining competition featuring the sport of reining. The Rolex FEI World Cup played host to the International Reining Celebrity Challenge at the Thomas & Mack Arena. After early mornings and late nights of practicing sliding stops, rollbacks, spins and lead changes, six of the world’s top equestrians stepped up to the challenge in the FEI discipline of reining. By the time the competitors were finished, Team U.S.A. had won the event with a score of 413.5. Least important to all competitors was the score. They all repeated how much they enjoyed their time on the back of a reining horse.
"The horses were unbelievable," Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson said. "I’m ready to go back to the barn right now to see if there is anything left to ride."
First in the arena was Rodrigo Pessoa from Brazil and American Quarter Horse Sir Pine By Boomer. The Olympic Gold Medalist in jumping marked a 118.5 after nearly bringing the crowd to its feet with his final sliding stop. Pessoa, who rolled into the barn area only minutes prior to the competition, learned his reining pattern en route to the Thomas & Mack Arena.
Following Pessoa, U.S.A.’s Will Simpson, fresh off a Gold Medal win in Beijing in show jumping, kicked the energy level up several notches marking the second-highest score in the competition with a 144.5. Simpson was aboard the American Quarter Horse Arapaho Sailor.
"I learned a little bit on my own," Simpson joked following the celebrity challenge. "Then I had three lessons to unlearn what I had taught myself and learn it correctly."
Next up was international team member Anky Van Grunsvan and Dun Its Chico, World Champion American Quarter Horse in reining. Van Grunsvan, the most decorated athlete in the competition, marked a 141.5. She was followed by fellow dressage competitor Charlotte Bredahl-Baker representing the U.S.A. Bredahl-Baker, who jumped out of her spins early but kept her cool aboard Reeboks Rerun, commented that being part of the celebrity challenge was the most fun she’s had in a long time.
Ann Fonck, the defending NRHA Open World Champion rode in next aboard Whizle Fritz and marked the high score of 147. Fonck had a nearly perfect run, and with her signature grin and dimples, had the full support of the crowd. Fonck’s score gave the International Team a score of 407, putting pressure on the final competitor, NRHA President Rick Weaver, who needed to mark at least a 137.5 to put Team U.S.A. on top.
Weaver jogged into the arena aboard the American Quarter Horse Dun Its Manhatten and immediately put the crowd on notice by raising his hands and signaling that he intended for Team U.S.A. to take home the International Celebrity Reining Challenge title. Weaver’s exhilarating pattern had the crowd cheering from start to finish and earned him a 144, placing Team U.S.A. solidly on top.
"This whole experience has been amazing," Weaver said. "The quality of the horses and horsemen here were unbelievable. We all share the love of the horse."
The National Reining Horse Association (www.nrha.com) and the American Quarter Horse Association (www.aqha.com) are co-sponsors of the International Reining Celebrity Challenge. Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. The American Quarter Horse Association, founded in 1940, is the largest-single breed equine registry in the world with more than 330,000 members worldwide. Pending AQHA Executive Committee approval later this month, dressage will become the newest event in AQHA competition.

Slaughter Bills Before Montana, North Dakota Governors

by: Pat Raia
A bill that would facilitate the development of a private sector horse processing plant in Montana is on its way back to Gov. Brian Schweitzer's desk now that the state's full legislature has rejected his amended version of the measure.

In its original form, HB 418 prohibited Montana courts from granting injunctions to stop or delay horse processing plant construction based on permit or licensing challenges, or on environmental grounds. It also required anyone challenging permits to submit a surety bond representing 20% of the facility's estimated building cost, and it awarded attorney and court fees to plaintiffs in cases District Courts deem harassing or without merit.

The bill passed both houses of Montana's legislature in March. But on April 3, Schweitzer vetoed the measure, removed protections against licensing and court challenges, and sent his amended version back to the legislature for review.

April 16, the state's Senate voted 44-5 to reject the governor's amendments and return the bill to its original form. The Senate vote mirrors an earlier action by Montana House members who voted 59-41 against the changes.

Schweitzer has 10 days from the time the measure reaches his desk to sign or veto it. The bill automatically becomes law if he does not act.

Meanwhile, a North Dakota bill is on its way to Gov. John Hoeven for his signature. On April 16, House members passed HB 1496, authorizing a $50,000 study to evaluate potential legal challenges to slaughter plant development in that state. The state's senate approved its twin bill, SCR 4021, in March.

Hoeven is expected to act on the bill next week. If signed, the bill would become law in August. The state's Commerce Department would hold the funding until a formal study request is made, said SCR 4021 sponsor Sen. Joe Miller

Miller said one North Dakota municipality has expressed interest in studying the issue.

International Trainers Present "Naked Truth of Riding" Symposium

International dressage rider and trainer, Heather Blitz, together with Mary Wanless, BSc, BHSI, FRSA, and Dr. Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, MRCVS, will present the "Naked Truth of Riding," a two-day symposium on May 9-10, 2009, at the Leatherdale Equine Center in Minneapolis, MN.

The symposium delivers a complete package of information. Students will learn about the relationship between veterinary medicine and dressage performance, with special emphasis on prevention and treatment of lameness problems. They will also hear and see, with the help of demonstration lessons, the difference it makes in the horse when riders correct the way they sit and use their bodies. It is eye opening to see how many of the horses evasions disappear when the rider gets better.

Blitz has studied and used biomechanics in her system of training horses to the highest level for more than 15 years. "We are really looking forward to our next "Naked Truth of Riding" symposium. The Leatherdale Equine Center is a fantastic climate-controlled indoor facility, which is also offering tours of the veterinary hospital in addition to the two information packed days," said Blitz. "There is no other event to offer such comprehensive and understandable training that helps to unravel the mystery of good riding. Students will take home information from these two days that will last a lifetime."

Wanless, a renowned author, has dedicated her life to translating the secrets of talented riders into bite-sized chunks that make all the difference to every rider.

Dr. Clayton of the McPhail Equine Performance Center at Michigan State University is the leader in the field of equine biomechanics and the science of saddle fit and rein tension.

For more information about the presenters, visit www.heatherblitz.info, www.mary-wanless.com, http://cvm.msu.edu.

To make a reservation, visit www.nakedtruthofriding.com or email Simone van der Schalk at simone.dq@gmail.com.

Source: www.usef.org

Baffert Purchases Vallenzeri for 1.9 Million at Keenland 2-yr old In Training Sale

Trainer Bob Baffert signed the ticket for $1.9 million for Vallenzeri on opening night, Monday, April 6, of Keeneland’s two-day April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale. It is the highest price paid for a juvenile at public auction in 2009.
Cumulatively, Keeneland sold 66 horses for $11,805,000 during the April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, down 27.57 percent from the corresponding period last year, when 77 horses brought $16,299,000. The average of $178,864 represents a 15.50 percent decrease from $211,675 in 2008.
“This is where the Thoroughbred market is today,” said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland’s director of sales. “But make no mistake; there is great interest in horses that have the potential to achieve what buyers see as the ultimate goal – the Kentucky Derby. Horses that stood out as classic, two-turn horses sold well.”
Baffert bought Vallenzeri, by Horse of the Year A.P. Indy out of Horse of the Year Azeri, on behalf of client Kaleem Shah. The colt breezed an eighth of a mile in :10.1 during the sale’s Preview Day show on April 2. He was consigned by Eddie Woods, agent.
“I am really excited to get him,” Baffert said. “He’s well conformed, he has a fluid way of moving, and with that type of pedigree, by a champion and out of champion, you have to step up to the plate and take a chance.”
“It is very exciting to have sold Vallenzeri,” said Russell. “Eddie Woods consigned last year’s Kentucky Derby winner (Big Brown), and he just may have sold next year’s as well.”
Baffert also paid $475,000 for a Smart Strike colt out of the Belong to Me mare Private Feeling, for Mike Pegram, Paul Weitman and Karl Watson. The colt was consigned by Jerry Bailey Sales Agency.
“I wasn’t going to go home without him,” Baffert said. “He worked well (an eighth of a mile in :10 during Thursday’s Preview Day show) and he’s a good mover.”
Altogether, Baffert purchased colts with classic potential for three different clients, including a Dixie Union colt for Hal Earnhardt for $300,000. He also paid $370,000 for a colt by Songandaprayer that posted the fastest Preview Day work, going an eighth in :9.4. Consigned by Wavertree Stables Inc, the colt is out of the unraced Storm Bird mare Beach Bunny.
The April Sale has produced two Kentucky Derby winners since its inception in 1993 – last year’s winner and champion three-year-old colt Big Brown, as well as 1995 Derby winner Thunder Gulch.
Bob Baffert has trained nine Eclipse champions, including Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998) and War Emblem (2002).

Presentation of Palomino Mustangs to U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard

Strength, endurance, and spirit are qualities embodied in wild horses and burros that roam America’s rangelands. These living legends are available for adoption at the L.A. Equestrian Center in Burbank, Calif., April, 17-19, 2009, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Adopt A Wild Horse and Burro Program. Spectators are welcome.

Saturday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m., the BLM will present the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Mounted Color Guard with three Palomino mustangs. The USMC Color Guard travels all over the Western United States participating in parades, rodeos, and many other events. Today the Mounted Color Guard rides five wild Palomino mustangs adopted from the BLM’s Adopt a Wild Horse and Burro Program.

There are 50 young animals available for adoption, 40 wild horses, and 10 burros. The mustangs and burros were gathered from public lands in California and Nevada, have been wormed and vaccinated, and are in excellent health.

Animals arrive at noon on Friday, April 17, and potential adopters may view the mustangs and burros from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. An excellent media opportunity exists at noon when the animals arrive and unload.

Approved adopters will receive a lottery number, which is required to participate in the lottery adoption Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. The lottery adoption provides all adopters an equal opportunity to adopt the animal of their choice. BLM staff will approve adoption applications from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Sunday.

The adoption fee is $125.00 per animal. Animals not selected during the lottery adoption will be available for adoption on a first come, first served basis for the remainder of Saturday. Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.

Qualified adopters must be 18 years old, have adequate facilities, the financial means to care for the animal(s), and would have some experience training or raising a horse or burro. Adopters also must be a resident of the United States and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. Qualified individuals with the proper facilities may adopt up to four animals.

Adopters should bring a nylon web halter and 20-foot, cotton lead rope for each animal. A stock trailer will be required to transport the animal(s). Drop-ramp trailers will not be allowed. BLM wranglers will load the animals into the trailer.

The process is called an “adoption” because BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption. During the year, a BLM compliance officer or designated representative will visit each adopter to ensure the animal is being cared for and has a good home. During this time adopters cannot sell their adopted animal. Adopters must notify BLM if the animal is moved.

After the first year, adopters may apply for title. BLM will pass title of the animal if all the stipulations of the adoption agreement have been met. The animal becomes the private property of the adopter only after BLM transfers title, which completes the adoption process.

Directions to the L.A. Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506: Golden State Freeway (I-5). From the North or South, exit Alameda Avenue West and go to Main Street (3rd traffic light). Turn Left on Main Street to the entrance of the Equestrian Center at the intersection of Main Street and Riverside Drive. For more information about the adoption or the Bureau's Adopt A Wild Horse and Burro Program, contact BLM toll free at 866-4Mustangs, or visit www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.

Source: www.blm.gov/ca

Wal-Mart Foundation Grant Will Help 4-H Program

A one-million dollar grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation will help the National 4-H Council expand its healthy living programs.

The 4-H Council has launched “Youth Voice: Youth Choice”, a national program that encourages young people to develop and maintain healthy, active lifestyles. As part of the program, 4-H programs in 15 selected states will be awarded 50-thousand dollar grants to develop and implement healthy living programs at the community level. Wal-Mart joins with Cargill, Kraft, John Deer, and many other large corporations who support 4-H through grants and scholarships. http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/default.aspx

A core belief of 4-H is Health, as evidenced by the four H's in the 4-H clover: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is committed to the physical, mental and emotional health of our nation's youth so they may lead healthy and productive lives into adulthood. 4-H has become a national leader in health-related educational issues including chemical health, mental and emotional health, foods and nutrition, physical health and safety.

National 4-H Council reports:

National 4-H Council has been awarded a $1 million grant by the Wal-Mart Foundation to launch Youth Voice: Youth Choice, an exciting national program that encourages young people to develop and maintain healthy, active lifestyles. The program will tackle wellness issues such as nutrition, physical fitness, and safety. This is the first grant to be provided by the Wal-Mart Foundation for the 4-H Healthy Living portfolio.

To fund the Youth Voice: Youth Choice program, 4-H programs in 15 selected states will be awarded $50,000 grants to develop, strengthen, and implement healthy living programs at the community level. 4-H members will work in tandem with land-grant university experts and 4-H volunteers to mobilize other young people and get them excited about living healthy lives. Youth are then empowered to create action plans to share with their county commissioners, school boards, health caucuses, and state legislative offices.

"Health is the fourth 'H' in the 4-H pledge," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council President and CEO. "As a national leader in health-related issues, 4-H is already reaching 2.5 million youth in all 50 states with nutrition and wellness programs, providing opportunities to build confidence and healthier lifestyles. With this generous new grant, we will be able to reach even more young people with these important messages."

"Health and wellness is a focus area for the Wal-Mart Foundation, and we take special care to identify programs with proven impact," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. "We are pleased to partner with 4-H on their delivery of high-quality, hands-on programs that boost the physical, social, and emotional well-being of America's youth."

The action plans created by Youth Voice: Youth Choice participants will create sustainable healthy living programs in their local communities, identify and overcome the barriers to healthy living, and raise public awareness for wellness. The programs will also encourage the development of partnerships with local stakeholders and champions to expand the reach of the 4-H Healthy Living program area.

New evidence: Horses Domesticated 5,500 years ago

Researchers working in Northern Kazakhstan, on the steppes of Central Asia, have found evidence the Botai culture, living there 5,500 years ago, were likely the first known civilization to domesticate wild horses.

Bits and bridles leave distinct parallel wear lines on teeth, and marks on skulls taken from Botai archeological sites, as well as pottery fragments with the residue of fermented mare’s milk, indicate that Botai horses were bridled for transportation and kept as a food source, according to the March 6 issue of Science magazine.

The Botai people lived in pit houses dug into the ground. Their excavated homes were littered with bones, 90 percent of them from horses. Some Botai village sites also contain remains of corrals and leather tools resembling lassos.

People in Northern Kazakhstan still herd horses on horseback and drink an alcoholic brew called koumiss that is made from mare’s milk.

Previous evidence for the domestication of horses dates to around 2,000 BC, when horses in the ancient Near East were buried with chariots. Prior to this chariots were pulled by oxen or asses.

FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 19

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

0981L.01I

Whereas, the processing of horses has become a controversial and emotional issue and has resulted in the closing of all horse processing facilities throughout the United States; and

Whereas, federal legislation was introduced to amend the 1970 Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines for processing and other purposes; and

Whereas, the loss of secondary markets has severely impacted the livestock industry by eliminating the salvage value of horses and has significantly reduced the market value of all horses; and

Whereas, prohibitions regarding the processing of horses have resulted in significant increases in abandoned and starving animals and have had significant economic impact on the entire equine industry; and

Whereas, the increase in unwanted or unusable horses has overwhelmed private animal welfare agencies and the public's ability to care for surplus domestic horses; and

Whereas, the annual number of unwanted or unusable surplus domestic horses is estimated to be 100,000, compounding annually; and

Whereas, issues related to the humane handling and slaughter of surplus domestic horses are best addressed by proper regulations and inspection and not by banning or exporting the issue; and

Whereas, state agriculture and rural leaders recognize the necessity and benefit of a state's ability to direct the transport and processing of horses:

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fifth General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the United States Congress to oppose federal legislation that interferes with a state's ability to direct the transport or processing of horses; and

Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for Barack Obama, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Missouri Congressional delegation.

Leader-author calls for 'major' animal rights counter-movement

Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 8:40 AM

by Ken Anderson

You could say Patti Strand of Portland, Oregon wrote the book on the animal rights movement.

Strand, who is the founder and chairperson of the National Animal Interest Alliance, authored a book 17 years ago entitled “The Hijacking of the Humane Movement: Animal Extremism”. Strand has been battling the animal rights movement ever since and she says it’s not going away.

“So I would say that the people who imagine that they can just keep doing their own thing and the bad guys will disappear are living in a bit of a fantasy land at this point,” says Strand. “They’re not going to go away. This is how these groups earn their living. They’re conflict fund-raising groups. They need conflict in order to make money.”

Strand’s group—the NAIA—includes dog breeders, research scientists, hunters, farmers, ranchers and others. She says she would like to see agriculture get more involved in their counter-movement.

“I believe firmly that we all need to be working together,” says Strand. “We need to understand each other’s issues, and we need to organize to fund a major counter-movement to them.”

Strand believes the animal rights counter-movement can succeed. “I have a lot of faith that when people understand what we understand, they will side with us—and I don’t think we’ve done a good job at all of getting our message out.”

Human Remains Uncovered at Kentucky Horse Park

LEXINGTON, KY -- What began as a simple backhoe procedure to install a fire vault for the new Outdoor Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park has become a historical mystery as construction workers accidentally uncovered a lost cemetery.

Last November, a human skeleton was unearthed and eventually a total of 35 skeletons were discovered. As soon as the first remains were found, the Kentucky Horse Park contacted the Fayette County Coroner’s Office. The area – where there was no visible evidence of a cemetery -- was cordoned off and an archaeological dig was launched in cooperation with the Kentucky Heritage Council and the Kentucky Archaeological Survey. The Survey is administered by the Heritage Council and University of Kentucky Department of Anthropology.

“This has been interesting and mysterious. While this cemetery was inadvertently disturbed, it is our hope that ultimately the identity of these early Kentuckians will be determined and their final resting place will no longer be forgotten,” said John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “Once the Kentucky Archaeological Survey has completed its research and releases the remains, these individuals will be reinterred with respect and dignity at the Kentucky Horse Park in a suitable location, and appropriately honored with a monument and historical information.”

It has already been determined that the cemetery probably dates to the mid-1800s and the Horse Park expects to learn more about the cemetery when the research is completed, Nicholson said.

Mark Dennen, Kentucky Heritage Council acting executive director and state historic preservation officer, said it was important to remember that “when remains are found the response must be to treat these with the utmost respect. Therefore, the careful removal of the remains and the research and reinterment will be done following established procedures. This also gives us the opportunity to learn more about our history and the history of the land at the Kentucky Horse Park. This adds depth and richness to the story the Horse Park can tell and ultimately helps preserve and inform us about our past."

Source: www.kyhorsepark.com

Country singer at center of animal rights debate
by Ken Anderson

Country singer Carrie Underwood is at the center of an intensifying online debate between animal rights supporters and backers of hunting and animal agriculture.

Underwood is a vegetarian and a supporter of the Humane Society of the United States. In fact, she is donating proceeds from one of her new songs to HSUS. And HSUS is reportedly trying to return the favor by encouraging its supporters to vote online for Underwood for the Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) Entertainer of the Year award.

Meanwhile, hunting and animal ag supporters are fighting back. On one web site, a blogger is urging readers to go to the ACM web site and vote for a country artist other than Underwood. The debate is also taking place on Underwood’s own web site. One of the messages sent to Underwood says, quote--“It is sad that you are supporting HSUS, an enemy of all farmers, hunters, cowboys and pet owners”. But another poster defends Underwood, saying quote-- “she is simply an advocate of the fair and humane treatment of animals”.

The ACM Awards show takes place this Sunday night.

Swabing for Influenza is the Only Answer

Influenza is one of the most contagious diseases of horses and therefore requires a timely and accurate diagnosis to help prevent a major outbreak. This diagnosis can be achieved only by testing clinical specimens from nasal swabs.

Rapid diagnosis facilitates rapid intervention, including quarantine and vaccination— historically the most successful means to prevent the spread of influenza. Vaccination in the face of an influenza outbreak can work if the horse has already been primed by previous vaccination and if at least a seven-day interval between vaccination and exposure to the disease has occurred.

Influenza is a moving target, often changing its viral coat to confuse the immune system. The vaccines have to be periodically updated to keep up with the changing viruses. The only way to keep the vaccines in step with the circulating viruses is to obtain samples of those viruses for testing. The mechanism for updating the vaccines depends upon voluntary submission of nasal swabs from veterinarians to their state diagnostic laboratories or directly to the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) international reference laboratories for equine influenza in England, Germany, and in Kentucky at the Gluck Equine Research Center.

Same-day test results are now possible for equine influenza using commercial rapid detection kits. The limiting factors are (1) expense: these tests cost $25-50 per swab and (2) the quality of the swab sample. Samples should be taken early in the disease process. Minimally use 6-inch Dacron swabs in pairs or alternatively uterine swabs (no 4-inch cotton swabs!).

See our website at http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/ServFlu.asp for further information about nasal swabbing and submission to the OIE reference laboratory at the Gluck Center.

Source: Equine Disease Quarterly

Senate Bill Tackles Horse Slaughter Issue

by: Pat Raia

Ms.Landrieu is at it again!!! Contact your Senators and congressional leaders

Two U.S. Senators have introduced legislation to prohibit the transport of horses for slaughter in Mexico and Canada. Senators Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.) introduced S 727, the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act into the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 26.

S 727 would prohibit the transport, sale, delivery, or export of horses for slaughter for human consumption. It also criminalizes the purchase, sale, delivery, or export of horsemeat intended for human consumption.

Violators would face criminal and civil penalties, including being fined or imprisoned.

The bill is the senate's version of HR 503, the Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, introduced into the U.S. House Judiciary Committee in January. Since then, HR 503 has gathered 112 co-sponsors. It was referred to the Judiciary's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security on March 16.

Legislation to establish privately owned horse processing plants in the United States advanced this week in two Western states.

Montana, North Dakota Horse Slaughter Bills Advance

by: Pat Raia

On March 24, the North Dakota State Senate approved HB 1496, authorizing a $50,000 study to evaluate potential legal challenges to slaughter plant development in that state.

The bill will return to the North Dakota House for final consensus before moving on to Gov. John Hoeven's desk.

"The bill is pretty veto proof, so I don't see the Governor not signing it," said State Sen. Joe Miller, a co-sponsor.

Meanwhile, a Montana bill arrived on Gov. Brian Schweitzer's desk March 24 after its passage by the state's Senate. HB 418 prohibits Montana courts from granting injunctions to stop or delay horse processing plant construction based on permit or licensing challenges, or on environmental grounds. It also requires that anyone challenging permits submit a surety bond representing 20% of the facility's estimated building cost, and awards attorney and court fees to plaintiffs in cases District Courts deem harassing or without merit.

But HB 418 does not need Schweitzer's signature to become law, said sponsor Rep. Ed Butcher.

"He can sign it, veto it, or not sign it," Butcher said. "If it stays on his desk for 10 days, it becomes statute."

Professor, Chilean Students Partner Researching Equine Heaves and Human Asthma

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Much like asthma in humans, equine heaves is a chronic, often debilitating disease in horses. The symptoms can range from coughing, exercise, and work intolerance to, eventually, labored breathing even at rest.

Dr. Virginia Buechner-Maxwell, a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, is working at the molecular level to learn more about what causes this vexing disease.

"We look very closely at the pathogenesis of the disease," said Buechner-Maxwell, who is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. "We want to know why this happens. Specifically, what goes wrong in the horse to allow it to develop this disease?"

Currently, Buechner-Maxwell is hosting two exchange students from Chile who are helping her answer this question; Dr. Marianne Werner, a veterinarian who is here earning her master of science degree, and Sofia Oettinger, a veterinary student from the University of Austral who is conducting research at Virginia Tech as part of her senior thesis.

Together, they are investigating a particular receptor that is, in part, responsible for initiating the inflammatory process. They are looking for ways to modify the response of immune cells by using albuterol, a medication that is commonly prescribed to treat human asthma. Albuterol is often administered to help relax the muscle around the airways of the lung and increase airflow.

The results of these studies may be helpful to both horses and humans, since horses are one of the few animals that naturally develop an asthma-like syndrome. In addition, "heavey" horses also respond to all the same medications that asthmatic humans do.

While albuterol has been used for many years as a treatment for asthma, according to Buechner-Maxwell, it has been recently discovered that long-term use of the drug could actually pose a threat to those who take it. Buechner-Maxwell's lab is looking at the possibility of reducing the risk of long-term exposure to the drug by adding something as simple as magnesium.

"When albuterol binds with inflammatory cells, it sets off a whole of series of events, including one that is dependent on magnesium," explains Buechner-Maxwell. "By altering the amount of magnesium in the cell's environment, you can make it respond in a completely different way."

This modification could help both four-legged and two-legged patients.

"My goal is to find a more natural and cost effective treatment for horses which will eventually translate into better and safer treatments for people with asthma," said Buechner-Maxwell.

Buechner-Maxwell earned her doctor of veterinary medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. Prior to joining the faculty of the college in 1995, she was an instructor of equine internal medicine and a National Institutes of Health postdoctoral research fellow for the division of pulmonary medicine in the Internal Medicine Department at the University of Michigan.

Source: www.extension.org

AQHA Members Visit Capitol Hill, Form Q-Contacts

America’s Horse – AQHA’s Public Policy Committee’s vision of a grassroots lobbying group made up of knowledgeable and passionate AQHA members became a reality February 10-12 in Washington, D.C.
The pilot program, which is known as Q-Contact, was created to develop a “key contact” system to enable AQHA to expand its efforts in national public policy work with a functional “grassroots or grass tops” type program. Key contact advocacy is based on select industry leaders developing a strong working relationship with lawmakers and their staff. The initial goal of the Q-Contact program was to identify, train and empower 15 to 16 members to develop key constituent relationships with selected members of Congress that might be in a position to advance policies and regulatory goals of AQHA. Q-Contacts are working to become a reliable resource and partner in regard to the area of expertise for lawmakers and their staffs.
The following nine Q-Contact members, along with AQHA staff Tom Persechino and Barbara Linke, traveled to Washington, D.C. in February for training and Hill visits: Dr. Jerry Black of California; Kelly Boles Chapman of Michigan; Wade Ellerbroek of Iowa; Norm Luba of Kentucky; Shawn Magee of Louisiana; Ed McNelis of Idaho; Scott Merritt of Nebraska; George Phillips of Mississippi; Georga Sutton of South Dakota.

Several of the Q-Contacts met with their Senators and Congressmen in person. Representatives and Senators for the following states were contacted: Alaska, California, Iowa, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, Michigan, Mississippi and South Dakota. Q-Contacts also visited with the House Agriculture Committee staff.
At each Congressional and Senate office, the Q-Contacts left information on American Quarter Horse ownership and population graphs for each respective state, an updated position statement on pending federal legislation concerning horse processing, the National Conference of State Legislatures resolution and a short DVD featuring Dr. Tom Lenz’s presentation on the unwanted horse.
Megan Formeck of Fairfax, Virginia, attended the Q-Contact training session as a junior lobbyist and also made Hill visits. Formeck is an AQHYA member and a student at George Mason University.
“These meetings were extremely successful in getting the initial contact established as well as communicating the Association’s position on key pieces of legislation,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway. “Keeping abreast of the political activities in Washington will benefit all AQHA members.”
In February, the initial development and programming of a Q-Contact network began. This on-line community will serve as a key component in AQHA’s communications and follow-up with the Q-Contacts.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

Source: www.aqha.com
Missouri Man Gets Around By Horse

PATTON, Mo. (AP) - A southeast Missouri man puts away the car keys and does his traveling by horse only.

It's not the economy, it's just that 46-year-old David Field of Patton prefers the slower pace.

Field does all of his traveling via an 8-year-old Missouri fox trotter stallion named Sunkissed Cheyenne. He says he quit driving in 2001. He simply got tired of it.

So when Field recently had business in Marble Hill - a 20-minute car drive away - he saddled up, slept overnight under a park pavilion in a sleeping bag he brought along, and finished his trip the next day.

---

Information from: Southeast Missourian, http://www.semissourian.com

Equine protection bill may cause suffering among horses
by Tom Steever

A bill to further restrict options for unwanted horses could result in further suffering for the animals. The so-called Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act prohibits transportation, possession, sale or donation of horses destined for slaughter for human consumption. Passage of the bill could be very hard on horses and their owners, according to Kelli Ludlum, Congressional Relations Director American Farm Bureau.

“This legislation essentially takes away an option for humane euthanasia of horses at the end of their useful life,” Ludlum told Brownfield in Washington, D.C., “whether that’s unwanted or unmanageable or just kind of old age, there needs to be a disposal option for horses at the end of their useful life.”

The proposed legislation takes away humane euthanasia at processing plants under veterinary supervision and replaces it with nothing, she says.

“There are no funds in the bill for the establishment of rescue facilities or establishment of care for these animals until they die a natural death,” said Ludlum, “and so we really worry that because of the restriction of humane options, it will lead to a decrease in horse welfare.”

The absence of horse processing facilities in the U.S. has already caused a proliferation of unwanted horses, she said.

“We’re seeing additional cases of abandonment and neglect; horses being found on public lands, etc.,” said Ludlum, “and we think that this legislation would exacerbate that growing problem that was started with the closure of the last horse processing plant in the U.S. over a year ago.”

Ludlum is also concerned about the bill, H.R. 503, because it bans a legitimate livestock product for reasons other than food safety or public health. She has a problem with a possible precedent that could call into question the processing of other livestock, such as hogs, cattle or sheep.
BLM Statement Regarding Madeleine Pickens' Wild Horse Sanctuary Proposal

The Bureau of Land Management is grateful to Madeleine Pickens for her interest in helping the BLM deal with the challenges of managing wild horses and burros, both on and off Western public rangelands. The BLM is committed to continuing its discussions with Mrs. Pickens to address these challenges, which include the effective management of wild horses and burros and the protection of taxpayer dollars expended through the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program.
Last November, Mrs. Pickens offered to take over the care of thousands of wild horses that the BLM holds in facilities across the United States by setting up a private foundation that would care for the animals at no cost to the government, potentially saving American taxpayers millions of dollars.
Mrs. Pickens’ more recent proposal seeks a BLM stipend of $500 per horse, per year for the life of each horse. Under this plan, Mrs. Pickens' foundation would first take about 10,000 wild horses currently in BLM short-term holding facilities (corrals), the costs of which are significantly greater to the BLM than those of keeping horses in long-term holding (pastures).
To realize these potential savings to the BLM, however, Mrs. Pickens’ sanctuary plan would need to meet certain requirements for wild horse management.
First, Mrs. Pickens’ plan to care for these animals at $500 per horse, per year is similar to the long-term holding contracts that the BLM currently has with private landowners in the Midwest, where about 22,000 unadopted or unsold animals are cared for at an annual cost of about $475 per horse. The animals graze on private pastures in Oklahoma, Kansas, and South Dakota, where forage and water are abundant. In contrast to these annual contracts, Mrs. Pickens has asked the BLM to commit to lifetime payments. Because Congress appropriates the agency’s funding on an annual basis, the BLM is not authorized to make such an unlimited commitment.
Second, Mrs. Pickens’ plan proposes to take the animals from private pastures and facilities and instead graze them on private and public lands on a large ranch in Nevada. However, current Federal law prohibits the BLM from using allotments associated with that ranch for grazing wild horses. The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act restricts animals to the areas where they were found roaming when the Act was passed in 1971. Unfortunately, none of the BLM grazing allotments that Mrs. Pickens proposes for her sanctuary were areas where wild horses roamed in 1971.
Congress would have to amend the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to address this aspect of Mrs. Pickens' proposal.
As an alternative, the BLM has offered to advertise a holding contract on private land and welcomes a bid from Mrs. Pickens’ foundation. Open bidding on such a contract would ensure that taxpayers get the maximum benefit from their investment.
The BLM is committed to working with Congress, stakeholders, and the public to ensure the welfare of wild horses and burros, both on and off public rangelands, while also protecting these Western lands from the destructive effects of herd overpopulation.

Source: www.blm.gov
Cruelty, Neglect Cases in Horses on the Rise

ST. PAUL, Minn. —The Animal Humane Society has seen a significant increase in equine-related cases over the past two years. According to the Minnesota Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act, equines are defined as horses, ponies, mules and burros. The Act outlines several requirements for ownership of equines. These include:
1. Food. Equines must be provided with food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or the maintenance of body weight.
2. Water. Equines must be provided with clean, potable water in sufficient quantities. Snow or ice is not an adequate water source.
3. Shelter. Equines must be provided minimum free-choice protection or constructed shelter from adverse weather conditions, including direct sun, extreme heat or cold, wind or precipitation.
4. Space and cleanliness requirements. Constructed shelters, except for tie stalls, must provide space for the animal to roll or easily stand, lie down and turn around. Stalls must be cleaned and kept dry. Bedding must be provided in all stalls and kept reasonably clean.
5. Exercise. Equines must be provided opportunity for periodic exercise, either through free choice or a forced work program, unless exercise is restricted by a licensed veterinarian.
6. Hoof care. All equines must have their hooves properly trimmed periodically.
7. Transportation. A vehicle used to transport an equine must have a floor capable of supporting the animal's weight safely. Floors must be of nonskid construction. Sturdy partitions must be provided. Interior compartments of transporting vehicles must be of smooth construction with no protruding or sharp objects and must be ventilated. Food and water must be provided in sufficient quantities to minimize stress and maintain hydration.
More information about the Minnesota Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act can be found on an expanded article available on the U of M Extension horse website at http://ww.extension.umn.edu/horse. Click on the “latest horse team newsletter” and select the February newsletter.
A veterinarian must report known or suspected cases of abuse, cruelty, or neglect. If you know of or suspect an animal neglect or cruelty case, please contact Animal Humane Society (AHS) at (763) 489-2235, your local law enforcement agency, or an animal control facility. Your call will be kept confidential, but you may be asked to testify if charges are filed, or submit an eyewitness statement.
The correct address of where the violation is occurring is very important. For your safety, never approach someone you suspect of animal cruelty or neglect.

Source: www.extension.org

Animal welfare group offers Humane Care certification to food producers
by Ken Anderson

The American Humane Association—not to be confused with the Humane Society of the U.S.—is launching an online Humane Care Training Program for food producers. Producers who complete the program will be allowed to use and promote the American Humane Certified label on their products.

The curriculum for the new humane care certification program is being developed by Dr. John McGlone, an animal and food science professor at Texas Tech University.

“There is a genuine need for people that work with animals to be trained properly,” McGlone says. “In many cases, they are trained properly already. What this program will do is, it will bring a science-based approach that has a humane label as well.”

McGlone says the American Humane Association is friendly to agriculture. “Groups that have a genuine interest in science-based animal welfare really have been hard to find in the past,” he says, “so this group is rekindling its collaborative approach and science-based approach to help the animals—and help animal agriculture.”

Although many livestock and poultry groups have implemented their own quality assurance programs, McGlone contends some consumers are leary of organizations self-certifying themselves. And he’s concerned the livestock industry is not moving quickly enough to address animal welfare issues.

“I think that they’re moving, but they’re not moving uniformly across different species,” McGlone says, “and they’re not moving quickly enough—and they’re not moving logically enough, in my view. They’re relying as much on marketing as they are on science, and that’s going to potentially get them in trouble in the future.”

McGlone says the industry’s response must be based on sound science, or it will not be effective. “That’s the message I have for the industry. Be firmly rooted in science and make small steady improvement over time. And that, I think, is the most sustainable business model at the moment.”
Brunswick FFA Judging Day

Once agian the Brunswick FFA Chapter Hosted their annual Judging Day. With about 1300 students in attendence the event was a huge sucess. Dale and Hilda Sayler hosted the horse judging teams. There were about 145 students that judged a Pleasure Class, and three halter classes of yearlings, mares, and geldings. Those providing horses were: Dale and Hilda Sayler, Randy and Mary Sue Nolke, Dr. John Widmer, Loren and Judy Coram, Rich and Karla Clubine, and Larry and Joyce Fox. Gene Clubine, Tommy Penick, and Rick Hultz also helped by riding and leading horses.   Many thanks go out to all who help every year to make the event a sucess.

Animal welfare group offers Humane Care certification to food producers
by Ken Anderson

The American Humane Association—not to be confused with the Humane Society of the U.S.—is launching an online Humane Care Training Program for food producers. Producers who complete the program will be allowed to use and promote the American Humane Certified label on their products.

The curriculum for the new humane care certification program is being developed by Dr. John McGlone, an animal and food science professor at Texas Tech University.

“There is a genuine need for people that work with animals to be trained properly,” McGlone says. “In many cases, they are trained properly already. What this program will do is, it will bring a science-based approach that has a humane label as well.”

McGlone says the American Humane Association is friendly to agriculture. “Groups that have a genuine interest in science-based animal welfare really have been hard to find in the past,” he says, “so this group is rekindling its collaborative approach and science-based approach to help the animals—and help animal agriculture.”

Although many livestock and poultry groups have implemented their own quality assurance programs, McGlone contends some consumers are leary of organizations self-certifying themselves. And he’s concerned the livestock industry is not moving quickly enough to address animal welfare issues.

“I think that they’re moving, but they’re not moving uniformly across different species,” McGlone says, “and they’re not moving quickly enough—and they’re not moving logically enough, in my view. They’re relying as much on marketing as they are on science, and that’s going to potentially get them in trouble in the future.”

McGlone says the industry’s response must be based on sound science, or it will not be effective. “That’s the message I have for the industry. Be firmly rooted in science and make small steady improvement over time. And that, I think, is the most sustainable business model at the moment.”
Equestrian Land Conservation Resource Welcomes Five New Partners

The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is very pleased to welcome LifeTime Composites LLC (CA), The Natural Gait, Inc. (IA), Rockford Park District / Lockwood Park (IL), Loomis Basin Horsemen's Association (CA) and Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen (KY) as members in its Equestrian Partners program.

LifeTime Composites LLC makes green and sustainable composite lumber products that look and feel like wood without the maintenance. LifeTime Composites LLC, manufacturer of LifeTime Lumber, developed products using recycled content because they value environmental stewardship. LifeTime Lumber products serve decking and fencing needs in residential, commercial and equestrian applications. Visit http://ltlumber.com/.

The Natural Gait, Inc. is the perfect getaway for those who love horses and nature. The Natural Gait provides unique accommodations from camping to cabins to The Lodge and Indoor Arena, a special place uniquely suited for family reunions. Endless outdoor fun may be found at The Natural Gait, from star gazing to canoeing to trail riding and much more. Visit www.thenaturalgait.com.

Located just minutes from downtown Rockford, Illinois, Lockwood Park offers a beautiful trail system where people love to hike, bike and ride horses. Over 94 acres of gently rolling hills, meadows, woods, natural areas and a stream provide a backdrop for the Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children's Farm. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Loomis Basin Horsemen's Association was formed in 1984 to stop developers from taking away the beautiful equestrian trails of the Loomis Basin in California. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization works closely with federal, state and local agencies to maintain and protect existing trails, to promote the establishment of new trails and to protect the rural lifestyle. Visit www.garlic.com/~lbha/.

Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen is an affiliate of Back Country Horsemen of America. Members of the Fort Harrod BCH work hard to steward existing riding lands and create new riding opportunities for equestrians in areas surrounding Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The group devotes many volunteer hours to maintaining trails at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and at Eagles Nest, a privately-owned property comprising roughly 1000 acres of beautiful wooded and open space. Fort Harrod BCH has received a grant from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance program to help develop a plan to forever protect Eagles Nest for enjoyment by hikers and horseback riders. Visit www.kybch.com/.

The Equestrian Partners program is a rapidly growing coalition of organizations from across the country that are committed to helping ELCR fulfill its mission of conserving land and access for all equines. Despite their diverse interests and activities, our Partners recognize that with land in the U.S. being developed at the rate of 250 acres per hour, the future of our lives with horses as we know it know is in dire jeopardy. Equestrian Partners network through ELCR and promote ELCR’s mission to their various members, constituents, donors, etc.

It is necessary for us to act now to conserve land so that future generations will be able to enjoy horses as horsemen do today. If your organization would like to join our national efforts to save land for horses, visit www.elcr.org, or call (859) 455-8383 for more information.

About Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR):
ELCR, the only national not-for-profit organization assisting in the conservation of land for horses and horse-related activity, serves as a clearinghouse and educational resource for land and horse owners on issues related to good land stewardship, conserving land, and preserving horse access on public and private lands.

Source: ELCR Press Release
New Research Demonstrates Phenylbutazone Risks

Duluth, GA. - New research demonstrates that prolonged administration of phenylbutazone (bute) can cause some adverse effects in horses as soon as three days after initial treatment. The effects include protein loss, lowered white blood cell counts, blood flow changes in the right dorsal colon and changes in volatile fatty acid activity.¹
“Every veterinarian should be aware of this important research,” says Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, director, Merial Veterinary Services. “We applaud Dr. McConnico and her team for their hard work and contribution to our knowledge of this subject.”
The research team’s goal was to focus on the effects in individual horses, notes lead researcher Rebecca S. McConnico, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVIM, associate professor, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
“The research will serve its purpose if we take a moment to look at individual horses and assess the possible toxic effects of this drug,” says Dr. McConnico.
During the study, eight horses were either administered bute at 8.8 mg/kg for 21 days, or were part of the control group given corn syrup. The horses were closely monitored using physical examinations, blood samples, arterial blood flow analysis examinations and samples collected from the right dorsal colon as well as other analyses.¹
Horses receiving bute experienced:¹
Abnormally low protein concentrations in the blood stream beginning as early as three days after the initial administration of bute.
A low number of white blood cells starting three to six days after initial treatment.
Concentrations of one type of volatile fatty acid lowered significantly in just two weeks.
Dr. McConnico notes that volatile fatty acids are largely thought to be responsible for water absorption in the distal part of the colon in horses. In addition to these results, two horses developed colitis while receiving bute and were removed from the study and hospitalized.¹
Without the detailed measurement undertaken in this research, the outward signs of these effects would be subtle, Dr. McConnico notes.
“It’s not necessarily what the average horse owner would see; it’s almost what you wouldn’t see,” Dr. McConnico says. “You wouldn’t see the horse at its best physically. These fluctuations could really affect a horse’s ability to perform.”
With the support of the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, the study’s five authors addressed these questions and have made strides to determine the commonplace medication’s potential effects.
“This research brings to light individual animal variability,” Dr. McConnico says. “There are a whole lot of medications where we don’t quite know what they’re doing to the animal’s entire system. Hopefully, we’ll continue down this path of research and sort that out for the horses’ benefit.”
The labor-intensive study encountered a few surprises, including an interruption by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Despite setbacks, the findings begin to confirm anecdotal evidence gathered over the course of Dr. McConnico’s career.
“During my graduate program and working in referral practices, we would tend to see cases that were a little more unusual,” Dr. McConnico says. “In many of those cases, it seemed to many of us that bute has not been tolerated well in a large number of horses. However, some horses could tolerate it. We felt we needed to look at bute use in the long term, which is what this research accomplished.”
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,400 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2008 sales were over $2.6 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

Source: Merial Press Release

Fourth Wisconsin stallion tests positive for CEM
by Bob Meyer

A fourth Wisconsin stallion has tested positive for contagious equine metritis or CEM. This one is a 26-year-old Saddlebred in Winnebago County and presents a little different scenario. While it was infected at an artificial insemination center, it was not exposed to the Outagamie County stallion thought to be the source of the infection in Wisconsin. That stallion, Nanning, was infected in 2007 at a different facility. This latest infection dates to 2006 or even 2005.

So, while the source of the infection is still unknown, state officials continue to trace and test animlas which have come in contact with infected animals. Owners of exposed animals are contacted by state or federal animal health officials. There is no need for them to have your animals tested if you have not been contacted.

There is no human health risk and no risk to horses in the general population.

Animals rights is agriculture's biggest challenge
by Ken Anderson

The animal rights movement is the number one challenge facing agriculture today, according to Washington D.C. public policy expert Steve Kopperud. And Kopperud says it useless to negotiate with the animal rights groups.

"There is no compromise, quite frankly. The idea of negotiating with an animal rights group--whether it is a group that at least appears as benign as the Humane Society, or as crazy as PETA--is a waste of time," says Kopperud, "because the ultimate goal is to put the producer out of business. So what you're essentially doing is delaying the inevitable."

Kopperud is the author of Inside D.C., a weekly column on ag issues on brownfieldagnews.com. He spoke at the Governor's Ag Conference in Kearney, Nebraska on Thursday.
Animal Ag Alliance says "extremist attacks" increase on food chain
by Julie Harker

The Animal Agriculture Alliance says attacks by animal rights and environmental extremist groups on the global food chain and especially on food retailers in the U.S. are on the rise. Alliance spokesman Philip Lobo says his group compiled data mostly from Bite Back magazine on terrorist acts claimed by the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and similar groups.

Animal Ag Alliance spokesman Philip Lobo tells Brownfield the attacks on domestic food retailers were up 377% in 2008 from the previous year. He says there were 34 incidents last year, compared to nine in 2007. Lobo says incidents include a break-in at a Kansas KFC restaurant with ALF slogans and "KFC Cruelty" signs on the walls, locks glued at McDonald's and Burger King, and, tires slashed on meat company vans. He says attacks were up 42% on the global food chain from 2007 through 2008.

Lobo says the intent is clear - extremist groups want to shut those businesses down. He says there are fewer attacks on actual farms and the intent seems to be getting to the farmers through the retailers.

While people might think this only happens overseas or in coastal states like California and New York, Lobo says, there are documented attacks last year in the greater Kansas City area, in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah and Texas.

HSUS Speaks on Behalf of American Mustangs Act (H.R. 1018)
Edited Press Release

WASHINGTON – Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, testified before the U.S. National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee Tuesday in support of a bill to restore the 34-year ban on the commercial sale and slaughter of America's wild, free-roaming horses. The Restoring Our American Mustangs Act (H.R. 1018), introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., and National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., would prevent the wholesale killing of healthy wild horses. In the 110th Congress, similar legislation passed the U.S. House by more than a two-to-one margin with a vote of 277-137.
For more than 30 years, wild horses and burros had been protected from commercial sale and slaughter since the passage of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. Yet, a midnight maneuver by former Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont. — in which he slipped a controversial rider into an omnibus spending bill — gutted these longstanding protections.

"H.R. 1018 will not only restore longstanding protections to wild horses and burros in the United States, but it will provide the Bureau of Land Management with the legislative support necessary to revolutionize the current wild horse and burro management program from one that is often inefficient, costly and cruel to one which is technologically advanced, cost-beneficial and humane," said Pacelle. "Such an endeavor would be of great benefit not only to our treasured wild horse and burro populations, but also to the American taxpayer."
H.R. 1018 removes outdated limits on areas where horses can roam freely, allowing the BLM to find additional, suitable acreage for these animals. Further, it strengthens the BLM's wild horse and burro adoption program, requires consistency and accuracy in the management of wild horse and burro herds and allows more public involvement in management decisions. In order to allow for populations of wild horses on the range, ROAM facilitates the creation of sanctuaries for wild horse and burro populations on public lands.

Source: www.hsus.org

Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments Now Offered at Equine Medical Center

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- One of the most common causes of lameness in horses -- an injury to tendon and ligaments -- can now be treated at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center with one of the newest treatments available, platelet rich plasma.
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is derived from blood that is drawn from an equine patient and run through a centrifuge, which separates a solution’s less dense components from its heavier ones. This process distills a portion of the blood to a platelet concentration level that is five times richer than regular blood. At the same time, it helps to remove both red and white blood cells from the platelet rich part of the plasma.
“Plasma containing this concentrated level of platelets provides an abundance of growth factors, which are the proteins in the body that stimulate cells in the tendon or ligament to start the healing process,” explained Dr. Jennifer Barrett, assistant professor of surgery at the equine medical center. “When PRP is injected into damaged tendon or ligament, cells in the tissue — along with new cells circulating in the blood — are stimulated to bring new cells to the injured site,” she said. These healing cells work to increase the formation of new blood vessels and connective tissue, all of which encourages natural repair of the injury.
Because the patient’s own blood is used to make the specialized plasma, known as an autologous process, there is no risk of the treatment being rejected, as it might be if the blood had been provided by a donor. Autologous processes are used at the equine medical center for other equine therapeutic treatments, including stem cell treatments.
“Given that tendon and ligaments in horses are often subject to injury because they become worn down with use, we’re primarily utilizing PRP treatments in these areas,” Barrett said.
“Ligaments, in particular, can degenerate over time, and in some cases, the normal healing and remodeling process does not kick in to an adequate level. We use PRP to help initiate cell response, so that the normal healing process is stimulated and can proceed,” she said. “As such, a PRP treatment can be particularly helpful in cases where the healing process has stalled. This treatment helps assure that the horse’s injury is completely healed and that the risk of re-injury is lessened.”
Not only can a treatment of PRP help facilitate the healing process, in some cases it may provide an alternative to surgery. “A real advantage to the PRP treatment,” Barrett said, “is that it is less invasive than surgery. PRP is a powerful tool in our arsenal of therapies; we can use it as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other services we have available at the [center], including stem cell treatments and, of course, surgery.”
Barrett cautions that a PRP treatment needs to be used with careful recuperation and rehabilitation, and that rest is still an important part of the therapy. “The patient still needs time off to rest,” Barrett said. “But PRP offers a cutting-edge therapy that helps us restore horses back to full health. And that’s always our ultimate goal.”

Source: www.extension.org
Churchill Downs Announces New Safety and Welfare Policies

Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“CDI” or “Company”) has announced a series of groundbreaking new rules and policies designed to enhance the safety and welfare of jockeys and horses. These measures will be in place at Churchill Downs racetrack in advance of the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 2, and will include unprecedented standardized third-party testing of track surfaces and comprehensive testing of all winning horses for more than 100 prohibited drugs.
The safety initiatives will be implemented at Churchill Downs effective opening day of its 2009 Spring Meet on Saturday, April 25, and will be phased in at all other Company racetracks – Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Ill.; Calder Race Course in Miami Gardens, Fla.; and Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans – by the start of their respective 2010 race meets.
In development for nearly a year, the “Safety from Start to Finish” initiative is designed to incorporate new health and wellness measures, as well as long-standing safety policies and standards, under a single formalized initiative to serve as a blueprint for all CDI facilities.
The key safety initiatives that will be in place at Churchill Downs prior to Kentucky Derby 135 are as follows:
Independent, standardized third-party testing and monitoring of track surfaces;
“Supertesting” of all winning horses for more than 100 performance-enhancing drugs;
Age restrictions requiring Thoroughbreds to be at least 24 calendar months of age before becoming eligible to race;
The freezing and storage of equine blood and urine samples to allow for retrospective testing;
The banning of steroids;
Limits on the number of horses allowed to compete in certain races;
The prohibition of “milkshaking”, which results in excessive levels of total carbon dioxide in Thoroughbred racehorses;
Prohibiting the transport of horses from CDI facilities for slaughter;
The banning of unsafe horseshoes, including front shoe toe grabs longer than two millimeters;
The use of low-impact riding whips with limited usage rules;
The presence of on-site medical personnel, equipment, and state-of-the-art equine ambulances;
Immediate online access to jockey medical histories for emergency medical personnel;
$1 million in catastrophic injury insurance coverage for jockeys;
Mandatory and uniform reporting of equine injuries to the Equine Injury Database System, thereby assisting in the compilation of statistics and trends to improve safety conditions around the country;
A professionally designed and installed safety rail on the inside of the dirt course;
Mandatory usage by all jockeys, exercise riders and other on-track personnel of safety vests and safety helmets that meet internationally acknowledged quality standards;
3/8-inch foam padding on all parts of the starting gates;
Significant financial support for equine retirement programs;
Inspection of all horses by regulatory veterinarians prior to and following all races;
Review of security procedures around barns and other racetrack backstretch areas;
Continued maintenance of protocols for the treatment of horses that have been injured during racing or training, to ensure the most humane treatment possible; and
Mandatory, independent, and complete necropsies of any horse that dies as a result of an injury sustained while racing or training at Churchill Downs.
“Based on historical records, we believe there has only been one catastrophic injury among the 1,710 horses that have competed during the 134 runnings of the Kentucky Derby, but even one is too many,” said Bob Evans, president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “While the Kentucky Derby is the world’s most important horse race, we want to implement changes that will improve safety not just for that race, but for all of the jockeys and horses that compete annually in the over 4,000 races conducted at our four racetracks.
“Over the past year, a great deal of important work and study has occurred on safety issues in our industry. We want to thank the many groups and organizations that helped develop the foundation upon which today’s announcement is based, including The Jockey Club, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, the Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland Race Course, the NTRA, the veterinarians who are part of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the horsemen in many states. The degree of cooperation across the Thoroughbred industry in the effort to improve safety is unprecedented, and I hope we can continue to work together to raise the bar in making racing safer and safer.
“We are optimistic about the NTRA’s new Safety and Integrity Alliance program,” Evans concluded. “We hope the NTRA is able to certify all three Triple Crown tracks prior to this year’s Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes races.”
The following information provides additional detail on some of the key safety rules and policies announced today:
Track surface testing
CDI is expanding its existing testing of track surfaces to implement regular, standardized, third-party testing of its racetracks, including a battery of laboratory tests of track surfaces and ground-penetrating radar to ensure track consistency and integrity. CDI has secured the services of the world’s top track surface researcher, Dr. Mick Peterson, a University of Maine professor of mechanical engineering who has developed an innovative robotic hoof device that duplicates the force and speed of a horse as it runs on a racetrack. Data generated by these and other tests will help to ensure that CDI tracks maintain safe and consistent track surfaces for both horses and jockeys. The Company is also a founding member of and financial contributor to the new Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, which is identifying safe practices for the future by facilitating and advocating measurements of track safety effectiveness.
Drug “supertesting” of all winning horses
CDI is taking an industry-leading approach to test horses for performance-enhancing substances. The winning horse in every race at CDI tracks will undergo a battery of “supertests” recommended by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (“TOBA”). The TOBA “supertests” screen for more than 100 drugs – far more than in standard testing. This will not only ensure that Thoroughbreds in competition receive safe and warranted medications, but it also increases the integrity of the outcome of wagering on each race.
Age restrictions
For the purposes of competition, all Thoroughbreds foaled in the Northern Hemisphere – regardless of their actual month and day of birth – turn one year older on Jan. 1. CDI is instituting a policy by which Thoroughbreds must be at least 24 calendar months old before they are permitted to race, in the hopes of promoting healthy and strong equine athletes that can enjoy long, competitive careers. Previously, Thoroughbreds competing at CDI tracks were allowed to race at the official age of 2 years, regardless of their actual date of birth.
Sample freezing for retrospective testing
CDI will begin the practice of storing frozen blood and urine samples of racehorses to allow for retrospective testing in the event of suspicious circumstances, an initiative currently being funded by The Jockey Club. The Company will work with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to adopt the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (“RMTC”) program for frozen storage and retrospective “supertesting” as necessary.
Steroids banned
CDI has adopted the Association of Racing Commissioners International Model Rule on androgenic anabolic steroids that was based on RMTC recommendations. This rule effectively eliminates the use of all anabolic steroids in the training and racing of Thoroughbreds.
Limits on number of horses allowed to compete in certain races
CDI has extensively examined the issue of “field size,” or the number of horses permitted to compete in any given race. The studies have taken into account the age of the horses competing, the length of the race, the surface on which the race is conducted, the position of the starting gate relative to the track’s first turn, the width of the racetrack, the radius of the racetrack’s turns, and other dimensional attributes. For many years, CDI tracks have limited the field size of certain races based on these variables. After further review, Churchill Downs will now limit field sizes in additional races, including 4 ½-furlong dirt races. Those races will now be limited to 10 starters instead of the previous maximum of 12. This rule, implemented due to the short run into the first turn, will be in effect as of the 2009 Spring Meet at Churchill Downs. In addition, Arlington Park and its horsemen will consider starting 4 ½-furlong races at the 5-furlong marker and finishing them at the 1/16-mile pole to allow for a longer run into the first turn.
After thorough analysis and consultations with owners, trainers, and jockeys, the field size for the Kentucky Derby will remain unchanged at a maximum of 20 horses, a limit that was put in place after 23 horses competed in the 1974 Kentucky Derby and 21 horses competed in 1981. “We are focused on action that we know will make a difference,” Evans said. “Our priority remains on the enhancement and standardization of practices that will have a daily impact on the health and safety of the maximum number of horses and jockeys that compete at Churchill Downs Incorporated tracks.”
“As in all sports, there’s an inherent safety risk involved in horse racing,” said Jim Gates, general manager of Churchill Downs racetrack and the leader of the “Safety from Start to Finish” initiative. “We firmly believe that the measures and policies we’ve put in place will help to minimize that risk and better ensure the safety and well-being of our athletes. We’re passionate about this commitment, and we’ll continue, as an industry leader, to do what’s right to reduce injuries and improve the integrity of the sport."
The safety initiatives announced as part of “Safety from Start to Finish” will continue to evolve. “There are a number of other important safety initiatives that are still in development, and that we hope to launch later this year,” Gates said. Those include:
Out-of competition drug testing;
The introduction of safety reins;
Jockey health and wellness programs;
Uniform licensing of those involved in racing; and
Ongoing safety and welfare education and training of those involved in racing.
“We also have recognized that we need to do a better job of communicating to our fans and the general public what our industry has done and is doing to maximize safety,” Gates added. “To that end, we have created an interactive, educational ‘Safety Center’ that is currently on display at Churchill Downs’ Gate 17. The Center utilizes audio, video and actual material and equipment samples to educate racetrack guests about the numerous policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety, security and well-being of horses, riders, and on-track personnel. The Centers may be added at other CDI racetracks at a future date.”
The final cost of the safety measures has not been finalized, but is expected to exceed $1 million annually – a figure that is in addition to the millions already spent annually on safety at CDI tracks.
For more information about the Churchill Downs “Safety from Start to Finish” initiative, please visit the Safety Center at Gate 17 at Churchill Downs racetrack, or log on to www.churchilldowns.com/safety.
Churchill Downs Incorporated (“Churchill Downs”), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates world-renowned horse racing venues throughout the United States. Churchill Downs’ four racetracks in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and Louisiana host many of North America’s most prestigious races, including the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Arlington Million, Princess Rooney Handicap and Louisiana Derby. Churchill Downs racetracks have hosted seven Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Churchill Downs also owns off-track betting facilities and has interests in various advance-deposit wagering, television production, telecommunications and racing services companies, including a 50-percent interest in the national cable and satellite network HorseRacing TV™, that support the Company’s network of simulcasting and racing operations. Churchill Downs trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

Source: Churchill Downs Press Release

Wisconsin stallions must be CEM free to enter Kentucky
by Julie Harker

Wisconsin stallions entering Kentucky for breeding purposes must be certified free of contagious equine metritis (CEM) beforehand.

The investigation stemming from the CEM outbreak discovered late last year in Kentucky found a paint horse that had moved there from Wisconsin was infected with the organism that causes CEM.

Kentucky has quarantined infected stallions, which number four, and exposed horses. Three mares and 11 stallions have tested positive for CEM nationwide.

Wisconsin horses must have tested negative for CEM by an approved laboratory at least 28 days before entering Kentucky.

Farm Bureau launches new consumer web site

American Farm Bureau has launched a new web site targeted at consumers. The site, called “Your Agriculture”, is aimed at educating the non-farming public about agriculture issues, farmers and ranchers, and the food, fiber and fuel they grow.

The site includes a section called “Meet a Farmer”, which profiles a farmer or rancher each month with an audio slideshow. Heather Hill, a pork producer from Indiana, is the first farmer to be profiled for the site.
http://www.fb.org/

Texas HORSE launches new website
Texas HORSE, a group dedicated to passing the Texas Horse Tradition Preservation Act, unveiled its new website last week at texashorseweb.com. The proposed legislation would create a Performance Horse Development Fund which would complement programs and events of the National Cutting Horse Association and other equine organizations in Texas. See how the legislation will affect cutting in Texas.
Projected use of VLT funds for NCHA
90% for Purse Supplements: Purse supplements paid on a percentage basis to owners of all horses earning a check in any NCHA-approved cutting horse show in the state of Texas throughout the year. The purse supplement percentage is derived by dividing the amount available from the Performance Horse Development Fund by the total NCHA-approved purses within the state of Texas.
10% for Scholarships: as Provided in Legislation
NCHA World Finals completed
The World Champions have been crowned at the 2008 NCHA World Finals in Amarillo, Texas. You can track the scores and read news and features from the show in the online Daily Chatter newsletter. Here's a look at the 2008 NCHA World Champions:
Open: Ms Peppy Cat ridden by Pete Branch for Lonnie & Barbara Allsup
Non-Pro: Stephanie Haymes-Roven on A Smart Little Rey
$10,000 Novice: Miss Dainty Cat ridden by Pete Branch for Lonnie & Barbara Allsup
$10,000 Novice Non-Pro: Fishin For Bizness ridden by Diane Petersen
$3,000 Novice: Purdy Aristo Cat ridden by Zachary Combs for Lonnie & Barbara Allsup
$3,000 Novice Non-Pro: Somebodys Mojo ridden by Jaime Taylor
$50,000 Amateur: Kelsey Conn on WSR Lano Badger Cat
$20,000 Non-Pro: Kathy Parker Burton on Captain Scrumpy
$10,000 Amateur: Hollie Kucera on Cici Slippin
$2,000 Limited Rider: Andrea Rudkin on Isle Be Steady
Junior Youth: Rebekah Jo Williamson on Squeaks My Alias
Senior Youth: Priscilla Crawley on Trickalenas Choice

Rare horse disease is eradicated, state says [FL]
By Christopher O'Donnell
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
MANATEE COUNTY - State officials say they have successfully stopped the spread of a rare horse disease that was first detected on a Manatee farm in mid-August.
The outbreak of Equine Piroplasmosis, or EP, led the state to quarantine 25 stables and farms, including several in Manatee County.
EP, last detected in Florida in the 1980s, is a blood-borne disease that is transmitted by ticks or infected needles. It can cause horses to suffer a variety of symptoms, including anemia, fever, colic, constipation, depression and jaundice.
Twenty horses in the state were found to have contracted the disease. The horses were linked to a network of unlicensed horse racing tracks, including one in Duette in northeast Manatee.
"I am pleased and relieved that we have been able to eradicate it in a short period of time," Charles Bronson, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner said in a statement.
Full text: http://tinyurl.com/ap7e22

Cost-Saving Ideas for Horse Owners in a Poor Economy

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Want to keep your passion for horses alive but worried about how to pay for it? Here are some ideas of things you might do around your farm to reduce the costs associated with your horses.
Simplify-simplify-simplify. Do a thorough nutritional evaluation of each horse. Many horses these days are being supplemented with many more nutrients than they actually need. This isn't to say that the joint supplement you're giving needs to be tossed away, but maybe your horse could do without that coat supplement or the added vitamin/mineral supplement.
If your horse is fat, odds are s/he's getting too many calories and you may be able to cut out that commercial grain or supplement altogether - or find one that better suits your horses' needs such as a forage balancer. Forage balancers are designed for the horse that is on an all-forage (hay or pasture) diet. They tend to be very high in vitamins, minerals and sometimes protein, but are fed in small amounts - usually not more than 2 pounds per day. The cost per bag may bring sticker shock, but when you look at it as a cost per meal, you may find you'll save money!
Not sure where to start? Contact your feed company - they may be able to help you determine if the feeding program you're using is adequate for your horses. If you aren't using a commercial feed, try your local extension educator or your state's extension horse specialist.
Increase your management inputs into your pastures. Horses naturally eat small meals on a frequent basis and your pasture could meet almost all of your horse's dietary needs. The initial outlay in money to renovate a poor pasture may be expensive, but once you get the management in full swing and can keep up with mowing, fertilizing, and rotating the animals, you'll find that you need to buy very little hay.
Expect that in this region, you may need as much as 2 acres per horse in order to feed them throughout the year, but you can get by on less if you put more management into it such as pasture rotation and strict use of sacrifice lots during poor pasture growth periods. For help on pasture management, contact your local Extension Office.
For pasture management, you may qualify for federal or state grants to implement best management practices (BMPs). With some new grant programs available through the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Tributary Strategies office, there is even some potential help for small acreage owners in central and southern Maryland who wouldn't otherwise qualify for funds from EQIP and other federal programs. For more information on cost-share programs, contact your local Soil Conservation District.
Talk with your vet about doing some of your own vaccinations. Your vet should be able to show you how to do vaccinations and can provide the vaccines (for a fee!) to you, saving you a vet trip. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have your horse evaluated on a regular basis by a vet, but you could save yourself some money in the long run by giving the shots yourself. You can also purchase vaccinations yourself and give them. Just make sure to consult with your veterinarian before doing so.
Switch to an as-needed deworming program. Frequent deworming with expensive pastes may not be needed on your farm and in fact, parasitologists are starting to make recommendations about using a targeted deworming strategy in place of the usual rotational programs.
The main reason for this switch is the growing evidence that parasites are developing resistance to the major deworming products available now. There are no new deworming products on the horizon, so horse-owners and veterinarians are being cautioned to utilize what still works effectively with more care. To effectively use a targeted deworming strategy, you will have to do fecal egg counts on all the horses on your farm on a routine basis. Horses who have higher fecal egg counts will be dewormed more frequently than those that do not. For more information on targeted deworming and the growing threat of anthelmintic-resistance, see the following collection of articles available from The Horse: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=7317#parasites

Source: www.extension.org

A Cut Above For Stephaine Haymes Roven At the 2009 Academy Awards

Forget Harry Winston, jeweler to the stars. Stephanie Haymes-Roven will walk down the red carpet at tonight’s Academy Awards wearing the bejeweled western buckle she won Saturday, as 2008 NCHA World Champion non-pro cutting competitor.
“I’ll find something special to wear it with,” said Haymes-Roven, who will attend the gala with her husband, Chuck Roven, producer of eight-times nominated blockbuster The Dark Knight. It was Chuck’s gelding, A Smart Little Rey, that carried Haymes-Roven to a 229-point World Finals victory.
“It was one of the happiest days of my life,” said Haymes-Roven, who accepted her award in Amarillo, Texas, with Chuck at her side. “Now I get to cheer for Chuck’s movie.”
It was a year-long duel for Haymes-Roven, who was in third place going into the World Finals, behind Candace Barwick on two-time open world champion Dual Rey Me, and seven-time non-pro world champion Mary Jo Milner. In her quest for the title, Haymes-Roven traveled to 104 cutting shows and earned over $82,000. The only “out-of-saddle” time she allowed herself was when she accompanied Chuck on a worldwide publicity junket for The Dark Knight.
“It’s been a tremendous experience,” said Haymes-Roven. “But this year I am looking forward to Chuck and I being able to go to shows together. He has been so supportive and understanding through all of this.”
Haymes-Roven, daughter of Big Band-era singing star Dick Haymes, was introduced to cutting 15 years ago, when she was married to songwriter and Elton John collaborator Bernie Taupin. She has earned nearly $500,000 as a cutting competitor.
Chuck Roven won two major cutting shows as an amateur rider aboard A Smart Little Rey. The 9-year-old gelding, sired by Dual Rey and trained by Gary Gonsalves, also carried Megan Madgwick to win the 2007 NCHA Senior Youth World Finals.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A bill that would ban shipping U.S. horses to slaughterhouses in other countries faces opposition in several states.
The Utah legislature has already passed a non-binding resolution opposing the federal law, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Tuesday. Arizona, Kansas, Minnesota and Wyoming are considering similar resolutions, while legislators in four other states -- Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and Montana -- would like U.S. slaughterhouses to reopen.
The legislation pits animal-rights activists against horse owners who say that selling a horse for food is a humane method of getting rid of unneeded animals. Horse meat cannot be sold for human consumption in the United States but is eaten in many other parts of the world, including Europe.
"It comes down to owner responsibility," said Jen Reid, of the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. "If you feel the animal's quality of life is no longer good, put them down rather than taking them to the auction and making $20."

AAEP Releases Veterinary Recommendations for Safety and Welfare of Racehorses

The American Association of Equine Practitioners today issued guidelines for protecting the health of the Thoroughbred racehorse. The white paper, “Putting the Horse First: Veterinary Recommendations for the Safety and Welfare of the Thoroughbred Racehorse,” provides veterinary guidance on many issues challenging the racing industry and the care of the racehorse.

Recommendations within the white paper are focused in four key areas: the racing business model, the veterinarian-owner-trainer relationship, medication, and the public perception of racing. Additionally, changes to the structure of claiming races and medication usage in horses intended for sale at public auction are addressed.
“As an organization with the primary mission of protecting the health and welfare of the horse, the safety of the racehorse is one of our highest priorities,” said AAEP President Dr. Harry Werner. “This is a critical time for the racing industry, and we join the efforts of other groups who are determined to make improvements for the health of our equine athletes.”

Key points in the white paper include:

·    Continued identification and implementation of procedures and strategies that will significantly reduce the injury rate of horses.
·    Standardization and enhancement of pre-race and post-race veterinary   examinations with mandatory cross-jurisdictional sharing of information.
·     Universal adoption in all racing jurisdictions of the Association of Racing Commissioners International model medication rules which state that no medication should be administered on race day except for furosemide (Salix®).
·    Increased racetrack security to ensure compliance by all racing participants with medication rules.
·     Provide complete transparency for the veterinarian-trainer-owner relationship in all aspects of health care decisions.
·    Development in all racing jurisdictions of a program for the rehabilitation, retraining and adoption of horses whose racing careers have ended.

The white paper was developed by the AAEP’s Racing Task Force, a group comprised of private racetrack practitioners, regulatory veterinarians and veterinary specialists. Dr. Scott Palmer of Clarksburg, N.J., and Dr. Foster Northrop of Louisville, Ky., served as chair and vice chair, respectively. This group is now a standing committee of the AAEP.

“Our premise is very simple: What is good for the horse is good for racing,” explained Dr. Palmer. “In a unique climate of widespread industry commitment to fix what is wrong with racing, veterinarians have made every effort to put the horse first in that process. It is fair to say that particular recommendations will resonate with some individuals and alienate others within the industry. Nonetheless, we’d like to think that if our horses could read this document, they would be pleased.”

The AAEP intends its white paper to provide guidance and support to those who are working to bring meaningful change.

“On behalf of the AAEP, I express gratitude to Drs. Palmer and Northrop and the other dedicated veterinarians who have worked since last summer to develop substantive recommendations,” added Dr. Werner. “The AAEP looks forward to continued cooperation with all industry stakeholders to ensure the health and welfare of the racehorse.”

The white paper is available here.   For more information, contact Sally Baker, AAEP director of marketing and public relations, at (859) 233-0147 or sbaker@aaep.org.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

Source: www.aaep.org

RUSSELL DILDAY REPEATS WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN VICTORY
Feb. 8, 2009 – San Angelo, Texas

Russell Dilday made reined cow horse history on Feb. 8 at the
1st Community Federal Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo, Texas. Riding his great horse, Topsails Rien Maker, Dilday became the first to win back-to-back World's Greatest Horseman Championships on the same horse. But with a final score of 884, Dilday set another record - the highest composite score ever in World's Greatest Horseman history. Bob Avila and Chics Magic Potion earned the Reserve Championship with an 883.5 - tying for the closest margin between the two titles.

Dilday was long been known as the bridesmaid of the competition, earning the Reserve Championship twice, and coming close numerous other times. He broke that streak with his win in 2008, and returned in 2009 with high hopes. "To win it again was phenomenal. I can't tell you how neat it is," he said. "But really, my little horse deserves it. He is awesome, and I would definitely be broke without him."

Dilday began the finals competition with a score of 216 in the herd work, tying for third. "My herd work has always been the weakest area. I worked on that a lot this year," he admitted. "My first cow was not what I
wanted, but the second cow was one I had my eye on. It worked better than I had hoped, and I stayed on it so long I barely got my last cow cut."

The charismatic trainer followed that with a score of 227 - the highest of the finals, which pushed him into the lead. "I knew I'd have to be good, because I was showing behind Bob Avila. I just stayed calm and everything felt great, because Slider (Topsails Rien Maker) was there for
me."

Dilday followed that with a 223 in the steer stopping, and finished off with a 218 in the fence work. "Some of the steers didn't run that hard in the steer stopping, so I let mine out pretty far. It ran, and we had to catch up, but that made a great run," he explained. "When we got to the cow work, I knew Bob was coming up and he had a chance, so I knew that I couldn't play it safe. The cow didn't have the feel I wanted, and when she started for the fence I took that chance. Our first turn wasn't as tight as I wanted, but the rest of the run was perfect."

Along with a check for $30,000, Dilday and Topsails Rien Maker's co-owner, Kevin Cantrelle, were awarded a Bob's Custom Saddle from the 6666 Ranch, a Gist custom buckle from Wagonhound Land & Livestock, a pair of custom ostrich boots from Rios of Mercedes, and a monogrammed ESP saddle pad from Classic Equine.

When asked what was next for Topsails Rien Maker, by Topsail Cody and out of Jameen Gay, Dilday candidly replied, "We'll be back next year."

Another former World's Greatest Horseman, Bob Avila, earned the Reserve title on his "magical" horse, Chics Magic Potion, by Smart Chic Olena and out of Remedys Magic Potion, owned by Kenneth Banks. The Reserve Championship added $21,000 to Chics Magic Potion's lifetime earnings, which now exceed $250,000.

"I was just glad to make it to the finals - we shouldn't have made it," noted Avila, referring to the score of 203 that he marked in the preliminary herd work competition. "My horse is great, and I was asking him to dig me out of all the holes I had gotten us into."

Avila and "Magic" tied Dilday in the herd work with a 216, and followed up with the second highest rein work score - a 225.5. "I have to say we had superb cattle throughout the show - and especially in the final's herd work. I had some really good cattle in the herd work," he explained. "Russell and I have two of the best reiners - and they marked that today. I definitely would never complain about the score I had."

In the steer stopping, Avila marked a 219. "The hereford I drew in the roping was a really high loper in the prelims - he ran fast and straight. You can't mark a high score if you don't have one that runs."

To take the World's Greatest Horseman title from Dilday, Avila, who was last, knew he needed to mark a 223.5 in the cow work. "I definitely had the best heifer down the fence. She came out, and I remembered she was good in the herd work. She was fat, so I knew she wouldn't run long. She was fast on the first turn, real good on the second, so I went ahead and circled up."

Although Avila rode Magic to the highest cow work score by three points, the 223 wasn't enough to take the lead. Avila was awarded a Gist Reserve Champion buckle sponsored by E Bar G Ranch, and a monogrammed ESP saddle pad from Classic Equine.

"This is one of the best and toughest World's Greatest Horseman finals we've had in a long time," noted Dilday. "Normally horses and riders will fall out of contention in each event, and it's all about who is still standing. This year it was a horse race - no one really ever let up."

The NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman competition wrapped up the nine days of the Fort Dodge Animal Health NRCHA Celebration of Champions, which also featured the Circle Y Ranch Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association Derby and the NRCHA World Championship Show, presented by John Deere.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.

Bill Introduced to Restore Ban on Commercial Sale, Slaughter of Wild Horses
Edited Press Release

WASHINGTON — A bill to restore the 34-year ban on the commercial sale and slaughter of America's wild, free-roaming horses and burros (H.R. 1018) was introduced today by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) and National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-Az.). In the 110th Congress, similar legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by more than a two-to-one margin with a vote of 277 to 137.
In addition to preventing the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses, H.R. 1018 prevents wholesale killing of healthy wild horses, prioritizes on-the-range management over roundups (including immunocontraception as a population control strategy that will save tax dollars), and prohibits particularly cruel round up methods, such as the use of helicopters and other airborne devices.
Today's actions seek to restore the federal protections for wild horses and burros from sale and slaughter for human consumption overseas. Wild horses and burros had been protected from commercial sale and slaughter since the passage of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. The longstanding protections for wild horses were gutted by a controversial, midnight rider slipped into an omnibus spending bill by former Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) in late 2004. Burns was defeated in the 2006 election.
This legislation comes on the heels of the Bureau of Land Management's controversial announcement last year that it was considering killing large numbers of wild horses taken from the rangeland.

Source: www.hsus.org
2009 CattleFax outlook: Tough, volatile and hard to come by
With a slowing economy and consumers keeping a closer eye on their spending, some of the dynamics in the beef industry are shifting in 2009. Cattlemen attending the annual CattleFax Outlook Seminar here heard that cattlemen face softer beef demand to start 2009, but that could change if the financial markets begin to stabilize.
CattleFax is a Denver-based, market analysis and information firm. For information about CattleFax services, call 303/694-0323.
As in previous years where market volatility was prevalent, risk management will be an important strategy this year. "Know basis," says Randy Blach, executive vice president for CattleFax. "It needs to become second nature. We've got to learn to understand risk."
Consumer are making more meals at home and eating out less at nicer restaurants. That has lowered the value of the higher priced middle meats like the rib and loin. At the same time, the chuck and round are claiming a larger share of carcass value (21 percent vs. 19 percent) compared to a year ago.
Overall cattle supplies are expected to decline in 2009, following a 1.5 percent dip in 2008. Beef cow numbers have declined 600,000 head to 31.9 million in response to drought in some areas and marginal profitability elsewhere. Beef cow slaughter is projected to be at a liquidation pace in 2009. As a result, the calf crop for 2009 and 2010 is projected to shrink by 2 percent.
A decline in cattle inventory means a smaller beef supply and that could bump beef imports to 2.7 billion pounds for 2009, also encouraged by a stronger dollar that makes the U.S. market more attractive than it was a year ago. Supplies of competing meats also are projected to be lower in 2009, marking the first time in decades that all the major protein supplies have declined. This is happening partly as a result of higher feeding costs in the livestock industry.
Even with softening domestic demand for beef, worldwide demand for protein is increasing, says Brett Stuart, a CattleFax analyst specializing in exports. While the credit crunch will limit exports to some top markets, U.S. beef exports should post some growth, led by gains in the South Korean market as Mexico continues to be the No. 1 export destination for U.S. beef.
For the year, CattleFax projects that beef exports will reach 2.3 billion pounds. That figure taken with net imports represents an improvement in the beef trade gap as U.S. exports continue to rebuild from the 2003 BSE incident.
Increased production costs for corn, estimated to be as much as 30 to 40 percent more than 2008, will impact planting decisions. The current crop is forecast at 12.5 billion bushels, and increased production is needed to meet ethanol demands, although that market is softening. U.S. and world stock levels remain historically low, which tends to support prices.
"You better have a disciplined approach to how you manage risk or you will not like the results," Blach says.
Over the last two years the average price of a bushel of corn has increased $2.70. CattleFax projects that the overall U.S. price for a bushel of corn in 2009 will be lower than 2008, $4.25 vs. $5.30.
"Economic conditions and credit availability, especially in foreign markets, are going to affect us a lot this year," Blach says. "We'll get through this and those who do a better job of managing their risk will get through a little better than the rest of us."
2009 Price Projections
Calf prices – 550-pound steer prices will average near $110 cwt.
Watch this: Producers will need to monitor the basis environment the market is trading in at selling time.
Feeder cattle prices – average near $100 cwt.
Watch this: Producers should monitor the basis levels of the feeder cattle and live cattle futures market. The record large premiums in the 2008 live cattle futures likely will not repeat in 2009.
Fed cattle prices – in the low $90's
Watch this: After posting tough losses in 2008, some profitability could come back to this sector. The key to the market will be the margin above cattle feeders.
Blach will be a speaker at the 2009 TSCRA Annual Convention in March.

Animal Activitists Twist USDA Documents

Written by Stephanie Duquette
Audits in Horse Industry Intensify

Written by John Alan Cohan
The IRS is focusing more on audits in the farming, livestock and horse industries in which taxpayers are claiming six figures or more in tax deductions. This often pertains to taxpayers who are employed full time in a profession, and operate the farm or other activity on a part-time basis, often relying on managers and contract employees.
These industries are quite varied in the methods of bookkeeping within each operation. IRS agents are required to use its internal manual, the Audit Technique Guide, in auditing taxpayers engaged in farming and in the breeding, raising, buying and selling of livestock or horses. There are so many hurdles that, particularly in larger audits, it is crucial to have experienced tax counsel or accountants participate in the audit. And as previously mentioned, the IRS will always want to know if you have a business plan or a tax opinion letter that helps support your intention to be engaged in an activity for profit.

As we know, these are volatile and dynamic industries. Domestic and international markets, weather conditions and disasters, medical and health considerations, and the interrelationship between livestock and its feed market are all contributing factors.

IRS agents in these audits are supposed to familiarize themselves with the industry so that they can analyze the information encountered during an audit. IRS agents are asked to search articles of interest in magazines and journals, and they are referred to the service offered by the Lubbock County Library in Texas, which provides articles from 12,000 industry publications.

What the IRS looks to first and foremost are financial records.
IRS employees are advised to look for clues on underreporting of income. According to the manual, “The most successful rancher may fail to disclose all income because of the accompanying income tax benefits. Farmers having a very good year with a sudden turnaround just before filing time may be dealing with a cash-flow crunch.”

Auditors are told that the “use of multiple bank accounts with reliance on the bank records for reporting purposes lends itself to misreporting due to exclusion of some records. ... Watch for transfers to/from savings, money market, and investment accounts or certificates of deposit. Any deposits from non-taxable sources, e.g. return of previous investment, should be traced to the source of the originally invested funds.”

Auditors are asked to watch out for “atypical” sales of livestock, particularly sales with no documentation.

The IRS suspects, in general, that farmers and ranchers commonly report personal expenses as business expenses. “All aspects of a farmer's life is centered around the crop or animal and is therefore easily considered to be financially related to the business. Customarily, you will find personal expenses in insurance, gasoline, interest, taxes, utilities and repairs.”

Another concern involves contract labor. The farming industry is labor intensive throughout its production cycle. Farm Labor Contractors are required to be licensed by some states (check with your local state requirements).

The auditor will compare the wage expense to gross receipts. The taxpayer is expected to meet the Social Security Taxes, Medicare Taxes, FUTA Taxes, SUI Reserve Fund, and Worker’s Compensation. The auditor will want to verify that the wages and payroll taxes were paid. The auditor will see if you filed Form 943 “Employer’s Annual Tax Return for Agricultural Employees” and Form 940 “Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA).” The auditor will want to verify that all payroll taxes have been paid.

There are numerous federal and state laws requiring the registration of farm labor contractors. This is a complex subject beyond the scope of this brief article. But the IRS will interpret any defect as implying you are not operating in a businesslike manner.

Farmers often write a number of checks in the last few days of the tax year to pay expenses. The IRS tends to focus on large disbursements, and decides if these are a payment or a deposit. In general, a deposit to be applied against a future expense is not deductible. Although a check is written, no deduction is allowed until the expense is actually incurred. The issue arises when the seller treats the farmer’s payment as a deposit and does not report the amount paid by the farmer as income. However, the farmer takes the amount paid as an expense. This is common in the farming industry for fertilizer, feed, grain, etc. The IRS also looks for excessive deductions for prepaid farm supplies.

Advance planning is the best way of getting through an IRS audit without incurring a deficiency notice. Unfortunately, the majority of taxpayers do not take adequate steps to protect themselves, and this is of increasing concern in light of more aggressive approaches by the IRS.

John Alan Cohan is an attorney who has served the farming, livestock and horse industries since 1981. He can be reached at 310-278-0203 or via e-mail at JohnAlanCohan@aol.com. His Web site is JohnAlanCohan.com

Dead horses found dumped with brands cut off

BOISE - Someone is leaving domestic horses on public land, without a way for the animals to eat or survive.

The latest case involved 15 dead horses dumped on Bureau of Land Management property in Gem County in the past few weeks. BLM officials say the animals were found dead about six miles southwest of Emmett near County Line Road. The animals were found with the brand cut off the carcasses so their owner could not be identified.

Overall, the BLM says 32 horses have been left dead or let loose on public land across southwestern Idaho recently. A BLM law enforcement ranger speculated that increasing hay prices and decreased demand for horses have left owners unable to pay to feed the horses, and unable to sell them - so instead they are illegally releasing them on public land.

"It's kind of a hard time for some individuals... with the price of hay even though it's starting to go down," BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Lee Kliman said. "The economic times are harder, it's hard to sell horses, it's hard for a lot of individuals to find homes for horses."

The horses are domesticated and cannot fend for themselves in the wild.

Anyone found responsible could be charged on the federal level with unlawful commercial dumping, and on the state level with dumping of horses. The charges come with a $100,000 fine.

In the Gem County case, the Bureau of Land Management is working with the Gem County Sheriff's Office to determine who is responsible for the illegal dumping

Horses Can't Lie Down for Long

URBANA, Ill. -- It's something you wouldn't believe could happen unless you saw it. You walk out to the barn in the morning and start to panic when you realize your horse has cast itself. Somehow, someway, your horse has managed to lie up against a wall and is unable to get its feet underneath it to stand up. Most horse owners know their equine companions can't lie down for long, but exactly why that is remains a mystery to many.
"The longer they are down, the more prone they are to reperfusion injury," says Dr. Elysia Schaefer, an equine surgery resident at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Reperfusion injury can happen because horses are such large animals and the weight of their body in and of itself can prevent blood flow to certain locations. This can cause severe problems when they try to stand up again, and blood flow tries to return to normal.
Because Dr. Schaefer frequently deals with equine patients that must remain on their backs for an extended period of time during surgery, she knows time is of the essence in the operating room. While surgeries in smaller patients, including humans, may go on for countless hours, equine surgeons usually have a window of about three hours to get the job done.
After surgery, We usually give them around one to two hours in the recovery stall and let them try and stand on their own," explains Dr. Schaefer. At the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, the large animal surgery recovery room is covered from wall to wall with soft blue pads, and the floor is an inflatable mattress to better comfort patients coming out of anesthesia.
Whether a horse is down because of surgery or it has cast itself in a stall, there are several problems that can occur. Besides reperfusion injury, muscles on the down side of the animal, as well as nerves, can become damaged from excessive pressure. Also, the "down" lung of the horse may cause trouble as excess blood pools there due to gravity.
Horses with neurological diseases are occasionally referred to the teaching hospital for intensive care. In some of these cases, the animal cannot stand. "With neurological cases where the patient is down, we are very careful to go in and flip them every few hours," says Dr. Schaefer. Although an equine surgeon worries about several issues if their patient were to be on one side for a long time, horses can get bedsores just like humans too.
While there is no hard and fast rule about how long a horse can be down before permanent damages ensue, the sooner you can get them up the better. Some owners think it is beneficial to pile wood shavings at least two feet high around the perimeter of the stall to prevent casting. However, that isn't fool proof.
If your horse has been down for a long period of time, or it is has cast itself and you are concerned with its health, call your veterinarian. Some horses may be very scared if they can't get up on their own so use extreme caution if you try to move them.

Source: www.extension.org

Horsemen's Bill Passes Colorado Agricultural Committee

The Colorado House Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources Committee passed by an eight to three vote HB 1152. The bill will help revive the Colorado racing industry and jump start economic development for the overall Colorado horse industry. Besides helping horse racing by modernizing pari-mutuel simulcasting, the bill contains provisions for a Colorado Horse Breeders Incentive that is estimated to exceed $1,000,000 when fully developed.
The bill will now go to the House Finance Committee and then hopefully on to the full House. The committee hearing didn’t start until 6:30 pm because another bill’s hearing ran from 1:30 pm until 6:30 pm. Fortunately, the Committee was aware of the importance of this bill and took testimony and listened intensely to the testimony with an open mind.
Passage of the bill can be attributed to the many horsemen and women that stayed over nine hours to show support and those that testified. The following horsemen gave testimony:
Dr Jim Heird, CSU
Louis Cella, Oaklawn Park
Vaughn Cook, Royal Vista
Tony Gasich, RMQHA
Dan Issel, CTBA
John Corbin, APHA
Chris Whitney, Horseman
Dr Marv Beeman, Littleton Equine Medical Center
Mark McGregor, CHA
The opponents of the bill are not giving up, but we showed what a true grassroots effort by the horsemen of Colorado can do. We need to prepare for many more opportunities to explain and sell the horse industry economic development that is contained in HB 1152.
Thank you to all who contributed to the success with the Ag Committee and please continue your efforts as we move forward in the legislative process. We will keep everyone informed as we learn more about the next steps.

Another Bill on Cruelty

IDAHO FALLS - One of the bills, the state legislature will soon be working on is an animal cruelty bill. State and local animal advocacy groups are coming out in support of an animal cruelty bill drafted by the group called STOP, or Stop Torturing our Pets.

We hear the stories almost every day in the news: the cat shot with an arrow, hounds chained and starved to death

Humane Society of the Upper Valley President, Andi Elliot explains some of the cases she's seen, "The hounds literally when we were called in, looked like concentration camp victims. Skin and bones, chained to barrels, short chains, six to eight feet chains, feces all over the place. One of the worst cases in South East Idaho history where Shane Haggards literally starved to death dozens and dozens of animals."

Sylvia Medina, Snake River Animal Shelter, Board of Directors President says, "I look at the news every day and it just breaks my heart to realize that people can go out and abuse an animal."

Now Idaho groups are trying to get an animal cruelty bill passed in the state legislature.

"Idaho needs it because we don't have a bill." says Medina
"The new bill is similar to some of the other legislation that is passed, three animal cruelty convictions and the punishments are enhanced." explains Elliot.

The bill defines torture as "every act, omission or neglect whereby the willful and malicious infliction of pain or suffering is caused, permitted or allowed to continue where there is reasonable remedy or relief."

It also makes a third animal cruelty offense a felony, punishable by one to five years in prison and up to a nine thousand dollar fine.

Elliott believes the bill will help authorities do their job. "I think it will give the authorities more teeth. You know, give them a bigger stick to hold. And I think its needed."

But some fear the bill doesn't go far enough

"I think it should be one." says Medina

But all agree it's a step in the right direction.

"I think this will signal to everyone that animals are important and we're not talking about animals rights, we're just talking about basic care and animal welfare." says Andi Elliott

Northwestern University did a study in which they found that 70% of animal abusers have committed at least one other crime and that 40% had committed violent crimes against humans. That's another reason these groups are fighting to pass this bill which should have a number by the end of the week. To give your opinion about the bill, call your legislator.

World's Greatest Horseman, NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere, Circle Y Ranch Derby
NRCHA Fort Dodge Celebration of Champions In San Angelo TX
The nine days of competition began on January 31. The nation's top 4- and 5-year-old cow horses compete in herd work, rein work, and cow work in the Circle Y Ranch SRCHA Derby, which will conclude on February 2. In 2008, the three-day event crowned champions in seven divisions paid out an impressive $107,303 to 203 entries. Corey Cushing piloted Soula Moolah to the Open Championship, pocketing $11,753.

On February 3, the preliminary competition kicks off for the 2008 NRCHA World Championship Show, presented by John Deere. All year long, contestants showed in the 12 reined cow horse classes to earn a chance to compete for the World title. Last year the show saw 289 entries compete in preliminary competition with the top 10 in each class advancing to the clean-slate finals for a chance at a title and part of the $171,299 purse. The World Championship Show Finals will be held Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7.

And on February 8, the final day of the Celebration of Champions, the Western horse industryï¿½s best riders and horses will team up for the Worldï¿½s Greatest Horseman contest to win one very impressive title. The event tests each teamï¿½s skill in the traditional reined cow horse events ï¿½ cutting, reining, and cow work ï¿½ but also adds one more element, steer stopping, to the mix. The 31 entries will compete in the preliminary competition early in the week, narrowing the field to the top ten. In 2008, Russell Dilday and Topsails Rien Maker earned the Championship and $30,000 ï¿½ and are retuning in 2009 to avenge their title. In fact, every former Champion rider will be competing in the event in 2009.

Admission to the NRCHA Fort Dodge Animal Health Celebration of Champions is free during the Circle Y Ranch SRCHA Derby and Preliminary week, and will be $5 February 6-7 and $10 on February 8 for the Worlds Greatest Horseman Finals. There will also be a weekend package available for $15. Along with the great reined cow horse action in the arena, participants can enjoy a great trade show, which will be in the arena concourse and in the NAME building.

This year will be one for the NRCHA history books. Along with the move of one of its largest shows, the Association will celebrate its 60th Anniversary, and the new NRCHA Youth Association will announce its first NRCHYA Officers.

For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.

NEW DISTRICT AND NEW DIRECTORS IN MISSOURI FOR 2009!

We are pleased to announce the creation of a new district 07 in Missouri effective 1/1/09. This new district, located in the center of Missouri, will be led by Anne Woods and will include the counties of Morgan, Moniteau, Cole, Osage, Miller, Maries, Camden, Pulaski, Phelps, Dent, Laclede, Wright and Texas.

We hope to increase our membership in these counties and reduce hauling costs for our members.

We also welcome some new directors in 2009. In MO-03, Mary Davis has retired and Amanda Brooks will be taking over. In MO-05, Sandy Turner will be the new director, replacing Chris Weber and Jennifer Todd. Rick Lorence in MO-06 has resigned due to health reasons – we wish him well as we search for his replacement. Welcome to all new directors & thanks to all retiring directors. We appreciate your time and efforts!

Brand New Equestrian College Recruiting Website Now Online

When Bridget Imparato, a USEF judge and steward was faced with her son, Michael, being a high school junior, her sights started to focus on college riding opportunities. The difficulties of navigating through the recruiting process led her to start of an exciting new website, www.EquestrianCollegeRecruiter.com. This website has become a one-stop location to get college equestrian riding questions answered. High school athletes can post an academic and riding resume along with photos and full-length video of them riding; the athletes are sorted by graduating year and chosen discipline. This creates a unique location for college coaches who are searching for their future college riding team members.

The site is also designed to educate the student athlete about the different college riding programs, with more than 300 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) colleges and 23 NCAA programs there is a lot of information to get through. Most athletes and parents start out not even knowing the difference between the two college riding organizations or how to navigate their very different recruiting requirements. Many colleges are getting a leg up on their competition and advertising on the site, the college bio pages where created so that the equestrian athlete can go and get a brief overview of a college and then, if interested, link back to the college itself.

The equestrian college experiences are as varied as our disciplines; colleges have programs for dressage, hunt seat equitation, western horsemanship, reining, international jumpers and even rodeo. In IHSA programs they offer divisions for every skill level, from beginner through open, where Medal/Maclay riders are sought, in hunt seat and beginner through reining in Western.

You are personally invited to peruse the website; your involvement is encouraged and your feedback is welcome. Anyone with questions can contact Bridget or Mike Imparato at (352) 746-5875 or go to www.EquestrianCollegeRecruiter.com.

Source: www.usef.org

Phil Rapp and Don't Look Twice

It was a slam-dunk on Saturday for Phil Rapp and Dont Look Twice in the Augusta Futurity with 228 points - the second highest score in the history of the event’s 4-year-old division. Laney Rey Too, ridden by Guy Woods for EE Ranches, placed second with 220.

Rapp is the all-time champion of the 29-year-old event with nine open (four) and non-pro (five) championship wins. Tag Rice and Faron Hightower are tied with the most open wins (five each). Rice also holds the record high score of 230.5, marked on Chiquita Pistol in the 2003 Augusta Futurity.

Dont Look Twice, owned by Waco Bend Ranch, Fort Worth, TX, is by High Brow Cat out of Tapt Twice, winner of over $280,000 under Rapp and his wife, Mary Ann. Tapt Twice is out of Tap O Lena, the winner of $451,000, who carried Phil Rapp for six major wins, including the 1994 Augusta Non-Pro Futurity.

Rapp also placed sixth in the Augusta Futurity finals with 215.5 on his own horse, My Other Toys A Car, and finished with 180 on Little Red Bet, owned by Gale Force Quarter Horses. Earlier in the week, he placed third in the Augusta Classic riding Sportin Aristocrat, owned by Jack and Susan Waggoner

Barn Fire At Doug Ingersoll's in California Kills 12 Horses

A barn fire early Friday morning killed 12 horses at a horse training facility in Lincoln, California, fire officials said.

A neighbor reported the fire at 2:43 a.m. at the Doug and Debbie Ingersoll Training Stables at 2499 McCourtney Road, a 20-acre ranch just outside the city limits.

The barn was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, said Chelsea Fox, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The owners and firefighters tried to enter the barn to rescue the horses but were prevented by the intense heat, Fox said.

"It happened so fast," said Kirsten Ingersoll, daughter of the facility's owners.

No civilians or firefighters were injured. The fire, which was under control by 5 a.m., destroyed the 4,000-square-foot barn and killed the horses boarded inside. Structure damage is estimated at $250,000, Fox said.

The horses lost were quality performance quarter horses, trained in reining, cutting and working cow horse events, Kirsten Ingersoll said.

Doug and Debbie Ingersoll have been in the horse training business for more than 40 years and are well-respected in the industry, their daughter said.

The majority of the horses belonged to her parents' clients, Kirsten Ingersoll said.

"It's just very devastating," Ingersoll said. "It's a horrific loss. Our hearts go out to our customers. They were not just horses, they were part of our family and of our customers' families."

No official estimate on the value of the horses has been made available, but horse experts say a top-performing quarter horse can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

In some equestrian competitions, a horse can win $100,000 in prizes, said Tiffani Kjeldergaard, owner of the Flying Paint Ranch, a horse training facility in San Diego. Trainers usually get a percentage of the winnings, she said.

Susie Skellenger, a friend of the Ingersolls who once boarded her horse at the facility, said it's not about the money. Losing a horse is devastating because of the friendship it has with its owner, said Skellenger, who was stopping by the facility to offer support.

She said she heard Doug Ingersoll trying to get inside the barn to save the horses.

"Any horse person would go to the ends of earth to save a horse," Skellenger said.

Late Friday morning, fire officials were on site to investigate the cause of the fire. The Ingersolls' neighbors and friends and some of the horse owners stood near the charred and mangled remnants of the barn.

Billi-Jo Swanson, secretary of the Southern California Foundation Quarter Horse Club who's also a trainer and breeder, lost her horses in a California wildfire five years ago.

"My horses are my babies," Swanson said. "That's how bad I felt when I lost mine."

Click here to see more from the Sacramento Bee.

Note:
Doug and Debbie Ingersoll not only lost 12 horses but their show barn and all their tack.

Monetary Donations:
An account has been set up at Bank of America, under the "Doug and Debbie Ingersoll Fire Fund". The account number is 08829-70156.

If anyone would like to contribute they may go to any Bank of America branch in the US and have their donation deposited to this account.

If a person is not close to a B of A branch they may also mail a check made out to the Doug and Debbie Ingersoll Fire Fund and send to the following address: Ingersoll Fire Fund c/o P.O. Box 519, Lincoln CA 95648.

Donors names will be recorded and checks deposited to the fund.

Deb Shatley, a neighbor and close friend of Doug and Debbie is overseeing the donations of tack and money. If you wish you can contact her directly.

Deb's phone number is 916-768-6837 E-mail: dgshatley@dow.com or dgshatley@gmail.com

Cowboys Take Part in Goodwill Military Tour of Afghanistan

Six-time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Dan Mortensen and three-time Wrangler NFR bareback rider Jessy Davis will be part of a rodeo-themed Goodwill Military Tour of Afghanistan next month, being staged by Pro Sports MVP of Colorado Springs, Colo.

The 10-day tour arrives in Doha, Qatar, on Feb. 24, and visits to U.S. military bases in Afghanistan will be staged Feb. 27-March 3, before the group returns to the United States on March 5.
Each stop will feature autograph sessions, walking tours, hospital visits, question-and-answer sessions and possible rodeo demonstrations.

Pro Sports MVP has implemented more than 60 such Goodwill Military tours for U.S. troops during the last five years.

Joining Mortensen and Davis on the tour will be barrel racer Liz Pinkston, PBR bull rider Tater Porter and WPRA president Jymmy Kay Davis.

Source: www.prorodeo.com

K-State Equine Scientist Does Not Recommend Feeding DDGS to Horses

MANHATTAN, KS. -- Distiller´s grains have become a staple in some bovine diets, but a Kansas State University researcher is not recommending that they be used in horse rations.

"People have asked `can I feed dried or wet distiller´s grains with soluble (DDGS) to my horses?´" said Teresa Slough, equine nutrition specialist with K-State Research and Extension.

Given the information researchers have so far, Slough said she would not recommend feeding DDGS to horses.

There has been little research done in feeding DDGS, a byproduct of the ethanol production process, to horses, she said. So far, the studies that have been done examined feeding DDGS for only a short period of time.

"There is no information available so far on the long-term effects of feeding DDGS to working horses, mares or foals," she said.

The upside of feeding DDGS to horses is that they will eat it and, in fact, they like it, said Slough, who is an assistant professor in K-State´s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. In addition, it is sometimes a less expensive source of protein.

But Slough warns that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages."Horses are very susceptible to fumonisin poisoning from moldy corn. Fermentation during ethanol production doesn´t destroy the mold, rather it is concentrated.

"Feeding DDGS contaminated with fumonisin just once could cause death," she said.

Another disadvantage, the researcher said, is that DDGS has a high phosphorous content.

"Unless the other feedstuffs in the horse´s diet are very high in calcium, the potential exists to create a diet inversed in its Ca:P ratio and negatively affect bone development," Slough added. "This is of particular concern with broodmares and foals."

DDGS has a high sulfur content, which also makes it problematic for horses.

"Sulfur toxicity in horses, although rare, can result in colic, jaundiced mucous membranes, labored breathing, cyanosis and convulsions, followed by death," she said.

"The bottom line is, feeding DDGS to horses is not recommended unless it´s been tested for fumonisin and contains less than 5 parts per million, and then it should only comprise a small percentage of the total diet.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by: Mary Lou Peter mlpeter@ksu.edu or 913-856-2335 Ext. 13 http://www.oznet.ksu.edu For more information: Teresa Slough - 785-532-1268 or tslough@ksu.edu

Expert Training Offered for Reiners of all Ages

Oklahoma City, OK – It’s a program that benefits members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA), as well as reiners of any age who want to learn from the best trainers in the business. The NRHA Regional Clinics provide reiners with a unique opportunity to work with many NRHA Professionals, polish their Reining skills, and support NRHyA members and activities.
The 2009 Regional Clinics are set to begin in April with more clinics being added to the schedule throughout the year. This is the fourth year the NRHyA has organized the clinics designed for Reiners of all ages. The clinics are designed to help anyone who is interested in learning more about Reining and NRHA. From beginners to accomplished riders, there is something for everyone to benefit from within each clinic. The one-on-one training that participants receive is tailored to each individual’s needs. Each clinic consists of two one-day clinics giving participants the opportunity to attend either or both days of the clinic as they prefer.
Participants learn by doing and also by watching other reiners during the hands-on sessions. “The amount of advice and knowledge that’s passed along is phenomenal. I’ll learn more here in one afternoon than I would in a week with a book or a video,” said Rick Finkler, 2008 NRHA Regional Clinic participant. Ashley Bosack, commented, “I love learning new things and having different trainers teach you. It’s been really fun.”
The 2009 NRHA Regional Clinics begin April 4 and 5. The South Central Regional Clinic will be held at the Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex during the Western Festival and Expo in Waco, TX. NRHA Professionals Nathan Piper and Casey Deary will conduct the clinics both days. Those wishing to audit can purchase tickets through the Heart 0′ Texas Fair Complex.
The Northeast Regional Clinic will be held May 9 and 10 at the Morrisville State College Equine Arena in Morrisville, NY. NRHA Professional Mike Flarida will provide instruction on both days of the clinic, as well as NRHA President Rick Weaver.
For those reiners living in the North Central region, a clinic will be held May 23 and 24. NRHA Professionals Tim McQuay and Brian Welman will provide their expertise on both days at the University of Wisconsin River Falls in River Falls, WI.
In June, the NRHA Regional Clinics will head to Okeechobee, FL. NRHA Professional Shawn Flarida will Conduct the Southeast Regional Clinics on June 6 and 7 at the Agri-Civic Center.
Reiners in the Southwest Region can attend the clinic on October 17 and 18 at Outwest Stallion Station in Scottsdale, AZ. NRHA Professionals Tracer Gilson, Matt Mills and Randy Paul will provide their training tips to participants in the Southwest Region.
Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible. The cost per day is $150 for youth riders, $250 for adults and $25 to audit. For more information or to register for a clinic, please contact Manager of Youth & Outreach Programs Brian Bendele at (405) 946-7400 ext. 130 or bbendele@nrha.com

Source: www.nrha.com

Get Festive with AQHA at QuarterFest

America’s Horse – Gather your friends and load up your horses for the first-ever QuarterFest: A Celebration of the American Quarter Horse. This one-of-a-kind event, May 1-3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, will be a chance to cure your cabin fever and revel in the arrival of spring with your horse.
QuarterFest is a tribute to everyone’s favorite animal – the American Quarter Horse. This year, our membership turns 68. While that may not sound like a landmark, you might feel otherwise if it was your 68th and no one had thrown you a party on any of the prior 67. To make up for it, we’re going to throw America’s Horse one heck of a shindig – so big it will last for three days!
**The party is going to be at the Tennessee Miller Equestrian Center at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (see the facility at www.aqha.com/quarterfest).
“We see this as a great way to kick off the summer riding season,” said Tom Persechino, AQHA executive director of marketing and communications. “The Murfreesboro facility is close to nearby trails, so we’re looking at offering trail rides, trail trial competitions and American Quarter Horse test rides.”
We’ll have clinics all weekend long, with four of AQHA’s Professional Horsemen and -women: Curt and Tammy Pate, a husband and wife from Newell, South Dakota; Jeff Griffith of Gallatin Gateway, Montana; and Julie Goodnight of Salida, Colorado. You can bring your horse and participate for $15 per clinic in addition to gate admission.
We’ll have an exciting performance each afternoon, and an all-star American Quarter Horse Extravaganza on Friday and Saturday nights.**
There will be seminars, demonstrations, contests and a dedicated youth area to make it fun for everyone. Some of the greatest American Quarter Horses and world champion horsemen and -women will be there to greet everyone.
And perhaps most importantly, AQHA will be kicking off its new conservation division. Taking an active role in preserving access to places to ride, upholding the traditions of horse ownership and enjoyment in America, and educating horsemen on building, preserving and behaving properly on trails is critical to our breed and members. The conservation section will give our members the industry leadership expected from AQHA in this crucial area.
Come to learn. Come to make friends. Come for the entertainment. But most of all, come to honor your horse. Details and reserve tickets will be available online soon at www.aqha.com/quarterfest. If you’re an AQHA member, you’ll be eligible for reduced admission at QuarterFest. So make plans now.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

Source: www.aqha.com

CEM not a “fix-it-yourself” disease

by Dave Russell

As the number of horses testing positive for contagious equine metritis (CEM) nationally continues to grow, comes word from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) that CEM is not a “fix-it-yourself” disease.

BOAH has been receiving questions from horse owners who would like to treat their mares on their own without oversight or guidance from regulatory officials. BOAH equine director Dr. Tim Bartlett is discouraging that from happening saying it could negatively impact the nationwide eradication of the disease, which is why he recommends horse owners contact BOAH with questions and concerns.

“If not done properly, there’s always a risk that an individual animal may not be completely cured,” said Dr. Bartlett. “The USDA has a very specific testing and treatment protocol that must be met to ensure CEM is eradicated.”

Treatment has begun on all three stallions traced to Indiana, under the supervision of BOAH.

Mustangs to March in Presidential Inauguration Parade

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Ten Bureau of Land Management Mustangs, adopted by the U.S. Border Patrol’s Spokane Sector, will participate in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade on Jan. 20, in Washington, D.C.

Two of the mustangs in the parade are BLM Colorado horses: one from the Spring Creek Basin Herd Management Area in southwestern Colorado; and one from the Sandwash Basin Herd Management Area in northwestern Colorado. All ten horses were trained through a BLM Colorado training program.

The U.S. Border Patrol’s Mustang Unit was formed in the spring of 2007 when the Spokane Sector began adopting BLM wild horses through the Project Noble Mustang Initiative. The horses are used to patrol a stretch of the U.S. and Canada border that boasts some of North America’s most rugged and remote terrain. In all, the U.S. Border Patrol has adopted 18 BLM horses for patrol on the northern border and 4 for work on the southern border.

Through a cooperative agreement between the BLM and the Colorado Department of Corrections, the wild horses receive personal and extensive training as part of an inmate rehabilitative program at the Cañon City Colorado Correctional Institution before being adopted by the U.S. Border Patrol. The Cañon City facility is one of five facilities in the country that hosts training for BLM wild horses.

The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program manages wild horses and burros to ensure healthy, free-roaming herd populations at levels consistent with the land’s capacity to support them. The BLM manages more than 33,000 wild horses and burros that roam public rangelands in 10 Western states.

To learn more about the mustangs participating in the inaugural parade, visit our Web site at:http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro/news/inaugural_parade_horses.html

For more information about the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro program or adopting a mustang please visit http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro/adoption_of_wild_horses.html

Kansas State working on animal disease tracking system

by John Perkins

A new computer system in the works at Kansas State University could making tracking animal disease outbreaks much easier.

Computer scientists at K-State are working with the university's National Agricultural Biosecurity Center and a handful of others to build a program that would search the internet for animal disease news buried in public resources on the web.

The system would track where the outbreaks began, how they spread and what animals were involved.

A press release from K-State said that the information would then be presented in timeline or map format.

The research will be presented in March at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Symposium on Computational Intelligence in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology in Nashville, Tenn.

AQHA Continues Focus on Animal Welfare Issues
By
Jan 13, 2009, 10:12

The American Quarter Horse Association’s Executive Committee has approved the Animal Welfare Assurance Task Force recommendations, and the Association is moving forward to implement the suggestions.

The Association’s main objectives are to educate members and the general public on animal welfare issues and identify and eliminate any inhumane training practices that might currently be perceived as acceptable while strengthening sanctions for noncompliance.

AQHA’s Animal Welfare Assurance Task Force met in the fall in Amarillo to discuss issues facing the industry and ways to continue protecting the American Quarter Horse and other equines.

Gathering members from all aspects of the industry brought a wealth of knowledge and experience together to ensure many views were represented. Members of the task force included veterinarians, industry leaders, trainers, representatives from equine organizations, and individuals representing racing, showing and recreational riding. Clark Bradley; Dave Brian; Joe Carter; Doug Corey, D.V.M.; Eleanor Green, D.V.M.; Jim Helzer; Connie Hill; Bill Horton; Paul Jones; Nancy Goodman McIlwraith, D.V.M.; Scott Myers, D.V.M.; Tammy Pate; Carol Rose; Bennie Sargent; Dorvan Solberg; Johnny Trotter; Sandy Vaughn; and Rick Weaver served on the task force.

“The welfare of American Quarter Horses has always been of paramount importance to AQHA,” said Bill Brewer, AQHA executive vice president. “In 2009, we are renewing our commitment to American Quarter Horses and all other animal welfare issues as they relate to American Quarter Horses. Our horses deserve our best. The responsibility of caring for the American Quarter Horse should always be a top priority.”

Educational efforts on animal welfare have already begun and include the following:

A link to AQHA’s animal welfare policy statement is featured on the aqha.com home page. An article on AQHA’s animal welfare efforts, task force recommendations and a request for a concerted effort from AQHA Professional Horsemen to ensure the humane treatment of horses and acceptable training practices will be in the January 2009 Professional Horsemen’s newsletter. A rules committee met in conjunction with the December Judges Conference in Irving, Texas, to review and make recommendations on roping, working cow horse and reining rules in relation to acceptable training and class procedures. The group also made recommendations on excessive or abusive treatment rules related to other disciplines, which will be sent to the Show Committee for consideration at the annual Convention. New judging cards have been printed to include space for the judge to indicate any disqualifications for abusive practices in the show arena.

The following has been approved by the AQHA Executive Committee:

ACTION PLAN FOR RACING:

1. Maintain existing relationships with National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, Jockey Club Welfare and Safety Summit, Association of Racing Commissioners International Model Rules Program, etc. providing AQHA has a seat at the table to ensure consistency in animal welfare policies and regulations.

2. Communicate via AQHA publications, e-newsletters, race track daily programs, in-house TV and Web sites about racing’s continued efforts to ensure the welfare of horses is paramount. Work through AQHA Public Policy Committee, state affiliates, state legislative initiatives (Texas HORSE) and specialists to influence public opinion.

3. Correspond with state racing commissions and NTRA communicating the objectives listed below with regard to animal welfare:

· Advocate the use of safe equipment

· Conduct American Quarter Horse specific research on toe grabs

· Conduct further American Quarter Horse specific research on track surfaces regarding type of surface vs. type of injuries

· Develop a certification program for starters, assistant starters, jockeys, grooms, security personnel and other necessary designees as deemed necessary

· Support implementing an equine injury database at all racetracks for all breeds

· Endorse out-of-competition testing and support the continued testing for anabolic steroids at sale companies as a condition of consignment

· Endorse mandatory testing of claimed horses for anabolic steroids

· Endorse and consolidate testing at accredited laboratories

ACTION PLAN FOR BREEDING/GENETIC DEFECTS:

1. Have a breeders’ summit and videotape to develop an educational DVD and/or power point presentation that could be used at Affiliate Workshop, World Show, All-American Quarter Horse Congress, alliance partner conventions and other locations by AQHA members.

2. A “Welfare Link” for “America’s Horse” weekly newsletter and the AQHA Web site has been created. It includes an animal welfare statement and links to welfare information in the AQHA rulebook and will also provide access to welfare articles covering different topics involving racing, showing, breeding, etc. as they become available.

3. Conduct breeders’ seminar during AQHA Annual Convention

4. Expand current breeder referral program by establishing a “premium level” for those breeders who agree to test for genetic and infectious diseases (where applicable).

ACTION PLAN FOR SHOWS:

1. Change Professional Horsemen’s application for both race and show professionals to add a section to include an agreement to monitor humane treatment. Change the current policy for Professional Horsemen to have two members (increased from one) to discuss unacceptable training or inhumane treatment with offenders on site.

2. Judges must report disqualifications for inhumane treatment in show arena and list reason for disqualification on judge’s card returned to AQHA.

3. Track horse injuries that occur at AQHA-approved shows, and create a form for a veterinary statement detailing injury.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

First Mo FQHR Holds Membership Meeting

The January meeting of the First MO State FQHR was held Saturday , Jan . 10th, 2009 at the FCS Building in Sedalia MO. Pizza was donated and members brought deserts. We will be hosting Sho-Me Circuit shows again this year and will be working on the classes and order. Show dates, Fundraisers and activities for the year were discussed. New slate of officers were elected and are as follows

President – Bill Chambers
Vice-president – Gary Nickerson
Secretary – Nancy Sams Treasurer
Reevea Nickerson
Directors:
Region 1 – Barb Clubine
Region 2 – Richard Clubine
Region 3 – Debbie Rumsey
Region 4 – Tammie Clippert
National Rep. – Gene Clubine
Youth Director – Jamie Dannels                                                                                                Support Group:
Webmaster – Tammy Persinger
Show Secretary – Tammie Clippert/Nancy Sams

Bill will try to have a meeting agenda posted prior to each show. If you have an item that you would like to put on the agenda please submit it to Bill Chambers with ample time to put it on. Keep in mind that the break is a short one and time will determine if we will have time to discuss any additions. Again our meetings will be held during the lunch break of the shows. Keep your eye on the calendar of events as dates and happenings are posted regularly there. We welcome the Sho-Me Circuit again this year. The show bill is being discussed/modified and will be finalized February 7th. As soon as we can, we will have it posted. Look for new offerings at the shows this year and start getting those horses ready for an exciting season.

CEM update on the WI stallion
Wisconsin stallion tests positive for CEM
Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 4:11 PM

by Bob Meyer

A Wisconsin stallion has tested positive for contagious equine metritis (CEM). State Veterinarian Dr. Bob Ehlenfeldt says the National Vet Lab in Ames, Iowa confirmed a 13-year-old Friesian stallion in Outagamie County has the disease. The Friesian has been quarantined since January 5th when it was learned he had been at a Wisconsin artificial insemination center at the same time as an infected stallion from Kentucky.

State and federal officials will now trace for any mares which may have been exposed to the stallion either through natural or artificial insemination as well as any stallions which may have been exposed to shared artificial insemination equipment. Sixteen Wisconsin mares are currently under quarantine awaiting test results.

Dr. Ehlenfeldt stresses there is no human health risk and no risk to horses in the general population and therefore no reason for owners to get their horses tested unless notified by Ehlenfeldt’s office.

CEM is a contagious bacterial infection that passes between mares and stallions during mating. It can be transmitted by contaminated artificial insemination equipment. Stallions do not suffer any symptoms, but the infection causes inflammation in the mare’s uterine lining. This may prevent pregnancy or cause the mare to abort if she becomes pregnant. The disease is treatable with disinfectants and antibiotics.
Outcross Possibilities
Knowing what horses to cross takes special knowledge.
Veterinarian Steve Fisch
Equine specialist veterinarian, AQHA breeder and former president of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association Steve Fisch knows the importance of the outcross in his breeding practices. After scanning and dissecting pedigrees for possible breeding, Steve will go see the horses in person.
“We cull 90-95 percent of possible breedings based on conformation alone,” Steve said. “We are looking down the road for soundness - that mare or stallion (in our program) is going to be producing generations of babies for the track or in the arena, and they have to be able to perform for the long haul.”
Steve stands three stallions, and while his main focus is breeding for Quarter Horse racing, his secondary goal is to have good barrel racing horses that come from his stallions.
As a veterinarian, Steve knows more about biology than most and goes as far as talking about slow- and fast-twitch muscles, and how those muscles affect the running speed of the offspring. Knowing that outcrosses are essential for the health and well-being of a line of horses is one thing; knowing which horses to cross is something else.
“Your first outcross is your best, hybrid-vigor foal and is going to be a superior performer in most cases, but they don’t breed as true since they are crossbred,” Steve said. “That is the general rule, but there will be a small percentage that will pass on their genetic makeup, so that a percentage of that second and third generation will have and pass on their performance ability. That is when you get a superior breeding animal.”
It can take years and years of dedicated breeding to even produce one superior animal as a broodmare or stallion, and it can take four to 12 years to see how their get produce and whether they are consistent, Steve said. Not only that, he mentioned, but if you don’t have a good cross, you can very well end up back at the drawing board.
Thoroughbred horses, for one, have a different type of muscle fiber than a foundation-bred Quarter Horse. Slow-twitch Type 1 horses work off of aerobic metabolism, and that’s how they produce their energy. They are a highly oxidative type of horse, whereas in other breeds, you will have Type 2 fast-twitch fibers, which are further divided into fast twitch types 2A and 2B, and are low-oxidative fibers.
If you are breeding for speed, but want that hybrid vigor as well, then you could choose your Thoroughbred based on how well he did in sprint races and how far ahead he ran. You’d want a fast, early-speed Thoroughbred to cross on your Quarter Horse so that you end up with early speed and hybrid vigor from outcrossing.
Clearly, this is a simplistic explanation of a complicated process, and Steve said it’s even possible that while trying to produce a speedier Quarter Horse, you could end up slowing him down through the breeding process. So it’s imperative to know the full ins and outs of breeding before producing more horses.
“There is some science to it,” Steve says. “When you are looking to produce the whole package, start with a pedigree of fast horses, not just one generation that produced a superstar. What you want is a long line of generation after generation producing speed horses. And if you are looking to have the soundness in there, you have to look for great conformation, bone makeup, strength, size of their feet - the whole body phenotype that can not only produce speed, but a horse in which the body stays together.”
Steve hasn’t let the economy slow him down either. He knows there is always a market for a high-quality animal. While not every animal can sell at the highest dollar, consistency is rewarded. His business plan hasn’t changed, and he thinks that high-performing horses, the ones with the phenotype to do the job they are bred to do, are still in demand.
“When you are breeding for the best,” Steve said, “the economy is not a factor. You’ll have fewer of the lower-end mares calling and wanting to book. It doesn’t hurt the business plan, just cuts off the bottom end. A horse market correction if you will.”
Diabetic Foal: Human Glucose Monitor Attempt Fails
by: Liz Brown
A continuous glucose monitoring device normally used in humans has proven no match for the typical foal antics of Justin Credible, a foal with the first recorded case of type-1 diabetes.
Owners David and Monica Hufana had hoped to use the monitor, which has a sensor that sits under the skin, to help them keep track of Justin Credible's glucose levels more easily (read more). Currently they are taking blood samples every four hours during the day, while a glucose monitor would automatically take levels minute by minute.
Justin's veterinarian, Nathan Slovis, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., had attempted to attach the monitor on Dec. 30, however overnight in a stall, Justin or his mother had somehow ripped it off his skin.
"It's not a feasible device to put on a foal that is bucking and playing," said Slovis. However, he noted that the device could feasibly be used to monitoring the glucose levels of less active foals that are in the ICU.
Although not having an automatic glucose monitor is an inconvenience for the Hufanas, who must continue to take blood samples manually, Slovis said Justin is doing well and that his glucose levels have stabilized. However, as the foal grows, his treatment program will have to be adjusted.
The Hufanas have obtained a new glucose monitor that requires one third less blood to take an accurate reading. This means they no longer have to take blood from Justin's vein and can instead get enough from a prick in his ear.
"The fact that we don't have to draw blood from a vein is a major improvement," said David.
17 Wisconsin horses quarantined for CEM exposure
by Bob Meyer

Seventeen horses on 11 farms in Wisconsin have been quarantined and will be tested for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM). State Veterinarian Dr. Bob Ehlenfeldt says most of the horses are mares that were bred either naturally or by artificial insemination to one of seven stallions that have tested positive for the disease in other states. Ehlenfeldt stresses there is no threat to horses in the general population, the risk is limited to horses that had some exposure to the infected stallions, either by breeding or being in the same facility and sharing equipment. He adds that as the investigation continues, more horses could be quarantined however, if you are a Wisconsin horse owner and have not heard from Ehlenfeldt’s office; you probably have nothing to worry about.
The infection started in mid-December when a quarter-horse stallion in Kentucky tested positive for CEM during a routine test for international semen shipment. Since then, three more Kentucky stallions and three in Indiana that had spent time on the Kentucky farm tested positive. To date, 95 exposed horses have been found in 28 states. In addition, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is tracing at least 250 horses in 27 states.

CEM is a highly contagious bacterial infection that passes between mares and stallion during mating or in semen used in artificial insemination. It can also be transmitted on contaminated insemination equipment. Stallions do not suffer any symptoms, but the infection causes inflammation in the mare’s uterine lining. This may prevent pregnancy or cause the mare to abort if she becomes pregnant. It is treatable. The disease was first reported in 1977 in Great Britain, and was found only twice previously in the United States: in 1979 and in 2006, when three Lipizzaner stallions imported into Wisconsin from eastern Europe tested positive after their arrival. The infection was discovered before they had been used for breeding.

Getting closer to home…

VD for horses crosses an ocean, lands in Midwest

By RICK MONTGOMERY

The Kansas City Star

Something else to saddle on the global economy: A horse VD that somehow jumped the ocean and landed amid all-American quarter horse mares in Kansas, Missouri and elsewhere.

It’s called contagious equine metritis, a fast-spreading but easily treatable venereal disease that last broke out in the United States three decades ago.

How it returned — inflicting further distress on a breeding industry already limping through a weak economy — animal-health authorities don’t yet know.

“For people involved in raising horses, it probably is alarming … but we’re not in the alarmist mode just yet,” said Cindy Ragin, a spokeswoman for the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Since mid-December, when agriculture officials confirmed three cases at a farm in central Kentucky, 12 stallions and 83 mares across 28 states have contracted the condition, and “these numbers are changing every day,” Ragin said.

The outbreak not only speaks to the unstoppable nature of foreign invaders in an interwoven world, but it owes much to today’s methods of breeding quarter horses. Breeders increasingly rely on artificial insemination, using cross-country shipments of chilled semen, over “live breeding” the old-fashioned way.

So the bug’s spread between horses who’ve never met.

“It’s the price you pay for doing business the way we do it today,” said George Teagarden of the Kansas Animal Health Department.

In the late 1970s, when contagious equine metritis last posted a U.S. outbreak, it was contained to just two states, Kentucky and Missouri. “But now, semen is shipped all over the country and, potentially, all over the world,” said horse veterinarian Tom Lenz of Louisburg, Kan.

“The ones infected are native American horses who haven’t been anywhere. So the big question is, how did they contact it?” asked Lenz, a past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

The condition had been recorded in about 25 foreign countries, from Ireland to Japan. Its arrival here might have been due to a package of infected semen that escaped the notice of government inspectors or by way of contaminated hands and breeding equipment.

So far the ailment hasn’t reached the U.S. thoroughbred industry, which has stuck to direct breeding practices. Other nations similarly do all they can to protect their high-end racing stock.

Quarter-horse stallions display no physical symptoms of the disease. A mare impregnated with infected semen will show signs within days. The mare also could lose her foal and suffer temporary infertility.

Officials said horses diagnosed with the condition should be quarantined for at least 21 days and given a topical treatment protocol that usually eradicates the disease.

“We’ll get it corralled quickly,” said Teagarden of Kansas, where a half-dozen mares have been exposed to semen from infected stallions. In Missouri, agriculture officials report at least two mares exposed. The stallions live in Kentucky and Indiana.

National updates and advice for quarter-horse breeders can be found on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web site, www.aphis.usda.gov.

For area breeders, the health scare only adds aggravation to an industry hobbled by the souring economy. Last year’s high prices for hay didn’t help, either.

“We’re raising show horses, and they’re the first things you do without when times get hard, like having a boat on the lake,” said Mike McSpadden of McSpadden Quarter Horses in Lone Jack. “The money has remained in the thoroughbred industry … but it’s a pretty tough time now for your average horse breeder.”

MT mare quarantined, exposed to horse disease
Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. - A quarter horse mare in Beaverhead County has been quarantined after being exposed to a venereal disease.

State Livestock Department officials say the mare was exposed via a shipment of semen from a stallion in Kentucky diagnosed with contagious equine metritis. The disease causes temporary infertility and spontaneous abortion.

State veterinarian Marty Zaluski says the mare has been quarantined and is being tested, but the results are not back yet. The mare had been confirmed pregnant, but is now open.

Infected horses can be treated with antibiotics and disinfectants.

Four stallions in Kentucky and three in Indiana have been diagnosed with the disease and approximately 300 horses in 38 states are being tested for exposure.

Source: http://tinyurl.com/7xau6r

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Twin Oaks Enterprises

"We train people for horses"

Competition Iced Out at Brazos Bash Futurity

Waco Bend Ranch, owned by the Louis Baldwin family of Fort Worth, purchased Iced Out from Freeman and Manion for $175,000 as a yearling, during the 2007 NCHA Futurity Sales. Rapp also rode the mare as a finalist in the recent El Rancho Futurity.

Brazos Bash Futurity winner Rapp also picked up $19,500 as a finalist on three mounts in the Classic, including Sportin Aristocrat for the Waggoners; Toni The Tigress for Arcese Quarter Horses; and on his own Redneck Yachtclub.

EEE report good reason to check horse vaccination schedule

By Donald Stottsspecial to the Grove Sun