September 30th marks final day of contest for stables introducing new riders to horses.
Washington D.C., September 28, 2015 – The Time to Ride Challenge concludes September 30th for stables, clubs, and businesses competing to introduce new horse enthusiasts to riding. Participating “hosts” have spent the summer, since May 30th, welcoming new families to horse activities via beginner-friendly horse experiences in pursuit of $100,000 cash and prizes.
Though final results will not be available until late October, the Challenge is already paying dividends for participating hosts, no matter their placing. Cody Pritchard, owner and trainer at Cooperstown Equestrian Park in Hartwick, New York had this to say: "I cannot believe how much this Challenge has done for my own personal and emotional gain as well as promoting my farm. What a wonderful opportunity. I feel we have won the Challenge just on the premises of how it has brought the community together as well as all of us at the farm. Thank you for promoting the love of horses and giving us family owners an incentive to be creative and try something new!"
As of September 25th, Cooperstown Equestrian Park has provided 522 newcomers with a first-time horse experience and is in second place in the small division, which pays $5,000. First place in each division wins $10,000. Pritchard reported that these new connections have already resulted new lesson students and invitations to make public appearances at three local harvest festivals. Cooperstown Equestrian Park offers introductory through second level riding lessons, camps, and educational events for riders of all ages.
Hundreds of other stables, clubs, and businesses nationwide signed up for the 2015 Challenge to achieve the same goal of growing their client base by introducing new people to horses. “As of September 25th over 29,000 newcomers have been introduced to horses through Challenge-hosted horse experiences, and we expect a 35-40% increase over 2014’s total once the final results are tallied,” reported Patti Colbert, Time to Ride spokesperson. “Time to Ride is also dedicated to helping these stables turn new horse enthusiasts into committed students, riders, and eventually horse owners and active participants in our industry.”
The Time to Ride Challenge is made possible by an alliance of horse industry organizations and companies who believe that collaborating to welcome new people to equestrian activities will help the horse industry grow and thrive for future generations.
The American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance
Time to Ride is an initiative of the American Horse Council’s marketing alliance, formed to connect people with horses. It is designed to encourage horse-interested consumers to enjoy the benefits of horse activities. The AHC marketing alliance is made up of the following organizations: the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Active Interest Media, the American Quarter Horse Association, Dover Saddlery, Farnam, Merck, Merial, Morris Media Network Equine Group, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Platinum Performance, SmartPak, United States Equestrian Federation, and Zoetis. Program Partners are Absorbine, the American Paint Horse Association, Equibrand, the National Cutting Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and the Texas A&M University Equine Initiative.
About the American Horse Council
The American Horse Council is a non-profit organization that includes all segments of the horse industry. While its primary mission is to represent the industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies in Washington, DC, it also undertakes national initiatives for the horse industry. Time to Ride, the AHC’s marketing alliance to connect horses and people, is such an effort. The American Horse Council hopes that Time to Ride will encourage people and businesses to participate in the industry, enjoy our horses, and support our equine activities and events. The AHC believes a healthy horse industry contributes to the health of Americans and America in many ways.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Idaho Horse Owners to Get Emergency Help
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Pat Raia
Sep 23, 2015
Horse owners in some Idaho counties could receive help in emergency situations thanks to a group of volunteers who will help local sheriff departments enforce mandatory evacuation orders.
In August, the Soda Wildfire consumed more than 280,000 acres of rangeland in southwest Idaho. Officials called for mandatory evacuations, but when it came to their animals, owners had to provide their own transportation out of danger zones. Since then members of the Portneuf River Back Country Horsemen devised a plan that allows first responders to call in volunteers to help move horses to designated evacuation sites.
“In a mandatory evacuation, many horse owners just don't have their own trailers to get the horses out of the fire, flood, or other danger zones,” said Barry Cellan, president of the Portneuf River Back Country Horsemen. “We can get between 25 and 30 trailers out to help people on short notice...”
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36462/idaho-horse-owners-to-get-emergency-help?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=reader-favorites&utm_campaign=09-25-2015
By Pat Raia
Sep 23, 2015
Horse owners in some Idaho counties could receive help in emergency situations thanks to a group of volunteers who will help local sheriff departments enforce mandatory evacuation orders.
In August, the Soda Wildfire consumed more than 280,000 acres of rangeland in southwest Idaho. Officials called for mandatory evacuations, but when it came to their animals, owners had to provide their own transportation out of danger zones. Since then members of the Portneuf River Back Country Horsemen devised a plan that allows first responders to call in volunteers to help move horses to designated evacuation sites.
“In a mandatory evacuation, many horse owners just don't have their own trailers to get the horses out of the fire, flood, or other danger zones,” said Barry Cellan, president of the Portneuf River Back Country Horsemen. “We can get between 25 and 30 trailers out to help people on short notice...”
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36462/idaho-horse-owners-to-get-emergency-help?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=reader-favorites&utm_campaign=09-25-2015
Saturday is National Public Lands Day: Volunteer!
National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. NPLD 2015 will take place on Saturday, September 26.
On NPLD more than 175,000 volunteers and park visitors celebrated at more than 2,100 public land sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
NPLD began in 1994 with three sites and 700 volunteers. It proved to be a huge success and became a yearly tradition, typically held on the last Saturday in September. Since the first NPLD, the event has grown by leaps and bounds.
In 2014, about 175,000 volunteers worked at 2,132 sites in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
NPLD volunteers:
- Collected an estimated 23,000 pounds of invasive plants
- Built and maintained an estimated 1,500 miles of trails
- Planted an estimated 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants
- Removed an estimated 500 tons of trash from trails and other places
- Contributed an estimated $18 million through volunteer services to improve public lands across the country
Seven federal agencies as well as nonprofit organizations and state, regional and local governments participate in the annual day of caring for public lands.

National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-1942 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.
Why is National Public Lands Day Important?
NPLD educates Americans about the environment and natural resources, and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands;
NPLD builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands; and
NPLD improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.
For more information, see http://www.publiclandsday.org/
On NPLD more than 175,000 volunteers and park visitors celebrated at more than 2,100 public land sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
NPLD began in 1994 with three sites and 700 volunteers. It proved to be a huge success and became a yearly tradition, typically held on the last Saturday in September. Since the first NPLD, the event has grown by leaps and bounds.
In 2014, about 175,000 volunteers worked at 2,132 sites in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
NPLD volunteers:
- Collected an estimated 23,000 pounds of invasive plants
- Built and maintained an estimated 1,500 miles of trails
- Planted an estimated 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants
- Removed an estimated 500 tons of trash from trails and other places
- Contributed an estimated $18 million through volunteer services to improve public lands across the country
Seven federal agencies as well as nonprofit organizations and state, regional and local governments participate in the annual day of caring for public lands.

National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-1942 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.
Why is National Public Lands Day Important?
NPLD educates Americans about the environment and natural resources, and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands;
NPLD builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands; and
NPLD improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.
For more information, see http://www.publiclandsday.org/
Thursday, September 24, 2015
‘Unbranded’ Sheds Light on Wild Horse Issues in the West
Outsideonline.com - Full ArticleThe adventure documentary tracks four young Texans as they lead a group of mustangs from Mexico to Canada
By: Will Grant Sep 23, 2015
Mustangs can be difficult to manage. Not just for the Bureau of Land Management, the agency charged with overseeing the majority of wild horses in the U.S., but for anyone trying to make a saddle horse out of one. In the film Unbranded, which hits theaters nationwide on Friday, four college buddies in their 20s take a cavvy of mustangs 3,000 miles north from Mexico to Canada. The opening scene pretty well sums up the nature of their journey.
In the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona, about a week into the ride, a brown mustang has a cactus burr the size of a fist attached to his quivering lower lip. The horse appears shy about letting a well-intentioned cowboy remove it with a Leatherman multi-tool. A voice in the background says, “The best thing is if you can just get in there and pull it out like a comb.”
The cowboy reaches for the cactus, and half a second later the mustang rears back on his haunches and plants a front foot in the man’s neck. Down goes the cowboy...
Read more here:
http://www.outsideonline.com/2018681/unbranded-sheds-light-wild-horses-west
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Training Tip: Safely Handle Horses That Rear
Downunderhorsemanship Blog - Full Article
22. September 2015
Clinton Anderson
Rearing is a very dangerous situation for both horse and rider, and if left uncorrected is a problem that only gets worse. Here are three tips to handle a horse that rears.
#1 Go back to basics.
Horses that rear can generally be put into two groups: Rearing out of fear (he's hot and nervous and using the reactive side of his brain) or rearing out of disrespect (he doesn't want to do something). Whatever the cause of rearing is, it's a clear sign that you have not earned your horse's respect. You need to work with him on the ground, earning his trust and establishing yourself as the leader in your partnership. After working with hundreds of horses over the years, I've found that a week or two of consistent groundwork usually cures rearing before you get back in the saddle. Why? Because the horse's respect is earned on the ground by moving his feet, he’s using the thinking side of his brain and he is no longer fearful.
#2 Change his perspective.
If your horse is rearing because he doesn't want to go somewhere, use a little reverse psychology on him...
Read more here:
http://blog.downunderhorsemanship.com/post/2015/09/22/training-tip-safely-handle-horses-that-rear.aspx
22. September 2015
Clinton Anderson
Rearing is a very dangerous situation for both horse and rider, and if left uncorrected is a problem that only gets worse. Here are three tips to handle a horse that rears.
#1 Go back to basics.
Horses that rear can generally be put into two groups: Rearing out of fear (he's hot and nervous and using the reactive side of his brain) or rearing out of disrespect (he doesn't want to do something). Whatever the cause of rearing is, it's a clear sign that you have not earned your horse's respect. You need to work with him on the ground, earning his trust and establishing yourself as the leader in your partnership. After working with hundreds of horses over the years, I've found that a week or two of consistent groundwork usually cures rearing before you get back in the saddle. Why? Because the horse's respect is earned on the ground by moving his feet, he’s using the thinking side of his brain and he is no longer fearful.
#2 Change his perspective.
If your horse is rearing because he doesn't want to go somewhere, use a little reverse psychology on him...
Read more here:
http://blog.downunderhorsemanship.com/post/2015/09/22/training-tip-safely-handle-horses-that-rear.aspx
Yarbrough joins Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists
Thehorse.com
By Edited Press Release
Tom Yarbrough, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, has joined Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists (CRES) as clinical director, effective Aug. 19.
Yarbrough is an equine surgeon with extensive experience treating racehorses. The CRES, located in Elmont, New York, near the Belmont Park, is an extension of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.
As clinical director, Yarbrough will work with the chief medical officer to develop a strategic plan for CRES and he will be responsible for its day-to-day implementation. In addition, Yarbrough is charged with developing clientele and referring veterinary groups, providing outreach and consultation in surgical services, and leading the clinical program at CRES.
As senior veterinarian, Yarbrough will expand the practice’s capacity in orthopedic surgery, and imagery as well as diseases of the airway, minimally invasive techniques, and ophthalmologic and abdominal surgery.
He has published in academic journals on topics ranging from synovitis, imaging, minimally invasive surgery and airway disease. Yarbrough's previous research has examined chondrocytes response to mechanical stimulation as a means of developing techniques to help resurface diseased cartilage.
“My driving reason for joining the Ruffian Center was the desire to be involved in a multidisciplinary endeavor integrating private practice efficiency with university specialization to bring a high quality health care product to the Thoroughbred racing industry,” said Yarbrough.
Yarbrough earned his DVM at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Until recently he was hospital director and chief surgeon for Dubai Equine Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. There he developed and implemented the clinical directives of a high-volume full-service practice specializing in equine athletics, primarily Thoroughbred and endurance racing. Yarbrough also served as consulting surgeon to equine sports medicine practices in and around Oakland, California.Sep 22, 2015
By Edited Press Release
Tom Yarbrough, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, has joined Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists (CRES) as clinical director, effective Aug. 19.
Yarbrough is an equine surgeon with extensive experience treating racehorses. The CRES, located in Elmont, New York, near the Belmont Park, is an extension of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.
As clinical director, Yarbrough will work with the chief medical officer to develop a strategic plan for CRES and he will be responsible for its day-to-day implementation. In addition, Yarbrough is charged with developing clientele and referring veterinary groups, providing outreach and consultation in surgical services, and leading the clinical program at CRES.
As senior veterinarian, Yarbrough will expand the practice’s capacity in orthopedic surgery, and imagery as well as diseases of the airway, minimally invasive techniques, and ophthalmologic and abdominal surgery.
He has published in academic journals on topics ranging from synovitis, imaging, minimally invasive surgery and airway disease. Yarbrough's previous research has examined chondrocytes response to mechanical stimulation as a means of developing techniques to help resurface diseased cartilage.
“My driving reason for joining the Ruffian Center was the desire to be involved in a multidisciplinary endeavor integrating private practice efficiency with university specialization to bring a high quality health care product to the Thoroughbred racing industry,” said Yarbrough.
Yarbrough earned his DVM at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Until recently he was hospital director and chief surgeon for Dubai Equine Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. There he developed and implemented the clinical directives of a high-volume full-service practice specializing in equine athletics, primarily Thoroughbred and endurance racing. Yarbrough also served as consulting surgeon to equine sports medicine practices in and around Oakland, California.Sep 22, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Help the AHC Put More Horsepower in Congress
Horsecouncil.org
Submitted by by admin on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 12:18
Despite historically low approval ratings for Congress, Americans still have an interest in what Congress is doing. Why is this?
Because what Congress does, or does not do, has an impact on the equine industry. Regardless of the breed of your horse, the discipline you participate in, whether you are an individual owner, run a racetrack or horse show, own a horse business, work in the industry as a service provider or ride for recreation—the decisions made here in Washington, DC affect you.
Without open lines of communication with our leaders in Washington, we could lose the ability to enjoy our horses and our work in the industry that we love. Only by having personal exchanges with their constituents who are involved in the horse industry will members of Congress fully appreciate how important our $102 billion industry is.
The American Horse Council is the ONLY organization that works in Washington, DC on behalf of EVERY segment of the industry. Every day, we communicate with Congress and other federal agencies to ensure that each understands the economic, agricultural, sporting, and recreational importance of the horse industry.
Because we are a non-profit organization, we depend on YOU- a person who is devoted to your horse and your sport- to help us effectively represent our industry. The AHC provides updates on important issues affecting the industry, and can help our members contact their elected officials to speak up about these issues. By becoming a member of the AHC, you give strength to the horse industry’s voice. You “Put more Horsepower in Congress.”
The AHC also relies on our members to help us with grassroots lobbying efforts, as now more than ever, an elected official must hear from his or her constituents about a problem before he or she will get actively involved with a piece of legislation. To be truly effective and have our voice be heard, the horse industry must capitalize on the large number of individuals involved and turn the diversity of each segment of the industry into a strength. If elected officials hear from all segments of the horse industry on an issue, they will begin to realize just how important we are to the U.S. economy.
When you join the AHC, you will receive a copy of the newly updated Horse Industry’s Guide to Grassroots Lobbying, which includes sample emails to send to your members of Congress, how to contact them, a newly updated section on using social media to lobby, and much more.
By getting involved and becoming a member of the AHC, you’re not only helping yourself, but your industry as well. Help us put more HORSEPOWER in Congress and join the AHC today!
Submitted by by admin on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 12:18
Despite historically low approval ratings for Congress, Americans still have an interest in what Congress is doing. Why is this?
Because what Congress does, or does not do, has an impact on the equine industry. Regardless of the breed of your horse, the discipline you participate in, whether you are an individual owner, run a racetrack or horse show, own a horse business, work in the industry as a service provider or ride for recreation—the decisions made here in Washington, DC affect you.
Without open lines of communication with our leaders in Washington, we could lose the ability to enjoy our horses and our work in the industry that we love. Only by having personal exchanges with their constituents who are involved in the horse industry will members of Congress fully appreciate how important our $102 billion industry is.
The American Horse Council is the ONLY organization that works in Washington, DC on behalf of EVERY segment of the industry. Every day, we communicate with Congress and other federal agencies to ensure that each understands the economic, agricultural, sporting, and recreational importance of the horse industry.
Because we are a non-profit organization, we depend on YOU- a person who is devoted to your horse and your sport- to help us effectively represent our industry. The AHC provides updates on important issues affecting the industry, and can help our members contact their elected officials to speak up about these issues. By becoming a member of the AHC, you give strength to the horse industry’s voice. You “Put more Horsepower in Congress.”
The AHC also relies on our members to help us with grassroots lobbying efforts, as now more than ever, an elected official must hear from his or her constituents about a problem before he or she will get actively involved with a piece of legislation. To be truly effective and have our voice be heard, the horse industry must capitalize on the large number of individuals involved and turn the diversity of each segment of the industry into a strength. If elected officials hear from all segments of the horse industry on an issue, they will begin to realize just how important we are to the U.S. economy.
When you join the AHC, you will receive a copy of the newly updated Horse Industry’s Guide to Grassroots Lobbying, which includes sample emails to send to your members of Congress, how to contact them, a newly updated section on using social media to lobby, and much more.
By getting involved and becoming a member of the AHC, you’re not only helping yourself, but your industry as well. Help us put more HORSEPOWER in Congress and join the AHC today!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Peter DeMott and Gigi Embrechts Launch Equine Photographer Podcast
Equinephotgrapherspodcast.comSeptember 20 2015
Endurance photographer Peter DeMott, owner of Peter DeMott Photography and Open Gate Photography Studio in Germantown, Ohio, and Gigi Embrechts of Littleton, Colorado and Vorselaar, Belgium, and owner of Gigi Embrechts Photography, have teamed together to launch The Equine Photographers Podcast.
From their website:
Peter has been around photography for a very long time starting around the age of 12 with a rangefinder 35mm camera and developing black and white film in the upstairs bathroom of his home. In Jr. High school and High School he was the school newspaper photographer and it goes on from there. Peter started in equine photography when he married his wife Patty. Patty had a horse and later started participation in the sport of Endurance Riding. Peter now has a beautiful barn studio for people portraits and does seniors, families, and business head shots along with web site illustration work. He photographs Endurance Rides on a fairly consistent basis (event photography) and visits farms and stables to craft portraits of people and the horses who love them.
“I’ve always had an interest in horses, but had never owned one. When I married Patty, I say she married a camera and I married a horse (Patty owned a horse when I married her and I had cameras and lenses). That’s been over 30 years now. One of the questions we ask in every podcast interview is which came first the camera or the horse. In my case, the camera and people photography came first, then equine photography.”
Peter's website is http://www.photosbypdemott.com.
Gigi Embrechts is a equine and rural lifestyle photographer. She lives in Littleton, Colorado and Vorselaar, Belgium and splits her time between these two locations. Gigi focuses her work on rural lifestyles and specializes in documenting and writing about old traditional uses of the draft horses. She is a regular contributor to the Draft Horse Journal magazine for articles and images. She also loves to create fine art images of equine and rural landscapes.
Gigi discovered the joy of photography when she moved to Montana in 1997. A horse lover since childhood, she naturally gravitated toward using them as her subjects. In 1999 she married her husband John, a native of Belgium, and was exposed to the European draft horse.
"I immediately began using my camera to capture the splendor and document the stories of these work horses and the time-honored way in which they are used. I continue to learn and write about, and photograph these amazing work animals as the main focus of my work."
Gigi's website is http://www.gigiembrechts.com.
The podcast will feature interviews with wild horse photographers, fine art photographers, breed specific photographers, horse and rider portrait photographers, horse show photographers who shoot western horse shows, rodeo photographers, Dressage show photographers, eventing photographers and many many more specialties within the realm of equine photography.
Every two weeks a new podcast will be posted.
For more information see http://www.equinephotographerspodcast.com/.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Your Horse’s Quiet Place
Americashorsedaily.com - Full Article
September 15, 2015
From AQHA Professional Horsewoman and Certified Horsemanship Association instructor Julie Goodnight.
Getting your horse to drop his head gives him a serene, quiet place to be. It’s a great horse-training technique.
Your horse’s head is like a needle on a gauge – it can signify your horse’s mental state. When his head comes up in any increment, the horse is tensing; when the head lowers, he is relaxing. When the horse is poised for flight, the head is all the way up, and when he is most relaxed, his nose is all the way to the ground. Signs of relaxation in the horse are synonymous with the signs of subordinance, because once the horse accepts your authority, he can relax and doesn’t have to worry, think or make any decisions.
Dropping the nose to the ground signals a horse’s willingness to accept your authority and his desire to be allowed into your herd. When you show good leadership to your horse, you should see this gesture often, and you should learn to watch for it.
We can teach the horse to drop his nose on command, giving him the same feeling of relaxation and subordinance. This cue comes in handy especially for highly nervous or irritable horses...
Read more here:
http://americashorsedaily.com/your-horses-quiet-place/
September 15, 2015
From AQHA Professional Horsewoman and Certified Horsemanship Association instructor Julie Goodnight.
Getting your horse to drop his head gives him a serene, quiet place to be. It’s a great horse-training technique.
Your horse’s head is like a needle on a gauge – it can signify your horse’s mental state. When his head comes up in any increment, the horse is tensing; when the head lowers, he is relaxing. When the horse is poised for flight, the head is all the way up, and when he is most relaxed, his nose is all the way to the ground. Signs of relaxation in the horse are synonymous with the signs of subordinance, because once the horse accepts your authority, he can relax and doesn’t have to worry, think or make any decisions.
Dropping the nose to the ground signals a horse’s willingness to accept your authority and his desire to be allowed into your herd. When you show good leadership to your horse, you should see this gesture often, and you should learn to watch for it.
We can teach the horse to drop his nose on command, giving him the same feeling of relaxation and subordinance. This cue comes in handy especially for highly nervous or irritable horses...
Read more here:
http://americashorsedaily.com/your-horses-quiet-place/
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Seven Things You Need to Know About Equine Influenza
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Nancy S. Loving, DVM
Aug 19, 2015
Due to its potentially devastating economic impact, researchers have been hard at work studying this contagious respiratory disease
Influenza epidemics in horses date as far back as 433 A.D. In more recent times, an 1872 outbreak in Canada and the northeastern United States brought all equine-based commerce, transportation, and services to a standstill—an estimated 80-99% of horses in the region were affected, with 1-2% dying. It only took 90 days for this epidemic to spread from Toronto, Canada, throughout the United States and as far south as Cuba. In an era when everything depended on transport via horse power, this had a staggering effect on daily life.
In 1987 in India, an outbreak involved the infection of 27,000 horses. In Australia in 2007, imported horses from Japan became the index cases of influenza that, due to biosecurity lapses, circulated from the quarantine station to infect 70,000 naive (never exposed or vaccinated) Australian horses, wreaking losses of a billion dollars in productivity and function...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36277/seven-things-you-need-to-know-about-equine-influenza?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=farm-barn&utm_campaign=09-13-2015
By Nancy S. Loving, DVM
Aug 19, 2015
Due to its potentially devastating economic impact, researchers have been hard at work studying this contagious respiratory disease
Influenza epidemics in horses date as far back as 433 A.D. In more recent times, an 1872 outbreak in Canada and the northeastern United States brought all equine-based commerce, transportation, and services to a standstill—an estimated 80-99% of horses in the region were affected, with 1-2% dying. It only took 90 days for this epidemic to spread from Toronto, Canada, throughout the United States and as far south as Cuba. In an era when everything depended on transport via horse power, this had a staggering effect on daily life.
In 1987 in India, an outbreak involved the infection of 27,000 horses. In Australia in 2007, imported horses from Japan became the index cases of influenza that, due to biosecurity lapses, circulated from the quarantine station to infect 70,000 naive (never exposed or vaccinated) Australian horses, wreaking losses of a billion dollars in productivity and function...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36277/seven-things-you-need-to-know-about-equine-influenza?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=farm-barn&utm_campaign=09-13-2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
Homemade Weed Control Spray
CS.Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Alayne Blickle
Smart Horse Keeping
31 Aug 2015
Trying to beat those weeds? Here’s a homemade herbicide recipe for tank sprayers or spray bottles that’s low in chemicals and caustic substances. Use it on driveways or patio areas. Don’t use it on a lawn as it non-selective, meaning it will kill everything--even your lawn. All the ingredient products can be purchased at a garden store or home center...
- See more at: http://cs.thehorse.com/blogs/smart-horse-keeping/archive/2015/08/31/homemade-weed-control-spray.aspx#sthash.1AIXScE9.dpuf
By Alayne Blickle
Smart Horse Keeping
31 Aug 2015
Trying to beat those weeds? Here’s a homemade herbicide recipe for tank sprayers or spray bottles that’s low in chemicals and caustic substances. Use it on driveways or patio areas. Don’t use it on a lawn as it non-selective, meaning it will kill everything--even your lawn. All the ingredient products can be purchased at a garden store or home center...
- See more at: http://cs.thehorse.com/blogs/smart-horse-keeping/archive/2015/08/31/homemade-weed-control-spray.aspx#sthash.1AIXScE9.dpuf
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Equine Canker
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Tracy A. Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS Aug 23, 2015
Canker is an unusual condition of the horse's foot that affects the frog, bars, and sole. The name comes from the early belief that the condition was of a cancerous nature. However, to the best of our knowledge, canker is an anaerobic (grows in the absence of oxygen) infection in the superficial epithelium of the hoof (the outermost tissues, which produce the horn). The causative bacterium is unknown, but some researchers have suggested the organism is a part of the Bacteroides species, which is similar to what causes "foot rot" in sheep. In a more recent study researchers found spirochete (spiral-shaped) bacteria in the epithelium, which was similar to findings in cows and sheep with digital dermatitis. Equine canker cases usually are found in the southeastern United States, but they have been diagnosed all over the country...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/28652/equine-canker?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=lameness&utm_campaign=08-26-2015
By Tracy A. Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS Aug 23, 2015
Canker is an unusual condition of the horse's foot that affects the frog, bars, and sole. The name comes from the early belief that the condition was of a cancerous nature. However, to the best of our knowledge, canker is an anaerobic (grows in the absence of oxygen) infection in the superficial epithelium of the hoof (the outermost tissues, which produce the horn). The causative bacterium is unknown, but some researchers have suggested the organism is a part of the Bacteroides species, which is similar to what causes "foot rot" in sheep. In a more recent study researchers found spirochete (spiral-shaped) bacteria in the epithelium, which was similar to findings in cows and sheep with digital dermatitis. Equine canker cases usually are found in the southeastern United States, but they have been diagnosed all over the country...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/28652/equine-canker?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=lameness&utm_campaign=08-26-2015
Friday, September 11, 2015
Vitamins Are Important for Athletic Horses
KER.Equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 17, 2015
Vitamins perform many critical functions in the horse’s body. Though they are needed in only small amounts, vitamins are important for many aspects of growth, tissue maintenance, and metabolic functions. Many vitamins regulate glucocorticoid synthesis, thus limiting some of the negative responses associated with stress, and are therefore necessary to athletic horses.
Vitamin A is required for development of epithelial cells. Vitamin A is also important in maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes, tissues that are put under considerable stress in exercising horses.
Vitamin E, fund in abundance in fresh grass, is an important antioxidant that protects against oxidative tissue damage induced by exercise. Though non-grazing horses can tolerate low dietary levels of vitamin E for at least four months, supplementation may help horses that are training and racing. Nano-E, a dietary supplement available from Kentucky Equine Research, delivers natural-source vitamin that is highly bioavailable to horses...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/vitamins-are-important-athletic-horses?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=dd67bc6d2e-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-08_26_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-dd67bc6d2e-11166
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 17, 2015
Vitamins perform many critical functions in the horse’s body. Though they are needed in only small amounts, vitamins are important for many aspects of growth, tissue maintenance, and metabolic functions. Many vitamins regulate glucocorticoid synthesis, thus limiting some of the negative responses associated with stress, and are therefore necessary to athletic horses.
Vitamin A is required for development of epithelial cells. Vitamin A is also important in maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes, tissues that are put under considerable stress in exercising horses.
Vitamin E, fund in abundance in fresh grass, is an important antioxidant that protects against oxidative tissue damage induced by exercise. Though non-grazing horses can tolerate low dietary levels of vitamin E for at least four months, supplementation may help horses that are training and racing. Nano-E, a dietary supplement available from Kentucky Equine Research, delivers natural-source vitamin that is highly bioavailable to horses...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/vitamins-are-important-athletic-horses?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=dd67bc6d2e-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-08_26_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-dd67bc6d2e-11166
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
The ghosts fixed the match
Playthegame.org - Full Article
09.09.2015
By Declan Hill
The fixing of fictitious matches is among the outcomes of a sports data revolution that is currently transforming sport, writes Declan Hill, and examines the newest phenomenon in the world of match rigging; ghost-fixing.
...A Real-Life Dick Francis Novel
At least, the Slovenian ski officials actually staged a race and then tried to fix the data coming out of the event. The ‘industrial-scale’ ghost-fixing in endurance horse racing that took place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sounds like a plot from a Dick Francis thriller.
Long-distance – endurance - horse racing was originally inspired by the feats of the Russian and Polish cavalry in the First World War. The sport is now a matter of extraordinary prestige on the Arabian Peninsula. The races range from 50 to 160-km and the horses and riders can race for hours across a hot terrain.
The problem is that the sport in the Middle East has been marked by just about every scandal possible – in at least three cases riders allegedly changed horses in mid-race, there are numerous cases of doped horses and the sheer abuse of the animals can be horrendous. In March of 2015, an Australian horse dropped to its knees in mid-race with two shattered legs, prompting one observer on social media to write that, “the rider should be immediately taken to the stable and shot”.
However, all those scandals pale in comparison with ghost-fixing – or ‘phantom riding’ – that erupted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this year. According the UK-based journalist who broke this story - Pippa Cuckson – someone in that country did not just fix one event, they had created at least thirteen entirely fictitious horse races.
Read more here:
http://www.playthegame.org/news/news-articles/2015/0068_the-ghosts-fixed-the-match/
09.09.2015
By Declan Hill
The fixing of fictitious matches is among the outcomes of a sports data revolution that is currently transforming sport, writes Declan Hill, and examines the newest phenomenon in the world of match rigging; ghost-fixing.
...A Real-Life Dick Francis Novel
At least, the Slovenian ski officials actually staged a race and then tried to fix the data coming out of the event. The ‘industrial-scale’ ghost-fixing in endurance horse racing that took place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sounds like a plot from a Dick Francis thriller.
Long-distance – endurance - horse racing was originally inspired by the feats of the Russian and Polish cavalry in the First World War. The sport is now a matter of extraordinary prestige on the Arabian Peninsula. The races range from 50 to 160-km and the horses and riders can race for hours across a hot terrain.
The problem is that the sport in the Middle East has been marked by just about every scandal possible – in at least three cases riders allegedly changed horses in mid-race, there are numerous cases of doped horses and the sheer abuse of the animals can be horrendous. In March of 2015, an Australian horse dropped to its knees in mid-race with two shattered legs, prompting one observer on social media to write that, “the rider should be immediately taken to the stable and shot”.
However, all those scandals pale in comparison with ghost-fixing – or ‘phantom riding’ – that erupted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this year. According the UK-based journalist who broke this story - Pippa Cuckson – someone in that country did not just fix one event, they had created at least thirteen entirely fictitious horse races.
Read more here:
http://www.playthegame.org/news/news-articles/2015/0068_the-ghosts-fixed-the-match/
Specialists deliver overview of gastric ulcers in horses
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
Neil Clarkson | 7 September 2015
The widespread occurrence of gastric ulcers in horses and risk factors behind their cause have been outlined in a consensus statement from the European College of Equine Internal Medicine.
The six-member committee which wrote the consensus paper, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, also outlined strategies to reduce the risk or impact of gastric ulcers, based on available evidence...
Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/09/07/specialists-gastric-ulcers-horses/#ixzz3lFbqCnMt
Neil Clarkson | 7 September 2015
The widespread occurrence of gastric ulcers in horses and risk factors behind their cause have been outlined in a consensus statement from the European College of Equine Internal Medicine.
The six-member committee which wrote the consensus paper, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, also outlined strategies to reduce the risk or impact of gastric ulcers, based on available evidence...
Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/09/07/specialists-gastric-ulcers-horses/#ixzz3lFbqCnMt
Thursday, September 03, 2015
Endurance eliminations can be predicted, say researchers
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
Horsetalk.co.nz | 1 September 2015
Researchers who analysed the performance of more than 4000 endurance horses have shown it is possible to predict likely eliminations as races progress.
The French research team, writing in the open-access journal, PLOS ONE, noted that nearly half of the horses participating in endurance events were eliminated at a vet gate.
“Detecting unfit horses before a health problem occurs and treatment is required is a challenge for veterinarians but is essential for improving equine welfare,” Eric Barrey and his colleagues said.
Barrey, joined in the study by Mohamed Younes, Céline Robert and François Cottin, proposed it would be possible to detect unfit horses earlier in a race by measuring key variables, including heart-rate recovery. Their hypothesis proved correct...
Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/09/01/endurance-eliminations-predicted-researchers/#ixzz3kgh8q157
Horsetalk.co.nz | 1 September 2015
Researchers who analysed the performance of more than 4000 endurance horses have shown it is possible to predict likely eliminations as races progress.
The French research team, writing in the open-access journal, PLOS ONE, noted that nearly half of the horses participating in endurance events were eliminated at a vet gate.
“Detecting unfit horses before a health problem occurs and treatment is required is a challenge for veterinarians but is essential for improving equine welfare,” Eric Barrey and his colleagues said.
Barrey, joined in the study by Mohamed Younes, Céline Robert and François Cottin, proposed it would be possible to detect unfit horses earlier in a race by measuring key variables, including heart-rate recovery. Their hypothesis proved correct...
Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/09/01/endurance-eliminations-predicted-researchers/#ixzz3kgh8q157
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