About 30% of lameness in horses is associated with foot problems, yet little research focuses on the biomechanics and function of the equine hoof. Researchers recently found slight differences in horses’ hooves following exercise.

They believed the exercise would increase blood flow to the hoof, which would accelerate growth and change the hoof wall and shape.

Excellence in equestrian sport does not come easy. It takes an amazing sense of dedication, incredible skill, and a courageous heart. In 2009, five horses (and their riders, drivers, and handlers) have shown the world exactly those qualities. For each of them, their hard work and brilliant talent has garnered them a nomination for the United States Equestrian Federation’s highest honor b

Authorities now say two miniature horses have died in a fire that consumed a southwestern Ohio raceway barn last weekend, bringing to 45 the number of horses killed along with two men.

The blaze early Dec. 5 at Lebanon Raceway is still under investigation. Authorities have ruled out arson, but they said Tuesday it could be weeks before they complete their investigation into the ca

It seems impossible to think that a little more than four months ago Kip Deville, the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Mile victor and four-time grade I winner, was in seemingly fine health and competing in a graded stakes race at Saratoga.

Now, the 6-year-old son of Kipling–the horse that put prominent Thoroughbred owners IEAH Stables on the map–is fighting for his life. And unfortunatel

Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will kick off with hundreds of horses and athletes, marching bands, orchestras, world-renowned singers and a Kentucky “Call to the Post.”

The Games are the world’s most prestigious equestrian event, featuring world championships in eight equestrian sports. The 2010 Games, September 25-October 10, will

Although studies have been completed to determine threshold levels for almost 20 therapeutic medications, it doesn’t mean the industry will know for certain whether the drugs can impact equine performance. And it remains to be seen whether racing commissions will adopt the testing levels.

The week of the University of Arizona Symposium on Racing & Gaming ended like it bega

Dudley Hoskins has joined the American Horse Council and will serve as the new Director of Health & Regulatory Affairs.

Prior to joining the AHC, Hoskins completed a legal internship with Senator David Vitter of Louisiana and extensive pro bono work with the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas. Hoskins worked in a civil litigation firm throughout law school, a

Several of the 84 allegedly malnourished horses removed from a Cannon County, Tenn., farm have gained enough strength to move on to equine rescue facilities where their rehabilitative care will continue.

Last month, Tennessee State agricultural authorities and Humane Society of the United States personnel moved the horses from the farm to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashvil

Dee Ellis, DVM, has been named Texas’ new state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. Ellis will replace Bob Hillman, DVM, who will retire December 31 after serving in livestock and poultry health leadership capacities for more than three decades and as Texas’ state veterinaria

As if equine Cushing’s, metabolic syndrome, laminitis, and insulin resistance weren’t enough to worry about in our aging horses, we can now add “immunosenescence” and “inflammaging” to the list.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners welcomed Bill Brewer, former head of the American Quarter Horse Association, to the AAEP board of directors at the 55th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. Brewer will serve as the equine industry board member and was sworn in at the President’s Luncheon Dec. 8.

Brewer of Amarillo, Texas, served as executive vice president

Insulin resistance has profound consequences for affected horses, yet there are currently no licensed treatment options. Management of the condition is primarily aimed at modifying the affected horse’s diet, maintaining a healthy body condition score, and instituting a regular exercise program. Considering the “distinct lack of equine-specific research,” Glenys

The Jockey Club Equine Injury Database has compiled statistics over a 12-month period for 84% of all flat racing in North America, but now comes the process of analyzing the data in an attempt to quantify the results.

Dr. Mary Scollay, equine medical director for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and veterinary consultant for the EID, said Dec. 9 stats were taken from Nov. 1, 2

The World Games 2010 Foundation announced Dec. 3 that OTTO Sport- und Reitplatz GmbH of Germany will be the official footing supplier of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Games feature the world championships of eight equestrian sports at the Kentucky Horse Park from Sept. 25 through Oct. 10, 2010 in Lexington, Ky.

OTTO Sport is a family-run company with more than 2

The University of Minnesota Extension Horse Team is offering two regional horse owner education programs in early 2010. Each program offers research-based information presented by knowledgeable speakers. The programs are held on Saturdays and begin at 1 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.) and end at 4:30 p.m. The dates, locations and topics are as follows:

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