As winter progresses, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds animal owners to plan for routine winter hazards. All pet and livestock owners must ensure an adequate supply of feed and water for their animals, as well as shelter from the wind and other elements.

“Recent winter weather conditions and frigid temperatures are a reminder of Michigan’s unpredictabl

Standardbred rescue organizations will be the beneficiary of a new charitable effort, “Halters for Hope,” which will provide extraordinary access to memorabilia from harness racing’s biggest stars.

Worn halters with engraved nameplates, will be collected from the caretakers of sport’s top racehorses, sires, and broodmares, an

When it comes to preparing your senior equine for winter weather, small steps can go a long way to support your horse’s health and comfort.

New equine research, practical veterinary techniques, and business education attracted a record 7,611 attendees to the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ 55th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 5 – 9. The previous record was set during the 2007 convention in Orlando, Fla.

“The economy has affected all aspects of the horse industry in 2009, and I believe

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has revised its National Veterinary Accreditation Program. The changes will strengthen animal health safeguarding activities and increase the training and skills of accredited veterinarians in disease prevention and preparedness for animal health emergencies.

The United States depends extensively on accredited veter

The University of California, Davis, received almost $622 million in research funds in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009. The total is a record for the campus and the fifth consecutive year that research funds have topped a half-billion dollars.

These funds include $71,476,448 for the School of Veterinary Medicine. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences also

Seven stars of equestrian sport have each been named recipients of one of seven different competitive trophies awarded during the United States Equestrian Federation’s Pegasus Awards on January 16 at the Downtown Marriot in Louisville, Ky.

One of these seven award winners will be named the overall Equestrian of the Year.

Understanding Your Horse’s Weight is a practical guide to maintaining your horse’s optimum weight and body condition. Written in an easy-to-understand style, the book takes readers through the step-by-step process of determining whether they have an overweight horse and discusses the best practices for correcting the problem. It also offers insight into the equine diseases linked to obesity.

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is implementing a drug testing and show processing fee that will go into effect January 1, 2010. Starting with shows in January, show management will begin collecting a $5 per horse per show fee that will go toward increasing the breadth and depth of drug testing and the development of a stewards program.

For more than 40 years, AQHA&#

Excellence in equestrian sport does not come easy. It takes an amazing sense of dedication, incredible skill, and a courageous heart. In 2009, five horses (and their riders, drivers, and handlers) have shown the world exactly those qualities. For each of them, their hard work and brilliant talent has garnered them a nomination for the United States Equestrian Federation’s highest honor b

Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will kick off with hundreds of horses and athletes, marching bands, orchestras, world-renowned singers and a Kentucky “Call to the Post.”

The Games are the world’s most prestigious equestrian event, featuring world championships in eight equestrian sports. The 2010 Games, September 25-October 10, will

Dudley Hoskins has joined the American Horse Council and will serve as the new Director of Health & Regulatory Affairs.

Prior to joining the AHC, Hoskins completed a legal internship with Senator David Vitter of Louisiana and extensive pro bono work with the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas. Hoskins worked in a civil litigation firm throughout law school, a

Several of the 84 allegedly malnourished horses removed from a Cannon County, Tenn., farm have gained enough strength to move on to equine rescue facilities where their rehabilitative care will continue.

Last month, Tennessee State agricultural authorities and Humane Society of the United States personnel moved the horses from the farm to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashvil

Dee Ellis, DVM, has been named Texas’ new state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. Ellis will replace Bob Hillman, DVM, who will retire December 31 after serving in livestock and poultry health leadership capacities for more than three decades and as Texas’ state veterinaria

The World Games 2010 Foundation announced Dec. 3 that OTTO Sport- und Reitplatz GmbH of Germany will be the official footing supplier of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Games feature the world championships of eight equestrian sports at the Kentucky Horse Park from Sept. 25 through Oct. 10, 2010 in Lexington, Ky.

OTTO Sport is a family-run company with more than 2

John S. Mitchell, DVM, a Standardbred racetrack practitioner in Pompano Beach, Fla., will join the AAEP Executive Committee as 2010 AAEP vice president at the 55th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

Dr. Mitchell will be sworn in as a member of the Executive Committee during the Dec. 8 President’s Luncheon at the 55th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. With this appointment