2008: A Year in Equine Health News
What a year it has been. The equine industry has had its ups and downs–from the losses of Eight Belles and Teddy O’Connor, to the amazing story of 37-year-old superhorse Elmer Bandit, as well as the incredible display of equine talent at the
What a year it has been. The equine industry has had its ups and downs–from the losses of Eight Belles and Teddy O’Connor, to the amazing story of 37-year-old superhorse Elmer Bandit, as well as the incredible display of equine talent at the 2008 Olympic Games.
These are the most-read news articles out of the nearly 2,300 posted on TheHorse.com in 2008:
January
Horses Seized from Another Colorado Rescue
Operators of another Colorado horse rescue have been accused of animal cruelty, less than a month after a similar case occurred in the state. Now, one rescue industry operator in that state says the two seizures illustrate the plight of well-intentioned rescuers who become overwhelmed when their herds significantly increase.
February
Hands Off: New Research on Impact of Human Intervention on Foal Behavior
Human interaction with foals at a critical early developmental age appears to be a stressor, whereas positive human interaction with the dam creates a strong model for the observing foal, according to a series of ongoing research projects at the University of Rennes in northwestern France.
March
Study: Farrier Selection Impacts More Than Hoof Shape
Choice of farrier may have a significant influence not only on the shape of a horse’s hoof, but its soundness and athletic ability as well, according to new research carried out by veterinarians in Switzerland.
We first met Elmer Bandit, a 37-year-old gelding going for a record, at the start of the competitive trail season in April.
Controversial Massachusetts Horse Case Pushed Back to May Date
The controversial Massachusetts animal cruelty case involving a geriatric mare that some animal welfare advocates maintain should be euthanized was continued to May 6 during a pre-trial hearing today in Uxbridge District Court.
- Glucosamine and Joint Health: Pharmacologic Research Ongoing
- 37-Year-Old Horse Closing in on Trail Mileage Record
May
Theodore O’Connor, the 13-year-old eventing “super pony” was euthanized today as a result of an injury sustained in an accident at Karen and David O’Connor’s barn in The Plains, Va., according to a statement released by the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
- Horse Feed Recall Affects East Coast
- Rider in Hospital, Horse Euthanized After Accident at Rolex Event
June
Brain Dysfunction in Cribbing Horses Gives Researchers Something to Chew On
In the first study of its kind, researchers from the United Kingdom have discovered that cribbing horses learn differently than horses that don’t crib.
The cost of horse seizures adds up quickly, particularly when dealing with large herds in poor condition.
No one likes a rebellious horse, particularly in the show ring, and excessive tail swishing or wringing is often penalized by judges as a sign of resistance. To avoid this penalty, or simply to ensure low tail carriage, trainers and exhibitors sometimes have a show horse’s tail area injected with a substance designed to temporarily paralyze the tail to some degree (“tail blocking” or “nerving”) so it lies flat and quiet during the show. Unfortunately, this procedure is not without risk of permanent damage.
August
Four Olympic Jumpers Suspended after Prohibited Substance Found
It’s stormy here in Hong Kong, and not just because of impending Typhoon Nuri, which threatened to disrupt the individual jumping final, but looks as if it will hold off for most if not all of the Aug. 21 evening competition.
About an hour before the jumping final got under way, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) announced that four horse/rider combinations that had qualified for the individual finals had been provisionally suspended, and therefore will not compete, because of doping/medication-control tests that indicated the presence of an illegal substance in each horse.
Show jumper Gem Twist was one of several champions cloned this year.
Men Face Charges in Pack Horse Cruelty Case
Four horses are recovering in the care of the Bitter Root Humane Association of Hamilton, Mont., after they were found alongside a trail and stabled at a storage facility along the Montana-Idaho border in August. Meanwhile, two men, each charged with four counts of animal cruelty associated with these horses, await their pretrial hearing set for Oct. 9.
October
Horse Owners Look to Save During Economic Crunch
The current economic climate and tight credit markets have everyone looking for ways to live more frugally, and horse owners are no exception.
“Nervousness about loans and housing is certainly affecting people,” said American Horse Council president James Hickey Jr. From industry meetings, Hickey has observed that there is a general concern that horse sales are flat and show entries are down. In times like this, Hickey notes that people are going to cut back. “Horses are not a basic need,” he said.
- Elmer Bandit Did It! 37-Year-Old Horse Sets New Mileage Record
- Horse Rescue Offers Low-Cost Euthanasia Clinic
November
Thoroughbred Adoption Service Launched for FREE Horses
Thoroughbreds are great athletes, and they also are great pleasure and companion animals for those who love horses.
Bloodhorse.com and TheHorse.com are teaming up to bring Thoroughbreds in need of homes to the attention of hundreds of thousands of horse owners across the United States. Creating this database was the brainchild of Antony Beck of Gainesway Farm.
December
Test Reveals Arabian Sire as Carrier of Neurologic Disorder
A prominent Arabian horse breeding operation based in the United Arab Emirates recently became the first to publicly announce one of its stallions is a carrier of cerebellar abiotrophy (CA). Albidayer Stud released the news that World Champion Arabian stallion Marajj is a carrier for the inherited neurologic disease, for which a DNA test recently became available.
- 42 Horses Die in Minnesota Barn Fire
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Written by:
The Horse Staff
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