The 2009 World Equine Veterinary Association Congress, held in Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil, included discussions of Rhodococcus equi, which causes foal pneumonia; sleep disorders and seizures; guttural pouch problems; late-term abortion; and tendon sheath problems/lameness.

Horses’ beauty in motion is achieved via the culmination of a complex and highly integrated interaction between muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and a variety of other connective tissues. Successful coordination of all musculoskeletal system components is imperative for smooth, fluid, pain-free movement.

Make sure you meet paperwork requirements before shipping horses, whether across oceans or state lines.

The economy and its far-reaching effects on horse health and welfare was a major focus in 2009, along with polo pony deaths, Miami horse poaching, an amazing story of rehabilitation, and disease investigations book-ending the year.

It wasn’t always fun, but it sure was interesting.

These are the most-read news articles out of the nearly 2,200 posted on TheHorse.com

A California family has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony animal cruelty in connection with the maltreatment of horses at their 21-acre ranch near Frazier Park, Calif.

Jane Bor, her son Ernie, and daughter-in-law Cecelia were arrested in October 2008 after authorities took custody of 100 allegedly maltreated horses residing on their property. The three were each charged

New York racing authorities are authorized to conduct unannounced drug testing of horses that are expected to compete at tracks in the state even when they are stabled at farms away from those tracks under rules going into effect Jan. 1.

In a statement from the New York Racing and Wagering Board, chairman John D. Sabini said the new “out of competition” rules apply to al

Disease monitoring is the ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and distribution of health-related information. Surveillance is a process that is specific for a particular disease within a defined monitoring system and implies that an intervention strategy will be initiated at some predetermined threshold level. For a disease like equine infectious anemia (EIA) or cases of a foreign anima

Manual therapy was defined, with an explanation of the terms mobilization, manipulation, and adjustments. Educational opportunities for those wishing to pursue training in manual therapy techniques was provided to those in the group, and some attendees shared their educational experiences at the different certification programs.

More than 720 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, “What is your top New Year’s resolution for you and your horse for 2010?”

Results were as follows:

•Spend more time with my horse 55.05% (398)

•Reach a competition goal 19.78% (143)

•Other (explain below) 12.17% (88)

•Purchase a new horse 3.87% (28)

A pony recently brought to a New Jersey stable from a sale barn in Pennsylvania was confirmed positive for equine infectious anemia. Officials in Pennsylvania are investigating the source of the infection. The pony, which had been obtained by an equine rescue group, was euthanized.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA), also called “swamp fever,” is an infectious, viral disease

Horse owners should monitor the snow load situation on their barns and buildings and take appropriate action.

The Clermont County Humane Society of Batavia, Ohio, is seeking donations of hay, feed, blankets, and other supplies needed to care for six allegedly malnourished Thoroughbred horses removed from a Bethel, Ohio, farm. County animal control officials seized the animals Monday.

One pony and a donkey were also removed from the premises. The animals are now receiving rehabilitative ca

Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society is a rescue organization that helps horses, donkeys, and mules throughout Texas and Arkansas. The organization has taken in more than 125 horses and investigated over 250 neglect cases in 2009.

Law enforcement continues to call the group with requests for help, but the organization is out of room.

“It is easy to say that we cannot s

Eating well is not always eating safely; horse managers who ignore that lesson when feeding their animals might be creating digestive problems for their horses. “Many feeding management recommendations for horses are related to supplying energy safely,” said Dave Freeman, PhD, PAS, Dipl. ACAN, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension equine specialist. “Most of

Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of three horses and five cows in two Wisconsin counties.

Last month, three horses and five cows were discovered either dead or dying in their pastures in Dunn and Barron counties. All of the animals had sustained small caliber gunshot wounds. Livestock shootings were also reported in nearby St. Croix county.