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Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Equine-Related Podcasts Now on TheHorse.com
TheHorse.com has become a syndication partner for five podcasts presented by HorseRadioNetwork.com and their sponsors. You can listen to these entertaining and educational talk shows online or download them to your MP3 player, iPod, or iPhone to listen in as you work or play. "We're excited to bring these entertaining and educational audio ... Read full story
 11/18/2009
Endurance Horse Study Reveals Common Complaints, Resolutions
A lot of things can happen over the many miles of an endurance event. California veterinarians recently tracked the incidence and resolution of equine medical issues encountered during endurance competition. C. Langdon Fielding, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC, of the Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center in California, and colleagues, looked at the records of ... Read full story
 11/15/2009
Quarter Horses Arrive For Reopening of Hialeah Racetrack in Florida
Quarter Horses began arriving at Hialeah Park in Florida on Nov. 12, and within several days they will begin training for the track's 40-day meet that will begin Nov. 28. Meanwhile, City of Hialeah officials said they have issued all building and fire permits that Hialeah Park requested for its meet. That process was completed early in the ... Read full story
 11/14/2009
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
Breeders' Cup Drug Tests Return Clean Results
All horses that ran in the Breeders' Cup have tested negative for illegal performance-enhancing drugs. The California Horse Racing Board said testing was completed Tuesday and all the samples came back clear from the UC Davis laboratory. All entrants underwent pre-race blood testing for TCO2, a performance-enhancing alkalizing agent known ... Read full story
 11/11/2009
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
USEF Medication Group Proposes Further Restriction of NSAIDs
The U.S. Equestrian Federation's Drugs and Medications Committee has reviewed a motion to further restrict the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in horses at USEF licensed competitions. The group put forth a rule change proposal that will be considered at the USEF Annual Meeting in January. Under the current USEF rules, ... Read full story
 11/10/2009
Polo Horse Drug Testing to Debut Next Year
Random drug tests will begin next year for horses in polo matches in the United States after the deaths of 21 elite horses in Florida that were injected with an incorrectly mixed supplement shortly before a championship match, the United States Polo Association said Wednesday. The decision was made last month to begin a pilot program for testing ... Read full story
 11/4/2009
Controversial Dressage Training Method Under FEI Investigation
Responding to public outcry following the Internet posting of a video showing an international-level dressage competitor warming up a horse using a method some call inhumane, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has launched an investigation. The so-called "blue tongue video" shows Swedish Olympian Patrik Kittel ... Read full story
 11/3/2009
Thoroughbred Trainer Jeff Mullins Barred From NYRA Tracks for Six Months
The New York Racing Association barred the trainer from Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga on Friday (Oct. 30) for violating its barn rules by giving one of his horses an unknown substance and then providing conflicting information about it. "Racing integrity is a top priority for the New York Racing Association at all times," Neil Getnick, ... Read full story
 10/31/2009
Injured Jockey Fundraiser Postponed  *
A sign of the economic hard times, the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund's annual Celebrity Team Penning competition at the Kentucky Horse Park has been postponed until spring, according to Fund co-founder Judy McCarron. The event was originally scheduled for this evening (Oct. 19). The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund is a 501(c)(3) charity established ... Read full story
 10/19/2009
U.S. Equestrian Team Holiday Fundraiser; Lots of Education and Fun!  *
On Dec. 11 and 12, SUCCEED and Wellington Classic Dressage will host an exciting Holiday Gala Fundraiser featuring some of the biggest names in the equestrian world. The USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser will be held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., andwill feature a combination of clinics, fun demonstrations, team competitions, ... Read full story
 10/17/2009
Reining Horse Futurity to Feature Clinton Anderson Clinic  *
Clinton Anderson, world renowned trainer, clinician, and host of "Downunder Horsemanship," will provide a phenomenal training clinic during the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show on Saturday, Dec. 5, in Oklahoma City. Anderson's trademark Aussie style and finesse will leave ... Read full story
 10/16/2009
Bruce Spingsteen's Daughter Excels as Top Hunt Seat Rider at PA National  *
Yesterday (Oct. 11), 17-year-old Jessica Springsteen was the star at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show as her famous parents--Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa--cheered her on. Jessica bested 237 riders over two rounds of competition, and a four-rider work-off, to win the nation's top equitation prize, the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Final. The ... Read full story
 10/12/2009
Retired Racehorse Training Clinic Draws Crowd of 350 From 10 States  *
"The ticket sales to this event prove that people's fascination with the Thoroughbred horse remains strong," said Steuart Pittman, the Maryland horse trainer who conceived of and conducted the Retired Racehorse Training Symposium at Maryland Therapeutic Riding in Crownsville, Md. "The demand for knowledge about how to train these horses after a racing ... Read full story
 10/8/2009
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
Rider Disqualification Handed Down at Burghley Event  *
Rider Harry Meade of Great Britain was disqualified from last weekend's Burghley Horse Trials in the UK after the competition's ground jury ruled he was riding an exhausted horse. He was barred from competition on his second mount of the day. The FEI released the following statement: "Harry Meade (GBR) was awarded a red card and disqualified from ... Read full story
 9/8/2009
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
Older Horses: Elmer Bandit Might Compete This Month  *
Elmer Bandit, the 38-year-old record holder for competitive trail mileage, hasn't hit the trails lately, but last weekend found the gray Half-Arabian and owner Mary Anna Wood working with a dressage trainer. The two had lessons on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday "We worked on being round, balanced, and straight," Wood said. A chiropractor who worked ... 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
Saddle Pad Research Shows Variable Changes in Rider Pressure  *
Saddle pads might help reduce painful pressure on a horse's back caused by ill-fitting saddles, but the ideal pad will vary from horse to horse and from saddle to saddle, according to a new study by Austrian researchers. Optimum pressure relief will also depend on the discipline and even the gait, said primary study author Anja Kotschwar, DVM, research ... Read full story
 8/12/2009
Racehorse Drug Penalties Stiffened at Breeders' Cup  *
Breeders' Cup has added to its medication and testing policy and increased penalties for violators for 2009. Trainers whose horses test positive for anabolic steroids, which were banned last year, or Class 1 or Class 2 drugs will be banned from participating in the 2010 Breeders' Cup World Championships. Three violations will result in a lifetime ... Read full story
 8/11/2009
Equestrian Federation Bans its President's Husband, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed, For Six Months  *
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) banned its president's husband--Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed--from riding in endurance races for six months after his horse twice failed doping tests. Sheikh Mohammed accepted the suspension based on his horse Tahhan's positive tests for a hypertension drug and the steroid stanozolol, equestrian's governing ... Read full story
 8/7/2009
Tevis Wraps Up; Horse Dies in Fall  *
The awards ceremony capping the 2009 Tevis 100-mile ride began on a somber note when ride officials announced the death of a competing horse. Rider Sarah Engsberg, K-Zar, owner Alison Bailey, her son Patrick, and ride officials with the coveted Tevis Cup at the awards presentation. Melissa Ribley, DVM and LD Monique and rider director Mike ... Read full story
 8/3/2009
Tevis 2009: We're Going Home, K-Zar! Southern Horse Wins  *
K-Zar Emanuel, 15-year-old gray Arabian gelding won the 2009 Tevis Cup, crossing the finishing line at 10:20 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 1). Four miles from the finish, after crossing No Hands Bridge in the California moonlight, rider Sarah Engsberg urged her mount on with the words, "We're Going Home, K-Zar." Engsberg, from Fairburn, Ga., arrived in California ... Read full story
 8/2/2009
They're OFF! Tevis Cup 2009 Riders Hit the Trail  *
After months of planning by ride officials, and often years of conditioning for both human and equine participants, the Western States Trail Ride 2009, popularly called the Tevis Cup Ride, started with around 171 human/equine teams at dawn on August 1 from Robie Park (7200 Elevation) near Lake Tahoe. If past statistics hold, only about half of the ... Read full story
 8/1/2009
Tevis 2009: Dr. Marcia Smith Leads into Robinson Flats  *
With crew and volunteers crowding the forest road, Marcia Smith, DVM, of Loomis, Calif., (rider #12) appeared around the bend at the Robinson Flat vet check and crewing point. First to arrive at Mile 36 of the 100-mile Tevis Ride, Smith and her mount, AM Sands of Time (Sandy) were making excellent time. The 12-year-old gray Arabian mare moved easily ... Read full story
 8/1/2009
Competitor Preps for 100-Mile Tevis Endurance Ride   *
The first competitors in the 2009 Tevis Cup endurance ride to arrive at the Auburn, Calif., fairgrounds last week were Thor Halseth, of Agoura, Calif., and his 8-year-old gray Polish Arabian gelding, Road Rage. Halseth arrived early to participate in the race sponsored training ride where experienced former competitors guide riders over the last ... Read full story
 7/30/2009
Tevis Veterinarians Add New Post-Ride Check  *
Head Tevis Cup veterinarian Greg Fellers, DVM, will implement a new post-ride vet check this year. His check will be conducted within two hours after horses complete the 100-mile ride from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, Calif. "What I am looking for in this new check is a continually falling heart rate. This check should find heart rates in the 44, 46, 48 ... Read full story
 7/30/2009
Science Proves What Jockeys Know: Posture Matters  *
Over a century after a Yankee Doodle jockey revolutionized how racehorses are ridden, scientists are figuring out why a jockey's posture speeds up the horse. Nope, it's not wind resistance. That tough balancing crouch saves the horse some energy. First, the fun history: Racing fans may have heard of Tod Sloan, an 1890s U.S. jockey widely credited ... Read full story
 7/18/2009
Drug Problem Exaggerated: Horsemen, Chemist Say  *
The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) said July 1 it plans to be more involved as the racing industry considers medication and drug-testing policies, which horsemen believe could be detrimental and counterproductive. The issues, some of which have been vocalized in the past, were discussed during the National HBPA Medication ... Read full story
 7/3/2009
Horse Doping Case in FEI President's Family  *
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is investigating a second member of its president's family for alleged horse doping. The governing body said Friday that Princess Haya of Jordan will step aside from her presidential duties when it considers the case against Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the son of her husband, Sheikh Mohammed ... Read full story
 6/20/2009
Researchers Track Body Condition, Metabolic Conditions by Discipline   *
The sport in which horses participate often dictates the body condition in which they are maintained. Polo ponies are typically sleek and trim, their fitness evident in a tight, tucked-up appearance. The same can be said of most racehorses. Pleasure horses, those mounts used to poke around trails and forests, are sometimes softer and less muscular, ... Read full story
 6/16/2009
German Equestrian Teams Go Kaput in Wake of Drug and Med Scandals  *
Want to become a member of the German jumping, eventing, or dressage team? Even if you have a medal on your mantelpiece, you'll have to reapply for consideration by the German Olympic Sports Federation. That's because, as of May 28, there are no German teams for the three Olympic equestrian disciplines. The German Equestrian Federation (aka the German ... Read full story
 6/10/2009
Summer Bird, Not Mine That Bird, Wins Belmont  *
With the filly Rachael Alexandra out of the Belmont because her owners didn't feel it was in the filly's best interest, all eyes turned back to the Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness Stakes runner-up Mine That Bird. He was sent off as the 6-5 favorite, but he finished third behind Summer Bird and Dunkirk. Summer Bird and Mine That Bird are both ... Read full story
 6/7/2009
Horse Soccer?  *
Looking for something new to do with your horses? How about forming a "horse soccer" league! In this author's experience, the only time this had been seen before was with the Lexington Mounted Police Unit, who use large, inflatable balls to train horses and riders. Sometimes they would have an impromptu game of "soccer" while horseback to increase ... Read full story
 6/7/2009
Keeping Performance Horses Sound, AAEP 2008  *
James Gilchrist, Certified Farrier, of the Palm Beach Farriery Service in Florida, offered several strategies he finds useful for his high-performance clients during the "Putting Science into Farriery" session at the 2008 Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. "Not a day goes by that I don't talk to a veterinarian about a half-dozen ... Read full story
 6/4/2009
Study: Customize Bits and Bridles to Minimize Oral Ulcers  *
Bridles and bits should be custom designed or fitted in order to minimize the occurrence of oral ulcers, according to a group of Swedish researchers led by Ove Wattle, DVM, PhD, from the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science. "Oral ulcers and abrasions on the lips, cheeks, and tongue of horses are very ... Read full story
 6/1/2009
Rachel Isn't the Only One; Standardbred Mare to Face International Group of Boys  *
Rachel Alexandra isn't the only female racehorse traveling around and beating the boys these days. Champion Standardbred trotting mare Buck I St Pat (her owners are from Ohio, the Buckeye state) will travel to Sweden tomorrow and race on Sunday in the Elitlopp, a prestigious international trotting competition. Buck I St Pat has won 34 of 60 races ... Read full story
 5/26/2009
Will the Filly Beat the Boys in Today's Preakness?  *
Call them old-fashioned, but Rachel Alexandra's owners only wanted the 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly to run against fillies before she trounced the field in the Kentucky Oaks. A 50-1 longshot gelding named Mine That Bird won the Kentucky Derby the following day. Rachel Alexandra at Pimlico.Buy this photo. Rachel Alexandra then had an ownership ... Read full story
 5/16/2009
Rachel Alexandra Beats Boys in Preakness  *
Favored filly Rachel Alexandra, winner of this year's Kentucky Oaks, beat Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird by a length to take the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in Thoroughbred Racing's Triple Crown. Musket Man was third, another 1 1/2 length back. This is the first time the filly that won the Kentucky Oaks ran in the Preakness. Rachel ... Read full story
 5/16/2009
Dutton Horse Bailey Wick Dies at Jersey Fresh Event  *
Bailey Wick, a chestnut Irish Sport Horse gelding ridden by Philip Dutton, was euthanized Saturday after falling at an obstacle while competing in the CCI3* at the Jersey Fresh event. According to a release posted by event organizers, the horse fell at obstacle 20 on course. A necropsy was not performed, per the request of the horse's owners, listed ... Read full story
 5/11/2009
Equitation Science Group to Meet in Sydney   *
International authorities in horse behavior, training, and welfare will converge in Sydney for the 5th Equitation Science Annual Conference to be held at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Veterinary Science and Centennial Parkland Equestrian Centre July 12-14. Coaches and competitors are welcomed to attend. "Ethical Equitation: A Sustainable ... Read full story
 5/11/2009
Australian Steeplechase Racing Faces Crisis With Horse Deaths  *
The fate of steeplechase racing in Australia is coming under fire again as three horses have died in one week of jump racing at the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival. According to news sources that makes seven horses that have died or been euthanized so far this season over jumps, and it's early in the season. The deaths caused a suspension of steeplechase ... Read full story
 5/10/2009
Derby Glow Continues As Runners' Connections Make Plans   *
On a cool, wet May 3 morning in the barn area of Churchill Downs, the owners and trainer of Mine That Bird were basking in the limelight while still trying to absorb what had transpired the previous day when the 3-year-old gelding posted a stunning 6 3/4-length victory over Pioneerof the Nile in the Kentucky Derby. Meanwhile, the connections of the ... Read full story
 5/4/2009
AAEP 2008: Anabolic Steroid Testing in a Racing Environment   *
Current public consensus on the subject of steroid use in horses is different from that of 20-30 years ago. At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., Keith Soring, DVM, discussed testing for anabolic steroids. Now regulators, chemists, veterinarians, breeders, and owners recognize that ... Read full story
 5/3/2009
Kentucky Derby Upset for Mine That Bird and Borel  *
Jockey Calvin Borel won the Kentucky Oaks May 1 on heavy favorite Rachel Alexandra, and the following day in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, he scored a huge upset on Mine That Bird. "I did a Street Sense ride," Borel said, referring to his winning ride aboard Street Sense in the 2007 Derby. Borel is known for bringing horses up the ... Read full story
 5/2/2009
Win Willy Out of Derby with Possible Injury  *
Win Willy, fourth-place finisher in the Arkansas Derby, was declared out of the Kentucky Derby by trainer Mac Robertson on the morning of April 29, hours before entries were to be taken for the May 2 race at Churchill Downs. Robertson said an X ray taken Tuesday revealed a "line" in the left front fetlock that could or could not be a problem. So, ... Read full story
 4/29/2009
Team Vet Says Rolex Horse Died of Abdominal Hemorrhage  *
The horse that died at this year's Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event succumbed to an abdominal hemorrhage, according to a statement from Canadian Eventing Team Veterinarian Christiana Ober, DVM, released via Equine Canada. Kingpin, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding ridden by Canadian Mike Winter, collapsed on landing after negotiating cross-country ... Read full story
 4/28/2009
Shin Soreness Takes Square Eddie Out of Derby  *
J. Paul Reddam's Square Eddie will not run in Saturday's Kentucky Derby, trainer Doug O'Neill told The Blood-Horse early April 28. The son of Smart Strike, who has been plagued with sore shins while on the Derby trail, worked a half-mile at Churchill Downs April 26 under exercise rider Tony Romero in :50 1/5. O'Neill said he made the decision after ... Read full story
 4/28/2009
Quality Road Quarter Crack Patched, Derby Decision Coming   *
Quality Road, a contender for the Kentucky Derby, returned from a mile and three-quarter gallop on the Belmont Park training track April 26 with a tinge of blood from a newly-patched quarter crack, but his connections remain optimistic he will make the May 2 "Run for the Roses." A five-furlong breeze Monday morning will be the determining factor ... Read full story
 4/27/2009
Equestrian Olding Dies in Eventing Fall  *
Professional rider Ian Olding was killed in a fall at the Belton Park Horse Trials in Lincolnshire, U.K., on Sunday, according to a statement released by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Olding, 47, was competing in the advanced class on a 12-year-old horse named Gran Kiki. The accident occurred at fence 13a, a square spread fence. The ... Read full story
 4/27/2009
Quarter Crack Takes Quality Road Out of Derby Contention  *
Quality Road, who figured to be among the top choices for Saturday's Kentucky Derby will not start in the Run for the Roses, it was confirmed Monday morning by Chris Baker, farm manager of Edward Evans' Spring Hill Farm. "There was some tenderness in the foot this morning and he's not 100%. (Trainer) Jimmy (Jerkens) wasn't comfortable breezing him, ... Read full story
 4/27/2009
Fredericks Leads Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event After Cross-Country  *
Aboard Headley Britannia, Lucinda Fredericks of Australia galloped and jumped to a faultless cross-country round to take over the lead (32.3) at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Dressage leader Bettina Hoy of Germany incurred 9.6 time faults to drop to second place (38.4). Buck Davidson, of Riegelsville, Pa., held on to third place, despite 1.2 ... Read full story
 4/26/2009
Horse Down on Rolex Cross-Country Course  *
Mike Winter of Canada and his mount, Kingpin, sustained a fall today during cross-country at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, which is under way at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Veterinary officials transported the horse away in an equine ambulance, and Winter left the course in a medic van. Kingpin, a 1996 chestnut Irish Sport Horse gelding, ... Read full story
 4/25/2009
Horse 'Kingpin' Dies at Rolex  *
Kingpin, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding ridden by Canadian Mike Winter, died today after sustaining a fall on the cross country course at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Event organizers released the following statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Kingpin, ridden by Mike Winter and owned by the rider and Kingpin ... Read full story
 4/25/2009
50 Horses to Compete in Rolex Event   *
A field of 50 horses is set to compete in the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, which starts today. Riders presented 52 horses at Wednesday's horse inspection, but two riders decided to withdraw their mounts after the three-member ground jury held them for re-inspection. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, a part of the HSBC FEI Classics Series, ... Read full story
 4/23/2009
Surface Safety Laboratory Coming Soon  *
A racing surfaces testing laboratory designed to enhance surface safety for horses and riders is being launched with the financial support of a broad industry coalition, it was announced April 17 by the laboratory's coordinators Mick Peterson, MS, PhD, and Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, FRCVS, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ECVS. Based in Orono, Maine, the laboratory ... Read full story
 4/17/2009
Keeneland Thoroughbred Racetrack Accredited  *
At a press conference today (April 17) at Keeneland Thoroughbred race course, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced that the Lexington, Ky., racetrack has been fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility. Keeneland is the second track to be so ... Read full story
 4/17/2009
Dressage Horse Parzival Withdrawn from World Cup Finals  *
Linda Zang, President of the Ground Jury at the FEI World Cup Finals, announced Wednesday afternoon that dressage horse Parzival had sustained a tendon injury and was unable to continue in the competition. The 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, ridden by Adelinde Cornelissen of the Netherlands and owned by Henk Koers, showed some mild signs of ... Read full story
 4/16/2009
Injury Prompts Elimination of World Cup Contender Kingston  *
Kingston, a dressage horse ridden by U.S. equestrian Leslie Morse, was eliminated from the Rolex FEI World Cup Grand Prix today, after he became unsound at the beginning of his dressage test. "I could tell in the first corner, he felt unbalanced and I knew he wasn't right," Morse said. "We respect the Ground Jury's decision to ring the bell and we ... Read full story
 4/16/2009
Equine Quarantine, Facility in Development for 2010 Asian Games   *
The Olympic Council of Asia will host 200 horses from 20 countries and regions when the 16th Asian Games come to Guangzhou, China, in November 2010. As the equestrian events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics were held in Hong Kong, this is will be the first time mainland China has hosted a major international equestrian event. A questionnaire has been ... Read full story
 4/15/2009
Onetime Derby Favorite Old Fashioned Injured   *
Old Fashioned sustained a non-displaced slab fracture of his right knee during his second-place effort in the $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on April 11 and will miss the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Larry Jones said the injury was not life-threatening and was unlikely to give the horse any long-term pain, but that it could end Old Fashioned's ... Read full story
 4/12/2009
AAEP Table Topic: Sport Horse Practice   *
A diverse group of practitioners discussed a variety of subjects related to treating and managing jumpers during the Sport Horse Practice (Jumpers) Table Topic, which was held at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif. Approximately 125 participants attended this program. An important ... Read full story
 4/11/2009
AAEP 2008: Performance Horse Forum   *
In a year that saw increased public scrutiny of equine welfare and medication issues both on the track and in the competition field, veterinarians at the 2008 Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in San Diego, Calif., gathered in a forum to discuss these and other performance horse issues. Forum leaders Stephen ... Read full story
 4/8/2009
Big Brown Farrier Managing Quarter Crack in New Derby Contender   *
Farrier Ian McKinlay, who was in the news last year dealing with Big Brown's quarter crack prior to the Belmont Stakes, is back on the Triple Crown trail once again, treating a lesser quarter crack suffered by Quality Road in the Florida Derby. McKinlay said he's optimistic Quality Road will be able to make the Kentucky Derby. The main priority right ... Read full story
 4/7/2009
Tendon Issue Takes The Pamplemousse Off Kentucky Derby Trail  *
The morning after the scratch of pre-race favorite The Pamplemousse from the Santa Anita Derby due to a tendon flare-up, co-owner Alex Solis II said the promising colt is off the Kentucky Derby trail. Later, Solis said The Pamplemousse would be out of action a minimum of six months. "He has a small lesion (on the tendon in his left front leg) and ... Read full story
 4/6/2009
AAEP 2008: Veterinary Care at Rodeos   *
Doug Corey, DVM, of Adams, Ore., presented the conditions surrounding emergency care at rodeos during his in-depth emergency care presentation at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention in San Diego, Calif. He emphasized that the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has led in the creation of many welfare guidelines ... Read full story
 3/26/2009
AAEP 2008: Emergency Care at Endurance Events   *
Endurance horses perform protracted exercise of up to 12 hours for a 50-mile event, and up to 24 hours for a 100-mile competition. Besides metabolic issues created by fluid depletion and electrolyte imbalances due to sweating during sustained performance, immune and respiratory challenges stemming from transport to the event are added concerns. At ... Read full story
 3/14/2009
AAEP 2008: Emergency Preparedness for Eventing   *
Successful eventing horses possess unique traits and temperaments. They must be supple and well-mannered for dressage, strong, bold, and aggressive for the cross-country phase, and fit and balanced for stadium jumping. Kent Allen, DVM, of Virginia Equine Imaging, discussed the triathlon of equestrian sports--eventing--during the in-depth emergency ... Read full story
 3/7/2009
AAEP 2008: Emergency Veterinary Care at Horse Shows   *
Most horse show emergencies are able to be cared for on-site, but if a crisis develops, the horse should be stabilized and transported to a full-care facility, according to Rick Mitchell, DVM, of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn. He presented during the in-depth session on emergency care at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners ... Read full story
 3/4/2009
Park Construction Brings Changes to Rolex Event   *
As a result of construction projects at the Kentucky Horse Park, Equestrian Events Inc. has announced some major changes for the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Scheduled for April 23-26, the event typically draws more than 100,000 spectators and is seen by millions more on worldwide telecasts, including a one-hour special on NBC in the United ... Read full story
 2/16/2009
Ride Along at the FEI World Endurance Championship   *
The first-ever FEI World Endurance Championship in Malaysia was held Nov. 7-8 in Terengganu. Meg Sleeper, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, and her horse, Syrocco Reveille, competed on the team representing the United States. While the competition didn't work out as the squad had hoped, her journal entries provide an inside look at what it takes to transport and ... Read full story
 11/21/2008
Eventing Safety: The Question of Rider Fitness   *
Could the level of physical fitness a rider brings to the saddle, considered along with the stamina and strength of the equestrian athlete, impact the way the horse moves and performs during an event or race? Equestrian trainers and researchers confirm this is true, and they recommend staying in peak physical condition as another way the rider can ... Read full story
 6/26/2008
Eventing Safety Summit: Frangible Pins, Necropsies to be Utilized  *
From the United States Equestrian Federation: The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and United States Eventing Association (USEA) Safety Summit took place on June 7-8, 2008 in downtown Lexington, Ky. More than 250 people from all corners of the country and all levels of the sport of eventing showed up to listen, voice their concerns, and ... Read full story
 6/16/2008
Horsemanship, Lack of Data Discussed at Eventing Safety Summit  *
Officials with the U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) and U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) collected input from the equestrian community on ways to improve eventing safety at a summit on June 7-8. Proposed solutions range from required pre-competition preventive veterinary checks to promoting rider education. The summit, held in Lexington, Ky., included ... Read full story
 6/10/2008
Eight Belles to be Interred at Kentucky Derby Museum  *
Eight Belles, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby but suffered a catastrophic injury moments after the race, will be honored by Churchill Downs Inc. through a series of charitable contributions and initiatives, including the interment of her remains at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The announcement was made June 3 in conjunction with the filly's ... Read full story
 6/3/2008
Rider Injured at Rolex Released from Hospital  *
The rider seriously injured when her horse crashed into a fence at the Rolex Three-Day Event in Lexington was released from the hospital on Tuesday. University of Kentucky Hospital spokeswoman Whitney Hale said 24-year-old Laine Ashker was released 2 1/2 weeks after she was hurt on April 26. She had broken ribs, a broken jaw, collarbone and shoulder ... Read full story
 5/14/2008
Eventing Safety: Joint Letter from USEF and USEA Leaders   *
David O'Connor, president of the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF), and Kevin Baumgardner, president of the U.S. Eventing Association (USEA), released April 29 a letter concerning safety in eventing. The authors invited all members of the equestrian community to attend a USEF/USEA Safety Summit to be held in Lexington, Ky., June 7-8, and to e-mail ... Read full story
 4/30/2008
Family of Rider Injured at Rolex Releases Statement  *
Equestrian Laine Ashker, 24, was seriously injured Saturday during the cross-country portion of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Her horse, Frodo Baggins, was euthanized. Ashker's family released the following statement: "First and foremost we'd like to thank everyone--Laine's friends, fellow competitors, fans, and organizers--for all of the ... Read full story
 4/28/2008
Second Rolex Horse Euthanized   *
The Quiet Man, a 12-year-old Irish gelding, was euthanized today after sustaining an injury during the cross-country portion of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event. The horse, ridden by Sarah Hansel, fractured his distal scapula and the shoulder joint of his right front leg, according to a statement released by Catherina Kohn, VMD, veterinary delegate ... Read full story
 4/27/2008
Dutton Captures First Rolex Event Win  *
With a completely faultless show jumping round on Connaught, Phillip Dutton, of West Grove, Pa., scored his first victory in the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam. Becky Holder, of Mendota Heights, Minn., lowered two rails with Courageous Comet to surrender the lead she'd narrowly held since Thursday. Dutton's final score was 41.7 ... Read full story
 4/27/2008
Rider in Hospital, Horse Euthanized After Accident at Rolex Event  *
Equestrian Laine Ashker and her mount, Frodo Baggins, were both injured this afternoon in an accident during the cross-country portion of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The horse, a 12-year-old black Thoroughbred from New Zealand, was euthanized. Frodo Baggins hit the fifth jump on the course and somersaulted over the obstacle, falling on Ashker. ... Read full story
 4/26/2008
FEI Initiating Thermographic Exams to Prevent Show Jumper Abuse Technique  *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) recently approved new measures to ensure the legs of high-level jumping horses are not being intentionally sensitized to pain in order to provide a competitive advantage. Beginning in 2008, official veterinarians will be employing heat-sensing equipment and examining legs for evidence of this abuse. The ... Read full story
 11/30/2007
FEI Tribunal Gives Decision on Tryon Rolex Case: Abuse, Without Intent  *
The FEI Tribunal has released its decision in the case of alleged horse abuse committed by Amy Tryon while participating in the cross-country phase of the 2007 Rolex Lexington Kentucky 4-Star Event, held April 28. Tryon's mount, Le Samurai, was injured during the event and was subsequently euthanatized. The case involved the riding of an apparently ... Read full story
 7/20/2007
FEI Cancels Driving Event Due to EVA Outbreak in France   *
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI, the international body governing equestrian sport) has confirmed that the driving event scheduled in Les Haras du Pin in France on July 11 has been cancelled because of an outbreak of equine viral arteritis (EVA) in the area. EVA is a viral disease, which is most often spread by breeding activities (by ... Read full story
 7/9/2007
Rolex Alleged Abuse Hearing Held; Decision Expected within 30 Days   *
According to a statement released today (June 25) by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the hearing in the case of alleged abuse at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event involving rider Amy Tryon was held earlier today. Tryon's mount, Le Samurai, was injured April 28 during the cross-country portion of the event and was subsequently euthanatized. ... Read full story
 6/25/2007
Rolex: Safety Precautions in Place for Horses, Riders, and Spectators   *
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, sponsored by Farnam, is one of the most prestigious events in a potentially dangerous sport. An extensive medical support team for horses and humans works behind the scenes to keep the only four star event in the United States running smoothly and safely. This support team consists of paramedics for riders and ... Read full story
 5/1/2007
FEI Investigating Rolex Cross Country Injury  *
An incident on the cross country course at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, sponsored by Farnam, on April 28, has attracted the attention of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Le Samurai, a 12-year-old bay Holsteiner/Thoroughbred gelding ridden by 2006 World Equestrian Games Bronze Medalist Amy Tryon, sustained a serious injury near the ... Read full story
 5/1/2007
National Finals Rodeo: Rodeo Does Vegas  *
Equestrian sports are the only events in the Olympics where male and female athletes compete against each other equally, whether humans or horses. Men and women, geldings, stallions, and mares are all equals. Rodeo is the only sport where humans and horses compete as teams and opponents. Which one you root for might vary, but like any equine sport, ... Read full story
 3/1/2007
Rolex Veterinarian Gives Feedback on Horse Condition  *
The XML page cannot be displayed Cannot view XML input using XSL style sheet. Please correct the error and then click the Refresh button, or try again later. A string literal was expected, but no opening quote character was found. Error processing resource 'http://www.thehorse.com...<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Catherine ... Read full story
 5/3/2006
Rolex Talk Highlights Performance Horse Issues  *
The 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event drew more than 90,000 equine enthusiasts to the Kentucky Horse Park, and Lexington's Hagyard Equine Medical Institute (HEMI) used the opportunity to educate horse owners on common health issues affecting the sport horse. Duncan Peters, DVM, MS, recently onboard as a member of HEMI's Sporthorse Division, presented ... Read full story
 5/3/2006
Rolex Three-Day Footing Proves Sticky, But Safe  *
To the relief of riders, owners, veterinarians, and spectators at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bayer, last week's series of deluges did not prove dangerous for horses on cross country on Saturday, April 24. Many well-conditioned horses and riders slogged through the mud to meet--if not beat--their optimum course times with few injuries ... Read full story
 4/26/2004
FEI and Welfare   *
What does international equestrian sport do to ensure healthy, fair, and clean competition? As a sport where the horse is used for its athletic abilities and man is at the helm, it is crucial that the horse be properly safeguarded. Ethics and Horse Welfare--The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) considers the welfare of the horse its most important ... Read full story
 1/1/2004
Rodeo Horses  *
Rodeo is a rough and tumble sport. It was born on the wide open rangelands of the West, but through the years it has been transformed into an entertainment package that knows no geographic boundaries. Despite that change, it remains a sport where the potential for injury to animals is high, but surprisingly the actual incidence is low. While the number ... Read full story
 1/1/2002
Focus on Discipline: Hunters/Jumpers  *
Ears forward and eyes fixed, the horse concludes his gallop in front of the fence. He gathers himself and leaps gracefully into the air, clearing the obstacle with ease and landing on the other side of the obstacle to gallop on to the next challenge. In competition, the hunter and jumper repeat this action over a course of fences, the difficulty of ... Read full story
 10/10/2001
Focus on Discipline: Dressage  *
An elegant athlete, the dressage horse moves in perfect harmony with his rider. Following the artistic traditions of European horsemanship, the performer displays supple joints and natural balance, or expresses power and grace in the demanding steps of the Grand Prix. In the United States, dressage horses can show at five national levels set by the ... Read full story
 10/10/2001
Focus on Discipline: Endurance  *
Uphill, downhill, through brush, over rocks and deep sand, across streams--this equine athlete carries his rider to a destination. The trail horse travels along a sometimes none-too-defined path, replicating the centuries-old use of the horse as basic transportation. Today's trail horses provide pleasure and sport rather than a means of transport. ... Read full story
 10/9/2001
Rolex Stars Shine  *
This year's first four-star Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event has to be termed a success, even with the death of one of the equine competitors in the three-star division. The death of any horse is a tragedy, even more so when it is an athletic performer at the height of his career. (See sidebar on page 59 for more information on Boucane's death.) Kent ... Read full story
 10/4/2001
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event  *
The “big, friendly” cross-country course for the four star portion of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event wasn’t considered as technical as the courses at Badminton or Burghley, the world’s other four-star competitions which are held in England; but it was a challenge. Eventually, the event took its toll in the withdrawal or retirement of 14 of the ... Read full story
 10/2/2001
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
Watching an International Affair--Rolex  *
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bayer, lived up to its four-star international standing this year. That ranking is given to only four of the top-level events in the world, and is on par with the difficulty of the Olympics. This year, because livestock movement has been limited by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Europe, 39 ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Innovation From Tragedy -- Eventing Fence Designs Emphasize Safety  *
Three-day eventing, at its highest level, always has been acknowledged as a high-risk sport. Having evolved from a military test for cavalry horses and officers, it retains its emphasis on versatility, endurance, speed, and bravery--and more and more riders are becoming hooked on the challenge, making it one of the fastest-growing equestrian sports ... Read full story
 11/1/1999
A Humane Use of the Equine Athlete: Endurance Riding  *
Similar to the increase in number of marathons and ultramarathons for human athletes, equine endurance competitions in distances of 50-100 miles have become increasingly popular over the past couple of decades. The growing interest in endurance riding has encouraged participants with different levels of prior horse experience to become involved with ... Read full story
 11/1/1998
Focus On Discipline: Polo  *
Gallop gallop gallop thwack! The polo pony (actually a full-sized horse) carries the player to the ball which the rider hits in the line of play. In this fast-paced game the horse and rider partner to play as a single unit. Each horse bonds with his rider to play the line of the ball. Both horse and rider keep their eyes on the ball and the power of ... Read full story
 5/1/1998
Official Statement On Horse's Rolex Event Death  *
Boucane, a 12 year old Canadian-bred Thoroughbred ridden by Yves Landry (CAN) in the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event died after a fall at jump 7C. Landry, while shaken, was in good physical condition after the accident. The following statements were made by event officials regarding the death of this accomplished eventer. Mr. Brian Ross, President ... Read full story
 5/1/1998
Focus On Discipline: Driving  *
Motorized vehicles might dominate today's roads, but thousands of drivers choose single horsepower. They put horse--or pony, mule, or donkey--to cart for recreation and recapture the pleasures of earlier centuries. Clip clopping down a country path, marching in the Rose Parade, or galloping through obstacles--driving challenges horses and owners. SHAWN ... Read full story
 3/1/1998
Focus on Discipline: Reining  *
Ridin' and slidin' -- the reining horse runs a precise pattern at speed. This equine athlete excels at galloping full out, screeching to a sliding stop, and whirling in a high-speed pirouette. He responds to his rider instantly, at the touch of rein or leg. The sport demonstrates the skills of a ranch horse, with contests that have been dubbed "Western ... Read full story
 11/1/1997
Focus on Discipline: Harness Racing  *
Two-beat speed is the standard in this equestrian sport. At the pace or trot, horses of the Standardbred breed compete in harness, while pulling a two-wheel sulky. Drivers urge their horses to race to the wire. Harness horses have competed in the United States for almost 200 years, with a mile race still the usual distance. They race at the trot or ... Read full story
 9/1/1997




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