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Abby Powell
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Abby Powell

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About Abby Powell

Abby Powell is a native of Northeastern Massachusetts who splits her time between commuting into Boston for work and caring for and riding her rescue Mustang x Arab mare, Maggie.

Latest Articles Written

Bromont Selected to Host a Leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in 2020

By on Dec 6, 2019 5:05 pm -

Brooke Massie and Serendipity, winners of the CCI4*-S at the Bromont CCI-S Three Day Event in 2019. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup will return to North America next year, as it has been confirmed that the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park in Quebec, Canada has been selected to hold a leg of the 2020 series August 13 to 16, 2020

The Eventing Nations Cup leg (CCIO4*-NC) will be held in conjunction with the Bromont CCI-S Three-Day Event alongside other divisions offered which include CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S, Open Preliminary, and Open Training.

“This is really important for the Americas to have this opportunity, there are so few chances to qualify and to gain the experience for the Olympic and other major games,” said Sue Ockendon, organizer of Bromont Horse Trials Inc.

“Teams are already talking about coming in June for the MARS Equestrian Bromont CCI Three Day Event to ready themselves for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in August.”

The 2020 FEI calendar is still pending final approval, but eight other legs of the Eventing Nations Cup 2020 Series currently appear scheduled:

  • April 23-26, 2020 — Ballindensik, Ireland
  • May 21-24, 2020 — Houghton Hall, Great Britain
  • June 2-7, 2020 — Aachen, Germany
  • June 11-14, 2020 — Pratroni del Vivaro, Italy
  • July 2-5, 2020 — Strezgom, Poland
  • August 11-16, 2020 — Le Pin du Haras, France
  • September 10-13, 2020 — Waregem, Belgium
  • October 1-4, 2020 — Boekelo, Netherlands

[FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Bromont Announced]

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Dec 6, 2019 11:30 am -

Ryuzo Kitajima and Vick Du Grisors JRA at the Ready Steady Tokyo test event. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi.

A bit of event horse health-related news hit the mainstream media this week when Reuters reported that a few more Tokyo 2020 Olympic sports had been rescheduled to earlier times of day in order to beat the heat. Among them, the start of the cross country phase of eventing will be held between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. instead of beginning at 8:30 a.m. as initially scheduled. The hot summer temperatures in the Tokyo area have been cause for concern leading up to the games and the new cross country start time is part of the recommendations made by the FEI-commissioned research study that was performed during the test event earlier this year.

Here’s what else is happening This Week in Horse Heath News …

When is a runny nose really just a runny nose? We’ve all got the sniffles sometimes, but nasal discharge in our equine friends can be cause for concern depending on how it looks. That bit of clear runny discharge that is fairly common to see — particularly in cold weather — usually isn’t cause for concern, but anything that’s opaque or colored in particular usually warrants some investigation and a call to the vet. Here’s what to watch out for and what to do. [The Horse]

A two year study of how horses handle air travel is commencing. Data logging technology will be used to monitor horses’ vital signs while in-flight and which will hopefully guide researchers to show what actions can be taken to improve the animal’s wellbeing during transport. The data being collected will also be available to the crew in real-time so that they can make make adjustments and take preventative actions as necessary. Reports for each horse will also be made available to the horse’s trainers and owners after each flight. [HorseTalk]

How does a horse develop crookedness and what can we do to fix it? There’s no single answer of course, but among the many things that can cause a horse to be crooked are his conformation, movement, and crookedness of the rider. The Horse delves into these causes and what we can do to help our horses straighten out. [The Horse]

As horse owners and competitors, we want to give our equine athletes every opportunity to feel and perform their best. Keeping up to date with the latest news in horse health and medicine is an important part of that, and it’s why Medivet Equine is bringing you the latest in horse health news each week.

Following the medical model of “do no harm”, MediVet Equine develops scientifically based therapeutics enabling the horse to call on its own healing ability, thus achieving its full performance potential. MediVet Equine provides effective, all natural, drug free products and lab services designed to optimize the overall health of performance horses. They specialize in regenerative treatments that help the body heal itself to get stronger naturally. Boyd Martin has several of his top competitive mounts on MediVet ACS, and has had terrific results!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Behind the Scenes at OJC

By on Dec 4, 2019 5:00 pm -

This isn’t your normal behind the scenes event wrap-up. Yes, we get some great clips of Elisa Wallace’s two CCI2*-L entries Sharp Decision and Munson Slew looking fancy and rocking around their courses, but oh — that’s not all. We also get Briggs Surratt and other members of Team Wallace eating some super-spicy hot wings and legendary event rider Lucinda Green learning to ride one of Elisa’s Mustangs. If that’s not good enough to cap off your Wednesday, then I don’t know what is.

Fight back against vitamin E deficiencies that can cause muscle soreness and stiffness.

Elevate® Maintenance Powder was developed to provide a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E to horses. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, limits the damage caused by everyday oxidative stress. It maintains healthy muscle and nerve functions so horses are more likely to perform better and recover faster after training or competing.

Vitamin E requirements vary from situation to situation. Multiple research studies have shown that vitamin E is often deficient in the diets of horses that do not have access to continual grazing on fresh green grass, or those grazing on winter pasture. Performance horses with demanding workloads, growing horses and seniors can be exposed to increased levels of oxidative stress and therefore require higher levels of vitamin E in their diets. Studies reveal that horses challenged by neurological disease benefit from natural vitamin E supplementation.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Contact us at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Time for 2020 Thoroughbred Makeover Trainers to Apply!

By on Dec 4, 2019 9:00 am -

With trainer applications now open for the 2020 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, it’s officially time for those thinking about entering to start window shopping for their OTTB partner! Granted, there’s plenty of time apply (applications will be accepted until Jan. 15, 2020) and even more time to find the right partner (trainers must declare their horse no later than July 31, 2020), but hey, you never know when you might spot the one!

Our three featured OTTBs in this week’s Wishlist are all 2020 RRP eligible. Come and get ’em!

Big Blind. Photo via CANTER PA.

Big Blind (NONIOS – WILD LUCY DANCER, BY DANCE BRIGHTLY): 2015 15.3-hand Ontario-bred gelding

There’s a lot to like about this little bay gelding: clean legs, strong hindquarters, and a balanced frame. He has a bright and attentive expression as well. Big Blink has spent the past two racing seasons traveling between Canada and Pennsylvania with the same connections where he raced at tracks in both places for a grand total of 18 starts. He even hit the board a few times and earned almost $37,000 in winnings.

Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

View Big Blind on CANTER PA.

Secret Eden. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Secret Eden (UTOPIA (JPN) – AUDREY’S SECRET, BY SALT LAKE): 2016 16.1-hand New York-bred mare

Someone needs to snag this cute mare quickly, because be trainer is moving tracks in just a few days! She’s offered at a steal of a deal in hopes she gets placed quickly. Secret Eden is described by her trainer as “a kind and easy to handle horse” — indeed she jogged out on a loose lead with no antics just a few days after having raced. Secret Eden had some small success as a racehorse, but not enough to warrant her moving to a more competitive track for the winter. Wouldn’t you like to add a lovely liver chestnut to your herd?

Located at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York (but not for long!)

View Secret Eden on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Little Pete. Photo via CANTER PA.

Little Pete (BANK HEIST – FLY MY BUTTERFLY, BY VICTORY GALLOP): 2013 16.1-hand Pennsylvania-bred gelding

Little Pete is big on cute! This gelding looks to be the in-your-pocket type and he appears nicely put together to boot. He has a fabulous shoulder for jumping and hopefully he’ll take to that endeavor a little better than he did to racing. In 15 starts Little Pete may have only hit the board twice, but we can picture him galloping out of the start box with a lot more gusto!

Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

View Little Pete on CANTER PA.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Visit the Yard of Aussie Olympian Megan Jones

By on Dec 2, 2019 5:00 pm -

British YouTube vlogger This Esme recently took a big trip to the Land Down Under where she not only attended the Australian International Three-Day Event in Adelaide, but also paid a visit to Kirby Park Stud, which is home to five-star eventer Megan Jones.

Megan and her own Kirby Park Irish Jester were members of the Australian Team for the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany where they won team bronze as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics where they placed fourth individually and won team bronze. Since then, Megan has bene a main-stay amidst Australia’s elite even rider population.

This video is an enjoyable in-depth look into Megan’s operation. From the paddocks, to the arena (there’s a very cool jump-building idea there!), to the tack room, new additions to the barn, the lorry, and of course an up-close look at her Olympic medals (did you know that there is jade embedded in the Beijing Olympic medals, and that it was mined in Australia?) — Esme and Megan cover it all!

Monday News & Notes form Fleeceworks

By on Dec 2, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo by Alexa Perkiel.

It’s the beginning of wedded bliss for our own U.S. Olympian Lauren Kieffer and her fiancé-turned-husband, Sam Nicholson. The pair were married over the weekend in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida with many fellow eventers in attendance. Congratulations to the happy couple!

National Holiday: National Mutt Day (oh yeah, and Cyber Monday too)

U.S. Weekend Results:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Trainer applications are now open for the 2020 Thoroughbred Makeover which will take place October 7-10 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Applications will be accepted through January 15, 2020, and accepted trainers will be announced on February 15, 2020. Accepted trainers will have until July 31, 2020 to declare their horse. Don’t forget to get up to speed with the 2020 rulebook! Changes for the coming year are marked in red and clarifying information is marked in blue. [Thoroughbred Makeover Trainer Application]

Pippa Funnell admits it: She’s an oldie — but she’s still in it to win it. At the conclusion of the competition season, The Telegraph caught up with Pippa to talk about her Burghley win, her daily routine, why retirement isn’t on the horizon, and her hopes for Tokyo 2020. [Pippa Funnell interview: ‘I was astonished to win at Burghley – I’m doing it for the oldies’]

That’s a wrap on the 2019 USEA Area Championships! With all of the Area Championships concluded for the year, USEA brings us a round-up of all the winners. Congratulations to all! [2019 USEA Area Championships Round-Up]

Monday Video: ‘Equestrian in the Park’ is an annual eventing showcase that takes place in Perth, Australia. The sixth iteration of the event took place over the weekend. See how one rider prepared for the event and a few clips of her clinicing with William Fox-Pitt and Sam Griffiths, who also competed in the event:

Sunday Video Break: The Long at Short of It at Pine Top Advanced

By on Dec 1, 2019 5:00 pm -

We’re really enjoying Jon Holling‘s new YouTube channel, particularly his series that he calls ‘The Long and Short of It’ in which he analyzes a small part of one of his competition rides. Though the videos are brief, they’re large on learning thanks to the way Jon breaks down each minute detail.

In this most recent episode, we go back in time to Pine Top Advanced H.T. this past February, where Jon rode his and Constance Holling‘s Dushi Terma, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Vailliant – Naterma, by Amaretto I), at the gelding’s Advanced level debut. Jon analyzes his ride through one of the course’s water jumps: a three-part complex made up of a table, a hanging log into the water, and a left-handed corner out of the complex. Thanks to Jon’s commentary, the magic of slo-mo video, and multiple camera angles, we can see how Jon still manages to guide his horse successfully through the complex, despite a peek at the water which throws the pair of their line to the C element.

Watch and learn, folks — and thanks for sharing, Jon!

Eventing Takes Centerstage in the City at Australia’s ‘Equestrian in the Park’ Showcase

By on Dec 1, 2019 2:00 pm -

On the southwestern coast of Australia, you’ll find the city of Perth. It’s 1,670 miles (a mere 28-hour drive) from Adelaide, home of the country’s only five-star event, but there’s no dearth of eventing in Western Australia as you may be tempted to think based on that sole statistic.

Within an hour’s driving distance of the city, you’ll find venues for eight recognized events on Equestrian Australia’s eventing calendar. You’ll find five more events within a two hour drive. With that knowledge, it makes sense for Perth to be the perfect central location for an event showcasing the talent of Western Australian event riders.

On November 30th, Pearllargo Equestrian In The Park took shape for the sixth year at Taylor Reserve in the city of Victoria Park, just a few minutes south of Perth proper. The annual event holds two eventing classes, the Grand-Prix Class (1.15m) and the Diamond Class (1.05m), one show jumping class, and a popular fashion competition for spectators.

This year’s event drew a record number of entrants with 65 horse and rider pairs in the Grand-Prix class and 25 in the Diamond Class. Among entrants, two big-name riders were invited to participate this year: none other than William Fox-Pitt and UK-based Aussie Sam Griffiths. Sam also participated in the 2018 event alongside Sir Mark Todd, who won the Grand-Prix class last year. Invited riders always serve as a special highlight for spectators, and past participants also include Chris Burton, Clayton Fredericks, Harry Meade, and Bettina Hoy.

In addition to event riders taking center stage, Equestrian in the Park partners with local OTTB rehoming organization, Off The Track WA, to shine the spotlight on OTTBs and for good reason — over half the entrants in each of the eventing classes were off-track Thoroughbreds. This local news video gives a nice overview of the event:

EQUESTRIAN

The thoroughbreds are getting ready to hit the banks of the Swan River tomorrow, but they won't be racing… #10Sport

Posted by 10 News First Perth on Friday, November 29, 2019

Top honors went to Sarah Dawson and Imposing, an 11-year-old off-track Thoroughbred gelding (Saxon – Kings Pleasure, by Kings Theatre), who won the Grand-Prix class. Sarah has been the gelding’s sole owner and rider throughout his FEI career. While they were less than a second slower than William Fox-Pitt who rode Max Almighty, a 15-year-old ISH x WB (Ali Kingston – Florence Court, by Kiltoghert Casey) owned by Kirsten Twining, who ultimately placed second, they were the only pair in the jump off to only knock a single pole.

Looking to the Diamond Class, junior riders took home the top three placings, with Oliva Shore clinching first placed aboard Legal Star, a Thoroughbred-cross gelding (Ringwould Legality – Comet), to make it back-to-back wins at Equestrian in the Park. Oliva’s Diamond Class win last year was aboard Elvia Massimo, an off-track Thoroughbred. Legal Star has also now won the class twice, previously in 2015 with owner Jessica Manson. Legal Star had also contested the Adelaide five-star with Jessica in the irons that year, prior to Olivia taking the ride.

Prior to the competition on Saturday, William and Sam also spent a few days teaching clinics in the park. Hear what Sam had to say about his recent time visit to Australia:

Sam Griffiths and William Fox-Pitt are here in Perth! They rode their competition mounts last night, and are busy teaching today!

Posted by Equestrian In The Park on Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Local Pony Clubbers were also treated to autographs from William for their volunteer efforts throughout the event:

Posted by Equestrian In The Park on Saturday, November 30, 2019

Equestrian in the Park: [Website] [Results]

Tickets for 2020 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field On Sale Today

By on Dec 1, 2019 11:00 am -

Bruce’s Offset Logs: Fence 19/20 on last year’s course. Photo by Shelby Allen.

You know what would make a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift this year? Tickets to what was hailed as one of last year’s most spectator-friendly and exciting events, the $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina.

After the successful debut of the event last year, which drew some 5,000 spectators to The Aiken Horse Park Foundation, the organizers are excited to host round the second iteration of the event on February 28-29, 2020. Dressage and show jumping will take place on Friday the 28th and cross country will take place on Saturday the 29th. General admission tickets go on sale online today, December 1st, for $25.

“We couldn’t be more pleased and excited with the success of the inaugural event,” said Phillip Dutton, who Chairs the event’s organizing committee.

“We feel showcase events like this have an important role in the sport of Eventing, allowing for greater visibility and sponsorship opportunities outside of the equestrian world. Our goals for the future include our desire to help grow the sport as a whole as well as growing this event so that the Grand-Prix Eventing showcase, Bruce’s Field and the Aiken community remains the destination that equestrian riders and supporters come to visit, train, and enjoy during the winter months.”

2019 winners Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The inaugural competition boasted a star-studded entry list with a total of 35 horse and rider pairs representing representing 6 countries. A particular highlight amongst last year’s entrants was the one-and-only William Fox-Pitt catch riding Hannah Salazar’s Sandro’s Star. We’re hoping the 2020 entry list will be another ‘Who’s Who’ of eventing, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted regarding entry updates right here on EN.

Competitors will once again “Ride for Charity” next year as each will be paired with and represent a participating local non-profit organization. The top three finishers at the conclusion of the event will earn checks for the charity with which they are paired. The 2020 Ride for Charity application is currently open. All Aiken County non-profits in good standing are eligible to apply.

Need a little eventing fix right now or want to see what the LiftMaster Eventing Grand-Prix is all about? You can watch a replays of all phases of last year’s event right here and revisit all of EN’s coverage here.

[Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field]

Saturday Video Break: Test Your Balance with Lainey Ashker’s Latest GOTD

By on Nov 30, 2019 6:00 pm -

Have some extra calories to burn off from last night’s thanksgiving dinner? Here’s a great grid to teach upper body control, footwork, effective use of aids and overall balance all the while having a blast while doing it! But be prepared to get your math skills out to set this puppy up because it’s a toughie! Will post actual diagram to my story as well! Enjoy friends! #LÆ

Posted by Laine Ashker Eventing and Dressage on Friday, November 29, 2019

Feeling like a sack of potatoes after a hefty Thanksgiving dinner? Friends, has Lainey Ashker got a cure for you! In Lainey’s latest Grid of the Day (#GOTD) she puts together what she calls the Serpent Grid: a challenging test of upper body control, footwork, effective use of aids, and overall balance.

Lainey cautions that in order for this grid to work correctly, you’ll need to be precise in setting it up to ensure that the middle of the poles set on the curves are properly measured. And for the horse to bounce properly, you’ll also need to ride accurately to the middle of each pole. It may look a little daunting at first, but once you get the hang of this exercise it looks like a blast!

Photo via Lainey Ashker.

Happy bouncing! Go Lainey and Go Eventing.

Prize Money Alert! Ocala Eventing Series Introduces Jackpot Classes

By on Nov 30, 2019 4:00 pm -

Thumbs up for prize money! Dasha Ivandaeva and DB Cooper after a great Open Preliminary round at Ocala Winter II HT in 2018. Photo courtesy of Dasha.

Question: What makes this beautiful, high-adrenaline sport that we love so much even more exciting? Answer: Putting prize money on the line.

The fine folks at the Florida Horse Park recently announced that jackpot classes will be offered for all levels offered during their Ocala Winter I, Ocala Winter II, and Ocala International Festival of Eventing Horse Trials. Levels vary between each show, but include Beginner Novice through Intermediate as well as Modified. The idea was coined by Event Entries owner, Rick Dunkerton, as one way to bring much-needed cash prizes into the sport.

Competitors can chose to enter the jackpot class at their level for an additional $50 on top of regular entry fee. The $50 from all entrants in the division is pooled and paid out to the top six finishers of that division, with first place taking home 33% of the pot. Not feeling like a high roller? Never fear — there are non-jackpot divisions at every level, too!

Want to save a little money, too? Early bird discount pricing is being offered for the February, March, and April 2020 event dates. You’ll save $20 if you enter the during the first week that entries are open. Entries for the Ocala Winter I H.T. open on December 24th — Merry Christmas!

[Florida Horse Park Ocala Eventing Series]

Oliver Townend Catch-Rides to the Win at Sweden International Horse Show

By on Nov 30, 2019 11:13 am -

Oliver Townend and Happy Hour af Bjornklo. Photo by Roland Thunhom via Sweden International Horse Show.

With no Ocala or Aiken to flock to this time of year for our European friends, indoor eventing (which our own Tilly Berendt has dubbed the “fast-paced, Europop-fuelled, boozy and enthusiastic little brother to the sport proper”) takes centerstage during the off-season. We’ve already left one major European indoor competition in the rearview mirror in the Stuttgart German Masters, and this past Thursday at the Sweden International Horse Show top event riders wowed the crowd with how handily and speedily they could ride over an indoor cross country course.

It was FEI world number one-ranked Oliver Townend who emerged victorious after tallying the lowest combined score of two rounds. He rode Emelie Berg and Charlotta Pettersson‘s 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood Happy Hour af Bjornklo to the win after meeting the mare and riding her for the first time earlier that day. Emelie and “Happy” made their CCI2*-S debut together earlier this year. Click through the photos below for a clip of Oliver and Happy’s ride:

This year’s SIHS indoor cross country featured riders from the UK, Germany, and Sweden. Entrants were divided into teams by country, featuring two Swedish teams divided by age:

Team UK: Oliver Townend, Tom McEwen, Alex Bragg

Team Germany: Peter Thomsen, Calvin Böckmann, Jan Matthias

Team Sweden (Seniors): Malin Josefsson, Niklas Lindbäck, Ludwig Svennerstål.

Team Sweden (Youth): Alice Andersen, Ellen Skogström, Vendela Eriksdotter Rubin

German riders took the two spots behind Oliver. Peter Thomsen and rode his own and Annie Thomsen‘s Cool Charly Blue to second place. The 8-year-old German Warmblood gelding made his first CCI3*-L start in September of this year under Peter and was previously campaigned by German teammate Jan Matthias.

Calvin Böckmann earned third place and Crunchip M, a 10-year-old Rheinländer mare owned by Liam and Simone Böckmann, who has not shown in eventing at the FEI level but regularly competes under Calvin at the CSI1* level in show jumping. This pair actually would have stolen the win from Oliver if it weren’t for knocking the rail of the final fence in the jump-off. Here’s their round:

Scroll down to watch a few more rounds that the chinchillas have been able to scrounge around on social media for!

Fifth Place Vendela Eriksdotter Rubin and Vienna Imperial:

View this post on Instagram

Härligt drag 👏👏#sihs2019

A post shared by Stina & Matts (@stinaochmatts) on

Sixth place Tom McEwen and Coco Chanel, another catch ride, owned by Moa Söderby:

Ninth place Malin Josefsson and Agaton V:

Tenth place Ellen Skogström and Car Dior (swipe):

Sweden International Horse Show: [Website] [Results]

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Nov 30, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo by Merrilyn Ratliff.

Horses. Majestic creatures who’ll never, ever embarrass you — and by ‘never ever’ I actually mean they will absolutely always find a way to embarrass you. Peeing in the winner circle? Check! Fortunately, Eliza Herman was able to laugh it off when her OTTB Archer did just that. When you gotta go, you gotta go.

National Holiday: Small Business Saturday

U.S. Weekend Action:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Researcher: Horse Sports Risk Losing ‘Social License’

FEI Asian Championships 2019 in Pattaya, Thailand (1-8 Dec 19)

Check out New Zealand eventer Lucy Jackson’s new yard: ‘It’s really exciting’

Are Christmas Decorations Poisonous to Horses?

Hot on Horse Nation: Top 10 Things for Which Equestrians Should Be Thankful

Saturday Video: Need a cross country fix? Wallaby Hill International Three-Day Event in Australia live-streamed their day of competition and you can watch the replay:

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Nov 29, 2019 11:00 am -

As horse owners and competitors, we want to give our equine athletes every opportunity to feel and perform their best. Keeping up to date with the latest news in horse health and medicine is an important part of that, and it’s why Medivet Equine is bringing you the latest in horse health news each week.

Following the medical model of “do no harm,” MediVet Equine develops scientifically based therapeutics enabling the horse to call on its own healing ability, thus achieving its full performance potential. MediVet Equine provides effective, all natural, drug free products and lab services designed to optimize the overall health of performance horses. They specialize in regenerative treatments that help the body heal itself to get stronger naturally. Boyd Martin has several of his top competitive mounts on MediVet ACS, and has had terrific results!

This Week in Horse Health News …

What your horse really wants for Christmas is a little enrichment. Enrichment is something that improves an animal’s quality of life generally by allowing them to perform natural behaviors and therefore improving their wellbeing. The Horse has put together a helpful bunch of enrichment ideas that your horse would love to receive for holidays. [The Horse]

France’s low rate of equine influenza is very likely due to its high rate of vaccination. Between 2015 and 2018, there were actually no cases of equine flu identified in the country. Researchers tested over 3,000 archived serum samples drawn during this period of time and found there to be 84.6% immunity coverage. For comparison, studies on immunity coverage in humans is often below 60%. Unfortunately, a new flu sub-strain that has invaded Europe was detected in France last December. The new strain will challenge the country’s vaccination coverage, but the high level of immunity should still reduce transmission and lessen the severity of the disease. [HorseTalk]

A new drug for treating fever in horses has been approved by the FDA. Zimeta™ (dipyrone injection), which is made by Kindred Biosciences, Inc., is actually the first and currently only FDA-approved medication for treating fever (also known as pyrexia) in horses. Zimeta is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and it works by targeting fever where it originates in the brain. It is administered via intravenous injection. [EquiManagement]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A Two Year Transformation

By on Nov 27, 2019 4:30 pm -

Abigail Steinberg and Infinity. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.com.

We all know it, but maybe don’t acknowledge it as often as we could or should: riding is hard, y’all. Nobody began winning blue ribbons overnight and behind each and every success story are often years upon years of blood, sweat and tears.

Not many people choose to publicly share the stops and the spooks and the falls on social media — they don’t look quite as impressive as the clear rounds, the good marks and the rosettes — but Abbey Steinberg, a young rider from Maine, has put together a montage of her two year journey with her horse, Infinity, which includes all that and shows hows far they’ve come as a team. She and Finn, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred x Holsteiner gelding, finished their 2019 season by moving up to Training level and finishing top three in their last two events of the season.

Well done, Abbey — congrats on a great season and all your hard work!

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For more information, visit KPPvet.com.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Giving Thanks for Thoroughbreds

By on Nov 26, 2019 9:30 am -

With Thanksgiving being this week, we felt it would be timely to say just how thankful we are for a few of the numerous qualities that many Thoroughbred horses possess. If you’re looking for a horse with a good work ethic, unparalleled aestheticism, and the biggest heart of any creature (which you are if you event!) then your chances are pretty good that you’ll find all three of those qualities in a Thoroughbred.

We’re also so incredibly thankful for the many Thoroughbred aftercare organizations out there helping to do right by these incredible animals by finding them new homes and offering them second careers once their racing days are over. Here are three adoptable Thoroughbreds who would be thankful for a new home and chance at a second career:

Real Men Wear Pink. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

Real Men Wear Pink (JUST A COINCIDENCE – PINK RIBBON GIRL, BY YES IT’S TRUE): 2015 16.3-hand Iowa-bred gelding

With $53,426 earned in under 20 starts, Real Men Wear Pink’s early success as a racehorse has outdone himself in a way. Due to his number of wins (4 in 16 starts), he can no longer run in the level of race where he’s been most successful, but he isn’t having the same success at the next level up. His connections have therefore decided to re-home him while he still has the potential to find success in a new career. Real Men Wear Pink appears to be an attentive and kind soul, jogging nicely for his handler even on the morning of a day he was scheduled to race.

Located at Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero, Illinois.

View Real Men Wear Pink on CANTER Chicago.

Frosty Zen. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Racehorse Adoption.

Frosty Zen (FROST GIANT – ZEN PRINCESS, BY EL CORREDOR): 2012 16.0-hand New York-bred mare

This stately mare exuded elegance and class during her listing photoshoot with Finger Lakes Finest Volunteers. She’s trained by her owner and breeder, so this is a horse you can get the entire history of if you’re interested in taking her home. Frosty Zen is described as a no nonsense ride with a fantastic brain and her owner/trainer thinks should could be an amateur-friendly choice. She also has good, solid feet and is even barefoot behind! Frosty Zen raced 29 times and was moderately successful, earning $65,473 overall and clocking in 6 wins over the course of her career.

Located at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York.

View Frosty Zen on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Fear. Photo by Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Fear (MAIMONIDES – TAIHEDIAN (CHI), BY MERCHANT OF VENICE): 2012 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding

Fear not! Fear is ready to take on a second career after having been a very successful racehorse in his 44 starts, earning an impressive $327,708 over the course of a six season career. This is a well-traveled gelding who has been up and down the east coast and won at many different tracks. Fear has that ‘been there done that’ attitude that is characteristic of many experienced racehorses.

Located at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York.

View Fear on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds. 

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Watch Arden Wildasin and Il Vici Win the OJC CCI3*-L

By on Nov 25, 2019 5:00 pm -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Arden Wildasin couldn’t believe it when she realized that she had just won the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event CCI3*-L aboard her own and Sarah Wildasin‘s Il Vici, but that’s what the power of finishing on your dressage score can do.

Arden and Il Vici, a 16-year old Australian-bred Thoroughbred gelding (Galileo x Ladyeri, by Salieri), began their weekend in 8th place on a dressage score of 34.0. Il Vici absolutely ate up the Clayton Fredericks-designed cross country course, jumping clear and inside the time to climb to 5th place by the end of the day.On Sunday, they capped off their weekend with a double clear show jumping round which saw them creep up the leaderboard place by place as others dropped poles or added time. Watch their entire weekend of rides below, thanks to our friends at RNS Videomedia! Congratulations on your spectacular weekend, Arden!

#OJC3DE: Website, Final Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Nov 25, 2019 12:01 am -

Briggs Surratt with his good friend (and med school student!) Alex Weaver upon discharge from the hospital. Photo via Briggs Surratt on Facebook.

Please join us in wishing a speedy recovery to Briggs Surratt, an indispensable member of Team Wallace Eventing, who suffered a kick to head while trying to mount a skittish horse on Friday. Thankfully, Briggs was wearing a helmet and though he was briefly knocked unconscious and will be further monitored for a concussion, he’s been discharged from the hospital and is walking away from the incident with a smile on his face. The EN team sends you our very best wishes, Briggs!

National Holiday: Blase’ Day

U.S. Weekend Results:

Grand Oaks H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Southern Arizona H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Monday News & Notes:

Horse and rider falls have dropped to an all-time low in Ireland the during the 2019 season. At the beginning of 2016, the EquiRatings Quality Index (EQRI) was introduced in all Eventing Ireland competitions. This year, the cross-country jumping clear rate has increased to 81.3%, the rate of horse falls dropped to 0.49%, and the rate of rider falls has dropped to 1.81%. [Eventing Ireland and EquiRatings making strides in safety]

Sir Mark Todd still has his eyes on Tokyo, but don’t hold your breath — he’s not interested in competing after announcing his retirement earlier this year. His main interest lies in his former ride McClaren, his 2018 WEG mount, who now has Jonelle Price in the stirrups. He appears to think they’ll be a shoo-in for the New Zealand Olympic team if all goes well with the new pairing. [Interview: Sir Mark Todd still has Tokyo Olympics in mind]

Fouaad Mirza is the first equestrian from India to secure Olympic qualification in 20 years. The 27-year-old eventer was a double silver medalist at the 2018 Asian Games with his top horse, Seigneur Medicott, who was previously campaigned by Bettina Hoy. With Seigneur Medicott sidelined due to injury, Fouaad garnered enough points for qualification riding two of his other horses: Fernhill Facetime and Touchingwood. [Indian Equestrian Fouaad Mirza Secures Tokyo 2020 Berth]

Monday Featured Video: (You’ve got to watch to the end!)

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Nov 23, 2019 12:01 am -

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach at Millbrook 2019. Photo by Abby Powell.

Have you been to Millbrook Horse Trials in Amenia, New York? They want to hear from you about how they can improve the event for the future. And, to sweeten the pot, if you’re a competitor at any level and you complete this survey then you’ll be entered to win a free entry to the 2020 iteration of the event. The survey closes December 1st — don’t miss your chance!

National Holiday: National Adoption Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Grand Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Southern Arizona H.T. [Website]  [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

No Winners, No Guidance And No Guts After Morris Hearing

Top Five History Sessions at the 2019 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

No Stirrups, No Problem: Five Rides To Remember

At A Crossroads: Four Riders On Deciding Their Futures In The Sport

Mars Bromont Rising U25 Grants Produce Results

Dressage Solutions: Feel the Horse Reaching for the Bit

Saturday Video: Godolphin indoor gallop track in Hokkaido, Japan.

Godolphin indoor gallop track in Hokkaido Japan

Posted by Boyd Martin on Friday, November 22, 2019

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Nov 22, 2019 9:00 am -

Photo via EN archives.

In this edition of Horse Health News, we’re looking ahead to new seasons: the 2020 British Eventing season, the next racing season at Santa Anita Park, and the start of indoor arena dust-breathing season. As the seasons change and winter settles in, now is a great time to familiarize yourself with new developments.

This Week in Horse Health News …

Owners of competition horses in the U.K. will need to abide by the same equine influenza vaccine requirements put in place earlier this year. After a spring season full of equine flu outbreaks across England, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) put temporary changes to the equine influenza vaccination requirements in place earlier this year with the intention of creating a permanent rule before the end of 2019. Consultation about the rule will now take place in 2020 and horse owners should abide by the existing requirements until further notice. [BEVA]

The formation of a new Thoroughbred Safety Coalition was announced earlier this week. The coalition is a collaborative effort among major tracks and racing groups to bring improvements to the safety of both horses and humans involved in Thoroughbred racing. Members include Churchill Downs Inc., the New York Racing Association, The Stronach Group (which owns Santa Anita Park), Del Mar, Keeneland, and Breeders’ Cup — other like-minded industry groups are welcome to join. The goals of the group will be multifaceted and includes “plans to create and implement significant medication, operational, and integrity guidelines to ensure and improve the well-being of horses and riders.”

Current members of the coalition account for all three Triple Crown races, about 85% of the graded stakes in the country, and 14 racetracks across the country. Ideally, this coalition would be the start of a movement that is able to make safety changes to the sport of Thoroughbred racing as a whole, rather than on a track-by-track basis. All racetracks would need to eventually join the coalition in order for any standards to be adopted uniformly. [BloodHorse] [Paulick Report]

Funding to install equine MRI and PET scanners at Santa Anita Park have been secured. Both machines, which will be able to be used in standing horses under sedation, are valuable veterinary diagnostic tools useful for imaging the lower leg. The MRI will be installed in time time for use during the upcoming season with starts are the end of December. The PET scanner will require another clinical trial at the University of California Davis before it’s moved to the track also in December. PET imaging is particularly interesting because it can detect changes in the limb at the molecular level before any structural changes occur. Once the scanner is installed at the track, researchers plan to image as many racehorses as possible and develop a PET image database that could help identify horses at risk of breakdown. [BloodHorse]

Remember that survey about the health concerns of indoor arenas that we mentioned a little while ago? The initial results are in! To refresh your memory: a researcher from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, in conjunction with the UK College of Public Health, decided to do her own research on the air quality of indoor arenas when she realized there wasn’t any already available. According to the findings, “77% of respondents are concerned about dust, moisture levels, and/or the lack of air movement.” The next parts of the study will focus more of those result, but the initials results provide insights into trends in area age, construction costs, design, and lighting. [The Horse]

As horse owners and competitors, we want to give our equine athletes every opportunity to feel and perform their best. Keeping up to date with the latest news in horse health and medicine is an important part of that, and it’s why Medivet Equine is bringing you the latest in horse health news each week.

Following the medical model of “do no harm”, MediVet Equine develops scientifically based therapeutics enabling the horse to call on its own healing ability, thus achieving its full performance potential. MediVet Equine provides effective, all natural, drug free products and lab services designed to optimize the overall health of performance horses. They specialize in regenerative treatments that help the body heal itself to get stronger naturally. Boyd Martin has several of his top competitive mounts on MediVet ACS, and has had terrific results!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Thoroughbreds Hold Their Own

By on Nov 21, 2019 9:30 am -

Heck of a weekend to be a Thoroughbred fan, huh? Among many other excellent performances, full Thoroughbreds took home the top prizes in a few marquee divisions. Campground (Forest Camp – Kneel, by Pulpit) ridden by Erin Sylvester claimed the win in the CCI4*-L while Arden Wildasin piloted Il Vici (Galileo – Ladyeri, by Salieri) to the CCI3*-L win at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event. On the other side of the world, history was made by Hazel Shannon and Willingapark Clifford (Passing Shot – Twin Pearl, by Double Income) by winning the Australian International Three-Day Event.

It just goes to show that Thoroughbreds still have a very well-deserved place in our sport and have the potential to hold their own against the Warmblood crowd. Are you looking for your next partner to help you find upper-level success? Maybe one of these three adoptable OTTBs could be the one:

Coincidence. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Coincidence (DATA LINK – HAPPENSTANCE, BY HAP): 2016 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred mare

Coincidence is a confident young mare, so it’s no surprise that she’s settled in quite well to her new life away from the backstretch. She never seemed to be really into racing anyway and never hit the board in her four career starts, but her attitude seems to say that she’ll excel in whatever she finds her groove in. Coincidence has lovely conformation for a sport horse and blew the MMSC staff away with her form the first time they free-jumped her. Make sure you check out her videos on her MMSC page linked below — you can catch glimpses of a promising young prospect.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky

View Coincidence on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center

Lasting Impact. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

Lasting Impact (BROKEN VOW – EYE DAZZLER, BY BOUNDARY): 2010 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Lasting Impact lasted for a good long while on the track, racing consistently from the time he was a two-year-old. Now nine years old, he’s started finishing a little more towards the back of the pack than the front so after 63 career starts and $166,124 earned it’s time for Lasting Impact to find a new long-lasting career. With a handsome shoulder and nicely-angled hindquarters, just picture how nice Lasting Impact will look with new muscling. Can you give this wonderful warhorse a lasting home and new job?

Located at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Illinois.

View Lasting Impact on CANTER Chicago.

Crossing Alaska. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Crossing Alaska (CROSS TRAFFIC – ALASKA MISS, BY OFFICER): 2016 16.0-hand New York-bred mare

Make no mistake, Crossing Alaska has plenty of athletic ability — it’s just not coming through on the race track. Though this filly has a youthful spirit and plenty fo exuberance, her exercise riders are big fans of hers and say she’s straightforward and easy to gallop. Crossing Alaska’s solid uphill build simply screams ‘eventer’ type and we’d love to see her blasting out of the start box in due time!

Located at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York.

View Crossing Alaska on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Jon Holling Analyzes a Jump Gone Awry

By on Nov 20, 2019 2:00 pm -

One mark of a good rider is that they have the ability to break down every split second of their ride to figure out what worked and what didn’t. One mark of a good teacher is that they can translate that breakdown to help others learn as well.

Jon Holling is doing just that on his new YouTube channel in a series he’s calling “The Long and Short of It” wherein he analyzes a recent ride. In this most recent episode, Jon breaks down his ride at the one of the water complexes on the CCI3*-L course at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event this past weekend where he rode Prophet, a 7-year-old Trakehner bred by Anissa Cottongim (Tatendrang x Pennant’s Valentine, by Pennant) owned by himself and Chuck McGrat.

What makes this video particularly interesting and educational is that — unfortunately for Jon, especially since the pair was tied for third after dressage — the ride didn’t go quite to plan. Watch the video above to see what happens when Prophet spooks and throws Jon off his line; listen for an expert analysis of what went wrong and why.

Despite the hiccup, Jon is excited about this young horse and it’s easy to see why: they already have a number of wins under their belt, including the CCI3*-S at Chattahoochee Hills in August, and Ocala provided them some educational mileage at the level. Watch out for this pair come spring!

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For more information, visit KPPvet.com.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Ride a Thoroughbred Through the OJC CCI2*-L

By on Nov 18, 2019 3:00 pm -

Thoroughbreds ruled at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event, this weekend. While Thoroughbreds took home the top prizes in the CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L divisions, a grand total of 30 Thoroughbreds across four divisions vied for special awards and prize money offered at this event.

One of those Thoroughbreds was Sharp Decision (Jockey Club name: Sharp Johnny), an 8-year-old gelding owned by Susan Day and ridden by Elisa Wallace. “Sharpie” (Sharp Humor – Reigning Princess, by Storm Boot) was one of Elisa’s two entrants in the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover where the pair placed 4th overall in the eventing division. Just one year later he’s rocking around a CCI2*-L!

This isn’t the smoothest of Elisa’s helmet cams you’ll ever see — the pair picked up 20 penalties from a green glance off at a skinny brush and some confusion after the first water complex cost them some time, but — as Lainey Ashker points out in the vet box — Sharpie came home with heaps of confidence which means that it was a great run overall. Make sure you keep watching after the course is finished for the behind the scenes video from the vet box and Elisa’s assessment of the ride.

#OJC3DE: Website, Final Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram