There are many triggers for stomach ulcer development, and stress is an important factor. Horses are especially sensitive and may experience stress when exposed to situations you would think of as normal, including: competition, training, travel, lay-up due to sickness or injury, shows or events, limited turnout or grazing, or trailering.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on May 11 held a roundtable discussion with a variety of industry stakeholders on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). This was the second in a series of listening sessions the USDA will hold throughout the country on the subject so the department can gather feedback and input that will assist the Secretary in making decisions about the future

Although anecdotes suggest the number of unwanted horses is growing, there is very little data that measures the magnitude of the problem or how extensively the various options to address the issue are being implemented.

To get a better handle on this situation, Jill Montgomery of JRAM Enterprises, an equine industry consulting firm, and Tom Lenz, DVM, chairman of the Unwanted Horse

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously May 12 to adopt the recommended report of a hearing officer in the five-year suspension of veterinarian Rodney Stewart, DVM.

That report, issued April 6, involved state racing stewards’ rulings dated Sept. 17, 2007, in regard to Stewart’s possession of multiple prohibited substances, mislabeled medications, and other matters,

Seventeen students have been selected to participate in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Summer Scholars Program, an introduction to biomedical research through research-driven activities.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute of Lexington, Ky., strives to train veterinarians, first responders, and individual horse owners in large animal emergency response techniques by offering annual courses.

The group’s next large animal emergency response training course will take place Aug. 20-21 and 22-23, at the Kentucky Horse Park. Each course is “hands-on” and uses live, trained horses

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is soliciting bids for new long-term pasture facilities located in the continental United States.

One solicitation is for pasture facilities to hold 200 to 1,000 wild horses; the other is for facilities holding 1,000 to 5,000 wild horses. Both solicitations, which are open for 60 days, are for dry mares, mares in foal, and geldings. Each pasture

International authorities in horse behavior, training, and welfare will converge in Sydney for the 5th Equitation Science Annual Conference to be held at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science and Centennial Parkland Equestrian Centre July 12-14. Coaches and competitors are welcomed to attend.

“Ethical Equitation: A Sustainable Approach” will be the theme of this year’s

The Brooke Hospital for Animals, a UK equine welfare charity that operates across 10 countries in Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Middle East, has released guidelines for tourists utilizing the services of working animals while on holiday.

The Brooke is calling on all tourists to take action against the abuse of working equids by following a simple code when using working 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 Decembe

Stonestreet Stables and partner Harold T. McCormick announced May 8 that Calvin Borel has agreed to ride Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra for the current racing season. Also, Stonestreet said it plans to run the filly in the May 16 Preakness Stakes.

In making the decision, Borel selected the filly over Mine That Bird, whom he rode to an upset victory in the Kentucky Derby. Mine That

The American Horse Council is working to preserve the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP). If Congress does not take action this year this program could be eliminated, thereby impacting recreational riders.

The RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational

After a 12-week trial, Buckinghamshire horse dealer James Gray and several members of his family were on May 8 found guilty on charges of animal cruelty at Bicester Magistrates Court.

James and his son Jamie Gray were found guilty of all charges under sections 4 and 9 of the Animal Welfare Act. His wife Julie and daughters Jodie and Cordelia were found guilty of all

Arthroscopic surgery has become a common treatment for horses suffering lameness issues caused by bone chips in the knee. The standard rehabilitation program after that surgery involves a lot of rest.