Latest News – The Horse
Joint Problems: Blood Tests Might Aid Early Screening
New research comparing biomarkers in a horse’s blood with X rays showed these tests might be useful for predicting whether the animal is at risk of developing a bone or joint disorder, such as arthritis, said the study authors.
Thoroughbred Sire El Prado Dead
Prominent Thoroughbred sire El Prado died of a heart problem in his paddock at Adena Springs near Paris, Ky. the morning of Sept. 21. The son of Sadler’s Wells was 20 years old.
“It’s a very sad moment for us at the farm–we’re still in shell shock about the whole thing,” said Adena’s Dermot Carty. “On the other hand,
Maryland State Animal Health Services Consolidated
Ongoing operating budget shortfalls (nearly $500,000 in 2009) along with a long-term services evaluation has led the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to consolidate the state’s Animal Health field and laboratory services. The MDA began closing the College Park, Centreville, and Oakland Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratories. During September, operations at these three facilities will b
Scenic Trail Act Could Expand Equestrian Access
The Complete America’s Great Trails Act (HR 1912) has found support from the American Horse Council. This bill was introduced by Rep. Gerry E. Connolly (D-VA) and Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) On April 9, 2009.
Hundreds of thousands of Americas enjoy recreational riding. Whether these recreational riders participate in short trail rides or much longer pack trips they often rely on public
One Year to WEG: Celebration, Tickets Available Friday
With only one year to go until the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the city of Lexington and the World Games Foundation invite the community to celebrate with a downtown festival. The 2010 Games will kick-off for the first time in the United States on September 25, 2010 and last for 16 days, ending on October 10.
Some Like Them Fast
After weeks of news on a female track athlete’s gender testing and associated scandal regarding officials’ handling of the issue, it’s timely to point out
Part 3 of Selena: A reprieve
In Part Three of this excerpt from the new book Equine ER, Selena, a Bluegrass polo pony found critically injured in a field, struggles to
Coat Color Studies Aid Health Research, Breeding Choices
The topic of coat color and coat patterns is of great interest to horse breeders. Color can substantially increase a horse’s marketability. All else being equal, a buyer is often willing to pay more for a horse with an attractive color pattern.
Secretariat Festival Includes Film Casting Call
The Secretariat Festival at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds Sat., Sept. 26 has extra-added importance this year, as producers of the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures film Secretariat will be picking one of the horses to star in the lead role in the movie.
Rusty Hendrickson, lead wrangler for the film, has all ready selected four horses for the title role, but left one slot vacant for a horse
North Dakota Urges Livestock Anthrax Prevention
Livestock producers in areas with a history of anthrax cases should take measures to protect their animals from the disease, North Dakota animal health officials advise.
“We have just received confirmation of a case of anthrax in cattle along the Hettinger-Slope County line, the first reported in that area in many years and the first confirmed case in the state this year,” said Susan
Iris Scan Horse Identification in the Works
A new tool that will allow horses to be identified quickly via an iris scan should be available next year, said the company pioneering it.
“We plan to develop this technology to identify horses,” said Bobby Varma, director of business development for Sarnoff Corporation.
Sarnoff was commissioned to build the scanner by Global Animal Management, a company that plans to bring this
Hendra Virus Research Fund Dedicated to Vet
The University of Queensland has set up a Memorial Fund in honor of Alister Rodgers, BVSc, who died of zoonotic Hendra virus earlier this month. He contracted the virus while treating a sick foal.
At the request of Rodgers’ family, the Alister Rodgers Memorial Hendra Virus Research Assistance Fund has been set up by the
Older Horse Elmer Bandit Completes Iowa Competitive Ride
Perfect fall weather found 38-year-old Elmer Bandit completing both days of the Stephens Forest Competitive Trail event near Lucas, Iowa, this past weekend. The event added 40 miles to the gray, half-Arabian’s record mileage, which now stands at 20,780 miles.
Although not competing as much this year, owner and rider Mary Ann
Drug Testing, Prosecution Focus of Racing Conference
A seminar focused on drug testing and the prosecution of a medication case will be the focus of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program’s second annual Officiating Horse Racing Conference on Dec. 7, 2009, at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s Symposium on Racing and Gaming at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Ariz.
The year’s conference is
Rutgers’ Young Horse Program Adds Mustangs to the Mix
Mustangs are the latest twist in the Young Horse Program at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.
Started in 1999 by Associate Professor Sarah Ralston, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVN, the program teaches students about handling, training, and nutrition of young horses.
The program initially used draft cross weanlings from PMU ranches.
Michigan State Unveils Large-Animal Open-Bore MRI
Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine is now armed with what it says is the first large-animal, open-bore MRI ever at an academic institution, a move that will allow veterinarians to tackle research questions and greatly impact both animal and human health.
The MRI unit, which became fully operational in August, has a 70-centimeter opening that is nearly 50%