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by Ed DeRosa
Little Cliff, one of two horses owner Robert LaPenta named after the late turf writer and chartcaller Cliff Guilliams, was rescued from slaughter on March 11.
Christy Sheidy, co-founder of Another Chance 4 Horses rescue in Bernville, Pennsylvania, discovered the five-year-old Gulch gelding in a direct-to-kill pen in New Holland, Pennsylvania. He had last raced in a $10,000 claiming race on March 1 at Philadelphia Park, finishing seventh of nine and earning $170 for owner LA Buzz Stable. Trainer Ramon Preciado had claimed the horse from Jimmy Moran Jr. for $10,000 on January 13.
Sheidy ran the gelding’s tattoo and had Diana Baker, formerly of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, pull a race record, which is when the connection to LaPenta and Racing Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito appeared. Zito’s wife, Kim, is involved in horse rescue efforts as well.
“Mr. LaPenta and [Zito] sent a very generous check to Christy that more than covered [Little Cliff’s] expenses,” Baker said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better or more generous response than what we received.”
In a cruel twist of fate, Moran and Guilliams both died within a week of Little Cliff’s rescue but not before Nick Zito had a chance to tell Guilliams that one of his equine namesakes had been rescued.
“The Cliff’s Edge and Little Cliff were both named after [Guilliams],” Kim Zito said. “Nick had dinner with [Guilliams] just recently and told him what had happened to Little Cliff. [Guilliams] got very emotional and very upset.”
LaPenta purchased Little Cliff for $250,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September yearling sale and bought him back on a bid of $350,000 at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton Calder sale of selected two-year-olds in training.
Little Cliff finished sixth behind eventual Grade 1 winners and Central Kentucky stallions Political Force and Flashy Bull in his second career start before winning his next two races by a combined 6 1/4 lengths to close out his two-year-old season. At three, he finished third in both the Leonard Richards (G3) and Sir Barton Stakes. He won three of 27 starts and earned $202,762.
Although Little Cliff had changed owners four times throughout his life before being rescued, one thing that followed him from Kentucky to New York to Florida to Pennsylvania were his Jockey Club papers, papers that Kim Zito had affixed with a white sticker that says, “If this horse needs a home when he retires, please call.”
“The tragic part of this story is that Little Cliff had this sticker on his papers, and that breaks my heart because it proves that there are people in this industry who don’t give a [darn],” Kim Zito said.
Major Feed Recall
Land O Lakes/Purina has issued a feed retrieval for a number of brands.
Land O Lakes/Purina has issued feed recalls, or "retrievals," for a variety of their brands manufactured between the dates of November 3, 2007, and March 10, 2008. These feeds were identified to contain greater than 20 ppb of aflatoxins, originating from a single ingredient from a single supplier. Only specific manufacturing plants and dates are involved. The recalled products also vary.
As of May 6, 2008, the contaminated feeds had been distributed in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
The manufacturing plants involved, and dates, are:• Statesville, North Carolina: Feeds manufactured between November 3, 2007, and February 8, 2008.• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Feeds manufactured between January 1, 2008, and February 8, 2008.• Guilderland, New York: Feeds manufactured between January 8, 2008, and March 10, 2008.
If you have purchased a Purina feed and live in one of the involved states, check the bottom edge of your feed bag for a date code. The date codes on Purina feeds are in this format: 7NOV03STA
The first number is the year. "7" = 2007, "8" = 2008. The next code is the month. "NOV" = November. Next two digits are the day. "03" = 3rd (of November in this case). Last three letters are the plant code. STA = Statesville. HAR = Harrisburg. GLD = Guilderland.
If you have feed from one of these three plants manufactured within the recall dates, call your feed dealer to see if your specific brand is involved in the recall. If you purchased feed during the time frames listed for the recall but no longer have your bags, call your dealer anyway to see if the feed you use was involved in the recall.
If your horses are having health problems of unknown cause, call your veterinarian and let him/her know you may have fed aflatoxin-contaminated feed. Feed, urine or liver biopsy tissues can be tested for aflatoxin and aflatoxin metabolites. Your state’s Department of Agriculture should also be notified if your veterinarian suspects feed related health issues.
Note: As of May 6, this was an ongoing issue. Further recalls could be issued. Details are still very sketchy. Other feeds could also be involved but no details are available. Signs range from acute liver failure to stunted growth in young horses, poor hair coat, abnormal liver enzymes on blood chemistry, jaundice (yellow eyes and gums), feed refusal, unexplained loss of condition, poor immune system function. Fetal abnormalities have been reported in other species.
This information comes from Eleanor Kellon, VMD
Horse Journal Veterinary Editor
I just got back from the horse races in Hot Springs, AR this weekend- great fun! I must admit, I learned that picking winning Thoroughbred runners is not my forte! I can't get past picking potential Eventer/Dressage/Hunter prospects! Boy, did I spot some good prospects!!!
I am absolutely CRAZY about TB's. What fantastic and beautiful horses they are! It's so amazing to see them in the racing environment and what they experience at such a young age! It also made me REALLY appreciate my two young TB's- Gage and Bucky and realize how very fortunate they are to have the life they do!!! My little 4 yr old, Bucky, sure does look different than the 4 yr olds I saw racing! He is so much more "solid" and mature looking than those guys!
So many beautiful horses and prospects. I found myself wondering what will happen to so many youngsters when their racing careers are over? I so hope, they all end up as lucky as Gage and Bucky. If ever thinking about getting a horse, please consider TB's! I wish more trainers would retrain ex-racers for careers as Hunter/Jumpers in Memphis! What wonderful event and pleasure prospects too!
I really appreciate trainers out there working to retrain quality TBs for different disciplines! I've been lucky to have many TB's in my lifetime and there's nothing like the courage, loyalty, intelligence, humor, and work ethic of a TB! Give em a chance and you'll be hooked on them too!
Click these links to learn more about TB's looking for a second career and home:
Fifty Fifty Farm
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
The CDE clinic with Joanna Wilburn held January 12, was great fun and a fabulous event for junior drivers to learn about carriage driving CDE's. There will no doubt be more of these planned in the future for both juniors and adults at Kimberlin Farms!
There were several phases to this clinic. Before hitching up, students gathered to get the "low-down" about what's involved in a CDE event. Next, drivers got to "walk" a scurry course, a timed cones course, and an obstacle course. Joanna helped advise each participant about how to "walk" cones and obstacle couses, and how to create a strategies best suited to each driver/pony/horse/vehicle combination. Then the fun began and true competition mode set in! All participants were timed and evaluated. And everyone learned from each other!
Joanna has everyone hooked on CDE's! We can't wait to practice more, and hope to compete in a CDE event soon! So watch out Memphis drivers- juniors will be joining in all the CDE fun very soon!
Click here to read more about this clinic
So, have you heard about driving cde's? Once you discover this exciting and challenging sport, you'll probably be just as hooked as me! There's lots of interest brewing in Memphis about cde's! There's even a junior driving CDE clinic this Saturday, January 12 at Kimberlin Farms-lucky kids!
CDE's are like eventing, but carriage driving rather than riding. It consists of three phases, like an event. The three phases of carriage driving CDE's are:
Is it just me, or is the local hunter/jumper industry becoming even more "elitist?" I remember a time in this area when there were plenty of affordable, fun, family horse activities that didn't break the bank. There were plenty of quality boarding barns to choose from, a plethora of well attended horse shows- rated and schooling, a nice variety of quality horses of all different breeds, riding lessons that didn't cost what you'd expect to pay for an "Olympic level" clinician. We do have several schooling show options in the area now- although it appears attendance at these is dwindling? Seems like many trainers boycott all but the A shows. From their business standpoint, I understand that there is more money in those for them. Seasoned trainers, who've "paid their dues" so to speak, surely deserve to be selective! But it worries me when I notice newer trainers following this trend. It worries me because I see this type of mentality hurting our local horse industry!
Not too terribly long ago in this area, finding a safe, sound, well-trained, quality hunter/jumper was not hard. Plenty to choose from. Plenty of trainers who worked hard, got down to the nitty-gritty and "trained" horses. Cranked out quality green horses year after year that they "TRAINED"- didn't just compete against other trainers on already trained horses- my personal pet peeve!!!
What has happened to the horse industry here? Since when did monthly board on a single horse jump to over a grand a month? Since when did the price of a single riding lesson skyrocket to the price of three/four? Since when did the only horse that can move and jump well become a warmblood costing close to $100 grand? (By the way, not knocking wb's I own one.... in addition to my TB's!)
I don't like this elitist trend in the horse industry here one bit! If the majority of equine professionals start taking this stance, and hiking up prices just b/c "so and so does...I'm as good as they are," pretty soon, we're going to see this industry dwindle and interest fizzle.
So, I guess "short-term," if you hike up fees to the extent that only the extremely wealthy can afford, you can do less work for more money? You can have less clients for awhile and just charge them more? But I've never been a "short-term" thinker, so here's the problem I foresee with this scenario- in the "long- term." What happens when these clients move along? Most clients aren't life-long clients. Will there be enough interest from newbies to replenish the natural cycle of clients? Enough interest in the horse industry locally to fuel horse shows?
Maybe I'm naive, maybe I just like rooting for the underdog?( I must admit to always having a bit of a stubborn streak and being a bit rebellious- and thick skinned) Here's what I'd like to see from the hunter/jumper horse industry in Memphis:
...I'd like to see a little more variety back. More variety in people, incomes.... more variety in horses, breeds.
...I'd like to see more trainers and shows offer affordable options to kids and adults who'd like to compete.
...I'd like to see "MORE" people get involved in the horse industry in this area!
...I'd like to see the number of entries increase at local horse shows!
We have good quality here. But there's always room for improvement! Let's work on beefing up the quantity; and sit back and watch the quality improve! There are plenty of fabulous horses in need of owners. Plenty of potential owners who'd offer fabulous homes to horses if horse-ownership is reasonably affordable! Plenty of FABULOUSLY talented and gifted riders out there who can hold there own against current top competitors if the playing field was leveled- so to speak- and the industry costs kept realistic.
Now I know this will ruffle a few feathers, but come on trainers, let's come back down to planet earth! Let's not all get in a competition of who can command the highest prices, who's clients can spend the most money on a horse that could be found at a fraction of the cost in someone's back yard, and with a little effort, time, and key word here: GOOD OLE FASHION TRAINING- could be every bit as successful as that horse shipped here from overseas!
I also want to say Thank You to all those trainers out there- and we are lucky to have many in this area- who are offering affordable horsemanship options, and who are not being "tempted" by the "over-the-top" greedy, horse-show only mentality. All those out there promoting horsemanship to families, kids, & adults.
Thanks to all those out there working to promote fun and affordable horse events, schooling shows, clinics, etc. that promote good horsemanship, and sportsmanship! We need more of that! Maybe we are lacking in this area honest to goodness"horse trainers." We used to have a great supply of hunter/jumper professionals who could train and instruct. Perhaps what we have here now are actually "Riding Instructors?" For all those "trainers" out there...and I must admit to having some darn good ones at my barn of the teenage kind...I have a challenge for you which will really help out our local horse industry:
....Please start training more horses and reintroducing safe, affordable, and sound, hunter prospects in our local market. We need more variety and not every horse that you sell has to be a $$$ warmblood.
....Not every horse you sell has to have a $$$ A-rated tag!
Where are the affordable thoroughbred prospects that trainers used to pump into our area? I know there are out there! Go out of town to an eventing show and its a trip back in time to what local hunter shows used to look like: thoroughbreds, quarter horses, appendix horses, warmbloods--- all types of horses competing. You see talented young riders on these horses who can RIDE! Most have had to train their own and bring them up through the levels. Too bad we don't have more trainers willing to retrain and resell these affordable prospects! They'd make a killing in this market!!!
....Since I keep bringing up the word "Affordable" let me clarify what affordable is. Affordable is not 50k, Affordable is not 30k, not 20k!!! I am so over the "myth" that in order to get a good "Prospect" you have to fork out at something close to 15-20k. That is pure BS!
... An Affordable Hunter/Jumper sound pleasure prospect can be found for under $10k.... under $5k.... under $3500! Trainers know they can find good prospects for almost give-away prices and with a little work and time flip them and make a profit. I know this can be done, can prove this can be done. I've been there done that. So, I'm happy to dispel this myth.
....Where are the quarter horses that make such wonderful novice horses for kids and adults? What the heck happened to the appendix horses that we used to see compete and hold their own?
If we could reintroduce more affordable horses along with more reasonable rates: board, instruction, and show fees, I predict we'd see an explosion of new interest and new riders in the area! More riders, more horses, more clients for trainers, more demand for new trainers, more competitions, more competitive competition....We need a reality check in the Memphis Hunter/Jumper industry. We also need to bring back the fun in horses!!!
| Horse Blanket Fit Basics |
| Follow this five-step check list to make sure your horse's blanket properly fits him. From the editors of EQUUS Magazine When bundling up your horse this winter, take a minute to check the fit of his blanket. Patterns and cuts from different manufacturers can make supposedly same-sized blankets fit quite differently. And changes in your horse's body condition can cause a cover that fit perfectly last year to be painfully ill-suited for his present profile. The following five-point blanket check will make sure your horse is both warm and comfortable this winter: 1. Can you slip your hand easily between the blanket and his withers? Continual pressure in this area can produce discomfort or even lasting injury. 2. Is there room to slide a hand up into his shoulder area? Too tight a fit here will rub off hair and cause painful friction injuries. 3. Is the neck cut so your horse can graze without pain? Place a tempting treat at floor level and watch for pressure from the front buckles as he reaches for it. 4. Does the tail flap lift easily when your horse passes manure? An ill-designed or too-heavy tail cover will get in the way of falling manure and become a crusted mess. 5. Does the surcingle have to be adjusted tightly to keep the blanket in place? A blanket cut for your horse's body shape will stay in place without a tight, uncomfortable surcingle. A "yes" to one or more of these questions means that your horse and his blanket are a poor match. Simple alterations and creative use of fleece can fix some minor fit problems but the best solution may be to replace the blanket altogether. Measure your horse before you go shopping and consult with the sellers about the right cuts and styles for his particular body shape and size. Try each purchase on your horse over a bed sheet; if you have to make a return because of poor fit, it will be clean and hair-free. SOURCE: EQUUS Magazine and Equine.com |
With so many equine rescue groups out there, picking a reputable one can seem daunting. Luckily, there are movements underway to offer "national accreditation" for reputable horse rescue groups that will also offer rescue group's much needed financial support. Click here to read an interesting article about this horse rescue national accreditation movement!
SOURCE: TheHorse.com
Carriage driving is a fabulous equine sport for people and horses of all ages, sizes, and shapes. Children, grandparents, or even entire families can enjoy this sport. In my opinion, this is one of the best multi-breed horse sports available! Having the right temperament, horses of all ages, breeds, and sizes can enjoy the exciting sport of carriage driving!
On Saturday, January 12th from 1-3 p.m. Kimberlin Farms is offering a Driving My Buggy Junior Driving CDE (Combined Driving Event) clinic. Joanna Wilburn of Rollingwoods Farm, will be teaching this clinic with many of Kimberlin Farm's "more experienced" juniors assisting as navigators. This should be lots of fun and a great opportunity for junior drivers to learn more about CDE's- combined driving events. Interested? For more information about this fantastic local driving clinic send an email to the following address: Info@KimberlinFarms.com
Want to order a "Horsey" Holiday Greeting Card that will actually help horses? Consider these holiday cards from the ASPCA.
I've spotted a "potential" card for myself here. I was going to be "cheap" and create my own, but how can I resist saving myself some time and donating to a worthy cause instead!
Located near Memphis, TN and interested in learning about carriage driving? Check out the following website: KimberlinFarms.com.This farm located near Memphis, TN, hosts many carriage driving educational opportunities including:
Did you know that there is a sticker service available which can help address the situation of unwanted thoroughbred horses? Rerun, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping find homes for unwanted thoroughbred horses, offers a "sticker" program whereby stickers can be placed on a horse's papers indicating to contact a previous owner/breeder should a horse become unwanted. Stickers are available for FREE from Rerun!
I think this is a fantastic idea, and a way for previous owners and breeders to literally be "Guardian Angels" to those unfortunate horses who need a second chance! This great concept could potentially save many lives. Click here to read more!
Source: ReRun
School is out for the summer- can you believe it? With summertime, comes the excitement of a fantastic summertime horse show tradition in the Memphis area- the Germantown Charity Horse Show. A great multi-breed horse show rich in tradition and memories for the Germantown and Memphis community.
The show will be held June 12-16. Lots of fun! Of course this show hosts hunter/jumpers, saddlebreds, and walking horses, but one of the events I'm most excited about this year is the Carriage Driving classes! Single horse driving & a separate single pony driving class will take place on Tuesday evening! My sister and I will be showing against each other in the single pony class. She's planning on showing me up... we'll see. (Yes, we've got a little family rivalry brewing)
A special Junior driving carriage class open to junior drivers driving either ponies or miniature horses will take place on Wednesday evening this year! Can't wait for this. There are many juniors from our barn, Kimberlin Farms which will be competing. Should be great fun!
Click here to find out more about the Germantown Charity Horse Show.
Ahhhh, daylight savings is here along with spring-like temps. Pear trees, red buds, daffodils, soon azalea blooms, and finally some green grass starting to grow. Already I have spring fever! I just want to be outside enjoying this awesome time of year.
I like to take this time of year- along with any seasonal change to assess my horses and get organized! April fools day is my yearly animal health care check up day. Time to have my vet do routine health checks including vaccinations, worming schedule assessments, teeth, and overall nutritional and body condition assessment.
It's important to monitor body condition and nutritional requirements year-round, but with spring comes the challenge of introducing your horses to rich, spring grasses. In my personal opinion, you just can't beat quality grass for nutritional value and weight gain for horses! But it's important to monitor horses going out on freshly growing grass closely to make sure not to "overdo" a good thing!
Horses out 24/7 can usually adjust well to the growing grass; however,during this time of year especially, horses prone to founder or overweight horses need to be carefully monitored on rich grass. If pastures are good and horses are able to get lots of good daily turnout and grazing time, it may be necessary to adjust your feeding regimen-grain/pellets, winter fed hay, winter supplements, cushings meds, etc. to prevent too much weight gain for horses on good spring grass. Monitor your horses condition closely, and always get your Vet's healthcare and nutritional advice!
For tips on determining your horse's best weight, click here to read an Equisearch article with photos to help distinguish between an overweight, too skinny, and just right horse.
So, I've taken up carriage driving. I am by no means "literate" about all of the different types of carriages, their parts, or harness. I can hook up a mini- with the cart and harness that I'm used to using, but that doesn't mean I can quote the parts or hook up another horse to another cart!
I'm a work in progress and will eventually get around to learning more of the nitty gritty. Right now, it's just fun to hook up and drive!
But back to the nitty gritty of carriage driving, I have run across some useful informtion that I'll pass along about driving. First let me simplify the types of carriages for fellow "simple-minded k.i.s.s. folk" like myself, here's a nice way to break down horse vehicles:
Cart - Two Wheeled vehicle
Buggy - Basic 4 wheel vehicle
Carriage - fancier 4 wheel vehicle
Wagon - Farm type vehicle - Pick Up truck of the day.
Now we're going to be really ambitious and tackle the parts of a vehicle. The most basic parts of any cart are as follows:
Shafts- the two metal or wooden poles that go along the sides of the horse.
Singletree (also called swingletree or whiffletree)- that wooden piece that sits above the shafts and has a pivot point in the middle of it. You attach the traces to these and the horse pulls from it.
Floor- the place where you put your feet
Dash- the section of the floor that curves upward toward the shafts.
Seat- do you really need an explanation of this one?
Wheels- again, you got it.
That's about it for your truly basic cart parts. Anything beyond that probably won't show up on anything but a championship level knowledge bowl.Now, for those of you who like pictures, don't think I'm going to leave you out. Here are some diagrams and links to various vehicle and harness parts!
Want to keep up with the latest midsouth area hunter/jumper horse show results? Then check out Horse Shows Online website for the latest show updates in the area.
I can't wait... Spring is almost here and with it, lots of fun-filled horse activities start back up- Yippee!!!
Here's some fun-filled events and activities to look out for:
Nashoba Carriage Club:
Hosts weekly spring drives. Next meeting for members and those interested in joining is March 13th at 6:30pm. Leave comment if interested in contact information or for weekly drive updates.
Alderwood Horse Shows:
Schooling show at Germantown Charity Horse Show Grounds:
Saturday, March 2nd
Saturday, March 24th- benefit WTHJA
Saturday, April 7th
Saturday, May 5th
More information available at http://alderwoodshows.com
West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Shows: WTHJA (A rated):
Springtime in Dixie, April 11-15
Springtime Encore, April 18-22
Memphis in May, May10-13
More information at http://www.wthja.com
Germantown Charity Horse Show Ball:
Friday, March 9th Woodland Hills Country Club
Hunter Schooling shows- Oakview/Shady Creek farm circuit:
Saturday, April 21
Saturday, May 26
More information at: http://www.oakviewstables.net
Delta Dressage Association Horse Shows:
Saturday, March 24th (unrated)
Saturday, May 5th Memphis in Springtime I- rated (Tunica, MS)
Sunday, May 6th Memphis in Springtime II- rated (Tunica, MS)
More information: http://www.deltadressage.com
Do you have a MySpace page created for your horse in the Memphis area? Calling all MySpace addicts.... Why not join me in creating a MySpace page for your horse? It's fun, it's entertaining, and we get to know local Memphis area horses better. Click here to take a look at my sister's page for her horse, Gage This. Gage will tell you all about himself, and his relatives, and would love some new "horsy" friends. Add Gage as a friend and be sure to leave me a link to your horse's page in comments!
I'm always on the lookout for riding exercises to help build rhythm and confidence for both horse and rider. Here's a great article with some easy jumping exercises to help. This article is written by well-respected hunter equitation trainer, Holly Hugo-Vidal. Memphians may remember her being a successful hunter trainer in the Memphis area several years back. This is an excerpt from her latest book:Build Confidence Over Fences
My new horse is en route to Memphis today from Lexington, KY. He should be here this afternoon. I'm so excited I can't stand it! His name is "Buck on the Go" Many thanks to Dr. Jennifer Smallwood, DVM and her husband, Jeremy for helping me find "Bucky!!!" Many pictures to come soon!!!
I am so excited to be getting a new horse from Lexington, KY very soon! My new little buddy is a 3 1/2 yr old Unraced TB Gelding! I went up and meet him this past Monday, and vetted him out in 17 degree, snowy, weather. He was so well-behaved and Mr. Personality Plus. All I can say, is tooooo cute!!!
He should be delivered sometime within the next 7-10 days. I'm counting down! Pic's and name to come soon.
Here's a touching article from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation about Barbaro that I wanted to share on my blog:
Carriage Driving is one of the activities I plan to focus lots of my own attention on this year. Even though I still enjoy riding, I don't have any desire to compete. Guess I've been there done that. But, I've been "bit" by the comptetitive driving bug! I plan on competing again this year at some local and out of town rated driving shows/events.
It's pretty cold out now and my little mini driving buddy, Domino is so furry, he looks more like a grizzly bear than a horse! The weather has been so wet and cold, that we haven't been driving often. He's enjoying a winter "siesta!" Never fear little buddy, as soon as spring rolls around, it's back to mini boot camp- poor fella.
Actually, Dimo has a new fancy Zilco harness along with a super sweet and fancy pleasure gig- one seater just for me! I hooked him up to the new gig the other evening and it fit him like a glove. What an awesome ride- Dimo was "strutting his stuff" It's lighter than the cart he's been driving, and it sits up higher- so it's a new feel. It's really smooth and makes no noise- kind of like moving up from a buick to a cadillac. Can't wait to use it in the cones and dressage driving tests this year!
Anyway, I'm trying to get more familarized with ADS forms, handbooks, and basic dressage driving tests. Here's a helpful link to a variety of ADS forms and tests for interested driving enthusiasts.
For those interested in learning more about driving in the Memphis, TN area, The Nashoba Carriage Club is a great local driving club. Unfortunately, there's no website currently. Leave a comment if interested in more info about the club and I'll pass on contact info.
Legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for foreign dinner plates was introduced right out of the gate in the 110th Congress.
In the Senate, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, S. 311, was launched Jan. 17 by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and John Ensign, R-Nev., with 11 original cosponsors. In the House, Reps. Janice Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., John Spratt, D-S.C., and Nick Rahall, D-W.V., introduced a companion bill, H.R. 503, the same day with 61 original cosponsors. The measure received tremendous bipartisan support in the 109th Congress, winning a vote of 263 to 146 in the House. It stalled in the Senate in late 2006, however, and was not brought up for a vote before Congress adjourned, even though a similar effort had been overwhelmingly approved by the Senate in 2005.
Help Save Horses Right Out of the Gate!
Contact your lawmakers in Washington today, and ask them to put an end to the slaughter of American horses for human consumption overseas. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100,800 American horses were slaughtered in three foreign-owned slaughter houses in 2006. Opponents of the slaughter ban argue that the practice constitutes a humane way to kill old animals, but investigations by The HSUS show cruelty and abuse throughout the process. Horses are sometimes transported for days without food, water or rest, and once on the killing floor they can be subjected to multiple blows by a bolt gun to the brain before being rendered unconscious. The HSUS also recently documented barbaric treatment of American horses at a slaughter plant in Juarez, Mexico, where the animals were stabbed with short knives, leaving them paralyzed and unable to breathe but still sensible to pain as they were hoisted up by a chain to have their throats slit.
At least 33,400 horses were exported to Mexico, Canada and Japan for slaughter in 2006, according to the USDA. In addition to banning the slaughter of horses for human consumption, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act would ban the export of horses for slaughter in other countries.
SOURCE:
Okay, there are those who whip out the blanket arsenal at the first sight of cooler weather, some who only blanket when really cold, and some who swear by never blanketing a horse. So when and how do you decide to blanket a horse? Click here to read an interesting article with tips about when to blanket horses in Winter.
Source: EquiSearch.com
I can't believe 2006 has come and gone. This was quite an exciting and busy year for me. It began with a new horse, Gage, for my baby sister Lauren. We have both had a BLAST with our big baby. Geez, we've come a long way in his and our training since this time last year! All three of us began Dressage training- something that I've never "officially" done in all of my years of riding. What an eye-opening experience this has been! With Gage being so green, and with Lauren and myself learning Dressage for the first time, I've realized how much there will always be to learn with horses no matter how long you've been riding! Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks... I'm the proof!
Lauren and I are looking forward to our continued training with Gage and are super excited to begin his jump training soon. Hopefully by this time next year, we'll all be able to canter around jumper type courses with ease. We both plan to continue our Dressage training, and perhaps this year you'll catch a glimpse of us at our first Dressage/Event/Jumper shows in the Memphis area with Gage!
I also began another new horse venture this year- something I've always wanted to do, Driving. What fun this has been! I went to my very first rated carriage shows with my buddy, Domino, a 38" macho miniature! We did well and had great fun at the shows we attended (The Cannon Classic in Woodbury, TN and Nashoba Classic in Germantown, TN) placing out of the Novice divisions. I look forward to continuing my driving adventures with Domino this year and hope to focus our efforts onto the CDE realm of driving- can't wait! I feel the need for speed!!!
This year also helped me to realize one of my life dreams and goals with horses. I want to one day have my own horse rescue farm- dedicated to OTTB's. This year, it really hit home with me how many horses there are out there that need good, caring, loving homes and kind-hearted owners. My eyes were open to horse neglect and the attrocities of slaugter, and it has changed my life forever. I am passionately dedicated towards making a difference for all those beloved horses out there who've been forgotten and discarded. I've been truly blessed in my lifetime to have encountered and learned invaluable life lessons from so many special horses. Starting with my first horse, Sam, a discarded OTTB who truly blessed my life for seventeen years. Looking back, I now realize that his time with me is the driving motivation behind my passion to help horses like himself, who deserve a second chance to shine. Hopefully by this time next year, I'll be a little closer to making my dream of helping horses in need a reality.
In summary of this past year: I got a new green horse, started two new disciplines- dressage and driving, attended my first driving shows, made some fabulous new "horsey" friends, rode some walking horses for the first time, became an Aunt for the first time, and bought myself my first home. Whew, it's been a busy year. Looking forward to 2007!
These are scary times for the horse community due to confirmed outbreaks of the deadly and highly contagious equine herpes virus at prestigious shows in Wellington, FL- cancelling major shows. All are waiting on pins and needles hoping for the best: a major horse health crisis hopefully avoided. Health officials are "optimistic" that since this virus was detected early with quarantine procedures quickly enforced that the worst has been avoided despite the loss of several beloved horses and at least 15 confirmed cases displaying neurological symptoms.
State Veterinarians held an informational press conference last weekend outlining the facts of this outbreak, and discussed biosecurity precautions for those in the affected areas of Wellington, FL. Officials asked that people NOT ship horses to or from Wellington for seven days.
The rumormill is in overdrive. One rumor circulating is that an infected horse was present at a recent St. Louis Hunter Jumper Show. Several horses at this show were voluntarily quarantined on the show grounds in an isolated barn on the complex- far away from other barns. Luckily, this proved to be a false alarm and thus far, no horses at this show according to show officials and St. Louis Veterinarian's were exposed to EVH-1 or at risk of developing it.
A farm near Knoxville, TN; however, is under voluntary quarantine. A horse from a New York quarantine facility tested positive for EVH-1 and died on it's way to California. This horse had a lay-over at the Knoxville facility on it's way to California. Reports are unclear as to if the California horse died en route to California or at a facility in California. Unfortunatley, there has been no official statement as to any California location quarantines. Ther has been no outbreak of EVH-1 thankfully at the Knoxville, TN farm.
The racing community is now holding it's breath too. A racehorse in Ocala, FL has EVH-1. It was in contact with an infected horse at a Veterinary clinic in Wellington prior to shipping to Ocala, where it became ill. This racehorse belongs to Tuxedo Farms. The farm is under quarantine, and the horse is in isolation. Tracks in and around Ocala, as well as the Tampa area are taking action to prevent more cases. Many are not allowing incoming horses into track facilities currently. For the latest updates and news feeds regarding this viral outbreak, please visit: http://www.topix.net
An outbreak of EHV- Equine Herpes Virus has shut down major horse shows in Wellington, FL for the next several weeks. Two horses have reportedly died. One of which being Debbie Stephen's Cosequin's CEO.
So here I go, humanizing horses again. But what I witnessed a few days ago really got me to thinking. Do horses get jealous, or am I just over humanizing them once again?
There is an old mare at the barn where I ride that is spoiled silly everyday by a teenage girl. I swear this old mare loves this girl. She has more patience than Jobe with the kid and will absolutely do anything for her. A few days ago this kid had her mare in the wash rack going through her usual daily spa treatment routine. My sister and I were playing with another new horse in the barn aisle. Riding her up and down the barn aisle by the kid's mare. It wasn’t long before this teenager wanted “in on the action”. As soon as she hopped onto the new horse, her trusty, ole friend had a temper tantrum! She pinned her ears back, flared her nostrils, and stomped her feet repeatedly. She couldn't have cared less while my sister and I were messing around with the new horse. But as soon as HER TEENAGER jumped in- she was livid.
Now, I personally think that I witnessed something kind of special. It was an Ahhhh moment that really emphasized to me the special bond that horses can have with people. I truly think that I witnessed a case of horse jealousy. I told my mom- a life-long horse person- about it, and she told me about a pony that she used to have growing up who took a fancy to her and would also have temper fits when she rode something else. He too was an otherwise quiet, well-mannered pony, but he would would rear, buck, kick, and run around his stall squealing if he saw her paying any other horse attention. Hum, got me thinking… Do we have horses, or do horses have us? I’m kind of inclined to think that horses may very well “choose” us and some may even get jealous?
Apparantly, "Horse Bling" is HOT this Holiday season. Okay, I'm certainly not giving fashion advice. Heck, I'm the one who's usually a season or two behind the latest fads, but I'm up for some bling! It's gaudy, it's obnoxious, and I love it!!!
Here's an article compliments of horse tack review about the latest Horsey Holiday Bling craze!
SOURCE: Horse Tack Review
Want to help put an end to Horse Slaughter in the United States? Then help out by calling your Senator TODAY, and letting them know you are against horse slaughter!
Urge your Senators to cosponsor S. 1915 and get it to the senate floor for a vote! Please, Please make the call, and urge everyone you know to call their Senators on Dec. 5
If you're not sure what to say here's a tip from the Humane Society:
"I am a constituent and I am calling to ask that the Senator immediately protect our horses from slaughter and cosponsor S. 1915, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I am very concerned about American horses and I don't want them slaughtered."
Click here to locate your Senator's contact information and make the call!
In typical Memphis fashion, the weather has turned from warm and balmy to bone-chilling cold in a matter of days! I don't know about you, but it takes me awhile to get acclimated to colder weather. And about the time I start to get used to it, It warms back up!
Here are some cold weather tips for your horse:
