2008: A Year in Equine Health News

The Horse Staff December 30, 2008

What a year it has been. The equine industry has had its ups and downs–from the losses of Eight Belles and Teddy O’Connor, to the amazing story of 37-year-old superhorse Elmer Bandit, as well as the incredible display of equine talent at the

Charges Filed in Pennsylvania Pony Abuse Case

Pat Raia December 30, 2008

A Pennsylvania man accused of mistreating 11 ponies and one donkey has been formally charged with 38 counts of animal cruelty. Joseph Mayer was charged with 12 counts of inadequate sustenance, 13 counts of unsanitary confinement, and 13 counts o

Heavy Snow Causes Problems for Horse Owners

Jennifer Walker December 30, 2008

After experiencing her area’s worst snowstorm since 1968, Beth Sandland of Sandy, Ore., was unable to visit her boarded horses for three weeks.

However, other horse owners have had to deal with a more serious side effect of winter weather:

You Told Us: Favorite Happy News on TheHorse.com

Megan Arszman December 30, 2008

A total of 700 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, “Which happy stories did you most enjoy on TheHorse.com this year?”

Surgery for Injured Race Filly Postponed

Jack Shinar December 29, 2008

Surgery for the brilliant filly Indyanne, who fractured a sesamoid in her left front ankle while leading in the stretch of the La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita Park Dec. 27, has been postponed, trainer Greg Gilchrist said the morning following the

Dam Wins Battle of the Sexes to Protect Foal

Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc December 29, 2008

After witnessing a rare (and unsuccessful) infanticide attack by a stallion on a one-hour-old foal, behavior researcher Meeghan Gray, PhD, from the University of Nevada, Reno, reported findings from the macabre event.

“In this first report

Tips for Avoiding Barn Fires

Edited Press Release December 29, 2008

Get some practical tips on how you can reduce the risk fire in your barn.

Horse Feed Assistance for Laid Off Kentucky Horse Owners

Edited Press Release December 29, 2008

Kentucky horse owners experiencing a recent job loss could be eligible for assistance with feeding their horses through the Kentucky Horse Council’s (KHC) Equine Safety Net program.

“There are many responsible horse owners

South Carolina Horse Abuse Case Remains Unresolved

Pat Raia December 29, 2008

Last February, the Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA) of Columbia, S.C., seized 45 allegedly malnourished and neglected horses from Hazelene, James, and Terry Trexler. Nearly one year later, the horses

Survey Finds Eventers Nutritionally Sound, but Oversupplemented

Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc December 28, 2008

In a survey of leading three-day event riders, researchers found that the majority of riders fed their horses based on research-driven recommendations, but the number of supplements used per horse did raise some eyebrows.

During the Jersey