About 75 veterinarians gathered to discuss common lameness problems faced by gaited horses during the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention.

Foot lameness was the first topic of discussion, especially the high heel/low toe problem. Solutions included shoeing changes, for example with a wedge under the low heel to match the high heel.

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A Texas man remains in jail following his arrest on animal cruelty charges for allegedly maltreating donkeys and horses on his property.

Acting on a complaint on Sunday, Fannin County Sherriff’s Office and Habitat for Horses investigators discovered the carcasses of at least 22 Miniature Donkeys and three horses on a Leonard, Texas, ranch. Nine allegedly malnourished Miniature

Equine veterinarians commonly prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for horses to treat a myriad of diseases, including colic, respiratory disease, and lameness. NSAIDs are also very common in human medicine, and include such drugs as aspirin and ibuprofen. Most horse owners have probably used NSAIDs too, such as phenylbutazone, or “bute,” in one of their horses

The five-year project, titled “Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations,” will focus on three areas: horse and pasture interaction; nutrient management and manure management; and water, soil, and air quality in horse operations.

The Kentucky Horse Council said Jan. 12 it has modified its mission statement to offer a “more accurate reflection” of how its role in the equine community has evolved.

The KHC board of directors recently adopted the new mission statement, officials said. It reads: “The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership,

New material about hoof maintenance, shoes and boots, and diagnostics has been added to the revised edition of Heather Smith Thomas’ Understanding Equine Hoof Care, now available from Eclipse Press.

This handy reference covers a wide array of topics including cleaning and tri

It was revealed at the World Thoroughbred Rankings press conference in London, England on Jan. 12 that Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, instead of being fourth and fifth, respectively, in the final global standings for 2009, should really be third and fourth.

Zenyatta’s official rating of 128 should increase 131 bec

For more than 150 years veterinarians have been performing prepurchase exams, also referred to as vetting, purchase exams, and soundness exams. The definition of “sound” in England in 1842 implied “an absence of disease or seeds of disease” as a qualification for being used for an intended purpose, noted Steve Soule, VMD, who gave a presentation on the subject

Authorities are testing several solutions, including weather shields and heating elements. Until a solution is found, USRider reminds all drivers, but especially those trailering horses, to be extra cautious at intersections during inclement weather.

Zenyatta has received another boost. The 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner was rated one pound ahead of Rachel Alexandra in the World Thoroughbred Rankings, comprising horses that raced worldwide last year and achieved a rating of 115 or more. But Goldikova earned the top ranking of any other female.

Zenyatta was awarded a rating of 128, with her archrival at 127, by the offic

Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue has become the second equine rescue and sanctuary accredited to the standards of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. The accreditation signifies the official implementation of clear and respected international standards for the public, do

Jockey Eriluis Vaz, one of two riders involved in a mounted fight during Philadelphia Park’s fifth race Jan. 8, has issued a public apology for what he terms “bad judgment” as he awaits a hearing before the stewards along with fellow rider Ademar Santos.

“I would like to … say how sorry I really am for the incident that happened between myself and Mr. Santos,&

Blue, a 5-year-old Pinto mare reported stolen in Iredell County, N.C., has been located and returned to her owners, CharlotteObserver.com reported.

A woman who purchased the mare for $60 alerted police after she saw a local television broadcast about the missing horse. The thief had ridden

Want to rehabilitate a neglected horse but don’t know where to start? A new brochure from the American Horse Council might help.

The new brochure, done in partnership with AHC sponsors Nutrena, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, and the American Farrier’s Association, shows horse owners who have rescued a neglected horse how to properly bring that animal back to a hea