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Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Breedings to Deceased Stallions Offered Via Injection Technique
A reproductive technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which a sperm cell is injected directly into an egg, has resulted in foals from many mares that were no longer able to produce. However, it might be equally as important in reviving valuable genetics from stallions that have been dead for decades. The ability to freeze ... Read full story
 11/17/2009
National Equine Welfare Code of Practice Endorsed
A national Welfare Code of Practice has been endorsed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, and the U.S. Trotting Association. The Welfare Code of Practice, drafted by the American ... Read full story
 11/12/2009
Safety Net for Appaloosa Horses Established
In March 2009, the Appaloosa Horse Club members received an e-mail blast about a family with 80 Appaloosa horses they needed help finding homes for as they could no longer afford to feed them. Just two months later, two month-old Appaloosa fillies were dumped in Baker City, Ore. "Appaloosa owners need to know that there are options and resources ... Read full story
 11/10/2009
Equine Welfare Consensus Reached By AQHA, Partners
Equine industry alliance partners reached a general consensus involving humane treatment and equine welfare during a meeting October 20 and 21 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas. Meeting participants discussed the merits of developing a uniform therapeutic medications program and humane treatment policies ... Read full story
 11/10/2009
U.K. Couple Sentenced in Pony Obesity Cruelty Case
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 Hall of Blackpool, England, were charged with animal cruelty ... Read full story
 11/5/2009
Breeders' Cup Owners Pledge Winnings to Racehorse Adoption Group
The connections of seven Breeders' Cup starters have pledged a percentage or portion of their earnings to support New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, which has five facilities in four states. New Vocations said Oct. 30 IEAH Stable's Court Vision, Diamondrella, and Radiohead; Charles Winner, David Bienstock, and Paul Mandabach's ... Read full story
 11/2/2009
Genetic Diseases in Horses Reviewed for World Equine Vets
While genetic diseases exist in a number of horse breeds, many researchers have focused expressly on issues occurring in the Quarter Horse breed. Thanks to their efforts, genetic tests for several disorders specific to this breed are now commercially available for breeders and horse owners. "The size of the Quarter Horse industry, the commitment ... Read full story
 10/31/2009
Horse Fraud Trial: Winning the Selleck Case  *
Trial lawyer George Knopfler faced a number of unique challenges beyond simply proving the facts of his case when he represented actor Tom Selleck and his family in a lawsuit alleging fraud in the sale of a show horse. He had to educate a jury with little experience in the horse business about the ins and outs of the show horse world; he had to make ... Read full story
 10/19/2009
Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders Evaluated in Detail  *
What do you get when you "scope" 1,005 horses after 230 races, each within 24 minutes of the race, with the cooperation of 97 trainers over 28 race meets? A great deal of valuable data about the equine throat and the impact disorders of the throat can have on racing. "Considering that upper respiratory tract abnormalities are widely thought to be ... Read full story
 10/18/2009
Measuring Ponies: Laser Device Might Give More Accurate Height  *
A laser device for measuring horses and ponies might give more reliable and objective measurements than a traditional stick, researchers said. Ponies currently competing in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events must not measure more than 151 cm with shoes or 150 cm without shoes when measured at the event. Researchers working on a recent ... Read full story
 9/29/2009
U.S. Thoroughbred Foal Crop Down 8.2%   *
The Jockey Club today reported that 3,439 stallions covered 56,901 mares in North America during 2008, according to statistics compiled through Sept. 9, 2009. These matings have resulted in 31,727 live foals of 2009 being reported to The Jockey Club on Live Foal Reports received as of Sept. 9, 2009. As in past years, The Jockey Club estimates that ... Read full story
 9/17/2009
Walking Horse Breeders' Kentucky Incentive Funds Tied to HPA Compliance   *
Tennessee Walking Horse breeders in Kentucky who are found to be noncompliant with Horse Protection Act (HPA) anti-soring rules will be unable to receive breeders' incentive funds under new Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) regulations. Soring is the deliberate injury to a horse's feet and legs to achieve an exaggerated gait. The KHRC administers ... Read full story
 9/10/2009
AP Report: Racetrack Horse Deaths Down Slightly   *
The rush to improve safety since Eight Belles was euthanized at last year's Kentucky Derby did little to curb the number of horses dying at American racetracks in 2008, The Associated Press found in a national count. Although many tracks were already implementing safety reforms when the popular filly pulled up lame with two broken legs after finishing ... Read full story
 9/8/2009
Rachel Alexandra to Face 7 Males in Historic Woodward  *
Rachel Alexandra has already captivated the Thoroughbred racing world with breathtaking performances and record-setting wins. Today at Saratoga, the 3-year-old filly will seek history when trying to become the first female to win the Woodward Stakes (gr. I)—a feat that would almost certainly lock up Horse of the Year honors and stamp the 3-year-old ... Read full story
 9/5/2009
Racehorse Conformation Discussed on New DVD  *
Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Michael Matz, Keeneland sales inspector Ryan Mahan, Fasig-Tipton sales inspector Bill Graves, and noted bloodstock agent Buzz Chace share their knowledge and guiding principles when it comes to analyzing conformation in Conformation for Performance, a DVD released by Blood-Horse Publications. The DVD is an hour-long, ... Read full story
 9/4/2009
Walking Horse Show Officials Investigate Alleged Bribery   *
An exhibitor at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is under investigation for allegedly attempting to bribe a Designated Qualified Person (DQP) during a pre-performance inspection. DQPs are employed by horse show managers to examine horses for compliance with Horse Protection Act (HPA) rules against soring. Soring is the deliberate ... Read full story
 9/2/2009
Walking Horse Celebration Exhibitor Suspended for Alleged Bribe   *
An exhibitor at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been suspended indefinitely after allegedly attempting to bribe a horse show official. The Celebration's management group suspended Walking Horse owner Clay Mills on Tuesday for violating a rule that prohibits any attempt to influence a Designated Qualified Person's (DQP) decision ... Read full story
 9/2/2009
Walking Horse Celebration Show Inspectors Ready   *
Federal Horse Protection Act (HPA) compliance inspectors will be out in force during this year's Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, said Rachel Cezar, DVM, coordinator for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Horse Protection Program. The Horse Protection Act forbids soring, the deliberate injury to a horse's legs to achieve ... Read full story
 8/27/2009
Thoroughbreds Could Contribute to Human Diabetes Research  *
Not only can Thoroughbreds provide hours of entertainment for racing enthusiasts, they could also play an invaluable role in understanding obesity and Type 2 diabetes in humans, reports a group of Irish researchers. "Over the past 400 years, the fastest and strongest racehorses have been selected for, resulting in the elite athletic animals we see ... Read full story
 8/10/2009
NY May Demand Horses' Complete Vet Records  *
State racing regulators in New York, seeking additional and timely information about medications given to racehorses, are eyeing a major crackdown on recordkeeping practices of Thoroughbred owners and trainers. In what one official said could result in a considerable change for some in the industry, strict sanctions could be levied against trainers ... Read full story
 8/8/2009
Horse Incentive Fund Bill Signed by Texas Governor  *
All American Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses, and Appaloosas conceived by mares and stallions living in Texas during 2009 are eligible to be nominated to the new Texas Equine Incentive Fund. House Bill 1881, which was signed by Gov. Rick Perry on June 19. It becomes law Sept. 1. The bill creates a voluntary monetary incentive program to keep ... Read full story
 7/2/2009
Study: Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage Prevented by Furosemide  *
Furosemide does more than enhance performance in Thoroughbred racehorses; it also has beneficial effects on the health and welfare of those horses, the American Veterinary Medical Association announced in a statement regarding a study to be published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). Most countries ban the race-day ... Read full story
 6/29/2009
Riders Seek to Circle Globe, Collect DNA Samples  *
Two riders setting off on a journey around the world are also looking to compile the world's first complete equine genetic library through the unprecedented application of "crowd-sourcing." Every horse owner is encouraged to participate by sending in samples and photos. Forms and information to participate are available at theworldride.org. Representative ... Read full story
 6/23/2009
PSSM Genetic Mutation Reported in Some UK Horse Breeds   *
Collaborative efforts between researchers on both sides of the Atlantic have identified that a genetic mutation in enzyme glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) is an important cause of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM, a form of exertional rhabdomyolysis) in a variety of UK horse breeds including the Cob and Connemara-cross. Muscle biopsy of a horse ... Read full story
 6/18/2009
Standardbred Adoption Service Launched for FREE Horses   *
TheHorse.com and the U.S. Trotting Association have joined forces to create a Standardbred Adoption Service listing for horses offered free to good homes. This is designed after TheHorse.com's successful Thoroughbred Adoption Service. The Standardbred Adoption Service will provide an Internet-based bulletin board for registered Standardbred racehorses ... Read full story
 6/4/2009
New Horse Owners Learn About Breeding Process  *
If there's one thing the horse industry needs, its new blood to fuel the sport. The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association (TOBA) works each year to accomplish just that through its new owner seminars and breeding clinics, the most recent of which took place at Robert N. Clay's Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky., May 29. The three-day clinic ... Read full story
 5/31/2009
What About the Budweiser Clydesdales?  *
TheHorse.com has had numerous questions about the fate of the Budweiser Clydesdales since it was announced in July of 2008 that Belgian brewer InBev had purchased Anheuser-Busch, creating the world's largest brewer. Another spate of questions arrived this spring as the Budweiser Clydesdales began their year of touring, and that sparked us to get back ... Read full story
 5/29/2009
Study Shows Uneven Feet in Sport Horses is Related to Other Conformation Traits
A research team from The Netherlands analyzed the conformation, genetic, and performance records of 44,840 Dutch Warmbloods competing at the top levels of dressage and show jumping to determine if uneven feet (one forefoot that is differently shaped than the other) affect a horse's performance career, and if this trait is related to other conformation ... Read full story
 5/29/2009
New Group Works to Preserve Foundation Morgan Horse  *
Concerned about the declining numbers of classic Morgan horses, breeders and owners around the country have united to form the Foundation Morgan Horse Society (FMHS). The 133 members of the society are working to preserve the heritage, type, and "old style" conformation of the Foundation Morgan. In order to be considered a Foundation Morgan, a horse ... Read full story
 5/22/2009
UK Incidence of Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Reported  *
Not only is polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) a common and important muscular disorder in various horse breeds in the United States, but according to a recent research report, it is also a common diagnosis in horses in the United Kingdom. In the study, "Prevalence of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy and other myopathies in two equine populations ... Read full story
 5/21/2009
Researchers Say Esophageal Problem Could be Hereditary in Friesians  *
Megaesophagus, a chronic dilation of the esophagus in conjunction with a lack of normal tone or strength, appears to occur at an atypically high rate in Friesian horses, according to a report in the proceedings from the 10th International Congress of the World Equine Veterinary Association. The report authors suggested that this might be considered ... Read full story
 5/7/2009
AAEP 2008: Conformation and Function   *
Whether we realize it or not, conformation--the way a horse is built--drives almost everything we do with horses. It affects our choice of horse for specific jobs, and it affects how well their bodies hold up to the stresses of those jobs. At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., attendees ... Read full story
 4/18/2009
Jockey Club Offers Free Thoroughbred Identification Service   *
The Jockey Club has established a free service to help owners identify tattooed but unidentified Thoroughbreds in their possession. For legible tattoos, an owner can use a free tattoo lookup feature available from The Jockey Club's Web site and the Registry homepage. For illegible or partial tattoos, customer service representatives from the ... Read full story
 4/15/2009
Table Topic: Lameness in the Gaited Horse   *
Approximately 40 participants gathered at the Table Topic discussion on Lameness in the Gaited Horse, which took place at the 2008 American Association for Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif. Facilitators opened the floor with a brief explanation of the AAEP Tennessee Walking Horse Task Force's white paper, Putting ... Read full story
 4/6/2009
Big Horse? Small Horse? Help Scientists Study Size Genes   *
What makes your horse different from the horse in the next stall? Why doesn't a Kentucky Derby contender walk like a Budweiser Clydesdale? Why don't either of them look like Thumbelina, the Guinness Book of World Records' smallest living horse? The domestic horse comes in a range of sizes, shapes, and temperaments--from the tiny American Miniature ... Read full story
 4/2/2009
Walking Horse Show Management Transfers to New Group   *
The chief executive of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry's premier horse show is promising marked improvements in compliance with Horse Protection Act (HPA) anti-soring rules at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and other sanctioned Walking Horse shows now that a new horse industry organization is in charge of operations at those ... Read full story
 4/1/2009
USDA Coordinator Pledges Soring Law Enforcement  *
Exhibitors at this year's Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and other gaited horse shows can expect USDA inspectors to vigorously enforce Horse Protection Act rules against soring, according to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Horse Protection Coordinator Rachel Cezar, DVM. Soring is the deliberate injury to horses' legs and ... Read full story
 3/23/2009
100th Thoroughbred Adopted Through TheHorse.com's Service   *
In a little more than four months 100 Thoroughbreds have found new homes through TheHorse.com's Thoroughbred Adoption Service. Actually that number is higher as many folks who placed Thoroughbreds on the adoption list said they had other horses, some Thoroughbreds and some non-Thoroughbred, that also found homes when people inquired about the Thoroughbreds ... Read full story
 3/15/2009
AAEP 2008: Genetic Diagnosis of Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy   *
Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) is a metabolic muscle problem found in at least 20 breeds, including Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, and drafts. An affected horse suffers bouts of exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying-up), muscle tremors, and/or gait abnormalities. At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. ... Read full story
 3/13/2009
AQHA Reviews Cloning; Delays Vote Until 2010  *
On Monday, March 9, the Board of Directors of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) voted that action on a member proposal to approve the registration of foals produced by cloning be postponed until the 2010 AQHA Annual Convention. In the interim, the committee recommended the appointment of a task force to continue to seek information and ... Read full story
 3/9/2009
TheHorse.com Thoroughbred Adoption List Nears 100 Mark   *
We're only seven horses away from hitting the milestone of 100 horses finding new homes through TheHorse.com's Thoroughbred Adoption Service. Launched in November 2008, 93 Thoroughbreds have found new homes through the listing service on TheHorse.com, sponsored by Gainesway Farm. From youngsters that never raced to recently retired track stars, ... Read full story
 3/5/2009
Lavender Foal Study Needs Participants   *
Researchers at Cornell University announced plans to conduct a new study focused on Lavender Foal Syndrome/Coat Color Dilution Lethal (LFS/CCDL). The project, led by Samantha Brooks, PhD, and in collaboration with Doug Antczak, VMD, PhD, and Don Miller at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, is funded in part by the Arabian Horse Foundation. The ... Read full story
 3/2/2009
Arabian Horse Association Establishes Task Force On Genetic Diseases   *
The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, Colo., has established an Arabian Horse Association task force on genetic diseases. The task force was created under the direction of and announced by AHA President Lance Walters. "The purpose of the task force is to have a group of AHA members regularly focused on genetic diseases," said Walters. "The ... Read full story
 2/28/2009
Kentucky Lawmakers Eye Soring Bill   *
Trainers and owners who cause injury to horses' feet or legs to achieve an exaggerated gait will face stiff penalties in Kentucky if a bill introduced into the state senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee becomes law. Sponsored by State Sen. Tom Buford, SB 176 prohibits soring Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle ... Read full story
 2/25/2009
Election Brings Shift on Kentucky Walking Horse Board   *
Members of the Kentucky Walking Horse Association (KWHA) declined to re-elect two controversial members to the group's board of directors during their annual meeting Jan. 10. Former President Earl Rogers Jr., and former Vice President Gary Oliver were on the ballot, but did not receive enough votes to retain their seats, said new KWHA Vice President ... Read full story
 1/20/2009
AQHA Welfare Group Releases Plans for Racing, Breeding, Shows   *
The American Quarter Horse Association's Executive Committee has approved recommendations from the Animal Welfare Assurance Task Force, and the association is moving forward to implement the suggestions. The association's main objectives are to educate members and the general public on animal welfare issues and identify and eliminate any inhumane ... Read full story
 1/19/2009
Lady Finds a Home: 50th Thoroughbred Adopted Through TheHorse.com Service   *
TheHorse.com recently got word that a Thoroughbred formerly en route to slaughter had found a home via TheHorse.com's Thoroughbred Adoption Services, sponsored by Gainesway Farm. She was the 50th Thoroughbred to be placed through the service. See a list of horses placed. Lady, whose registered name is Wheels of Stars (Greggie's Wheel--Kate's Golden ... Read full story
 1/15/2009
45 Horses Find New Homes Via TheHorse.com Service  *
Launched in November 2008, TheHorse.com's Thoroughbred Adoption Service has now coordinated new homes for 45 horses. See a list of horses placed. "I’m extremely pleased that our initial efforts in helping find homes for horses through our Thoroughbred Adoption Services on TheHorse.com is working so well," said Publisher Kimberly S. Brown. "We hope ... Read full story
 1/9/2009
Walking Horse Show Group Asks USEF for Drug Test Help  *
Mandatory random drug testing could take place at some 2009 Tennessee Walking Horse shows if the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) can strike a deal with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to provide testing services. NHSC representatives met with USEF officials this earlier week to discuss hiring USEF personnel to test horses for ... Read full story
 1/7/2009
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 ... Read full story
 12/15/2008
Walking Horses Get WEG Participation Nod  *
The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association will get a chance to show the world that their horses are versatile and sound now that officials with the World Equestrian Games Foundation have decided to allow them to perform in exhibitions at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, Ky. WEG previously rejected a Tennessee ... Read full story
 12/2/2008
Ireland's Miniature Horses to Get Official Studbook, Passports   *
The owners of Ireland's smallest equines have big cause for celebration, as that country's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food last week officially recognized the Miniature Horse and Pony Society of Ireland (MHPSI). As a result, the Irish Horse Register will maintain a studbook and issue equine passports for Irish Miniature Horses and ponies ... Read full story
 12/1/2008
Court Upholds Soring Decision   *
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently upheld a U.S. Department of Agriculture ruling that Herbert and Jill Derickson of Tennessee violated the Horse Protection Act when they transported and entered a sored Tennessee Walking Horse, Just American Magic, in a 2002 horse show. Soring is the deliberate infliction of pain on the legs ... Read full story
 11/20/2008
Connection Between Silver Dapple Color and Eye Abnormalities Found   *
Horses come in a fantastic array of colors from black to gray, from bays to chestnuts, and with or without varying amounts of white. The glorious spotted coats of Appaloosas are a common sight for western Canadians, as are golden palominos. On the other hand, silver dapple is a color that's still on the unusual side. The color occurs in several breeds--including ... Read full story
 11/13/2008
FOSH to Fund Distribution of Anti-Soring Video  *
Friends of Sound Horses will fund the national distribution of the award winning, anti-soring video, See It Through My Eyes. The DVD was produced by three senior Girl Scouts in Franklinville, N.Y. It won a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of America, the highest nationally recognized award a Girl Scout can earn. Copies of the award winning DVD have ... Read full story
 10/27/2008
AQHA Welfare Task Force Meets  *
The American Quarter Horse Association's Animal Welfare Assurance Task Force met Sept. 16-17 in Amarillo, Texas, to discuss issues facing the industry and ways to continue protecting the American Quarter Horse and other equines. Members from all aspects of the industry brought a wealth of knowledge and experience together in order to ensure many ... Read full story
 10/16/2008
Buying at a Thoroughbred Auction   *
As investors in the housing market, stock market, and horse market are finding out, an economic downturn is a great time to find bargains. (Read more at "Sport Horse Enthusiasts Eye Thoroughbred Market.") The Thoroughbred industry has several large sales throughout the country at various facilities during the year. One of the largest is the Keeneland ... Read full story
 10/9/2008
Sport Horse Enthusiasts Eye Thoroughbred Market   *
Tennessee equestrian and horse breeder Lisa Cook wanted a Thoroughbred mare to breed to her Thoroughbred stallion, but perceived high prices always prevented her from buying one at high profile auctions such as Kentucky's Keeneland sale. But since the economy drove prices at this year's Keeneland September yearling sale downward, sport horse enthusiasts ... Read full story
 10/7/2008
Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy: Search for Underlying Causes Continues  *
Despite having recently identified a genetic defect that results in polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) in many horses (see articles 11654 and 12725), the underlying cause of PSSM remains to be determined in others. According to a multi-institutional study on PSSM in Belgian horses, the overproduction of glycogen (rather than a decrease in glycogen ... Read full story
 10/6/2008
Test Allows Arabian Breeders to Scan for Inherited Neurologic Disorder  *
Equine cerebellar abiotrophy is a debilitating neurologic disorder that affects Arabian horses almost exclusively, and for which there is no treatment or cure. But, thanks to the work of veterinary researchers, breeders now have access to a new DNA test that could help them detect carriers of the condition so they do not propagate the problem in their ... Read full story
 9/23/2008
Genetic Mutation for Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Widespread  *
Veterinary researchers from the University of Minnesota have identified a gene potentially responsible for polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) in Quarter Horses and, in doing so, they uncovered a number of research leads to pursue. In a recent study investigators found the gene in nearly half of 36 different breeds of horses tested. They consider ... Read full story
 9/20/2008
Soring Inspections Stepped Up at Walking Horse Celebration  *
Compliance with the Horse Protection Act (HPA) appeared to decline at the 70th Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, dropping from 98% in 2007 to 95% at this year's event, according to USDA figures. The Celebration took place over 10 days in Shelbyville, Tenn., wrapping up Aug. 30. The HPA forbids soring, which is the use pain-causing chemicals, ... Read full story
 9/12/2008
Shedding Light on Night Blindness in Appaloosas  *
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in Appaloosas has been linked to the leopard complex spotting in these horses. But how are these two apparently independent genetic features related? According to researchers, both CSNB and spotting pattern in Appaloosas are thought to be caused by a gene called "transient receptor potential cation channel, ... Read full story
 8/31/2008
New Soring Inspections Beef Up Celebration Plan  *
Exhibitors at the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will be scrutinized more closely than ever before. Officials and organizers have adopted new inspection measures to send the message that Horse Protection Act (HPA) violations will not be tolerated at the event. "We're aiming for 100% compliance," said Celebration Chief Executive ... Read full story
 8/13/2008
Petition Calls for End to Soring   *
An Illinois-based equine welfare organization has launched a Web-based petition campaign aimed at creating pressure to abolish the practice of soring in the gaited horse industry. "Our goal is to submit the petition to government representatives from Tennessee and Kentucky to increase the United States Department of Agriculture budget for inspections ... Read full story
 8/12/2008
AAEP's Walking Horse Directives Labeled Costly, Unrealistic  *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners' (AAEP) Tennessee Walking Horse Task (TWH) Force recommendations to eradicate the practice of soring drew strong reaction from Walking Horse industry members who label the directives costly and unrealistic. In a "white paper" issued on Aug. 8, the AAEP called for several changes in Walking Horse industry ... Read full story
 8/9/2008
HSUS Applauds AAEP White Paper on Horse Soring   *
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) today applauded recommendations set out in the American Association of Equine Practitioners' newly released white paper, "Putting the Horse First: Veterinary Recommendations for Ending the Soring of Tennessee Walking Horses." The Association's recommendations include: immediate implementation of a drug ... Read full story
 8/8/2008
AAEP Issues White Paper on Ending Soring  *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners' (AAEP) Tennessee Walking Horse Task Force has issued a white paper on ending soring of the breed’s show horses. The practice of inflicting pain on a horse’s forelegs to induce a higher-action gait has been illegal since the Horse Protection Act was passed by Congress in 1970. However, welfare and industry ... Read full story
 8/7/2008
Special Report: Racehorse Durability  *
In this exclusive report, The Blood-Horse investigates whether the Thoroughbred racehorse is as tough today as it was 30 to 40 years ago. Editors of The Blood-Horse recently sought the answer to this question by producing a comprehensive review of 34 years of historical Thoroughbred stallion progeny records pulled from The Jockey Club's extensive database. ... Read full story
 7/24/2008
Walking Horse Exhibitors Withdraw from Show   *
Hundreds of trainers withdrew their horses from competition at a major Tennessee Walking Horse show last weekend after USDA inspectors arrived on the scene to examine horses for violations of the Horse Protection Act. According to Earl Rogers Jr., president of the Kentucky Walking Horse Association, the four-day Owingsville Lions Club Horse Show ... Read full story
 7/10/2008
Purdue Researchers: New Technology Could Help Prevent Fractures in Horses  *
Researchers are developing a monitoring system similar to those used by earthquake seismologists to detect tiny cracks in bones, a technology that could help prevent fractures in humans and racehorses. The new monitoring system records "acoustic emission data," or sound waves created by the tiny bone fissures. The same sorts of acoustic emissions are ... Read full story
 7/7/2008
Racehorse Rehabilitator Helps Transition to New Careers  *
Hundreds of former racehorses owe their second careers to Leigh Gray. Manager of Dr. Don Shields' lay-up facility, Winner's Circle Ranch in Bradbury, Calif., Gray not only rehabilitates racehorses for a living, she does it in her spare time. Usually, Gray fixes up former claimers, geldings, and horses that might not have had a future without her ... Read full story
 7/2/2008
Making Racing Safer  *
Life is an extreme sport, complete with everyday risks. When it comes to Thoroughbred racing, the fate of horse and rider are linked in an event, the outcome of which is, by its very nature, in doubt. Win or lose, no one envisions the tragedy that can occur in the blink of an eye that ends the career or the life of horse or rider on the racetrack. ... Read full story
 7/1/2008
Understanding and Preventing Catastrophic Injuries  *
Following the euthanasia of filly Eight Belles, who suffered catastrophic injuries to both front legs a quarter mile after finishing second in the 2008 Kentucky Derby, members of every sector of the Thoroughbred industry have banded together to proactively address safety and welfare issues. In this article, representative members of the equine industry ... Read full story
 7/1/2008
Feeding Minis  *
Minis require special diets for sustaining health. Horses of any size have a fabulous appeal for animal lovers, and none more so than the Miniature breeds, fondly referred to as "Minis." Because of their cuteness, it is easy for an owner to treat them with a bit too much tender care, especially when it comes to feeding. Minis are smart and endearing, ... Read full story
 6/1/2008
Options for Ex-Racehorses   *
Only a handful of racehorses continue racing for more than a few years. The most talented runners are retired to stud or join a broodmare band, but often horses must move out to make room for new prospects. The problem of what to do with ex-racehorses is ongoing, and several organizations have been created to help resolve this. Thoroughbred Retirement ... Read full story
 5/26/2008
Pacers Take to Polytrack for Road Test   *
Harness racing at Keeneland? Yes, there was, but it's not what you might think. Two exhibition races for Standardbred pacers were held at the Lexington racetrack the afternoon of May 21 to give the principals in a racetrack under construction in Alberta, Canada, an idea as to whether a synthetic surface can be used for both breeds. The Calgary track, ... Read full story
 5/21/2008
Alliance Formed at Sound Horse Conference  *
At the recent Sound Horse Conference, leading animal welfare organizations joined with Tennessee Walking Horse industry groups to announce the formation of the new Alliance to End Soring. The conference took place April 11 and 12 in Columbus, Ohio. Generally used in the Tennessee Walking Horse and other gaited breeds, soring is the use of pain-causing ... Read full story
 4/22/2008
Industry Members Discuss Imaging Technology at Soring Conference   *
Animal welfare advocates, breed association representatives, and veterinarians gathered at the first Sound Horse Conference, held April 11 and 12 at The Ohio State University, to brainstorm ways to eradicate the practice of soring. Generally used in the Tennessee Walking Horse and other gaited breeds, soring is the use of pain-causing caustic chemicals, ... Read full story
 4/17/2008
Carolina Horsemen Trying to Save Rare Breed   *
During centuries of isolation on the Carolina sea islands, the short-legged, sway-backed Marsh Tacky horses became perfectly suited for toiling long hours in the swamps and oppressive humidity. But their wild looks and workhorse reputation--their name comes from the old English word meaning "common"--didn't exactly make them prized among horse lovers. ... Read full story
 4/15/2008
Welfare and Safety Summit Racehorse Injury Numbers Revised   *
The catastrophic injury rates presented by Mary Scollay, DVM, at the March 17 Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit have been revised after a thorough review. The review established that the catastrophic injury reports actually covered longer periods of time with more races and total starts than was previously reported. In addition, further ... Read full story
 4/10/2008
Risk Factors for Gastric Ulcers in Thoroughbreds   *
Up to 86% of Australian Thoroughbred racehorses have been reported to have gastric ulcers. Many factors can contribute to ulcers, and researchers at Murdoch University set out to determine which ones were the most significant for this population. Guy Lester, BVMS, PhD, associate professor of large animal medicine at Murdoch University, presented the ... Read full story
 4/9/2008
HSUS Soring Hotline Heats Up  *
Just days after advertisements appeared in Middle Tennessee newspapers offering cash for information about violators of the state's anti-soring law, phones at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) began to ring. "We received more than 20 tips from that first round of ads," said Keith Dane, director of equine protection for the HSUS. Soring ... Read full story
 3/31/2008
Campaigns Work to Keep Endangered Draft Breeds Viable  *
Suffering dramatic drops in numbers of registered animals, several European draft horse breed societies are coming up with targeted promotional campaigns in order to keep their breeds alive. In England, the critically endangered Suffolk is an ideal horse for riders who require a sturdy mount, according to Amanda Hillier, spokesperson for the Suffolk ... Read full story
 3/28/2008
Sound Horse Conference Approved as Continuing Education  *
The Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board has approved the Sound Horse Conference for 9.75 hours of continuing education (CE) credit. The conference is being held at The Ohio State University April 11 and 12, 2008. Soring is the deliberate infliction of pain on a horse's front legs, via chemical or mechanical means, to make it painful to bear weight ... Read full story
 3/27/2008
Kentucky Derby Hopeful Sidelined by Ankle Fracture  *
Sierra Sunset, a three-length winner of the $300,000 Rebel March 15 at Oaklawn Park, has a hairline fracture of his left front ankle and is out of consideration for the Kentucky Derby, trainer Jeff Bonde reported. "It's not bad enough to require surgery, but the colt will miss 60 to 90 days," Bonde said by phone from his Bay Meadows barn March 20. ... Read full story
 3/21/2008
'Healthy Discussion' at Racehorse Safety Summit  *
The second Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit concluded March 18 with the 62 participants releasing action plans on how to improve various aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. Some of the recommendations could prove difficult to execute, such as the call to coordinate all research regarding equine injuries and/or fatalities on all racing ... Read full story
 3/20/2008
HSUS Offering Reward for Information on Horse Soring  *
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will offer a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any violator of Tennessee's horse soring law, which prohibits the deliberate infliction of pain to horses' feet and legs to produce an artificially high-stepping gait. Advertisements announcing the reward will appear ... Read full story
 3/19/2008
FOSH Hosting National Sound Horses Conference   *
Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) will host a national conference April 11 and 12, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. The conference will focus on challenges to compliance with federal law, methods being used for soring, available technology that could aid inspectors, proposed equine research, and how cultural and societal changes could be effective at reducing ... Read full story
 3/4/2008
Retired Racehorses to Participate in Texas A&M Study   *
More than 100 horses currently being cared for by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will take part in a study at Texas A&M University that will attempt to identify genes in horses predisposed to fractures and catastrophic injuries. "We're looking for some kind of genetic trait that may make the difference," said Jana Caldwell, a PhD ... Read full story
 1/29/2008
Soring Suspension List Now Posted on FOSH Web Site   *
Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) has developed a Web site for reporting all current Horse Protection Act suspensions. Under the USDA Horse Protection Operating Plan for 2007-2009, signed in mid-2007 by most of the horse industry organizations (HIOs) with USDA-certified inspection programs, all signatories agreed to provide their most recent list, or ... Read full story
 1/14/2008
Curly Horse Farm Caters to Allergic Equestrians  *
Curly is on its way to becoming the fashion in France--not only in the hairdressers' salons, but in the stables, including a new equestrian center just north of the Riviera. Since 2000, American Bashkir Curly breeding farms have been popping up in various regions of the country, but the recent opening of the Mas de l'Air Curly breeding farm and equestrian ... Read full story
 1/5/2008
Both Sides Claim Victory in Walking Horse Registry Dispute   *
Both sides in a dispute over ownership of Tennessee Walking Horse registry information are claiming victory in a case that took two years to process through the legal system, despite one of the parties being found in violation of copyright laws and fined $31,000. The court contest began in December 2005 when the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and ... Read full story
 12/29/2007
Old Friends Welcomes Thoroughbred Champion Williamstown  *
Williamstown, a former mile record holder at Belmont Park, has arrived at Old Friends retirement home near Georgetown, Ky. He was pensioned from stallion duty after proving infertile this year at Rockin' River Ranch near Winterset, Iowa. Williamtown came close to being euthanatized. Old Friends (Michael Blowen, president) was notified about Williamstown's ... Read full story
 12/8/2007
Good Genes: Genome Research has Broad Applications for Horse Health   *
Research into the equine genome is revealing the tiny source of many big problems affecting horses. Scientists received a whole new set of tools when the first version of the equine DNA sequence--the genetic code of horses, arranged into the correct position--was unveiled in February 2007. With these tools they can better understand the physiology ... Read full story
 11/29/2007
Researchers Pinpoint Link Between Appaloosa Coloring and Night Blindness   *
Appaloosas with coat patterns indicating they are homozygous for LP, the main gene responsible for Appaloosa spotting, are affected by congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), according to new research by Lynne Sandmeyer, DVM, DVSc, Dipl. ACVO, associate professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. CSNB is an inherited disorder that ... Read full story
 11/21/2007
Countries Agree on Plan to Save Rare Livestock Breeds  *
One hundred and eight countries have agreed on an action plan to save endangered livestock breeds, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said Friday. The move follows warnings from scientists earlier this week that rare breeds are becoming extinct at a rate of one every month, taking with them precious genetic material that could be lost forever. Delegates ... Read full story
 9/9/2007
Walking Horse Trainers, Inspectors Get Credit for Successful Celebration   *
The 69th Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, held Aug. 22 through Sept. 1, was pronounced a success by show managers, competitors, and trainers who said the event marked a milestone of cooperation among inspectors and exhibitors that resulted in 98% compliance with equine welfare laws. "Everyone was on the same page," said Mickey McCormick, ... Read full story
 9/7/2007
Medication Consortium Gets $300,000 in Contributions  *
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) received $100,000 contributions from the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the United States Trotting Association, and $50,000 contributions from the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the Hambletonian Society, the organization announced July 26. “We believe in the mission of the ... Read full story
 7/27/2007
Shivers in the Horse: A Review  *
John Baird, BVSc, PhD, of the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College, presented information on "shivers," at the AAEP Convention 2006. Shivers has been recognized by horse owners for more than a century, and refers to a chronic nervous or neuromuscular condition that in a 1962 text was stated to be "as common as dirt." This was referring ... Read full story
 7/24/2007
On Call Vets  *
When Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro experienced a life-threatening injury at the start of the 2006 Preakness Stakes, the story immediately switched from his quest for the Triple Crown to the efforts to save his life. Playing a crucial role in sharing timely and accurate information about the horse's injury to viewers around the world was Larry Bramlage, ... Read full story
 6/1/2007
USDA Proposes Tougher Walking Horse Soring Penalties   *
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has toughened regulations to stem persistent abuse of Tennessee Walking Horses by keeping trainers and owners who violate the rules out of shows and sales. The Humane Society of the United States says the new two-year plan announced this month closes a loophole that's allowed some repeat abusers to continue showing ... Read full story
 3/9/2007
Mini Management 101  *
The small size of Miniature Horses and Donkeys belies their strength and hardiness. Explains Mikelle Roeder, PhD (animal physiology), professional animal scientist and equine nutritionist for Land O'Lakes Purina Feed, "The diminutive stature and extreme efficiency of Miniature Horses and Donkeys made them successful in harsh environments where nutrients ... Read full story
 3/1/2007
Calif. Racing Board Votes to Outlaw Toe Grabs  *
The California Horse Racing Board will begin enforcing a regulation outlawing the use of front toe grabs exceeding four millimeters in length after commissioners voted Feb. 22 to reverse their decision last month to ignore the rule. The long-running controversy came to a head Jan. 23 after trainers such as John Shirreffs complained that the board ... Read full story
 2/23/2007
Committee Calls for Ban on Certain Toe Grabs  *
A special committee on shoeing and hoof care that was formed coming out of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit held in October 2006 is calling for a ban of toe grabs with a height greater than four millimeters on the front shoes of Thoroughbred racehorses. The committee began meeting in January to follow through on the Welfare and Safety ... Read full story
 2/21/2007
Walking Horse Inspection Group Adopts Tougher Rules   *
One group of Walking Horse inspectors has approved tougher inspection rules as other industry groups mount resistance to such rule changes proposed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Gallatin-based Horse Protection Commission has approved tougher inspection rules that were proposed a few years ago by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' ... Read full story
 1/22/2007
Larger Than Life: The Budweiser Clydesdales  *
Icon? Sentiment? A wish for simpler times? Harnessing of strength and power? What is it that makes the Budweiser Clydesdales so popular among people the world over? Even people who have never touched a horse exclaim in awe when they first see one of Anheuser-Busch's eight-horse hitches of Budweiser Clydesdales or have a chance to get close to one of ... Read full story
 1/1/2007
Dr. Rick Arthur to be Tuesday's Guest on "Talkin' Horses"  *
Join Rick Arthur, DVM, world-renowned expert in the field of veterinary medicine and advocate for equine health and welfare issues for more than 20 years. Arthur will be the next guest during a special Tuesday edition of Bloodhorse.com's "Talkin' Horses" from 12-1 p.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 19; online at www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses. Arthur currently ... Read full story
 12/16/2006
Regulation of Steroids to be Recommended  *
Members of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) are expected to recommend regulation of anabolic steroids in racehorses, but the timetable for the regulations remains up in the air. RMTC officials earlier in the year said they hoped to have a policy by the end of this year. There has been some division over the issue, in part because ... Read full story
 12/7/2006
Synthetic Surfaces: Spanning the Globe  *
It's difficult to get away from talk of synthetic surfaces, whether it concerns racing in North America, Asia, Europe, or Dubai. At this year's Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs Nov. 4, a prominent European horseman said surfaces such as Polytrack would provide a "level playing field" for horses from around the globe, making the races truer world championships ... Read full story
 12/3/2006
Racing Medication and Testing Group Announces Steroid and Drug Withdrawal Plan   *
During its meeting on Thursday, November 2, in Louisville, Ky., the board of directors of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) announced future plans regarding anabolic steroids and out-of-competition drug testing, and received an update on ongoing projects related to the development of withdrawal times for therapeutic medications. The ... Read full story
 11/4/2006
Government Tells Tennessee Walking Horse Industry to Stop Abuse  *
Chattanooga horse owner Lucille Davis had heard the ugly rumors about what some trainers did to force the high-stepping gait on a Tennessee Walking Horse. "I have to admit I didn't believe horses were being abused," Davis said. "Now as I am educated and older, I realize the whole picture." She purchased a 5-year-old black gelding earlier this year ... Read full story
 10/28/2006
Different Origin of Insect Hypersensitivity in Icelandic Horses?  *
Insect bite dermal hypersensitivity (IBDH) might have a different origin in Icelandic horses than in horses of other breeds, according to a study completed by researchers at the University of Bristol's school of Clinical Veterinary Science in the United Kingdom. The study was published in the August issue of Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology. ... Read full story
 10/23/2006
Summit Issues Recommendations to Improve Racehorse Safety  *
The Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit ended Tuesday (Oct. 17) in Lexington, Ky., after more than 40 participants worked together to draft action plans in six areas to improve conditions in the Thoroughbred industry. The six areas were Education and Licensing; Racing Conditions/Racing Office; Research; Health and Medical Records; Racing Surfaces/Shoeing/Hoof ... Read full story
 10/18/2006
Welfare Summit Opens With Scientific Data, Frank Discussions  *
The public session that opened the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit Monday morning in Lexington, Ky., didn't provide just food for thought. The speakers and panelists served up a huge banquet of data, ideas, anecdotes, and opinions while kicking off the two-day event, which was coordinated and underwritten by The Jockey Club and the Grayson-Jockey ... Read full story
 10/17/2006
17-inch Mare Recognized as World's Smallest Horse  *
Thumbelina, a 17-inch-tall Miniature horse, has been officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's smallest horse, reports the London Daily Mail. The 5-year-old mare weighed eight pounds at birth and now tips the scales at 60 pounds. The average Miniature horse stands about 34-inches tall and weighs around 250 pounds. Thumbelina's ... Read full story
 10/9/2006
When the Chips Are Down  *
In the case of bone chips, sometimes bigger is better. In a study performed in 2006, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center theorized that bone chip characteristics in a horse's knees were an indicator of the severity of the horse's injury. They were right. Liberty Getman, DVM, a surgical resident at the university, and ... Read full story
 10/1/2006
Soring Controversy Shuts Down Show   *
In the wake of controversy over soring violations at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tenn., in August, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association (TWHBEA) is aggressively pitching its plan to promote consistency in USDA inspections at horse shows. Friction over interpretations of USDA scarring ... Read full story
 9/20/2006
ACVIM 2006: Prevalence of PSSM in Quarter Horses  *
Up to 6% of apparently healthy Quarter Horses could have subclinical (inapparent) polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), and that percentage could be even higher in populations used specifically for breeding. Researchers at the University of Minnesota said that inadvertently breeding horses that have subclinical PSSM will perpetuate the disease in ... Read full story
 9/14/2006
Kentucky, Ohio Employ Upgraded Blood-Doping Tests   *
Kentucky has performed random testing for blood-doping antibodies in racehorses of all breeds for more than a year, but now it's testing for the actual proteins, a process that could put more teeth in penalties. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority is now using procedures similar to those in Ontario, Canada, where tests for erythropoietin (EPO) and ... Read full story
 9/8/2006
Therapeutic Drug Research, Necropsies Recommended by Racing Group  *
A subcommittee of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council has recommended going forward with two studies--one that could lead to establishment of withdrawal times or threshold levels for therapeutic medications and one analyzing the medication levels in horses that sustain catastrophic injuries. Under one of the proposals approved by the subcommittee, ... Read full story
 9/7/2006
Surgeries and Steroids  *
A survey of buyers of Thoroughbred weanlings, yearlings, and 2-year-olds discovered that surgeries to correct conformation defects have a significant influence on whether or not someone will buy a horse at public auction. In fact, 28.4% of the 726 respondents to the survey sponsored by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association's (TOBA) Sales ... Read full story
 8/22/2006
Study Inconclusive on Arlington Fatal Injuries  *
Add the Illinois Racing Board to the list of those who have little idea what has caused the recent spate of fatal injuries to horses at Arlington Park Racecourse. The IRB, at its July 11 meeting, heard a staff report on the 17 breakdowns that have occurred during racing in the current meeting--a number comparable to 12 fatal injuries during the ... Read full story
 7/13/2006
Failure of Racehorses to Train and Race  *
It's commonly known that racehorses endure extreme physical and mental stresses preparing for a racing career, which can lead to injuries and illnesses. In a University of Cambridge study, researchers sought to quantify ailments endured by today's racehorses. The study followed 1,022 Thoroughbreds from conception to age four. Of those, 562 entered ... Read full story
 7/1/2006
Good Prognosis for Olecranon Fracture Repair  *
Olecranon (point of the elbow) fractures are common orthopedic problems in foals often attributable to being kicked while playing, rambunctious behavior, or falling over backward (which they are more apt to do than older horses). In a joint study from the University of Missouri (UM) Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute ... Read full story
 6/1/2006
Analysis of Soring Data from 2002-2005   *
Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) has analyzed data from over 2,800 suspensions imposed by the USDA and Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) under the Horse Protection Operating Plans since 2002. Horse Protection Act (HPA) violations that resulted in the suspensions include soring, scarring, pressure shoeing, and the use of foreign substances on horses' ... Read full story
 5/31/2006
Sharp Humor Sidelined With Chip Knee Fracture  *
Purdedel and WinStar Stable's Sharp Humor has been diagnosed with a small fracture of the left knee which will knock him off the Triple Crown trail. The 3-year-old New York-bred son of Distorted Humor is scheduled to undergo surgery Thursday (May 11) to repair the fracture. A statement from the owners said the injury was detected during an examination ... Read full story
 5/10/2006
From Flamenco to Dressage, Andalusians Steal the Show  *
The rapidly growing number of Andalusian aficionados found something for every taste and style at the Ohio Equine Affaire. A lady danced with a white stallion. Dressage medalists demonstrated 4th level movements. Senioritas in beautiful Flamenco dress cantered their horses while riders in western cowboy and traditional Spanish ranch attire pranced ... Read full story
 5/5/2006
Interval Training: A Better Option for Racehorses?  *
Musculoskeletal injury is the main cause of wastage in Thoroughbred racehorses worldwide, with nearly 30% of all fractures being pelvic and tibial stress fractures. Studies in California in the late 1990s suggested fast work increased the risk of injuries, while other studies in Kentucky implied high-speed exercise was protective. K.L.P. Verheyen, ... Read full story
 3/28/2006
Understanding Congenital Stationary Night Blindness  *
Canadian researchers are investigating the cause of a condition found primarily in Appaloosas that prevents them from seeing in the dark. Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a hereditary, non-progressive condition for which there is no cure, but veterinarians have recommended management techniques that can improve quality of life for affected ... Read full story
 3/27/2006
Forelimb Conformation of the Growing Thoroughbred   *
University of Wisconsin researchers found certain forelimb characteristics in growing Thoroughbreds are associated with higher birth weights, and their carpal (knee) conformation is associated with the parents'. Both genetics and environment affect forelimb conformation. Scott Leibsle, DVM, of Sawtooth Equine Service in Bellevue, Idaho, said veterinarians ... Read full story
 3/1/2006
Jockey Club Inspects Thoroughbred Broodmares   *
As a follow-up to a rule revision last August that added provisions for field inpections, The Jockey Club (TJC) sent two teams of representatives to Thoroughbred farms in six states in December 2005 to examine broodmares with early 2005 breeding or foaling dates. Thoroughbreds born on or after Jan.1 in a given year are considered foals of that year, ... Read full story
 3/1/2006
New Drug Penalty Regulation in Kentucky Expires  *
A 90-day emergency regulation governing infractions of Kentucky equine medication rules expired Feb. 15 and the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) reverted back to the old rules that were previously in place. The new regulation expired after a legislative subcommittee declined to give final approval two days before it expired. According to published ... Read full story
 2/21/2006
California Horse Racing Board to Require Polytrack Installation at Tracks  *
California racing associations that operate meets of at least four continuous weeks would be required to install a synthetic racing surface by the end of 2007 or face a loss of dates, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) decided Feb. 16. After hearing Craig Fravel, executive vice president at Del Mar, give a report on progress on the proposed ... Read full story
 2/19/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Forelimb Conformation of the Growing Thoroughbred  *
University of Wisconsin researchers have shown that certain forelimb characteristics in the growing foal are associated with higher birth weights, and a foal's carpal (knee) conformation is associated with the carpal conformation of both of its parents. Additionally, they implicate both genetics and the environment in the forelimb conformation of a ... Read full story
 2/16/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Forelimb Conformation and Race Performance  *
Straight conformation in the forelimb doesn't necessarily beget a more successful racehorse. This is what a research group from the University of Wisconsin's School of Veterinary Medicine discovered in a recent study. However, the group also determined that certain forelimb deviations have a negative effect only on horses' 2-year-old race records. "Conformational ... Read full story
 2/16/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Three Years of Racing Deaths in Victoria, Australia  *
A comprehensive post-mortem survey in Victoria, Australia, found that euthanasia for catastrophic forelimb injury was the most common cause of Thoroughbred racehorse fatality. Additionally, Lisa Boden, AB, BVSc, MACVS, of The University of Melbourne in Australia, observed that sudden death (when the horse dies suddenly--not as the result of euthanasia) ... Read full story
 2/16/2006
What's Brewing Under Those Feathers?   *
It is quite probable that many people have never heard of chronic progressive lymphedema. However, if you have spent time with draft horses, chances are much more likely that you are familiar with the condition. This painful, debilitating disease has been identified in Shires, Clydesdales, and Belgians (especially those actually in Belgium). "Percherons, ... Read full story
 2/1/2006
New York Enacts Pre-Race "Milkshaking" Tests  *
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board voted Jan. 19 to adopt an emergency rule allowing for the collection of pre-race blood samples from horses entered into races at the state's Thoroughbred and harness tracks to test for excess alkalizing agents (milkshaking) that could affect the outcome of the race. The blood samples are sent to the Equine ... Read full story
 1/23/2006
Jockey Club Teams Make Farm Visits to Check Broodmares, Foals  *
As a follow-up to a rule revision last August that added provisions for field inspections, The Jockey Club, during the last week of December, sent two teams of representatives to several farms in six states to examine Thoroughbred broodmares with early 2005 breeding or foaling dates. The rule change, which appears in Section V of Principal Rules and ... Read full story
 1/5/2006
Legislative Subcommittee OKs Kentucky Drug Rules  *
Kentucky's new medication rules were approved Dec. 13 by the state General Assembly Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee. The rules, centered on race-day medication, were approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority Nov. 14 and went through the legislative review process. They previously were implemented under an emergency order signed ... Read full story
 12/14/2005
AAEP Calls for Ban on Anabolic Steroids in Sale Horse Medication Guidelines  *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners' Task Force on Medication Issues at Public Auction has released its recommendations for medication usage in horses presented for sale at public auctions. They include the banning of anabolic steroids in horses on the sale grounds and also call for sale companies to serve as the "principle enforcers" ... Read full story
 12/14/2005
Inheritance of RER in Thoroughbreds  *
Recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) causes affected Thoroughbreds to suffer recurring episodes of muscle cramping, stiffness, excessive sweating, and a reluctance to move after exercise. With no cure available, information on how RER might be inherited is welcome news to the Thoroughbred industry. James Mickelson, PhD, professor of biochemistry ... Read full story
 11/21/2005
Horse Personality Researcher Seeks Subjects  *
An English researcher wants to provide a reliable and accurate way of identifying the personality of individual horses. Adele Lloyd, MSc, a Moulton College research associate based in Northampton (Central England), wants to study whether a horse' or pony' personality and temperament is determined by its breed. It is hoped that the results of this research ... Read full story
 11/15/2005
Tweaking Tails   *
There is bucolic tranquility in the sight of two horses dozing in the sun, side by side, nose to tail, with their tails rhythmically swishing as they leisurely work at keeping flies off their bodies. That is the basic purpose of the equine tail as designed by nature--keeping pesky insects at bay. That's a pretty simple job, but the tail's usefulness ... Read full story
 10/1/2005
Genetic Disease: Who's At Risk?  *
Many of today's scientific advancements are based on genetic technology, and medicine is at the cutting edge of gene discovery. Equine medicine is no different. Using the very information code for life in genes, scientists are working to: Prevent devastating or career-ending diseases through informed breeding; Gain new knowledge on conditions ... Read full story
 10/1/2005
Dreams Can Come True  *
Soñador is Spanish for "dreamer," the title of a movie opening this month that sounds like a natural fit for horse lovers. According to information from DreamWorks, Dreamer's writer/producer John Gatins grew up loving racehorses, and wondering why horses that broke their legs couldn't be saved. Then came the moving, true-life story of Mariah's Storm, ... Read full story
 10/1/2005
Mandatory Disclosure of Veterinary Practices Postponed   *
The Monitoring Committee for the Sales Integrity Program has postponed implementation of the mandatory disclosure of acceptable veterinary practices, says the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. The program's code of ethics defines these practices as surgeries designed to affect permanent changes in a horse's conformation, including transphyseal ... Read full story
 10/1/2005
South African Bleeders Study Begins  *
An international collaboration of researchers launched a study in July to examine the prevalence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in more than 800 South African Thoroughbreds. The group from the University of Pretoria, The Ohio State University (OSU), and the University of Kentucky (UK) also will examine the effect of altitude ... Read full story
 9/1/2005
Change in Kentucky Drug Rules Could Trigger Lawsuit  *
The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) could file a lawsuit to prevent implementation of a new race-day medication policy in the state. Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher signed the more restrictive rules Aug. 19 under an emergency order. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) gave final approval to the new policy Aug. ... Read full story
 8/23/2005
California Trainers on Notice About Use of Anabolic Steroids  *
While steroid use by human athletes has caused a firestorm of controversy, trainers in California are being warned to avoid using anabolic steroids on their horses because of increased testing and uncertainty about withdrawal times. But the director of the state's drug-testing laboratory said the concern is misplaced. Trainer Laura de Seroux was ... Read full story
 8/16/2005
Kentucky Horse Racing Authority Approves New Medication Rules  *
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority voted unanimously Aug. 15 to implement stiff medication rules and penalties that closely parallel rules adopted by the national Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. The rules, which break down into three drug classifications, provide for Salix and two adjunct bleeder medications as the only medications permitted ... Read full story
 8/15/2005
Sales Integrity Program Committee Addresses Concerns Over Surgery Disclosure  *
The monitoring committee for the Sales Integrity Program is taking action to address some consignors' concerns about how the Thoroughbred auction industry will handle the disclosure of invasive joint surgeries and other procedures designed to permanently change a horse's conformation. Disclosure is a provision of the industry's new code of ethics, ... Read full story
 8/2/2005
Bigger Thoroughbreds Sell Better   *
2005 EQUINE SCIENCE SOCIETY SYMPOSIUM, TUCSON, ARIZ., MAY 31-JUNE 3 "Pedigree, conformation, and the racing performance of siblings are the main selection criteria utilized by buyers to evaluate the athletic potential of Thoroughbred yearlings," said Joe Pagan, PhD, president of Kentucky Equine Research in Versailles, Ky. He also noted a positive ... Read full story
 8/1/2005
McCarron Chooses TRF Retirees for Racing Academy  *
Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron has entered into an agreement with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) to supply horses for the North American Racing Academy, a riding school McCarron will open later this year. McCarron's academy will be the first of its kind in this country and will mirror the many successful riding schools that have churned ... Read full story
 8/1/2005
Preventing Bucked Shins  *
Shin soreness, or bucked shins, in Thoroughbred racehorses is a partly preventable condition according to a recent Australian study. Horses with shin soreness display signs of pain on the front of the shins between the knee and fetlock, said David Evans, BVSc, PhD, associate professor of veterinary science at the University of Sydney and one of the ... Read full story
 7/27/2005
Heart Size and Racing Performance in Trotters  *
When it comes to the hearts of Standardbred racehorses, size does matter. Danish researchers recently published the results of an echocardiographic study in which they found that heart size correlated with athletic performance. However, "excellent cardiac function is only one of the important requirements to become a successful athletic horse," concluded ... Read full story
 7/5/2005
Big Feet, Big Shoes
Whether you're a heavy horse fancier or not, a big hitch of fancy draft horses is an arresting sight. But what's the connection between all this flash and the ideal function of a heavy horse? Show ring insiders say you're seeing an animal displaying its full range of motion, while skeptics argue that the horse's anatomy is dangerously compromised by ... Read full story
 5/1/2005
Conformation of Racehorses   *
"Forelimb conformation receives lots of attention because of perceived predisposition to injury (with various conformational problems)," began Liz Santschi, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, clinical associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, at the Western Veterinary Conference held Feb. 20-25 in Las Vegas, Nev. Thoroughbred Foals She discussed ... Read full story
 5/1/2005
GBED Linked to Quarter Horse Bloodlines  *
Glycogen-branching enzyme disorder (GBED) has likely been a cause of neonatal mortality in Quarter Horses for decades, according to Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, who gave an update on her research on the disorder at the recent conference of the American Quarter Horse Association, held March 11-14 in St. Louis, Mo. Additionally, she reported that all ... Read full story
 3/29/2005
Greater Good Listed a Colt, But Unable to Breed  *
Should Greater Good win the May 7 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), it would make the second time in the past three years the winner cannot stand at stud. Funny Cide, who won the 2003 Derby, is a gelding. Greater Good is listed as a colt but because neither of his testicles has descended, he has no value as a stallion prospect. For the record, Greater Good, ... Read full story
 3/25/2005
Conformation of the Juvenile Equine Athlete  *
"Forelimb conformation receives lots of attention because of perceived predisposition to injury (with various conformational problems)," began Liz Santschi, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, clinical associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, at the Western Veterinary Conference held Feb. 20-25 in Las Vegas, Nev. "Angular limb deformities (limbs ... Read full story
 3/18/2005
Thoroughbred Breeders Look Out for an Old Friend  *
When Patricia and Richard Lenihan sold a horse they bred along with a partner at a 1998 2-year-old sale at Timonium for $80,000, they never forgot about the colt who would be named Holmdel. They watched with delight as he finished third in the 1998 Rushing Man Stakes at the Meadowlands and won allowance races at Aqueduct and Monmouth as his earnings ... Read full story
 3/17/2005
Forelimb Conformation and the Thoroughbred Racehorse  *
"What is the relationship between conformation and performance, and what can we do to impact it?" These questions have been asked by those focused on performance in many species, and they were the focus of one presentation by Liz Santschi, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, clinical associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, at the Western Veterinary ... Read full story
 3/15/2005
AQHA Approves Surpass  *
The American Quarter Horse Association has Surpass, a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. The AQHA Executive Committee approved the medication during their January meeting to keep in line with the rules of the United States Equestrian Federation Inc., which permitted therapeutic use of Surpass late last year. Surpass (diclofenac) ... Read full story
 2/24/2005
NYRA Milkshake Tests to Begin Feb. 16  *
The New York Racing Association will begin pre-race and post-race testing for "milkshakes" Feb. 16 at Aqueduct. Both forms of testing will be performed in an effort to collect data to determine the best method. Random pre-race testing will be performed each day, while post-race testing will be performed on every race, NYRA officials said in a Feb. ... Read full story
 2/10/2005
Report: Kentucky Tracks Might Test for Milkshakes  *
Kentucky racetracks could begin testing for "milkshakes" this spring under their own guidelines, officials said. A milkshake is a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and a liquid given to a horse before it competes. Milkshakes are believed to enhance performance. The old Kentucky Racing Commission in 2001 adopted a policy that banned the practice, but ... Read full story
 2/7/2005
No Fine, Suspension in New York Positives  *
Two horses who ran at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., last summer were disqualified from their finishing positions because of positive drug tests, but Mark Shuman, who trained both horses for owner Michael Gill, will not be disciplined in the incident. Clay's Rocket, winner of the second race at Saratoga Aug. 8, 2004, and Kalookan ... Read full story
 2/7/2005
Kentucky Panel: Adopt Model Medication Rules  *
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council set in motion major changes in the state's medication and drug-testing policies when it voted Feb. 4 to recommend adoption of the model rules devised by the national Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. The drug council voted 7-1 in favor of the model rules. The lone dissenter was Susan Bunning, president ... Read full story
 2/7/2005
Fractures in Thoroughbred Racehorses   *
Musculoskeletal injury is the most common cause of lost training days for Thoroughbred racehorses. This type of injury, particularly fractures, is also cited as a major reason horses leave the industry. But the incidence and characteristics of fractures in racing Thoroughbreds are not well understood. Characterizing fractures was the aim of Kristien ... Read full story
 2/1/2005
AQHA Set to Drug Test 300 Shows   *
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) was to begin testing for performance-enhancing medications at approximately 300 approved shows in January as a result of a recommendation made by the drug and medications task force. The task force had met to discuss the increased cost of drug testing and the decreasing number of states voluntarily testing ... Read full story
 2/1/2005
Have Researchers Discovered What Makes Horses Fast?  *
Researchers at The Royal Veterinary College in Great Britain believe they've found the answer to what makes a fast racehorse. The research, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, combined data about the length, shape, and structure of horses with analysis of horses in the field to develop mathematical and computer models ... Read full story
 1/5/2005
AQHA Set to Drug Test An Additional 300 Shows  *
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) will test for performance-enhancing medications at approximately 300 approved shows. The efforts to protect the American Quarter Horse comes from a recommendation made by a drug and medications task force and will launch in January 2005. "Our No. 1 responsibility is to protect our athletes, which include ... Read full story
 12/28/2004
Track Surface Conditions Influence Likelihood of Racing Fractures  *
Track surface conditions play an important role in the risk of bone fractures in racing Thoroughbreds. Unfavorable conditions of turf and dirt impair the natural shock-absorbing mechanisms of the equine limb, increasing the likelihood of a career-ending fracture. In an article published in the Japan Racing Journal, Masa-aki Oikawa, DVM, PhD, recently ... Read full story
 12/28/2004
Young Guns: How Racehorses Make the Transition to Stallions  *
Many of us outgrow our entry-level jobs after a few years and undergo training for career changes. Our earning potential, however, pales in comparison to the new occupation enjoyed by Thoroughbreds who are fast enough or pedigreed enough to become stud horses. The millions and millions of dollars on the table for successful stallions make it imperative ... Read full story
 12/15/2004
Santa Anita Milkshake Testing to Begin Dec. 26  *
Track to test every horse in every race Santa Anita Park isn't waiting for a statewide ban to make its stand against "milkshakes." At the meet that begins Dec. 26, the Arcadia, Calif., racetrack will test every horse in every race for excess bicarbonate in its blood. "Nothing is more important for us than maintaining the highest standards of integrity ... Read full story
 12/14/2004
California Legislator Introduces Milkshake Bill  *
Assembly member Jerome E. Horton announced legislation Dec. 7 to combat illegal substances in California racehorses, in particular milkshakes. The bill would require the California Horse Racing Board to adopt emergency regulations to establish policies, guidelines, and procedures to test the total carbon dioxide concentrations in the bloodstream of ... Read full story
 12/10/2004
Impact of Valvular Heart Disease on Performance  *
Results of a four-year prospective study designed to determine the influence of training and heart size on atrioventricular (AV) valvular regurgitation (backflow of blood from the lower to the upper heart chambers) in Thoroughbred racehorses, and to determine any association between AV valve regurgitation and performance in Thoroughbreds, were presented ... Read full story
 11/3/2004
Louisiana Targets Blood-Doping,   *
The Louisiana State Racing Commission medication committee has asked the full commission to ban the use and possession of the blood-doping substances erythropoietin (EPO) and darbepoietin, as well as consider measures aimed at random pre-race testing for carbon dioxide caused by "milkshakes" (alkalizing agents). In the statement released by the racing ... Read full story
 10/27/2004
California Horse Racing Board Proposes Ban on Milkshakes  *
Use of alkalizing agents--so-called "milkshakes"--on horses would be illegal under a new regulation proposed Sept. 15 to the California Horse Racing Board. Ron Jensen, DVM, MS, the CHRB's director of equine medicine, told the board that the agency's random surveying this spring of horses racing at Hollywood Park, Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows ... Read full story
 9/17/2004
Racing Drug Panel Moves Forward with Per-Start Fee for Owners  *
Lab accreditation, quality assurance to get close look Racehorse owners would contribute about $4.5 million a year to support research projects under a recommendation by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, which continues to seek a uniform policy for medication and drug testing in the United States. The consortium met Sept. 9 in Lexington, ... Read full story
 9/15/2004
Fatal Genetic Disease Identified   *
Researchers have identified the gene mutation responsible for a disease that causes stillbirths and deaths in young foals of the American Quarter Horse breed. They have also developed a genetic test that will identify carriers of the lethal disorder, called glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED), which should help breeders reduce the disease's ... Read full story
 8/1/2004
Thoroughbred Charities Awards $1,014,400 in Grants   *
Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) approved grants of $1,014,400 for the 2004 fiscal year at an annual board of directors meeting on May 22. The grants have been awarded to 85 equine charities that work with improving the lives of Thoroughbreds and the people who work with them. The $1.014,400 is believed to be the largest grant in the Thoroughbred ... Read full story
 6/17/2004
Fatal Genetic Quarter Horse Disease Identified  *
An inherited disorder called glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED) in American Quarter Horses and related breeds that appears to be the cause for many unexplained stillbirths and deaths of young foals was identified by the University of Minnesota's Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, Department of Clinical and Population Sciences, and Jim Mickelson, ... Read full story
 6/9/2004
The White Rule  *
Back in 1940, life in the United States was simple, despite a world at war and a complex future right at the nation's doorstep. That March during the Fort Worth stock show and rodeo, a group of prominent ranchers and horse breeders from across the West gathered in the home of Jim and Anne Hall, masters of West Texas' famed Burnett and Four Sixes ranches, ... Read full story
 6/1/2004
HC/HERDA Update; Owners of Carrier Stallions Notified  *
Approximately 100 Quarter Horse stallion owners have received, or will receive, a telephone message from Ann Rashmir, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, associate professor of surgery and head of the Hyperelastosis Cutis (HC) Research Program at Mississippi State University, that contains unwelcome news. The message is that the stallion is a carrier of the recessive ... Read full story
 5/17/2004
AQHA Begins Registering Horses Once Excluded by White Rule  *
The American Quarter Horse Association announced on April 28 that it will begin registering horses that were previously ineligible because of rule 227(c), "the white rule," beginning May 1. To assist owners, the executive committee designated May 1, 2004 as the birth date of these horses, which allows them to be registered at $25 for the first seven ... Read full story
 5/10/2004
Governing Equine Competition   *
As the National Governing Body for equestrian sport, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF, formerly U.S.A. Equestrian) takes seriously the importance of providing a fair and level playing field for all competitors. This mission is a large and important one. Administering the rules and regulations requires not only the work of the Federation's ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
AQHA Board Votes on Key Rule Changes at Convention   *
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Board of Directors voted March 9 on the recommendations of the AQHA standing committees as approved in the general membership meeting at the annual convention. The following are the final results of the vote regarding hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) and the "white rule." HYPP HYPP is a genetic ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
The Horse Protection Act   *
Although the Horse Protection Act (HPA) was enacted 34 years ago, show ring abuse of the Tennessee Walking Horse and other high-stepping gaited breeds is still a significant, ongoing problem. Horses are intentionally abused through mechanical and chemical means to obtain an unnatural, high-stepping gait that leads to the winner's circle. Winning brings ... Read full story
 4/1/2004
Not Just Skin Deep  *
Poco Bueno was a giant among horses. Built like a rock, he possessed power and speed. He was a champion in the show ring, then retired to stud. His greatness was carried on in succeeding generations of Quarter Horses. Today, it is primarily through Poco Bueno's bloodline, say researchers at Mississippi State University and Cornell University, that ... Read full story
 4/1/2004
Miniature Horses' Eyes   *
It is tempting for veterinarians to use laboratory reference ranges collected from full-sized horses when treating miniature horses. This is not always appropriate, however, as miniature horses have some breed characteristics that are only now becoming apparent. In fact, researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have been diagnosing ocular abnormalities ... Read full story
 4/1/2004
California Latest State to Focus on Equine "Milkshakes"  *
Random pre-race testing for "milkshakes"--the loading of bicarbonates through a stomach tube to reduce fatigue-causing buildup of lactic acid--began at Santa Anita Park in late February, but the California Horse Racing Board is referring to the program as a survey because no penalties will be applied if a horse tests positive. Concerned over widespread ... Read full story
 3/23/2004
AQHA Board of Directors Votes on Key Rule Changes at Convention  *
The American Quarter Horse Association Board of Directors voted Tuesday on the recommendations of the AQHA standing committees as approved in the general membership meeting. The following is the final results of the vote regarding hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) and the white rule. HYPP The board voted that foals of 2007 and later tracing to ... Read full story
 3/11/2004
AQHA Statement on HC/HERDA  *
The American Quarter Horse Association's (AQHA) statement regarding hyperelastosis cutis (HC) or hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA): 1. AQHA is aware of the condition known as hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia, otherwise known as hyperelastosis cutis. It is on the stud book and registration commmittee agenda for discussion ... Read full story
 3/8/2004
Heavy Horse Health Problems  *
Draft horses are enjoying a comeback. Not since the days when they were required to move the nation have the "gentle giants" been so sought after as riding and driving competitors. Draft crosses are found worldwide, competing at many levels and just providing locomotion to those who want a horse with a calmer disposition and greater weight-carrying ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
JEB in Belgian Draft Horses   *
John D. Baird, BVSc, PhD, of Ontario Veterinary College, reviewed the cause, characteristics, and prevalence of junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) in Belgians. The lethal inherited disease causes large areas of skin loss and other abnormalities in newborn foals, which usually are euthanized shortly after birth. In 2001, scientists linked JEB ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
Inherited Quarter Horse Disease Traces To Poco Bueno   *
Poco Bueno has been identified as the sireline associated with the brutal affliction known as hyperelastosis cutis (HC) or hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA). He was a giant among horses. Built like a rock, he possessed power and speed. He made his mark in the show ring as a champion, then retired to the breeding shed. His greatness ... Read full story
 2/26/2004
Hereditary Disease Research at UC Davis  *
Research into the disease known as hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA; also known as hyperelastosis cutis, HC) is also proceeding at the University of California, Davis. The research is headed by Stephen White, DVM, Dipl. ACVD (dermatology) and has a four-part focus. USED WITH PERMISSION OF DR. STEPHEN WHITE A typical ... Read full story
 2/26/2004
Friends of Sound Horses Partnering with USDA to be Testing Ground for New Technology   *
Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) announced that it has volunteered for its 2004 affiliated shows to participate in USDA testing of a new method for the detection of illegal soring agents on gaited horses. The USDA might also randomly attend horse shows affiliated with other gaited horse industry organizations (HIOs) to test the new methodology. Soring ... Read full story
 2/20/2004
AAEP 2003: JEB in Belgian Draft Horses  *
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is an inherited disease that causes skin lesions over pressure points of the body in newborn Belgian foals and results in large areas of skin loss. The disease is a lethal condition and affected foals typically are euthanized shortly after birth. Courtesy Dr. John D. Baird JEB causes areas of skin loss ... Read full story
 2/17/2004
Heavy Hooves: Tufts to Host Unique Conference  *
Flying feathers and pounding hooves will be examined on March 26-28 as Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine hosts the nation's first conference specifically about lameness and shoeing of draft horses. The conference is being organized by Carl Kirker-Head MA, VetMB, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ECVS, the current Marilyn M. Simpson Chair in Equine ... Read full story
 1/15/2004
Dual Hemisphere Breeding and Live Foal Percentages  *
Shuttling Thoroughbred stallions between Northern and Southern hemisphere farms for breeding began in earnest around 1992. Stallions had been shuttling from Great Britain and Ireland prior to that time. Between 1996 and 2002, 117 stallions from the United States were shuttled to the Southern Hemisphere in the late part of the year to complete a second ... Read full story
 1/7/2004
AQHA Supplemental Registry Proposed   *
The American Quarter Horse Association's (AQHA) Stud Book and Registration Committee will discuss various matters relating to the breed and AQHA's registration process, namely eligibility of horses with white beyond certain prescribed limits on their bodies and those of a particular lineage, during the 2004 convention in Reno, Nev., March 5-9. During ... Read full story
 1/1/2004
The Future of Horses with HYPP  *
Letter to the Editor: This letter must begin by saying how proud I am of a man whom I have never met. His name is Steve Stevens of Houston, TX, the current president of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Mr. Stevens has given the membership of AQHA a voice. He has written personal letters of his activities as president and the goals ... Read full story
 12/30/2003
Year In Review: Death of a Derby Winner  *
From The Blood-Horse year in review, featured in the Dec. 20, 2003 issue. It was the story nobody wanted to believe, yet no one could disprove. It was the biggest news item of 2003 in the Thoroughbred industry, and coming on the heels of 2002's Ultra Pick Six scandal, made it two years in a row where our most enduring story was a negative one. The ... Read full story
 12/18/2003
Great Britain Revises Codes on Infectious Diseases  *
Britain's Horserace Betting Levy Board has extensively changed its codes of practice regarding the infectious diseases contagious equine metritis (CEM), equine herpesvirus (EHV), and equine viral arteritis (EVA), which can severely disrupt horse breeding. John Parker, chairman of the committee responsible for drawing up the codes, revealed on Dec. ... Read full story
 12/11/2003
Veterinarians, Trainers Support Ky. Drug Policy  *
The debate over whether Kentucky should implement a restrictive race-day medication policy heated up Nov. 18 with calls by racetrack veterinarians and trainers to keep the current policy intact, and criticism of the way the national Racing Medication and Testing Consortium handles its business. Some speakers at the Kentucky Racing Commission-sponsored ... Read full story
 12/2/2003
Quarter Horse Supplemental Registry Proposed; Topics to be Discussed at 2004 Annual Meeting  *
The American Quarter Horse Association's Stud Book and Registration Committee met recently to discuss various matters relating to the breed and AQHA's registration process, namely eligibility of horses with white beyond certain prescribed limits on their bodies and those of a particular lineage. Several of the topics discussed will be on the agenda ... Read full story
 11/12/2003
Mineshaft Retired with Minor Injuries  *
Mineshaft, the leading handicap horse in the country, was retired Friday due to what trainer Neil Howard said was a small chip in his right front ankle. "This morning Dr. Foster Northrop, Mineshaft's vet, his owner, Mr. William Farish, and I had a discussion and made the decision to retire Mineshaft due to a minor problem in his ankle that we have ... Read full story
 10/6/2003
New President for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation  *
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Board of Directors recently named Terence Collier president of the organization at its most recent meeting. Collier, best known in the horse racing industry as the director of marketing and the sales announcer for Kentucky-based Thoroughbred auctioneers Fasig-Tipton, succeeds John Stuart, who resigned from his ... Read full story
 8/25/2003
High-Tech Horse Raising  *
Tracking the growth of young horses is going high-tech with a computer program called Gro-Trac. Developed by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), the program allows breeders to compare the growth rates of horses on their farms to others of the same age and sex on farms in various states and countries. By using a database of growth records created by KER ... Read full story
 8/13/2003
Three Horses Euthanized, Jockeys Seriously Injured in Del Mar Spill  *
Edited from track reports Jockeys Tyler Baze and Jose Silva suffered serious injuries Monday in a five-horse spill which marred the running of the fourth race at Del Mar. Xrays disclosed that Baze sustained fractures of the great toe on the left foot and the top of the foot itself, while Silva suffered a fracture of the L-1 lumbar vertebra, but no ... Read full story
 8/12/2003
New Holder of World's Tallest Horse Title  *
The title of “Tallest Living Horse in the World” went to an 11-year-old Percheron horse named Goliath on July 24. He stands 19.1 hands high, or 6’5” at the withers, weighs in at around 2,500 pounds, and is based in Mount Pleasant, Texas. He is owned by Priefert Manufacturing, a producer of almost 200 products for the livestock, equine, canine, and ... Read full story
 8/8/2003
Death of a Derby Winner: Slaughterhouse Likely Fate for Ferdinand  *
(Reported by The Blood-Horse, 7/25/03) Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner who went on to capture the following year's Horse of the Year title with a dramatic victory over 1987 Derby hero Alysheba in the Breeders' Cup Classic, is dead. The Blood-Horse has learned that the big chestnut son of Nijinsky II died sometime in 2002, most likely in a ... Read full story
 8/8/2003
Ferdinand Followup: Owners Promise to Tighten Contracts and Supervision   *
(Published in the Aug. 2 issue of The Blood-Horse) In the wake of the disturbing news of Ferdinand's demise in Japan, letters and e-mails from fans expressing both regret and anger have flooded in-boxes. It is likely, however, that the legacy Ferdinand leaves by virtue of his unseemly death will rival his achievements on the racetrack. The death ... Read full story
 8/8/2003
AI, Stallion Book Size Among Topics at Conference  *
Artificial insemination (AI) and stallion book size were among the more controversial topics discussed as university professors from across the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and Israel gathered in Louisville, Ky., June 25-28 for the third International Equine Industry Program Academic Conference. About 35 participants presented papers on ... Read full story
 7/1/2003
Future of Equine Research  *
Attendees of the Thoroughbred International Exposition and Conference (TIEC) in Lexington, Ky., June 20-22, learned about the past and future of equine research. Edward Bowen, president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, spoke about past and current research of the Grayson-Jockey Club and other foundations raising funds for equine research. ... Read full story
 6/25/2003
Overtraining in Standardbreds   *
There is a fine line between striving to maximize a horse's performance and pushing the animal beyond his physical limits. Standardbred racehorses experience a decrease in body weight and an abnormal decrease in blood cortisol when they are overtrained. Researchers from New Zealand recently conducted a study to see if there are any other physiologic ... Read full story
 6/20/2003
ReRun to Operate Farm, Educational Center in Maryland   *
ReRun Inc. has assumed management of Greener Pastures Equine Sanctuary, a 160-acre estate along the Sassafras River near Cecilton, Md., donated by the Wear Family. The facility, which was previously managed by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), is home to many retired racehorses and is also a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to preserving the nesting ... Read full story
 5/5/2003
The Sound Barrier  *
The debate over fast workout times for sale 2-year-olds The specter of catastrophic injury continues to haunt sales of Thoroughbred 2-year-olds in training. Every time a horse breaks down during an under-tack show, the debate heats up again. Are immature racing prospects being asked to work too fast too soon? John Kimmel, a trainer who has a veterinary ... Read full story
 4/30/2003
TRF to Create Secretariat Center at Kentucky Horse Park  *
Two of Kentucky's most famous industries, bourbon and horse racing, have united to raise money for a new 25-acre center at the Kentucky Horse Park to facilitate adoption of former racehorses. Since 1996, Maker's Mark and Keeneland have produced a limited edition Maker's Mark bottle to benefit a good cause. This year's beneficiary is the Thoroughbred ... Read full story
 4/1/2003
AQHA Members Vote to Retain White Rule  *
More than 1,000 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) members attended the 63rd annual convention, where the organization’s board voted to retain Rule 227(c), which limits the amount of white on horses eligible for registration in the organization. The vote on the white rule leaves Rule 227(c) unchanged and will continue to be read and upheld ... Read full story
 3/17/2003
AAEP Convention: Milne Lecture--Bucked Shins  *
The Milne Lecture at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention is also known as the State of the Art Lecture because each Milne Lecture, regardless of topic, is selected for its groundbreaking qualities and potential to change the paradigms by which veterinarians and researchers understand that topic in the horse. This year’s ... Read full story
 2/27/2003
AAEP 2002: A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rhabdomyolysis in Foals  *
We hear a lot about a horse experiencing rhabdomyolysis (tying-up) during or after exercise. However, foals are also susceptible to muscle damage. Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, of the University of Minnesota, presented "A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rhabdomyolysis in Foals" at the 2002 American Association of Equine Practitioner's Convention. ... Read full story
 2/13/2003
2002 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention   *
Thousands of equine veterinarians visited Orlando, Fla., Dec. 4-8, 2002, with the health and welfare of their equine patients at heart. The annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) served up research presentations and current events appropriate for the equine practitioner seeking valuable continuing education, and ... Read full story
 2/1/2003
Equine Exercise Physiology Research  *
While the term sports medicine is of modern extraction, exercise physiology in humans and horses has been around for more than 100 years. During the decline of the use of work horses in the early to mid-20th Century, not much research was done. With the emergence and gaining popularity of horses as sport, recreation, and companion animals has come ... Read full story
 1/1/2003
AAEP 2002: Suspensory Ligament Desmitis in Peruvian Pasos  *
Certain breeds of horses are predisposed to certain health problems, and it appears that the Peruvian Paso is no different. In her presentation “Twenty Cases of Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DLSD)) in Peruvian Paso Horses,” Jeanette Mero, DVM, of Starland Veterinary Services in Ithaca, N.Y., discussed the characteristics of Peruvian Pasos ... Read full story
 12/27/2002
Juvenile Bowed Tendons and Racing Prognosis  *
“Juvenile bowed tendons, or ‘baby bows,’ are not uncommon in yearlings and weanlings,” said Johanna Reimer, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ACVC (cardiology), of the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., at the 2002 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention. In her presentation “Enlarged Superficial Digital Flexor Tendons in Immature ... Read full story
 12/17/2002
National HBPA to Issue Revised Medication Proposal  *
The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is prepared to release a revised proposal for a national policy on drug testing and therapeutic medication. The document deals with Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 medications, as well as prohibited practices. In the preamble, the National HBPA says its goal is to "harmonize medication policies and ... Read full story
 12/11/2002
AQHA Considers Changes to Coat Color Requirements   *
Cremellos or perlinos, which are horses that exhibit lightly pigmented or pink skin over the body, white or cream-colored hair, and blue eyes, might soon be eligible for registration in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). In early October, the AQHA Stud Book and Registration Committee voted in a special meeting to recommend to the Board ... Read full story
 12/1/2002
The Gray Gene  *
British scientists have identified the distinctive gene that gives about 3% of the Thoroughbred population the gray coat color, and they plan to continue studying the genetics in hopes of learning why grays are more prone to developing melanomas than other horses. "If we can actually understand the process, maybe in the future it could be possible ... Read full story
 10/23/2002
Arabian Registry To Require DNA Testing  *
DNA testing using hair roots will replace blood typing as the Arabian Horse Registry of America's required tool for parentage verification. This will begin with registration of the 2002 foal crop. This announcement follows a similar one by The Jockey Club, which will require DNA testing in Thoroughbreds beginning with the 2001 foal crop. The American ... Read full story
 10/11/2002
Halternatives   *
The past 15 years, various techniques have resulted in a type of Arabian "halter" presentation that poses the horse in a now-familiar stance. What is missing in this presentation? To me it's the evidence of trust, affection, and mutual esteem cherished by Arabian breeders for over three thousand years. Equine-related activities represent the fastest-growing ... Read full story
 10/1/2002
Salvation from Slaughter  *
There are numerous horse auctions in the United States. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has commissioned a private study of some auction houses to learn: Where are these horses coming from? How many are there? What is their condition? And how many can we absorb into retirement and rehabilitation programs rather than letting them go to ... Read full story
 9/1/2002
Ponies Just Heal Better Than Horses   *
Horses are more problematic healers compared to ponies, according to a recent study completed by the faculty of veterinary medicine at the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands. The study also suggests that ponies with traumatic limb wounds have a better prognosis than horses with comparable injuries. Jacintha M. Wilmink, DVM, PhD, Dipl. RNVA, ... Read full story
 8/1/2002
AQHA Settles Embryo Transfer Lawsuit  *
The American Quarter Horse Association has eliminated all restrictions regarding the registration of foals produced through embryo transfer as part of an out-of-court settlement with a coalition of breeders. For a couple of years, the AQHA has been fighting a lawsuit that claimed a rule limiting the registration of embryo transfer foals to one per ... Read full story
 6/12/2002
Veterinarians On-Call at Derby  *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners created the On-Call program 11 years ago to assist media in understanding injuries and treatment of horses before, during, and after upper-echelon equine events. Most of the 70 events covered by On-Call veterinarians last year were Thoroughbred races, with some Standardbred and Quarter Horse events included. This ... Read full story
 5/2/2002
Smaller Horses, Bigger Reproductive Problems  *
Big gifts come in small packages. That's a fine sentiment when it comes to presents, but when it refers to miniature horse reproduction, that big gift/small package combo can be a little tough on the mare. It's not so great for the foal, either. In fact, a "big gift" is one of several reproductive concerns unique to miniature horses. For sure, miniature ... Read full story
 3/1/2002
Thoroughbred Pedigrees Show Little Genetic Diversity   *
More than 95% of Thoroughbreds share the same paternal lineage, and almost half of the genetic makeup of the breed can be attributed to just 10 foundation horses. These facts are just a few of the recent findings brought to light by a research team at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. The group, led by Professor Patrick Cunningham, MS, PhD, used ... Read full story
 3/1/2002
Emergency Breeding Procedures Filed for Kentucky Farms  *
Due to concerns resulting from last year's foal losses attributed to Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS), the Kentucky Department of Agriculture today filed emergency regulations regarding procedures that are followed when breeding an imported mare in the state. State Veterinarian Don Notter, DVM, met with an equine advisory committee comprised ... Read full story
 2/4/2002
Barretts Plans To Limit Clenbuterol Use at Juvenile Auctions  *
All the details have not been finalized, but Barretts Equine Limited plans to prevent consignors from treating their juvenile sale horses with clenbuterol within 72 hours of presale under tack shows. The California auction company also plans to change the focus of its drug testing for under tack shows from blood to urine. Blood will continue to be ... Read full story
 1/29/2002
Courts May Settle Artificial Insemination Debate   *
Published in the Jan. 26 issue of The Blood-Horse Thoroughbred breeders who are happy with the industry's staunch opposition to artificial insemination and embryo transfer should not get too comfortable. "Don't think forever is forever," warned D. Barry Stone, legal counsel for the American Quarter Horse Association, which has been sued over a rule ... Read full story
 1/24/2002
Summit Comes Down to Time and Money  *
In the aftermath of Tuesday's Racehorse Medication Summit, it was all about time and money. Participants said they wouldn't have much more to say until the official minutes of the meeting are released, and that the success of any proposal hinges on a funding mechanism. "I think it's important the industry understands that this is going to take money," ... Read full story
 12/5/2001
Medication Summit: Consensus, But Very Few Details  *
Participants at Tuesday's Racehorse Medication Summit in Tucson, Ariz., reached a consensus on medication, drug-testing, security, and enforcement, but said much of any future policy depends on scientific determinations. The group of about 30 industry officials did agree on the need for a uniform medication policy and decision levels for therapeutic ... Read full story
 12/4/2001
Industry Hopes For Starting Point on Drugs  *
Racing industry participants expressed hope Tuesday morning that a five-hour facilitated session on medication would at least serve as a starting point toward uniformity. No one expected radical changes in current policies that vary by jurisdiction in the United States. On an unusually cloudy and rainy morning in Tucson, Ariz., 31 invited representatives ... Read full story
 12/4/2001
Turnout Time for Warmblood Foals
I am being told by "professionals" that warmblood foals should be turned out a limited amount of time. The "professionals" were a farrier (who shoes Olympic-quality horses) and a respected veterinarian. Their reasoning is that warmblood babies grow too fast and this would slow his growth down. This colt is trying to canter in a 12-foot by 12-foot stall ... Read full story
 12/1/2001
MRLS Jacks Up Insurance Rates; Policies Offered as Incentives  *
Prospective foal insurance used to be about the new owner of a pregnant broodmare protecting his investment after the purchase. At this year's Keeneland November breeding stock sale, insurance coverage became anincentive to buy the mare in the first place. Insuring an unborn foal bred in Central Kentucky was impossible three months ago because of ... Read full story
 11/15/2001
HYPP: Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis  *
They gave the muscular Quarter Horse colt an ambitious name: Impressive. He lived up to the name in such dramatic fashion that it became a household word in Quarter Horse circles - especially among breeders and exhibitors involved in showing halter horses. Impressive sons and daughters were big, bold, and beautiful with defined musculature. They ... Read full story
 10/10/2001
Small Talk: Miniature Horses  *
Miniature Horses are gaining in popularity, say devotees of the diminutive breed, but that growth has brought with it some problems in the realm of health and conformation. Mary Ann Eberth, operator of Little King Farm in Madison, Ind., says the good news is that more and more people are finding Miniature Horses fun and profitable; the bad news is ... Read full story
 10/9/2001
Combined Immunodefiency in Arabians  *
A newborn Arabian foal is possibly one of the most beguiling creatures on Earth. Elegant of feature and blessed with beauty, he's full of promise for the future--and often descended of royal blood and worth many thousands of dollars. Imagine how crushing it is for a breeder to discover that a seemingly healthy foal has inexplicably died from what, ... Read full story
 10/9/2001
Focus on Discipline: Cutting Horses  *
One on one, horse meets heifer. The cutting horse matches wits with a cow, and a champion maintains 100 percent control of the wily critter. Like reining, cutting is a sport that developed on the ranch. Cowhands valued the cutting horse as a mount that could separate individual animals from the herd. In the show arena today, cutting is a drama unique ... Read full story
 10/1/2001
AQHA Embryo Transfer Case Revisited  *
On Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, officials and attorneys for the American Quarter Horse Association were back in court to receive presiding Judge Patrick A. Pirtle's decision on a motion that was filed by AQHA asking the judge to reconsider his summary judgement, which was rendered on Dec. 15, 2000. The plaintiffs in this case are AQHA Members who allege ... Read full story
 9/21/2001
Big Appetites In Big Horses (Drafts)  *
Nothing says sheer power like a draft horse. Nothing else exudes such strength with such a mild-mannered attitude. To watch these gentle giants in action is to get a sense of our own history and the invaluable role horses played, and continue to play. Today, far from fading away, the draft breeds--Clydesdales and Shires, Percherons and Belgians (not ... Read full story
 9/13/2001
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) and Breeding
I have a 6-year-old Quarter Horse mare N/H (heterozygous) for hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), and a lot of vets have told me that I can breed her to a Thoroughbred, and the baby should be fine. She does have some problems with the warm weather. I would love to get her bred, but I do not want to have her so stressed out that it would kill her. ... Read full story
 5/1/2001
Reproductive Problems in the Draft Horse  *
Draft mares usually make excellent mothers, providing a large amount of milk and rarely rejecting a foal. Because of these traits, draft mares make good nurse mares; some mares can even support and feed two foals. Also, the tendency for multiple ovulations makes draft mares good candidates for embryo transfer. However, draft horses have some reproductive ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Pony Power!  *
Tough. Powerful. Clever. The genuine pony displays the traits of centuries of pony progenitors, distinguishing himself from small horse breeds. In general, the pony is the same animal as the horse, yet he has many traits that make him unique. Those differences endear fanciers of all ages, with adults as the strongest supporters of pony breeds. The ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
VetGen Announces $45 Price Reduction For SCID Test In Arabian Horses   *
VetGen, L.L.C., a pioneering veterinary genetics services and research company, announces a $45 dollar reduction in the price for the test for the Severe Combined Immunodeficiency “SCID” gene in Arabian horses. The test was previously priced at $185 per horse and can now be purchased for $140. Further reductions for herd discounts were made consisting ... Read full story
 5/1/2000
Symposium On Racing Panelists Named, Agenda Expended   *
The final line-up of speakers has been completed for this year's Symposium on Racing, presented by The University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program. The Symposium, held Dec. 7 through 11 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, will feature panelists from the pari-mutuel industry, as well as related businesses and organizations, ... Read full story
 12/2/1999
AQHA Parentage Verification   *
For the protection of all American Quarter Horses and so American Quarter Horse owners better understand certain genetic diseases and prevent them being passed on to future generations, AQHA is making an effort by positively identifying all horses through DNA testing. Beginning in 1999, foals out of mares born in 1995 or more recently, any horse which ... Read full story
 2/1/1999
Veterinarians Make Concerns Known To NTRA   *
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has been told of concerns by the veterinary community in regard to its Task Force on Drug Testing and Racing Integrity, and the fact that a veterinarian is not on the task force. But the issues reportedly were not discussed during an NTRA board of directors meeting Dec. 10 in Tucson, Ariz. About 25 or ... Read full story
 12/11/1998
Genetic Testing: The Secret World Of Genes  *
Anyone who reads this magazine likely agrees that horses are amazing creatures. Valued for their speed, their beauty, and their grace, not to mention their generosity of spirit toward humans, horses are a continuing marvel even to those of us who work with them every day. And now, as researchers delve into the secrets of the DNA strands that make horses ... Read full story
 12/1/1998
Lord At War Euthanatized   *
Central Kentucky stallion Lord At War was euthanatized on March 29 at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee veterinary clinic near Lexington, several weeks after he injured a hind leg while attempting to cover a mare at Diane Perkins' Wimborne Farm near Paris, Ky. Lord At War, who raced as a homebred for Perkins and her late husband, Peter, was taken to the clinic ... Read full story
 4/3/1998
Horse Trainer Accused of Soring Settles With USDA   *
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rob Biggers, a horse trainer in Columbus, Miss., have agreed to a consent decision and order regarding violations of the Horse Protection Act. "Soring is not only a cruel and hurtful form of abuse, it's also against the law," said W. Ron DeHaven, acting deputy administrator for animal care with the animal and ... Read full story
 4/3/1998
Gene Check Announces SCID Testing   *
According to information from Gene Check, Inc., an announcement on February 23, 1998, stated that the company has completed development and testing of a test for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in horses. SCID is a genetic disease of Arabian horses which has been shown to be linked to a single gene mutation. The disease is fatal when the mutation ... Read full story
 3/2/1998
Cosmetic Alteration Of Arabian Horses   *
The Arabian Horse Registry of America, Inc., has adopted the following statement on cosmetic alteration of Arabian horses: In response to recent allegations that some purebred Arabian horses have been surgically altered to enhance their physical appearance, the Registry has adopted the following position: The surgical alteration of any Arabian horse ... Read full story
 3/2/1998
Genetics Primer  *
Progress in the field of genetics has been moving by leaps and bounds during the past few years. It wasn't long ago that researchers discovered ways to unravel and study DNA, that elusive strand of genes that inhabits each and every cell. Once that breakthrough was made, discoveries came at an almost dizzying pace. Specific genes were identified and ... Read full story
 9/1/1997




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