AVMA Documents Vet Industry Trends - March 19, 2010
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has revealed a number of interesting trends in veterinary medicine and animal care, sourced from its most recent membership data. For example, new AVMA data shows that veterinarians are increasingly... Full Story

2010 Horse Industry Directory Available - March 19, 2010
The American Horse Council's Horse Industry Directory, a national directory of breed and sport organizations, equine publications, state resources, and racing and gaming organizations, is a yearly effort to bring to you a definitive source that puts... Full Story

Rare White Thoroughbred to Debut at Turfway - March 19, 2010
When Paul Megson attended the 2007 Keeneland November breeding stock sale with his young daughter, Valerie, he had his eye on a particular weanling that stood out from the hundreds of other catalog entries because of one obvious reason: his pure, white... Full Story

Miniature Horse Named America's 'Most Heroic Pet' - March 19, 2010
A Miniature Horse named Magic has been named the "Most Heroic Pet in America" in a vote organized by the AARP. Magic, a therapy horse, has touched thousands of patients over the past few years. She is a special friend to an 8-year-old girl... Full Story

Ocala Equine Podiatry Center Offers Foot and Lameness Symposium - March 19, 2010
The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center of Ocala, Fla., has joined forces with the Rood & Riddle Podiatry Center to offer Sanctuary clients the optimum in foot care by opening a Rood & Riddle Podiatry Center at The Sanctuary.... Full Story

AHC Releases Report on Equestrian Access - March 18, 2010
Today, the American Horse Council released its 2009 Report on Equestrian Access on Federal Land. The 2009 report is intended to provide a brief overview of the responses the AHC received from equestrians to its ongoing access survey in 2009. The report... Full Story

Human WNV Infection Reported Following Equine Necropsy - March 18, 2010
A veterinary student was diagnosed with West Nile virus (WNV) in May 2009 after performing a necropsy on a 4-month-old Welsh pony from Gauteng, South Africa. Six days after performing the necropsy, the student developed fever, malaise, myalgia (muscle... Full Story

Racing Safety Alliance Releases Updated Standards - March 18, 2010
As expected, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance has updated its code of standards to include wagering security measures. The NTRA announced the code for 2010 in a March 17 release. The code can be reviewed... Full Story

Mobile Equine Clinic Hitting the Road - March 18, 2010
Horse owners on rural farms in Missouri and Illinois will have access to a new mobile equine clinic offered by Tim Ellis, DVM, and Burny Baxter, DVM, of Mid Rivers Equine Centre in Wentzville, Mo. "The purpose of our remote-location service... Full Story

LSU Vet School Art Show Features Animals - March 18, 2010
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's 23rd Annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art begins with an opening reception on March 27 at 6 p.m. in the school's library. The exhibition will be on display in the School of Veterinary Medicine... Full Story

Hormone Therapy Might Prevent Equine Abortion - March 17, 2010
Veterinarians might be able to prevent abortions in some pregnant mares that show premature mammary development, Dietrich H. Volkmann, BVSc, MMedVet (Gyn), Dipl. ACT, told equine veterinarians at the 2010 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 14-18... Full Story

The Horse Names Stephanie Church Editor-In-Chief - March 17, 2010
Stephanie L. Church has been named Editor-in-Chief of The Horse, and will lead all editorial initiatives for both print and digital media platforms. Stephanie succeeds Kimberly S. Brown, who has left the company to pursue other business interests. Stephanie... Full Story

Tennessee Lawmakers Seek Felony Charges for Horse Cruelty - March 17, 2010
Horse owners in Tennessee who intentionally neglect their animals would face felony charges under a bill recently introduced into the state's House of Representatives. HB 3386 amends Tennessee's aggravated cruelty to animals statute to include... Full Story

Racehorse Welfare and Safety Summit Scheduled - March 17, 2010
A third Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit has been scheduled for June 28 and 29, 2010, at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. Edward L. Bowen, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, announced details of the meeting today. Coordinated... Full Story

MRSA Human, Animal Health Risks Focus of Symposium - March 17, 2010
Health workers are aware that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be transferred from person to person; they might be less aware of the risks posed to animals by human transmission, and might not know that animals can transfer the... Full Story

Horse Rescued from Sandbar - March 17, 2010
An anonymous donor picked up the tab to rescue a horse from a sandbar in the middle of the fast-moving Gila River five days after the animal was stranded there when its rider attempted to cross the water, The Arizona Republic reported. Rescuers turned... Full Story

New Racehorse Drug Testing Contract in Kentucky - March 17, 2010
A company that conducts equine drug testing in Great Britain but which has not been involved in testing of horses in America has been awarded the contract to handle the testing of horses racing in Kentucky, effective January 2011. The Kentucky Horse... Full Story

Rags to Riches Delivers Colt - March 17, 2010
Champion Rags to Riches, winner of the 2007 Belmont Stakes, delivered a Henrythenavigator colt March 17 in Ireland, where she is scheduled to be bred to Coolmore stallion Galileo. Rags to Riches, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2007, became the... Full Story

New Young Horse Feeding Recommendations Based on Breed - March 16, 2010
New breed-specific growth models will help fine-tune feeding recommendations for young horses in the near future, researchers reported. Although recommendations already exist based on basic body types, such as draft versus light horses, these new... Full Story

Stem Cell Research: Readers Weigh In - March 16, 2010
More than 760 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What do you think about stem cell research for treatment of injuries in horses?" Results were as follows: In favor: 77.94%... Full Story

Track Surface Maintenance Key, Officials Say - March 16, 2010
As people rush to takes sides in the great dirt-versus-synthetic racetrack surface debate, Mick Peterson, MS, PhD, and Santa Anita Park track superintendent Richard Tedesco suggested consistency and maintenance trump type of surface. Injuries to... Full Story

Horse with Rabies Reported in Michigan - March 16, 2010
Michigan livestock and pet owners are being urged to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a horse in Lapeer County tested positive for the disease. "It is essential pet and livestock owners take steps to vaccinate against rabies and... Full Story

Ohio Woman Accused of Cruelty Declines Plea Deal - March 16, 2010
The Ohio woman accused of maltreating more than 40 Arabian horses has rejected a plea agreement that would reduce the charges against her. Robin Vess was charged with 42 counts of animal cruelty last month after animal welfare authorities from the... Full Story

Buy Electronic Horse Books With Free Kindle App for PC - March 16, 2010
A new app for your PC from Amazon.com allows you to read Kindle electronic books on your personal computer. TheHorse.com's sister book publishing arm (Eclipse Press) has a long list of equine-related titles that can be purchased and read for fun... Full Story

NYC Carriage Driver Suspended for Driving Under Influence - March 16, 2010
Saverio Colarusso, a carriage driver from the West 38th street stable, appeared at the Department of Consumer Affairs court in response to summonses issued by the Humane Law Enforcement agents of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to... Full Story

TheHorse.com Web Site Maintenance Scheduled - March 16, 2010
TheHorse.com and BloodHorse.com will be offline for a period of time Thursday, March 18, for maintenance starting at 9 a.m. Thursday's Welfare and Industry enewsletter will be mailed out as usual. E-mail also will be affected for a short time,... Full Story

Infectious Diarrhea in Horses: Determining the Cause - March 15, 2010
Multiple clues can help a practitioner determine the cause of infectious diarrhea or colitis in adult horses, including the farm's history of previous outbreaks, geographic location, and season, said Thomas J. Divers, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVECC, of... Full Story

Deworming Young Horses: When to Start? - March 15, 2010
The thought of your new foal becoming infected with worms is a bit too much to bear for many horse owners. All it takes is one face-to-face meeting with a squirmy white roundworm, the type of parasite most common in horses under two years of age, and... Full Story

Biceps Tendon Surgery Restores Soundness - March 15, 2010
Alexa Briscoe said she had high hopes for Wildfeuer when she acquired the 4-year-old Bavarian Warmblood in 2000. Her plan was to someday compete in Grand Prix dressage with him. But when Wildfeuer was 10, he began to exhibit intermittent episodes of... Full Story

Rachel Alexandra Out of Apple Blossom - March 15, 2010
Jess Jackson, principal owner of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, announced March 14 that the 4-year-old filly will not face Zenyatta in the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park April 9. Jackson's announcement, after consultation with... Full Story

Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association Formed - March 15, 2010
A new professional organization, the North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association, has been launched as the result of a recent international conference, co-sponsored by the University of California, Davis, which focused on the use of stem... Full Story

University of Maryland Seeks Teaching Horses - March 15, 2010
Do you have a horse that needs a new home? The Equine Studies Program at the University of Maryland is seeking donations of sound and healthy horses to be used in the teaching program on the College Park campus. Horse donations are tax deductible and... Full Story

Laminitis: Physical Management Discussed at Vet Conference - March 14, 2010
Adjusting a laminitic horse's weight bearing plays a crucial role in the animal's recovery, explained Debra Ruffin Taylor, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of Auburn University, at the 2010 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 14-18 in Las Vegas, Nev. "I... Full Story

Champion Mare Zenyatta Stays Unbeaten in 2010 Debut - March 14, 2010
Undefeated Zenyatta, showing she's ready for next month's much-anticipated Apple Blossom Handicap, caught the outsider Dance to My Tune in deep stretch to register her 15th consecutive victory March 13 in the $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational... Full Story

Rachel Alexandra Loses in Stretch Duel - March 14, 2010
Making her 4-year-old debut, Rachel Alexandra was stunned by Zardana, who tackled the reigning Horse of the Year at the top of the stretch and outdueled the heavy favorite to win by three parts of a length in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies Stakes March... Full Story

Posture, Behaviors Indicate Horse Well-Being - March 13, 2010
If a horse spends most of his time standing in the same position in his stall, would you say he's just bored? And what about a mare that threatens to bite when you approach her stall--is she vicious? The latest behavior research coming out of... Full Story

Will Weight Disadvantage Stop Zenyatta? - March 13, 2010
For Zenyatta, the wait is over--but not the weight. The undefeated mare will carry top weight of 127 pounds today when she makes her 2010 debut in the $250,000 Santa Margarita Handicap (gr. I), spotting eight who entered from 12 to 19 pounds in the nine-furlong... Full Story

Piroplasmosis to be Discussed in WSU Innovators Lecture - March 13, 2010
A potentially deadly equine disease rarely seen in the United States poses a serious new threat to the multibillion dollar horse industry. Equine piroplasmosis, a tick-borne disease prevalent in about three-quarters of the world, now infects hundreds... Full Story

Tufts' Vet School Wins Third Annual Merial Rabies Symposium - March 13, 2010
The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has been selected as the host organization for the third annual Merial Rabies Day Symposium, based on the rabies education, vaccination, and fundraising efforts of its largest student group. The... Full Story

Hay Feeders Reduce Waste - March 12, 2010
Horse owners could nearly halve their hay wastage by selecting the right round bale feeder for their pasture, report researchers from the University of Minnesota. Tombstone, curtain, and cone-style hay feeders were examined in the... Full Story

Charges Filed in Nevada Mustang Shootings - March 12, 2010
Two Nevada men face federal charges in connection with the shooting deaths of five Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustangs at the Buckhorn Herd Management Area in November. Agency helicopter pilots discovered the animals' carcasses during a... Full Story

USEF Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Rule Change Coming - March 12, 2010
An important rule change affecting the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in competition horses was approved at this year's U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting, held January 13-17, 2010. Motivated by its commitment... Full Story

Behavioral Abnormalities Discussed by Vets - March 12, 2010
A lively Table Topic discussion on Equine Behavioral Abnormalities was held at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. Andy Anderson, DVM, and David Hayes, DVM, moderated. The following is a report from... Full Story

Horse Adoption Event at Kentucky Horse Park in April - March 12, 2010
Three years ago, in response to the plight of abused and neglected horses across the state, the Kentucky Horse Park created the John Henry Memorial Equine Adoption Fair to provide assistance to organizations involved in rescuing them. The John Henry... Full Story

Horse Protein Needs and Sources - March 12, 2010
Proteins are in the class of essential nutrients for horses, and they are comprised of both essential and nonessential amino acids. The quality of any given protein source is determined by the amount and balance of the 10 essential amino acids. Protein... Full Story

Equine Vet Reports on Haiti Horse Situation - March 11, 2010
Long-term veterinary outreach projects are in the works to aid Haiti's equine population, said Jay Merriam, DVM, of Massachusetts Equine Clinic, in Uxbridge, Mass., who deployed with Humane Society International in the wake of January's devastating... Full Story

Wyoming Changes Livestock Disposal Options - March 11, 2010
Wyoming livestock authorities can slaughter stray or feral livestock, including horses, and sell their meat under a measure signed into law by Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Tuesday. HB 122, the Disposal of Livestock Act, expands the Wyoming Livestock Board's... Full Story

Aged Horses Show Reduced Vaccination Response - March 11, 2010
The old gray mare's immune system ain't what it used to be. Aged horses appear to be less able to respond to vaccinations as well as their younger counterparts, said a collaborating group of veterinary researchers from Prince Edward Island,... Full Story

High Risk Pregnancy in the Mare Discussed at Vet Convention - March 11, 2010
The Table Topic on High Risk Pregnancy in the Mare at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners was very well attended and included several individuals that have published manuscripts on this topic. The participants were polled to get... Full Story

Equine Hospital Tours Offered During Rolex Event - March 11, 2010
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, the official equine hospital and veterinary partner of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, will host tours April 21-23, for visitors during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Tour guests will walk through... Full Story

Laminitis y los Pastos de Primavera (TheHorse.com en Espanol) - March 11, 2010
This is one of a series of articles translated as part of our partnership with A Caballo, an equine publication based in Mexico, and Jorge Murga, DVM. Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for more Spanish-language resources coming soon. Read this article in English.... Full Story

Regenerative Medicine Conference Attracts Vets, Researchers - March 10, 2010
More than 260 research scientists, veterinarians, and physicians from around the globe attended the first North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference, held in California's Santa Ynez Valley March 5-6. The meeting included formal presentations... Full Story

Impaled Horse Continues Recovery - March 10, 2010
A horse that had a 3-foot-long tree branch pierce his side in January is still fighting infection in his chest and had another brush with death last week. Amigo, a 10-year-old Arabian endurance horse, was almost euthanized last Tuesday when his lungs... Full Story

Navicular Syndrome Management Reviewed - March 10, 2010
Because navicular problems might affect soft tissue as well as bone, MRI is a better diagnostic tool than X ray in these cases, said Robert K. Schneider, DVM, MS, professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and part owner... Full Story

FEI Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Consultation Begins - March 10, 2010
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has announced further steps in relation to the debate on in-competition use of a limited number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This plan was unveiled following a meeting of... Full Story

New York Thoroughbred Breeder Convicted on 33 Cruelty Counts - March 10, 2010
Ernie Paragallo, a prominent New York Thoroughbred breeder and trainer has been convicted of mistreating dozens of horses. Paragallo was convicted March 10 of 33 of 34 misdemeanor animal cruelty counts in a non-jury trial. The 52-year-old Long Island... Full Story

Colorado Food Bank Aids Horses, Owners - March 10, 2010
In its first 10 months of operation, a group known as the Colorado Horsecare Foodbank has helped keep more than 100 horses with their owners by providing feed and other equine services, giving owners under financial duress a reprieve from the worry and... Full Story

Flies Show Horse Color Preferences - March 09, 2010
In the world of blood-sucking tabanid flies, a white horse is not nearly as attractive as a brown or black horse, noted a group of researchers from Hungary, Spain, and Sweden. This interesting tabanid tidbit is likely to be welcomed by white horses... Full Story

NSAID Choices for Horses Reviewed at Vet Conference - March 09, 2010
There is no "one-size-fits-all" non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy for horses; therapy should be tailored to the animal and situation, said Cornell University's Thomas J. Divers, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVECC, at the 2010 Western... Full Story

TheHorse.com en Espanol: Revision a Enfermedad Equina de los Pastos - March 09, 2010
This is one of a series of articles translated as part of our partnership with A Caballo, an equine publication based in Mexico, and Jorge Murga, DVM. Read a longer version of this article in English. Preguntas o comentarios en español puede... Full Story

Deworming Schedules Shared by Readers - March 09, 2010
More than 1,370 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "How often do you deworm your horse(s)?" Results were as follows: 4-6 times a year 67.44% (926) Twice a year 16.90%... Full Story

Flood Shelter for Horses Offered at NDSU - March 09, 2010
With spring flooding likely in the Red River Valley, the North Dakota State University Equine Center again will open an emergency shelter for horses. "Horse owners are encouraged to prepare for the flood by developing an evacuation plan,"... Full Story

Penn National Horse Negative for Herpesvirus - March 09, 2010
A ban that went into effect March 9 banning Penn National-stabled horses from entering Maryland Jockey Club facilities has been lifted. The ban was ordered when a horse stabled at Penn National Race Course was euthanized after displaying signs similar... Full Story

Hay Banks Help Horses, Owners in Need - March 08, 2010
As some recession-weary horse owners struggle to feed their animals, hay banks in some states are helping those most in need. Hay banks provide owners with enough hay to keep their horses healthy during times of crisis, often up to one month. Operators... Full Story

HERDA: Skin Characteristics - March 08, 2010
Horses with the hereditary skin disease known as hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) or hyperelastosis cutis (HC) have been recognized since the 1970s, but only recently have researchers defined just how much weaker their skin is compared... Full Story

Pack Horse Abuse Appeal Yields Jail Sentences, Fines - March 08, 2010
A father and son found guilty of overworking and neglecting their horses during a pack trip in Montana in 2008 were each handed six months in jail during their appeal last week. Craig Heydon and his son, Curtis Heydon, will also have to pay almost... Full Story

Broodmare Nutrition Requirements Ramped Up - March 08, 2010
Mares represent the mainstay of any commercial or private breeding enterprise. In addition to their all-important genetic contributions, mares provide a protective and nourishing environment in which to raise their foals, both before and after birth.... Full Story

Olympic Dressage Rider Hospitalized after Accident - March 08, 2010
Olympic dressage rider Courtney King-Dye was hospitalized after suffering a skull fracture when a young horse she was schooling slipped and fell last Wednesday. Jason Dye posted an update on her Web site at 6:20 this morning. He indicated that King-Dye... Full Story

Horse Skeleton Donated to New Bolton Center - March 08, 2010
The New Bolton Center recently received a fully-constructed skeleton of a horse. Acquired in a raffle at the recent American Farrier's Journal Annual Hoof Summit Conference in Cincinnati, the skeleton was given to the school by Bill Moyer, DVM, and... Full Story

Avoiding Antibiotic Resistance in Equine Medicine - March 07, 2010
Although antibiotic resistance is not as serious a problem for horses as it is for people, the equine industry should use antibiotics judiciously, so they will continue to work against bacteria that cause disease--not just for the benefit of horses,... Full Story

Eye Position and Animal Agility Study Published - March 07, 2010
New research from scientists in Liverpool has revealed the relationship between agility and vision in mammals. The study, published in February in the Journal of Anatomy, sampled 51 species to compare the relationship between agility and vision between... Full Story

Phytonutrients for Controlling Free Radicals in Horses - March 07, 2010
Phytonutrients are a relatively new class of natural compounds showing tremendous value in controlling inflammation and its negative effect on health. Hundreds of plants naturally produce these compounds, known as flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenolics,... Full Story

NSAIDs for Mating-Induced Endometritis Examined in Mares - March 06, 2010
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could assist vets managing persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE), a chronic inflammation of the lining of the uterine wall after breeding or artificial insemination, which is a leading cause of reduced fertility... Full Story

Horse Dentistry Bill in Oklahoma Gains House Approval - March 06, 2010
There is controversy across the United States about the practice of equine dentistry by lay persons versus licensed veterinarians. On Marcy 4, the Oklahoma House passed Bill 3202, which would allow lay equine dentists to practice if they have at least... Full Story

Horse Slaughter Bill Would Lift Illinois Ban - March 06, 2010
Illinois Rep. Jim Sacia is a horse owner, and while he stated in an article that he would not personally use slaughter plants as an end-of-life choice for his animals, he believes that decision should be left up to individual horse owners. Sacia... Full Story

Horse Industry Reaches Out to Chilean Backstretch Workers - March 06, 2010
The Race Track Chaplaincy of America and racetrack chaplaincy ministries in Chile have partnered to create the RTCA Chilean Racetrack Relief Fund to provide disaster aid to backstretch workers severely affected by recent earthquakes. An emergency... Full Story

The Horse's Fetlock Joint: Injury, Disease, and Repair - March 05, 2010
"The fetlock joint is, arguably, the joint that makes a horse a horse," said Larry Bramlage, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, a partner at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., during the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners... Full Story

Equine Foot Lameness Discussed by AAEP Veterinarians - March 05, 2010
Foot lameness in horses was the topic of two separate Table Topics during the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., in early December. About 100 veterinarians attended each session. Attendees discussed... Full Story

Kentucky Farm Numbers Increase Slightly - March 05, 2010
In 2009, there were 85,500 farms in Kentucky, up 200 farms from a year ago according to the Kentucky Field Office of the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. A farm is defined as "any establishment from which $1,000 or more of agricultural... Full Story

Zoonotic Disease: Kansas State Awarded U.S. Homeland Security Grant - March 05, 2010
The United States Department of Homeland Security has awarded Kansas State University a $12 million grant for the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), to be paid over the next six years. The National Bio and Agro-Defense... Full Story

Backcountry Camping Clinic offered at QuarterFest 2010 - March 05, 2010
Bo Winslow, a clinic instructor with the Certified Horsemanship Association, will be featured at QuarterFest: A Celebration of the American Quarter Horse April 30 - May 2 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Winslow will provide... Full Story

WEG: Tickets Now On Sale for Celebrity Chef Dinner Series - March 05, 2010
Ticket sales will begin on Friday, March 5, for sumptuous dinners with America's award winning chefs and leading chefs from around Kentucky, at Cooking in the Bluegrass: A Celebrity Chef Dinner Series. The dinner series will be hosted by the... Full Story

Event to Combine Dressage and Figure Skating - March 05, 2010
The Ninth Annual Challenge of the Americas announces a unique new dressage and figure skating performance to the Challenge lineup. Held in Wellington, FL, on Saturday, March 13, 2010, the evening will get under way at 5:30 p.m. with musical grand prix... Full Story

Horse Stereotypies Vary by Discipline, Researchers Say - March 04, 2010
Some horses crib, some weave, some chew wood. Some have many in-stall habits, while others have practically none. But these equine stereotypies are not as random as they might seem. According to recent findings from an equine behavior research group... Full Story

Maggots Improve Chronic Hoof Puncture Wound Healing - March 04, 2010
You might have heard about the value of using medical maggots to clean infected, nonhealing wounds in horses and humans, but did you know they can also help clean up infection in structures deep within the hoof? At the 2009 American Association of... Full Story

ASPCA Provides Thoroughbred Retirement Grants - March 04, 2010
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has unveiled a new initiative that will aid in the retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses. Six equine rescues and sanctuaries across the country were selected to take up the challenge... Full Story

New York Drug-Testing Lab to Move to Morrisville State - March 04, 2010
Morrisville State College instead of Cornell University will soon be testing race horses for unauthorized drugs. The state Assembly and Senate have passed bills to cancel an exclusive agreement with Cornell to test horses at racetracks throughout... Full Story

Equine Blog Contest; Winners Will Report Live from WEG - March 04, 2010
Land O'Lakes Purina Feed is excited to announce the Purina "Live from Lexington" Contest, an opportunity for horse lovers everywhere to showcase their blogging skills for a chance to attend and report live from the 2010 Alltech FEI World... Full Story

AHP Equine Industry Survey Results Released - March 03, 2010
A total of 11,171 people who own, lease, or manage horses completed the American Horse Publications' Horse Industry Survey designed to gauge participation trends in the U.S. horse industry. This was the largest survey of hands-on owners and managers... Full Story

Thoroughbred Trainer Pleads Guilty to Abuse Charges - March 03, 2010
Thoroughbred trainer Chad Moore will serve 180 days in jail and is barred from owning or training animals for five years after pleading guilty to six counts of animal abandonment under an agreement entered in Clermont County Municipal Court on Tuesday. The... Full Story

World Equine Vets Head to Eastern Europe - March 03, 2010
A meeting for equine veterinarians to be held May 28-29 in Debrecen, Hungary, will serve as a platform to bring education to veterinarians in surrounding countries in Middle and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia,... Full Story

Louisiana Vet Aids Haiti Animal Response - March 03, 2010
Renée Poirrier, DVM, an alumna of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, and director of the Louisiana State Animal Response Team, traveled to the Domincan Republic and Haiti Feb. 7-14 to join an international coalition... Full Story

Equine Eye Problems Discussed by Veterinarians - March 03, 2010
Ophthalmology in horses was declared such an important topic at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in early December that two Table Topics were held. In one session approximately 175 veterinarians attended, and in... Full Story

Equine Summit Returns to Kentucky - March 03, 2010
The 2010 Kentucky International Equine Summit, a biennial event on Monday and Tuesday, April 26 and 27, in Lexington, Ky., will feature 74 speakers and panelists dealing with a broad range of challenges facing all segments of the horse industry. The... Full Story

Veterinary Outreach Programs Discussed at AAEP - March 02, 2010
The equine side of veterinary medicine was founded in the furrows plowed by equids. Today, when most vets exclusively care for animals kept for pleasure and sport rather than work, some have taken it upon themselves to reach out, to go beyond personal... Full Story

Spring Shedding: Readers Report, Share Tips - March 02, 2010
More than 1,600 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Has your horse started shedding yet?" Results were as follows: Yes 76.93% (1,254) No 22.15% (361) My horse... Full Story

Navicular Disease Treatment Easier for Horses and Vets - March 02, 2010
Instead of injecting the steroid triamcinolone acteonide directly into the navicular bursa, which can be technically demanding, veterinarians can instead inject the coffin joint and still potentially manage horses affected by navicular syndrome, researchers... Full Story

Strangles a Topic of Veterinary Discussion - March 02, 2010
Strangles, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus subspecies equi (often referred to as S. equi) is a highly contagious disease of horses worldwide. Recent discussion at the AAEP Convention confirms that strangles remains an important clinical problem... Full Story

Maryland to Perform Second Equine Census - March 02, 2010
The Maryland Horse Industry Board has commissioned the USDA to conduct a census of the Maryland equine population starting in May. The 2010 Equine Census will include horses, ponies, mules, burros, and donkeys, regardless of ownership or use. The census... Full Story

Champion Racehorse Flanders Euthanized - March 02, 2010
Flanders, whose hard fought victory in the 1994 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies was chosen by readers of The Blood-Horse as the race of the year, was euthanized in mid-February because of complications following a paddock accident at John Magnier... Full Story

Indistinct Gait Deficits: Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Causes - March 01, 2010
Strategies to identify specific problems of a horse with indistinct or unusual gait deficits, particularly if it's unclear whether they're related to the musculoskeletal system, neurologic deficits, or behavior, were discussed at the 2009 Association... Full Story

Racehorse Training Injuries Vary by Stable in New Study - March 01, 2010
Which kind of injury is most common to a racehorse? That all depends on who trains it and at which track, according to a group of British researchers. Their recent survey of three major Thoroughbred stables in the United Kingdom showed that the patterns... Full Story

Avoid Moldy Corn in Horse Feed - March 01, 2010
Farmers across the Midwest struggled last year to harvest their crops in what turned out to be an unseasonably wet autumn. These conditions led to reports of widespread mold in this year's corn crop. Moldy corn is a hazard for all species of livestock,... Full Story

Second Pack Horse Cruelty Trial Yields Guilty Verdicts - March 01, 2010
A Montana jury has found two men guilty of animal cruelty for starving and overworking three of their four horses during a pack trip through the Montana wilderness in the summer of 2008. Curtis Heydon, 38, was found guilty of 10 counts of animal... Full Story

State Slaughter Bills Pending - March 01, 2010
Legislators in several states are again considering bills that address the slaughter of horses for human consumption. In Florida, lawmakers are reviewing a pair of bills that would make it felony to slaughter horses and sell their meat for human... Full Story

Florida Vet Response Team Receives Horse Rescue Mannequin - March 01, 2010
To help further the cause of improving large-animal emergency rescue training, USRider has contributed significant donations to the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine over the years to support the college's large-animal rescue... Full Story

EPM Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendations - February 28, 2010
Have you ever wished you could pull all the scientific recommendations on equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) diagnosis and treatment together in one place? Done! At the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 5-9... Full Story

Normal Steroid Levels in Racehorses - February 28, 2010
Steroid usage in racehorses has received a good deal of attention in the media, perhaps reaching a peak during the 2009 Triple Crown season when Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness on the legally administered steroid stanozolol, then flopped... Full Story

Pasture Evaluation Program an Investment for Farms - February 28, 2010
As horse farm managers and owners face another year of tough economic times and high feeding costs, the University of Kentucky’s Horse Pasture Evaluation Program helps them stretch every dollar. The program, which will run from April to October,... Full Story

Advances in Equine Medicine Discussed at AAEP - February 27, 2010
What was the hottest news in equine veterinary medicine in 2009? During the popular Kester News Hour session at the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention, three top veterinarians (who focus on equine reproduction, internal... Full Story

Gluck Faculty Attend Plant and Animal Genome Conference - February 27, 2010
Researchers and graduate students from the University of Kentucky's (UK) Gluck Equine Research Center attended the annual Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG), held Jan. 9 through 13 in San Diego, Calif., to share equine genomic research and... Full Story

Ky. Panel Moves to Restrict Frivolous Appeals - February 27, 2010
In an effort to cut down on abuses of the appeals process by trainers and jockeys, the rules committee of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has approved a draft of a rule on frivolous appeals. Under the proposed rule, presented to the committee... Full Story

Fetal Heart Rate Measurements Aid Health Monitoring - February 26, 2010
Fetal heart rate monitoring during the second half of pregnancy can help veterinarians easily and reliably assess the health of the unborn foal, according to new research by German and Austrian veterinary scientists. However, it's unlikely to give... Full Story

Furosemide Study Discussed at AAEP Convention - February 26, 2010
Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), or bleeding into the airways, is an "extremely prevalent condition associated with high-intensity exercise in horses," according to Paul S. Morley, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of clinical sciences... Full Story

Kentucky Equine Welfare Bill Passes House - February 26, 2010
Legislation that will enhance the health and welfare of the horse passed the Kentucky House of Representatives Feb. 25 on a bipartisan vote of 98-0. House Bill 398, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Tom McKee, will now be considered by the state Senate. "This... Full Story

Horse Lysine Requirements Focus of New Study - February 26, 2010
Lysine is one of the 20 amino acids essential to horses, but often is the most deficient in their diets due to its inadequate levels in commonly-fed cereal grains. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which form muscle, enzymes, and hormones... Full Story

Sport Horse Vet Symposium to Run with WEG - February 26, 2010
Promoting peak performance in the equine athlete through proper healthcare will be the focus of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Veterinary Sport Horse Symposium, to be held Sept. 22-24 at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Ky.... Full Story

California Thoroughbred Deaths Down in 2009, Director Says - February 26, 2010
Equine fatalities in California held steady during the 2008-09 fiscal year, although Thoroughbred deaths at the state's racetracks decreased by more than 10% over the preceding year, data released during the week of Feb. 22 revealed. According to... Full Story

Endurance Horse Recovering from Tree Branch Impalement - February 25, 2010
When Amigo arrived at the University of Tennessee Equine Hospital on January 17, with a 3-foot-long tree branch impaled in his side, veterinarians gave him a 2% chance of survival. Luckily they underestimated the tenacity of the 10-year-old Arabian... Full Story

Equine Lameness and Surgery Advances Discussed at AAEP - February 25, 2010
What was the hottest news in equine veterinary medicine in 2009? During the popular Kester News Hour session at the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention, three top veterinarians (who focus on equine reproduction, internal... Full Story

Nebraska Rancher Sentenced on Cruelty Charges - February 25, 2010
Jason Meduna, the Nebraska rancher found guilty of maltreating former Bureau of Land Management mustangs will serve not less than 40 months in prison, and is prohibited from owning or working with livestock for 30 years. Morrill County law enforcement... Full Story

MSPCA Seeking Foster Homes for Horses - February 25, 2010
Following a record number of horses surrendered to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) at Nevins Farm, additional equines are arriving at an alarming rate as the non-profit absorbs rising costs of care. Recent storms... Full Story

Managing Pastures to Avoid Tall Fescue Toxicity - February 25, 2010
Broodmare farm operators in the southeastern United States are interested in managing tall fescue toxicity because of the pregnancy complications it can cause. The University of Kentucky Horse Pasture Evaluation Program, has evaluated more than 13,500... Full Story

13-Year-Old New York Gelding Goes for Win - February 25, 2010
On Feb. 26, the 13-year-old Cool N Collective will try again to become one of the oldest horses ever to win a race in New York when he faces six others in the first race at Aqueduct. In his first start at age 13, Cool N Collective finished second... Full Story

Horse Identification Riles Up Readers - February 25, 2010
More than 1,600 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Should some form of permanent identification be required for every horse in the United States?" Results were as follows: No... Full Story

Horse Speed Gene Identified; Commercial Testing Available - February 24, 2010
Irish researchers have found that horses with a specific mutation in the gene called myostatin (MSTN) have improved athletic performance. "A variety of mammalian species with specific MSTN variants have characteristics of increased muscle mass,"... Full Story

Second Pack Horse Cruelty Trial Begins - February 24, 2010
Two men found guilty of animal cruelty last year for allegedly overworking and neglecting four horses during a two-month pack trip in the mountains of Montana are back on trial this week, following their district court appeal. Craig Heydon and his... Full Story

Vaccination Protocols for Your Horse Discussed at AAEP - February 24, 2010
Veterinarians agreed that vaccination is a critical component of an equine health maintenance program. A Table Topic on Vaccinations was part of the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., in early December. The... Full Story

Horse Stem Cell Conference to Draw Vets, Medical Professionals - February 24, 2010
Some 200 veterinarians, stem cell researchers and other medical professionals from throughout the United States and abroad will gather March 5-6 in the heart of California's Central Coast horse region for a groundbreaking conference on the use of... Full Story

Paragallo Horses Malnourished, D.A. Says - February 24, 2010
The 177 horses seized in a raid of an upstate New York farm last year were malnourished, a prosecutor said Tuesday at the start of the trial of the farm's owner, prominent Thoroughbred breeder and owner Ernie Paragallo, who was banned from racing. Paragallo,... Full Story

Kentucky Horse Breeders' Course Covers Reproduction, Deworming - February 24, 2010
The inaugural Kentucky Breeders' Short Course, hosted by the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center, drew more than 100 participants to Lexington's Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in January. The two-day short course included participants... Full Story

301 Horses Adopted Via TheHorse.com Service - February 23, 2010
More than 300 free horses have found new homes through the free listing service provided by TheHorse.com since its launch in November 2008. Originally created to help place Thoroughbreds in new homes, Standardbred listings were added in June 2009... Full Story

Ohio Arabian Case: Attorney Seeks Evidence Dismissal - February 23, 2010
The attorney representing an Ohio woman accused of maltreating more than 30 Arabian horses has asked a judge to discard evidence against his client on grounds that it was illegally obtained. Last month, animal welfare authorities from the Humane... Full Story

Owners Claim Gathered Florida Horses - February 23, 2010
Nearly all of the 20 horses formerly running at large in a rural section of Miami-Dade County, Fla., have been claimed by their owners. Hialeah police and South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) volunteers gathered 11... Full Story

Breeding the Problem Mare AAEP Discussion - February 23, 2010
Anytime veterinarians talk about breeding the problem mare, it always develops into a lively, animated discussion. The Table Topic on Breeding the Problem Mare was no different at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention... Full Story

Standing Surgery in Draft Horses Discussed at AAEP - February 23, 2010
A Table Topic session on standing surgery in draft horses attracted about 65 for the 1½-hour session at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention, held Dec. 5-9 in Las Vegas, Nev. The attendees included a wide spectrum... Full Story

SmartPak Offers Free Supplement Guide - February 23, 2010
SmartPak has introduced a new "Guide to Supplements and Horse Care," a publication that provides horse owners with a new way to learn about their horse's health and supplements. Interested barns, pony clubs, 4-H clubs, and any other... Full Story

New York Thoroughbred Breeder Trial Begins - February 23, 2010
The trial of Thoroughbred owner and breeder Ernie Paragallo on animal cruelty charges began Feb. 23 in Greene County Court in Catskill, N.Y., about 20 miles south of Albany. According to the Associated Press, Paragallo faces up to two years in jail... Full Story

Racing Quarter Horses and Horseshoe Toe Grabs - February 22, 2010
You've probably heard the old adage from mule fanciers: "Mules is just different." Well, it seems that the same principle holds among racehorses; racing Quarter Horses, it seems, are just different. From racing Thoroughbreds, that is. Researchers... Full Story

Loose Horses Rounded Up by Florida Group - February 22, 2010
Nearly a dozen horses formerly running at large in a rural section of Miami-Dade County are receiving rehabilitative care from the South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Hialeah police and SPCA volunteers began rounding... Full Story

Horses Needed for WEG Para Dressage - February 22, 2010
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will field a para dressage team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, but some athletes are in need of horses. This is a great opportunity to experience the WEG from the inside and be the... Full Story

Hormones and Mare Conception Rates - February 22, 2010
Treatment with equine follicle-stimulating hormone (eFSH) did not increase healthy mares' conception rates in a new study, researchers recently reported. The hormone eFSH is used to stimulate donor mares' ovaries to increase the number of... Full Story

Therapeutic Shoeing of Horses Discussed at AAEP - February 22, 2010
Veterinarians attending a Table Topic at the American Association of Equine Practitioners 2009 convention chose to discuss applications of the heart bar shoe; the Nolan Plate system, including what it is and how it works; shoeing after deep flexor tenotomy;... Full Story

FEI Stewards' Working Group Selected - February 22, 2010
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) working group tasked with expanding current guidelines for stewards to facilitate clear implementation of the policy on warm-up techniques following on from the recent round-table conference... Full Story

Equine Parasites: 6 Tips on Learning to Live With Worms - February 21, 2010
If you read the title of this article and said, "WHAT?!?" don't worry--you're not alone! No horse owner wants to think of even a single worm burrowing in their horse's innards. But a goal of zero tolerance for worms is no longer... Full Story

Wild-Horse Lovers Protest at Nevada Capitol - February 21, 2010
More than 130 demonstrators showed up at the Nevada Capitol to protest wild-horse roundups. The critics were calling attention on Saturday to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's handling of the recent Reno-area roundup. One protester, Pete... Full Story

Horses and Veterinarians: How to Get Along - February 20, 2010
"Veterinarians work under a great handicap when handling horses--almost everything the veterinarian does to a horse is either frightening or painful," began Robert Miller, DVM. However, that doesn't mean there's no way for a veterinarian... Full Story

Virginia Tech Equine Hospital Offers Laparoscopic Ovariectomies - February 20, 2010
Combining their surgical expertise with state-of-the-art laparoscopic equipment, veterinary specialists at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center have been able to remove certain mares' ovaries in a surgical procedure that's... Full Story

Vaccinations an Investment in Equine Health - February 20, 2010
When watching your wallet, it's also important to remember that trimming many veterinary expenses may cost you more in the end. "Horses can be very expensive animals to own and maintain," said April Knudson, DVM, manager, Merial Veterinary... Full Story

Parasite Load Not Related to Horse Age, Researchers Say - February 19, 2010
Contrary to common belief, older horses do not carry higher worm burdens than their younger counterparts, said Oklahoma State University veterinarians. "Despite the belief that older horses are more susceptible to internal parasitism than younger... Full Story

Elmer Bandit Necropsy Performed at Kansas State - February 19, 2010
"We are looking for what was right with Elmer, not what was wrong," said Lucy Hirsch, DVM, friend of Elmer Bandit, as she accompanied owner Mary Anna Wood on Elmer's final journey, which was, fittingly, to a veterinary teaching hospital... Full Story

Acepromazine for Tranquilizing Male Horses: Pros and Cons - February 19, 2010
Acepromazine, often called simply Ace, is commonly used to tranquilize horses for veterinary procedures. However, its use in male horses can cause penile prolapse, or an inability to retract the penis back into the sheath. This effect is desired in some... Full Story

Carriage Horse Welfare: Readers Weigh In - February 19, 2010
More than 1,040 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What do you think about horse carriages in urban areas?" Results were as follows: They require additional oversight:... Full Story

Weed of the Month: Buckhorn Plantain - February 19, 2010
Common name: Buckhorn Plantain Scientific name: Plantago coronopus L. Life Cycle: Perennial Origin: Eurasia Poisonous: No Buckhorn Plantain Buckhorn plantain is widespread across North America and is a common plant in various... Full Story

Donations to NATRC Trail Fund Honor Elmer Bandit - February 18, 2010
Long before Elmer Bandit set the record for competitive trail miles, he and his lifelong owner Mary Anna Wood of Independence, Mo., worked together to raise money for the North American Trail Ride Conference's Trail Fund. The approved tax-deductable... Full Story

Kentucky Considers Equine Welfare Committee - February 18, 2010
The Kentucky House Agriculture and Small Business Committee moved Feb. 17 to provide more protection for the horse. House Bill 398, which would create a committee to assist, advise, and consult with the cabinet on issues of equine health and welfare,... Full Story

Equine Therapy Research Grants Offered - February 18, 2010
The Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is inviting research proposals to investigate the therapeutic effects of horses on humans. The Foundation's broad research agenda includes basic research as well as clinical studies that will ultimately... Full Story

Saddle Up Safely Campaign Unveils New Booklet - February 18, 2010
"Can you catch a disease from a horse?" was the question. Roberta Dwyer, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVPM, professor in the Department of Veterinary Science in the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, took the lead for Saddle Up Safely... Full Story

Kentucky Equine Humane Center Needs Hay - February 18, 2010
The Kentucky Equine Humane Center, a safe refuge for at-risk horses of all breeds and disciplines, has put out an urgent call for hay donations. Currently feeding 50 horses, the group will take donations of any type of hay appropriate for equine... Full Story

Barbaro Brother Lentenor Second in Allowance - February 18, 2010
Lael Stable's Lentenor, the full brother to Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, was upset by WinStar Farms' Doubles Partner in a 1 1/8-mile turf allowance at Gulfstream Park Feb. 17. Sent off as the 9-10 favorite under John Velazquez, Lentenor... Full Story

Equine Influenza Vaccine Protocols: Boosters are Best - February 17, 2010
"Equine influenza virus remains the leading cause of viral respiratory disease in the horse," noted Justin D. McCormick, MS, DVM, of Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic in Salinas, Calif., during the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners... Full Story

Elmer Bandit Tribute Planned, Condolences Shared - February 17, 2010
The North American Trail Ride Conference, the group that sanctioned and tracked Elmer Bandit's lifetime record 20,780 official Competitive Trail miles, will honor the horse at its annual banquet, which begins Friday. Elmer was euthanized Sunday... Full Story

Broken Coffin Bones Common in Warmblood Foals - February 17, 2010
A recent study of coffin bone (distal phalanx) fractures in foals found they were far from rare. In fact, all 20 of the Warmblood foals in the study (all foals on a particular farm in one season) had fractures at some point in their first year of life,... Full Story

Embryo Transfer Pioneer Dr. John Hurtgen Dies - February 17, 2010
John P. Hurtgen, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT, the father of modern embryo transfer, died early this morning while helping a mare to foal at his Nandi Farm in Pennsylvania. Hurtgen, 62, is reported to have collapsed while assisting the foaling. A heart attack... Full Story

TheHorse.com en Espanol: No Pase Por Alto La Vacunacion - February 17, 2010
This is one of a series of articles translated as part of our partnership with A Caballo, an equine publication based in Mexico, and Jorge Murga, DVM. Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for more Spanish-language resources coming soon. Read this article in English.... Full Story

USDA Seeks Comments on Genetically Engineered Alfalfa - February 17, 2010
The comment period for a draft environmental impact statement evaluating the potential environmental effects of deregulating alfalfa genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, known commercially as Roundup, has been extended... Full Story