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Readers Respond: Take the Pain Away

Megan Arszman May 7, 2008

Nearly 1,200 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, “What concerns do you have about short- and long-term pain management in horses?”

Racing Authority Responds to Animal Rights Groups’ Objections

The Blood-Horse Staff May 6, 2008

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority released a statement May 5 regarding Eight Belles, who was injured and subsequently euthanized after the May 3 Kentucky Derby. It followed demands by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals for changes in the

Animal Rights Groups Target Eight Belles’ Injury

Tom LaMarra May 6, 2008

In the wake of the death of the filly Eight Belles as she galloped out after the May 3 Kentucky Derby, animal rights organizations are publicly calling for changes–some of them drastic–for the horseracing industry.

The group People for th

Cataracts in Horses

Nancy S. Loving, DVM May 6, 2008

Cataracts have been found to be heritable in Belgians, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Rocky Mountain Horses, and Quarter Horses. In other instances, cataracts can develop secondary to trauma or due to chronic inflammation from uveitis (moon blindness).

Chelokee’s Surgery Goes ‘Very Well’

Deirdre Biles May 6, 2008

Chelokee, who dislocated his right front ankle May 2 at Churchill Downs, underwent surgery that “went very well” May 5 at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, according to Larry Bramlage, DVM, Dipl. ACVS. He added that “everything had

Air Your Thoughts on Eight Belles

The Horse Staff May 6, 2008

The Blood-Horse, sister publication to The Horse, has set up an open blog so that readers can share their thoughts on and memories of Eight Belles. It can be accessed through

Vermont Firefighters Pull Horse From Well

The Associated Press May 6, 2008

Pittsford, Vt., firefighters rescued a horse that had fallen six or seven feet into an open well.

Fire Chief Tom Hooker said when firefighters arrived on Monday evening the animal was completely submerged in water.

Rescuers used a hose

PETA Demonstrates; Could Pursue Charges

Tom LaMarra May 6, 2008

A spokeswoman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which staged a peaceful demonstration May 6 in front of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority office near Lexington, said similar demonstrations are planned for upcoming Triple

Purina Recalling Horse Feed in Eastern States

Erin Ryder May 5, 2008

Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC has implemented a voluntary recall of some horse feed due to a possible excess of aflatoxin. According to a statement released by the company, no confirmed animal health complaints attributable to aflatoxins have bee

Eight Belles’ Injury Raises Questions About Racing Industry

The Associated Press May 5, 2008

A day after Big Brown blazed across the finish line, the snapshot of Eight Belles down on the dirt set off a raging debate that extended far beyond the Kentucky Derby: Is horse racing now facing an image crisis?

With the memory of Barbaro

Eight Belles’ Trainer Defends Jockey

The Associated Press May 5, 2008

The trainer of euthanized filly Eight Belles adamantly defended the way jockey Gabriel Saez handled the Kentucky Derby runner-up. In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, Larry Jones said Saez applied the whip only to prevent Eight

Gastrointestinal Disease, Colic, and Carbohydrate Nutrition

Nancy S. Loving, DVM May 5, 2008

How is feeding carbohydrates related to gastrointestinal (GI) disease? The propensity to feed high-grain and high-concentrate diets instead of relying on high-fiber diets has increased the incidence of colic.

Horse Feed Recall Affects East Coast

Erin Ryder May 5, 2008

Horse feed dealers are the key to identifying if there’s a potential problem with recently purchased Purina feed, according to Land O’Lakes spokesperson Lydia Botham.

Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC recently announced a recall of certain horse

Equine Ambulance Appearing at NYC Horse Exhibit

Edited Press Release May 5, 2008

Humane Equine Aid and Rapid Transport (HEART), a state-of-the-art equine ambulance, has been invited to the opening of the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibit in New York City.

The exhibit opens on May 17, 2008, and will be held