Perhaps the Horse of the Year title is not a foregone conclusion. Zenyatta gave the crowd what they waited for–and the patrons responded by cheering, clapping, and waving–as she ran her unbeaten streak to 14 with a magnificent performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 7 at Santa Anita.

Zenyatta looked uncomfortable for the first 200 yards and was last the first time by

Gulch, the 1988 champion sprinter the year he won the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I), has been pensioned from stallion duty because of declining fertility at William S. Farish's Lane's End Farm near Versailles, Ky. In other news, Lane End's has reduced A.P. Indy's fee to $150,000 from $250,000 for 2010.

Gulch, one of the leading sons of Mr. Prospector as both a

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RCTA) has announced John Harris, a leader in California agribusiness and racing, as the RCTA Community Award honoree. Harris currently serves as chairman of the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). Harris was honored at the 7th annual White Horse Heroes Luncheon at Oak Tree Racing Association at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Thursday (Nov.

On Dec. 14 EquestrianProfessional.com will continue its horse business seminar series with "What Every Equine Business Person Needs to Know About the Law." The guest speaker will be renowned equine law expert and author Julie I. Fershtman, attorney at law.

According to the seminar organizers, Fershtman is

This holiday season horse owners can help equestrians and horse lovers with disabilities each time they purchase bags of Manna Pro horse treats at retailers across the U.S and Canada. In this new partnership, a portion of the proceeds from Manna Pro Horse Treats will go directly to NARHA, whose centers provide equine-assisted activities and therapies to children and adults with special

In developing countries, working horses, donkeys, and mules are most often used for heavy labor, whether it be hauling heavy loads of cargo or carrying tourists up and down a mountain.

The animals might be suffering from malnourishment, dehydration, disease, lameness, or injury. Rest and recovery is often not a practical option. The animals have no choice but to continue working

Merck & Co. Inc. has outlined its global plans following the completion of Merck's merger with Schering-Plough Corporation.

"With our merger now complete, we are ready to deliver on the promise of a new Merck built on a foundation of scientific innovation and dedication to the well-being of patients around the world," said Richard T. Clark, chairman, president

It's time to find that unique holiday gift and make a tax deductible donation at the same time.

ReRun, a 501 (c)(3) Thoroughbred racehorse adoption program, will hold its annual holiday eBay auction of Moneigh paintings Nov. 29 through Dec. 6, 2009. The paintings are created by horses themselves. This will be ReRun's largest auction ever, with about 40 paintings to bid

Equine herpesvirus-5, which had previously been reported in horses in the United States, is also present in the European horse population, researchers recently reported. They found the virus in horses without any signs of disease (known as subclinical infection) and those with various respiratory signs or fatigue.

"EHV-5 is more or less considered as an immune-modulating

A 7-year-old girl who had to give up her horse when he was identified as stolen has found a new partner in a 16-year-old gelding rescued from slaughter.

Civilian riders can earn their stripes, so to speak, by attending a presentation November 19 by the Lexington Mounted Police. The free public program offered by Alltech, sponsor of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, is entitled "Sensory Training: How to Bombproof Your Horse."

 Sgt. Ellen Sam and other training officers from the Lexington Mounted Police will show

The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), in support of the University of Kentucky Saddle Up Safely campaign, is waiving its fees for the CHA Instructor Certification Clinic at the Kentucky Horse Park, scheduled for November 19-23, 2009, resulting in a significant reduction in the overall price.

The UK HealthCar

One of New York's carriage companies is seeking new stables for nearly 30 horses during their busiest time of the year. The reason? Urban development.

Eric Bederman, press secretary for the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), said the current 31-stall Shamrock Stables location sits squarely on the city-owned footprint of planned multi-use

The 2011 World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA) Congress has been awarded to India. This decision follows three WEVA intermediate meetings held at various venues in India since 2003. At the 2011 Congress, WEVA will feature its first day of presentations for lay horse owners, farm managers, and riders. More on that new initiative will be forthcoming.

Ravinder Reddy, BVSc,

A couple in the United Kingdom have become the first horse owners convicted of obesity-related animal cruelty under that country's Animal Welfare Act, said a report from Horse and Hound. The Act stipulates that owners must provide a suitable diet for their animals.

Keith and Lynn