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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.

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This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MedVet Equine

By on Oct 11, 2019 9:00 am -

Anyone who has had to take an anatomy and physiology class in high school and college knows that it’s a complicated subject. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that researchers are always learning new things about how horses (and humans!) work.

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 presented by MediVet Equine, we have three news bits relating to how horses move and function:

 

A special issue of the Equine Veterinary Journal with the latest research in practical gait analysis is available for free online. With the recent development of new technologies designed to quantitatively analyze how horses move, assessment by eye is no longer the only method of observation for veterinarians. Gait analysis is no longer simply a matter of determining soundness either, but a means to optimize performance and wellness of the horse as well. [BEVA]

Arthritis in a horse’s neck can affect how the horse moves. French researchers explored the symptoms of lameness that result when the C6 and C7 vertebrae are compressed and found that horses had shortened strides and tightened gaits. Identifying the symptoms of neck arthritis and vertebral compression can provide veterinarians with clues of where to look when lameness can’t be located to a limb. And if veterinarians know where to look, it can potentially save owners big bucks on diagnostic imaging trying to find the problem. [The Horse]

The first standardized map of the horse brain has been created by researchers from Cornell University. They used MRI images of the brains of several horses previously euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study to create a three-dimensional atlas that can serves as a baseline for the species. It’s an important step in learning about the anatomy of the equine brain and improving future neuroimaging techniques and behavioral research. [Standardized atlas of the horse’s brain produced by scientists]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A #GOTD for Forward Riding from Lainey Ashker

By on Oct 9, 2019 2:00 pm -

GOTD 🚨‼️ I created this fun exercise to help teach the rider to ride the horse forward INTO the contact. The two placement poles and verticals really get the horse quick with his footwork and in order to make the distance in between the vertical to the oxer, the rider must maintain the contact and keep the horse in front of the leg without falling forward with the upper body or lengthening the reins. Lastly the cavaletti to the oxer at the end of the line (if performed correctly) gives you an amazing shape and big jump so make sure to be ready to grab mane😂! Have fun and get some air!!! #LÆsquad #GOTD #fiftyshadesofcharm #seaofchampagne #lostinireland #eventing

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Riding forward into contact is one of those concepts that seems so simple, but can be quite difficult in practice; it takes a well-trained horse and a rider with good body awareness and control. Fortunately for us, Lainey Ashker is here with a new Grid of the Day (#GOTD) to help teach the rider to ride the horse forward into the contact. Thanks for sharing, Lainey!

From Lainey:

I created this fun exercise to help teach the rider to ride the horse forward INTO the contact. The two placement poles and verticals really get the horse quick with his footwork and in order to make the distance in between the vertical to the oxer, the rider must maintain the contact and keep the horse in front of the leg without falling forward with the upper body or lengthening the reins. Lastly the cavaletti to the oxer at the end of the line (if performed correctly) gives you an amazing shape and big jump so make sure to be ready to grab mane😂! Have fun and get some air!!!

Photo via Laine Ashker.

Poor hooves causing lameness?

Ask your vet about FootWise™.

FootWise:

  • Aids in the elimination of dry, flaky hair coats and brittle manes and tails.
  • Maintains healthy hoof tissues so they are less susceptible to developing hoof problems such as thrush and white line disease.
  • Sustains a strong, resilient hoof wall, reducing the incidence of cracks, chips, and lost shoes.
  • Supports the regrowth of healthy hoof after injury or surgery.

For more information, visit KPPvet.com.

Badminton Media Director, EN Editor to Represent Eventing at TIEC Diversity Seminar

By on Oct 8, 2019 4:00 pm -

Abdelkebir Ouaddar of Morocco aboard Quickly de Kreisker at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo by Tasnim News Agency.

While black athletes have made huge inroads into many traditionally white-dominated sports in recent decades, equestrian sport has remained woefully out of step with that trend. The 2019 Tom Bass Seminar will examine issues related to diversity in the equestrian industry, as part of the 2nd Annual Day of the African Equestrian (#DOTAE2019).

The seminar will take place Saturday, Oct. 19 at Tryon International Equestrian Center as an adjunct to the Tryon Fall IV Horse Show. The seminar is presented free to the public by The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. in association with SportsQuest International, LLC.

Panelists confirmed for the 2019 Tom Bass Seminar include: Julian Hyde, representing the Equestrian Federation of Jamaica; Stanford Moore, Publisher of Black Reins Magazine; Julian Seaman, Media Director of the Badminton Horse Trials; Hillary Tucker, Equine Services Specialist & Territory Sales Manager at McCauley Brothers, an Alltech company; and Nation Media, LLC editor Leslie Wylie (re-read her essay, “Where Is the Diversity in Eventing?“). The seminar will be moderated by Melvin H. Cox, Managing Director of SportsQuest International, LLC and a Lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The seminar’s namesake is an homage to legendary American Saddlebred trainer Tom Bass (1859 – 1934), who was born a slave in Missouri. After the Civil War he found work as a stable boy and eventually became a world champion competitor, esteemed trainer and founder of the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City. For many years he was the only African-American permitted to compete at the American Royal. He invented the Tom Bass bit, a benchmark for humane bitting that is still in use today, and performed for five different U.S. presidents. His clients included  included President Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody, Anheuser-Busch executives Adolphus and August Busch, and Will Rogers.

Tom Bass riding his famous Saddlebred mare Belle Beach. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Topics to be explored by panelists include:

  • Demystifying horse sport – not for rich kids only!
  • Developing broad-based community support for equestrian activities at all levels
  • Leveraging new and traditional media in horse focused education and promotion
  • Making horses ‘legit’ again in lower and middle income communities
  • Identifying and promoting heirs to the popular equine icons of yesteryear
  • Incorporating the rich equestrian heritages of non-white, non-European communities into our shared equestrian narrative

A major challenge for an Olympic sport that promotes itself as being truly global and fully inclusive is a conspicuous lack of people of color. People of color are underrepresented in the ranks of riders, owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, nutritionists, sponsors, spectators and members of the equestrian media. Conversely, there is an overrepresentation as grooms, nannies, hot walkers and stable workers.

The economics of the $50 billion U.S. horse industry offer opportunity to minority youth and entrepreneurs, but there are significant obstacles to be overcome. The solution proposed by #DOTAE2019 Co-Chair Melvin Cox and others targets a more equitable distribution of the scholarships, internships, jobs, contracts, investment opportunities and profits associated with the global horse business.

Cox says interest in equestrian sports could explode across all socioeconomic strata but noted, “The outreach to new market segments will have to be done correctly — from a position of true humility and respect, and not from one of blatant arrogance.” (Read his guest editorial, “No Room for Bigotry, “on EN’s sister site Horse Nation.)

The 2019 Tom Bass Seminar will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Sky Deck overlooking the main arena at TIEC. An evening gala will follow at Harambee Farm in the Green Creek Township to honor equestrians of African ancestry active in national and international level pursuits since 1975. Guests at the evening soirée will enjoy food inspired by the cuisines of North Africa and the Americas prepared by chefs from the Hare and Hound Pub in Landrum. The Seminar is free; gala tickets may be purchased here.

#DOTAE2019 will benefit educational programs administered by The AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund, Inc. View more event details at the website here.

 

 

 

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Shop, Shop, Shop at CANTER PA’s End of Meet Showcase

By on Oct 8, 2019 11:00 am -

CANTER Pennsylvania is excited to host the fourth annual End of Meet Showcase to be held at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, PA, this Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. The showcase gives prospective OTTB buyers the chance to come and look at approximately 40 Thoroughbreds available for purchase all in one place, while their trainers are on hand to answers questions. The track veterinarian will also be on site to provide pre-purchase exams to interested buyers at cost. Last year’s event was hailed as being very positive and smoothly run.

“We welcome the opportunity to once again be selected as a location for the CANTER PA event to help find great homes for our retiring racehorses,” stated Kevin O’Sullivan, Vice President and General Manager for Presque Isle Downs and Casino.

“We support the mission statement of the CANTER PA program which is focused upon creating a bridge between the race horse industry and the placement of ex-racehorses into quality sport and pleasure homes. Our on-site Presque Isle Downs team members have volunteered their time in coordinating this event to ensure success in transitioning the racehorses housed at Presque Isle Downs to new careers.”

This week we’re sharing three horses who will be featured in the showcase that caught our eye, but you’ll notice that our wish list looks a little different that usual since information on the horses is scant. This is because their Jockey Club names and trainer contact information will not be released until the showcase on Oct. 12. But with that, a good looking horse is a good looking horse — you’ll just have to head to the showcase the meet them! Each horse will be presented individually at the walk and jog during the event and then will be available for cash purchase. All horses are priced at $3,500 or less. You can view a preview of the horses who will be available here and keep up to date on the event through Facebook.

Photo via CANTER PA.

2014 16.2-hand mare by Paddy O’Prado

This girl’s type simply screams ‘eventer’. With 40 career starts (6-7-4) and $110,149, she’s certainly displayed her athleticism on the track. She looks like an alert and determined mare and who’s ready for her next job, and at 5-years-old she could be a prime candidate for your next upper-level prospect.

Photo via CANTER PA.

2016 16.0-hand gelding by Frost Giant

This cutie is a clean slate, retiring after just three starts with no notable placings. He has no known issues or vices and looks like a flashy prospect who could turn into a really eye-catching event horse. At three years old, there’s plenty of time for him to develop his potential and find his niche.

Photo via CANTER PA.

2014 15.3-hand mare by Monarchos

It’s hard not to get your eye caught by a gorgeous grey, and this five-year-old does not disappoint. Sired by the winner of the 2001 Kentucky Derby, she raced 27 times (2-6-9) and earned $81,695. She has no known issues or vices and she’s also a homebred, so her connections that you meet at the showcase will be able to give you her entire history!

View all CANTER Showcase Horses

Monday Video: Elisa Wallace and Crafty Charger at the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover

By on Oct 7, 2019 5:00 pm -

2018 champion trainer and five-star eventer Elisa Wallace was a back again for another shot at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, which took place October 4-7 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Elisa’s off-track prospect this year was Crafty Charger, a 2013 Indiana-bred gelding (By Bye Bye Crafty x Lisa’s Crusade, by Crusader Sword), owned by Donna Biggs. Prior to the Makeover, Elisa piloted Crafty through one Beginner Novice and two Novice USEA events.

Enjoy the video above with Elisa’s narration through all Crafty’s preliminary Eventing competition performances at the Makeover, and hear about what she sees and what she felt during her rides. Her narration, as usual, provides valuable insight into her process of training, riding, and competing.

Then ride along with Elisa and Crafty through their helmet cam video of their cross country round and enjoy little bonus insight as Elisa chats with her student and fellow Makeover competitor Caroline Holmes while they hack back to the barns. Plus, watch to the end for an incredibly adorable reunion with some of Crafty’s former connections!

Elisa and Crafty ended the preliminary competition in second place out of 94 entries in the Eventing competition and that placement landed them a spot in the finale on Saturday. They hung onto that second place spot to finish as Eventing reserve champions, behind Rosie Napravnik and Sanimo. Elisa donned her trusty helmet cam for their round in the finale as well. Enjoy the ride!

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Marketplace, Final Scores

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Oct 7, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo via EquiRatings.

It truly, truly is the Year of the Pig. While eyes were glued to Event Rider Masters finale or one of the many stateside events this weekend, Piggy French quietly racked up not one, but another two FEI wins in the CCI3*-L and CCI3*-S at Osberton International Horse Trials. That fourteenth win breaks the record, previously held by Michael Jung, for most international wins in a single season. And, as EquiRatings points out, the season isn’t even over yet …

National Holiday: National LED Light Day

U.S. Weekend Results:

Kent School H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Morven Park CCI & H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Woodside CCI & H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Marketplace, Final Scores

Your Monday News & Notes:

This guide to the 2020 Olympic eventing format is a must read! The new format for the team eventing competition at next year’s Olympics will be like nothing we’ve ever experienced before, and it will be tested out at Military Boekelo this weekend during the FEI Nations Cup. Ahead of this weekend’s competition, Horse & Hound‘s Pippa Roome has put together the most comprehensive and useful Q&A about the format that we’ve seen yet. [The 2020 Olympic eventing format — all your questions about penalties and substitutions answered]

A laminitis and podiatry conference will be held in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania this coming Friday and Saturday. The conference is geared towards veterinarians and farriers with a focus on laminitis, lower limb lameness, and podiatry and will cover current research and developments in the prevention and treatment of the second-deadliest equine disease. [International Laminitis and Podiatry Conference]

A very special thank you goes out to the organizers of the Groton House Farm Summer & Fall Classics, who chose to donate a portion of the proceeds from their annual unrecognized events to the Jennifer Wilkins Chapin Foundation. The JWC Foundation continues the legacy of Jeffie Chapin, who passed away at GMHA in August, by awarding grants and stipends in support of deserving young riders in the Northeastern U.S. Jeffie was a frequent competitor and volunteer at Groton House. Thank you, GHF — Jeffie would be honored. [Groton House Farm]

Monday Featured Video: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights won the CCI4*-S at Morven Park over the weekend, making it their second four-star victory in a row.

Colleen and Covert Rights through the water yesterday!

Posted by Colleen Rutledge Eventing on Sunday, October 6, 2019

America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred is Cowboy Swagger with Fallon Taylor, Napravnik Nails Eventing Champion Title with Sanimo

By on Oct 6, 2019 2:22 pm -

Cowboy Swagger is 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion With Fallon Taylor. Photo by CanterClix.

Champion barrel racer Fallon Taylor can add one more line to her deep resume: trainer of the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, Cowboy Swagger.

Fallon is no stranger to being a champion — as a barrel racer, she was the 2014 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion and 2018 AQHA World Champion — but in an effort to continue to grow both athletically and personally, Fallon takes on a new challenge every year: in 2018, she took up show jumping. This year, she took on the Thoroughbred Makeover.

After clinching the title of champion in the Barrel Racing discipline and once voting opened to the public for the title of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred, Fallon’s fan base rallied behind her and the 2014 Oregon-bred gelding to boost them into the big win.

Taylor acquired Cowboy Swagger sight unseen based on the advice of a friend who knew the horse on the track and loved his personality. He made 16 career starts, the last of which was in January 2019. The gelding, who had previously sprinted flat-out during the barrel competition only a few hours ago, stood completely calm, cool, and collected while bridleless for the awards ceremony.

“I think the coolest thing about these Thoroughbreds is their demeanor,” Taylor commented. “This is a special, unique horse. I’m just sitting here with no bridle on, people all around, all these cameras pointed at him, and he’s completely unaffected. The Thoroughbreds want to please. And these guys are made to run — they’re made for this job. It’s our job to be kind, be patient and help these horses learn the pattern and learn their new job. We need to go out and get these horses and scoop them up!”

Rosie Napravnik rides winner Sanimo and ponies eighth place Bethel Wildcat for the victory gallop. Photo by CanterClix

Rosie Napravnik‘s four-year-old Sanimo raced four times without any notable finishes, but finally broke his maiden as the pair held on to their first place preliminary result to clinch the title of 2019 Eventing champions in yesterday’s finale.

Though Sanimo fell short of winning the overall title of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred, Rosie could not be more pleased with the Kentucky-bred who has found his niche in his second career. Though there were big dreams in mind for the royally-bred gelding (Smart Strike x Sanima, by Galileoa), his racing connections at Dell Ridge Farm recognized that his athletic potential lay in another in another sport and gave Rosie the chance to help him realize his talent.

Rosie, a former racehorse jockey herself, is no stranger to second careers since she’s now living her’s as a trainer of off-track Thoroughbreds. Rosie had the chance to gallop Sanimo while he was still at the track and says that since then all she could think about was galloping him on cross country. She acquired Sanimo in early in 2018 once Dell Ridge Farm confirmed that he was done racing, and allowed him to relax and mature for nearly a year before beginning his retraining.

This was Rosie’s fourth trip to the Makeover, second finale appearance, and first discipline win. She also placed eighth with Bethel Wildcat, and ponied him into the ring for the victory gallop after the finale.

Reigning 2018 America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred trainer Elisa Wallace finished second with Crafty Charger.

Alison O’Dwyer and Fifth Ace. Photo by CanterClix.

Two other eventers took home champion titles in other disciplines, showing that they’re just as versatile as the horses they trained. Alison O’Dwyer and Fifth Ace clinched the finale win for the dressage discipline. Alison also won the Dressage in 2017 and Chapter Two also finished as reserve champion in Eventing in both 2017 and 2018.

Amy Bowers competed in the Freestyle and Show Hunter competitions with Grande Warrior. A truly lovely and connected routine earned them the title of Freestyle champions. Their routine included lateral work and jumping at liberty, along with bridleless riding.

Barely a dry eye in the house as #163 Amy Bowers and Grande Warrior perform a beautiful, connected freestyle with no bridle! They were sitting in first place going into the Finale.

Posted by Retired Racehorse Project on Saturday, October 5, 2019

Congratulations to each and every horse and rider pair who competed in this year’s Makeover!

2019 Thoroughbred Makeover Discipline Champions:


Competitive Trail: Belfast Cowboy, trained by Toni Harmon
Dressage: Fifth Ace, trained by Alison O’Dwyer
Eventing: Sanimo, trained by Rosie Napravnik
Field Hunter: Diplomat, trained by Sara Katz
Freestyle: Grande Warrior, trained by Amy Bowers
Polo: Great Reward, trained by Buck Schott
Ranch Work: Silence Is Awesome, trained by Amber Jacobson
Show Hunter: Furaha, trained by Susan Deal
Show Jumper: Tenpin Sugar, trained by Katherine Deichmann

[Cowboy Swagger is 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion With Fallon Taylor]

[Rosie Napravnik & Sanimo Finish 1st in Thoroughbred Makeover Eventing Preliminary Competition]

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Stall Assignments, Ride Times, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Oct 6, 2019 12:01 am -

It’s not eventing … but it’s fun. And awesome. Amy Bowers and Grande Warrior won the Freestyle competiion. Photo by CanterClix.

I essentially watched the entirety of the Thoroughbred Makeover live stream while manning the site yesterday and in doing so witnessed the incredible versatility, trainability and talent of the Thoroughbred – the mission of Makeover – but it also reminded me of just how much fun horses are in general. In every single discipline, I saw riders who were simply having a blast with a horse they’ve created a special bond with. It was a wonderful reminder of the diversity of equestrian sport and how the love of these animals can turn a competition into a celebration.

National Holiday: National Mad Hatter Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Kent School H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Morven Park CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Woodside CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Stall Assignments, Ride Times, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Sunday Links:

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights Make it a Morven Park Hat Trick

Young females seek specialist concussion help later than males, study finds

Everyone Wants to Be Us: Identifying a Fashion Fauxquestrian From the Real Thing

Hay for Horse Health

Study: Horse Owners More Confident In Colic Recognition Than They Should Be

Sunday Video: Looks like someone could benefit from some SmartPaks!

Two for Two CCI Wins for Rutledge and Dutton at Morven Park

By on Oct 5, 2019 5:00 pm -

Colleen Rutledge and her own Covert Right‘s 2019 comeback tour is turning into a veritable tour de force, as the pair notched another top placing today by winning the CCI4*-S at Morven Park Fall Horse Trials & CCI. Colleen and “CR”, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred/Clydesdale cross (BFF Incognito x Let’s Get it Right) were also EN data analyst Maggie Deatrick’s predicted winner.

“I’m really super pleased with how he ran today,” Colleen told EN. “The course rode really well and he is just a delight to run on cross country. Morven Park did an extraordinary job on the footing for as dry as it has been here.”

Colleen and CR led the dressage with the only sub-30 score of the division, but slipped down to 7th after pulling two rails over a tricky Chris Barnard-designed show jumping course which saw 50% of the division’s competitors pull at least one rail. Similar to their run at Plantation, Colleen says she didn’t go out on course today looking to make time — but CR did anyway — and they turned in the only double-clear cross country round of the division to clinch top honors.

It’s been an exciting lead up to their targeted fall season finale at Fair Hill for Colleen and her homebred. Today’s win marks the pair’s second CCI4*-S in a row, after the pair also topped the leaderboard at Plantation Field International last month, and CR’s fourth win at the level in his career. Three of those wins came at this event in previous years, including the inaugural running of the CCI4*-S in 2014 and again in 2017. Today’s win also marks their fourth top-three finish in a row.

Allie Sacksen and her own Sparrow’s Nio, a 16-year-old Connemara/Thoroughbred (Grange Finn Sparrow x JB), flew into second place with the second fastest round of the day, moving up from 14th after show jumping.

“Nio felt super in all three phases. I’ve been working all season to get quicker on cross country and attack our dressage and show jumping phases which he really exemplified this weekend,” Allie said.

“I’m heading to Ocala in November and Morven was a great prep for that. I haven’t been to Morven in a few years, but there have been huge improvements and it was an absolutely stunning venue and weekend for the Area II championships.”

At the conclusion of show jumping, Phillip Dutton held the first and second positions with Z and Fernhill Singapore, respectively, but withdrew both before cross country like a number of competitors in the CCI4*-S and Advanced division who elect to use Morven Park as a combined test in the lead up to Fair Hill. Phillip’s third ride in the division, the Sea of Clouds Partnership’s 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Sea of Clouds (Malibu Moon x Winner’s Ticket) took third place at the conclusion of the event, adding only cross country time to his dressage score.

It’s a great feeling when everything goes to plan, hoping to be sitting in the same position at Morven Park Horse Trials…

Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Friday, October 4, 2019

Wire to Wire CCI3*-S Victory for Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Pick Pocket

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Pick Pocket also made it two wins in a row by winning the CCI3*-S at Great Meadow International in August and winning the three-star at Morven Park today. “Ollie” did perform a dressage test in the CCI3* at Plantation with Emily Hamel in the irons after Phillip picked up an injury during a charity polo match, but was withdrawn before show jumping.

Also similar to their run at Great Meadow was the fact that they won in a wire-to-wire fashion, adding only 1.20 time penalties to their dressage score. The 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Chacco Blue x Bracklin Mystique) is a special ride for Phillip, as he is owned by daughter Lee Lee Jones, her grandmother Annie Jones, and Caroline Moran.

Two double clear rounds in the jumping phases boosted Charlotte Collier and her own Fidelius 35, a 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Fidertanz 2 x Happy Hour) and meant that they were the only pair in the division, finishing on a score of 34.4 for second place.

Third place was clinched by Abigail Niles and her own Carrick Finest Lad, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Carrick Diamond Lad x Clover’s Finest) on a score of 36.4.

Morven Park CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Oct 5, 2019 10:00 am -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sometimes research seems so distant. While still fascinating and important, it can be difficult to take a concept from the lab and apply it to the arena. Not so with this week’s Horse Health News, presented by Medivet Equine! This week we’re lucky enough to find three real-world studies that are making progress towards discovering ways to make our sport safer and keep horses healthier through science. Plus: if you work or volunteer with a therapeutic riding program we’ve linked to a survey you may wish to participate in.

This Week in Horse Health News …

A catalog of behaviors (ethogram) for ridden horse is being developed and was tested out at a four-star event. Researchers observed horses competing on the second day of dressage while they warmed up and scored them based on behaviors including gait abnormalities, mouth open for over 10 seconds, and head behind the vertical for over 10 seconds. They then compared their observations with the results of the cross country phase. Researchers found that horses who scored higher in the ethogram (displayed more noted behaviors) were statistically more likely to be eliminated or retired during cross country. The study also showed that non-lame horses can still display gait abnormalities when ridden, even though they can pass the trot-up, though it couldn’t establish a relationship between gait abnormalities and likelihood of completing cross country. [Equine Veterinary Journal]

5‐point breastplates might cause restriction during the take-off phase of jumping. Researchers from the Animal Health Trust compared the kinematics of four elite event horses in active training as they jumped a 1.2-meter oxer while wearing either a 5-point breastplate, a breastplate attached only to girth straps on either side, or no breastplate. They also measured pressure distribution of the breastplates and found that maximum peak pressure occurred consistently with the 5-point breastplate over the middle of the chest at hind limb lift-off. Horses wearing 5‐point breastplates flexed their knees and stifles more and tended to land more steeply, suggesting that the breastplate could be restricting at takeoff. Further investigation is needed to see if this jumping style could influence fatigue of the horse, falls, and how they handle combinations. [Equine Veterinary Journal]

A 3D scanner mounted to a tablet can be used to detect swelling in the lower leg. Now that’s some sweet Star Trek-style tech! Researchers from the University of Portland determined that the commercially available 3D scanner, which retails for $399 and was attached to an iPad, was useful in detecting swelling in a horse’s lower leg after jumping.  The technology could potentially be used by rehabilitation programs or to guide training programs. [HorseTalk]

Researchers are seeking equine-assisted therapy staff and volunteers to complete a survey about environmental exposures. Poor air quality in horse barns and equestrian facilities can affect the respiratory health of horses and humans alike. One of the largest populations of people that could be affected by environmental contaminants in equestrian facilities are the staff and volunteers essential to operate equine-assisted therapy programs. Participant responses to this survey will help researchers from the University of Kentucky College of Public Health develop best practice recommendations for creating healthy environments. [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!

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Oct 5, 2019 12:01 am -

We have a lot to be excited about this weekend with eight events happening across the US plus the Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park as well as the Event Rider Master season finale in France. But we’re also excited to see that the journey has begun for our Team USA that will be competing at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Military Boekelo in the Netherlands next weekend. Tami Smith’s mount, Mai Baum, has arrived safely in Amsterdam along with groom Bridget London and they await their teammates ahead of training camp and competition next weekend.

National Holiday: National Do Something Nice Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Kent School H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Morven Park CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Woodside CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Stall Assignments, Ride Times, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Saturday Links:

Britain’s Oliver Townend Takes Over Eventing World Number One Slot – Two U.S. Riders in Top 10

Request for Expressions of Interest: USEA American Eventing Championships Host Site

Trainers Demonstrate Three Ways To Restart A Thoroughbred

Inquest into deaths of Olivia Inglis and Caitlyn Fischer calls for equestrian safety overhaul

Identifying Thoroughbreds

Horses Can Learn to Open Doors, Gates

Saturday Video: Elisa Wallace and Crafty Charger finished 2nd in the Thoroughbred Makeover preliminary competition for eventing. Today, they’ll be vying for a spot in this evening’s finale!

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Oct 4, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo by Brian Wilcox/ Connecticutphoto.com

I’ll fully admit to being completely biased, but in my humble opinion there’s nothing like eventing in the fall in New England. This photo gives you a taste of what you’re missing out on if you’re anywhere else. Not pictured: foggy mornings, dew covered boots and piping hot coffee while course walking, and the feeling of cutting through the crisp October air as you gallop across the country.

When he’s not photographing equestrian events, friend of EN Brian Wilcox of Connecticutphoto may be found piloting a drone and capturing stunning aerial photos of sleepy New England villages and picturesque farms. Brian recently captured the autumn beauty of the Kent School grounds all set and ready to go for their horse trials this Saturday. Check out his full drone photo gallery of the Kent School grounds here and follow his Facebook page for more stunning images.

National Holiday: National Vodka Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Kent School H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Morven Park CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Woodside CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Rosie Napravnik and Sanimo are your first-placed finishers in the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover eventing division. Hot on her heels is last year’s champion Elisa Wallace with Crafty Charger. The top five finishers will compete in the finale on Saturday to vie for a chance to be crowned America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.

Thoroughbred Makeover Seminars are free to attend today, Oct. 4th! Check out the three educational seminars and panel discussions dedicated to the care, training and marketing of off-track Thoroughbreds [Seminars]

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Stall Assignments, Ride Times, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Applications for USEA Foundation Grants are due Oct. 15th. Applications for the Essex Horse Trials Grant, the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant, and the Haller Scholarship for Eventing Officials are now being accepted. Check out what grants you qualify for and get cracking! [Applications Now Being Accepted for USEA Foundation Grants]

Tune up your show jumping and support a good cause at the same time. Mardanza Farms in Micanopy, Florida, is open for the season and their hosting a show jumping day to benefit the Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award. With divisions from 18″ to 1.30 meters, there’s something for everyone! [Mardanza Farms]

Save the date for the 2020 Equestrian Businesswomen Summit! The summit aims to provide thought-provoking and inspiring speakers talking about timely, relevant topics to help engage, support, and inform equestrian businesswomen. Stay tuned for the schedule and lineup of speakers! [EQBW Summit]

Featured Video: Three of the Thoroughbred Makeover horses in 2019 ran in the Kentucky Derby during their racing careers.

Kentucky Derby Horses at the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover

From the Run for the Roses to the Run for the Ribbons.. Three Thoroughbred Makeover horses in 2019 ran in the Kentucky Derby during their racing careers. Thank you to Churchill Downs for supporting Retired Racehorse Project and the Thoroughbred Makeover!

Posted by Retired Racehorse Project on Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: The Importance of Thoroughbred Aftercare

By on Oct 2, 2019 5:00 pm -

Graham and Anita Motion talk about second careers.

Horses race for just a few years, but can live to 30 years old. Graham and Anita Motion are working hard to make sure that their ex-racehorses find good homes after their racing careers, and they're doing it in an equine discipline–eventing–in which they excel, with the help of two-time Olympic Gold medalist Phillip Dutton.

Posted by Thoroughbred Daily News on Sunday, September 29, 2019

For top race trainers Graham and Anita Motion of Herringswell Stables, their business is all about the horses and that’s why they’re dedicated to finding the best situations possible for their charges once their race career is over.

With the competition at the 2019 Retried Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover officially beginning today, it seems fitting to share this video of the Motion’s philosophy on Thoroughbred aftercare. Graham and Anita have been strong industry proponents of aftercare, themselves sending horses to Phillip Dutton for retraining. Perhaps their most storied off-track Thoroughbred to this point has been Icabad Crane (Jump Start – Adorahy, by Rahy), who went on to win the title of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred in 2014. The competition was held at Pimlico racecourse that year. Prior to then, the last time the gelding had been to Pimlico was for his third-place finish in the Grade I Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

Since Icabad Crane, Graham and Anita have sent several other OTTBs to Phillip, including the now CCI4*-S level Sea of Clouds (Malibu Moon – Winner’s Ticket, by Jolie’s Halo) and, more recently, the Grade I winner Ring Weekend (Tapit – Free The Weekend, by Cryptoclearance), to begin the next chapter of their lives. Get to know Graham, Anita and Ring Weekend in this video from the Thoroughbred Daily News!

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Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Shop ‘Til You Drop at the Thoroughbred Makeover!

By on Oct 1, 2019 9:00 am -

It’s Thoroughbred Makeover week! Competition will begin this Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY for the 2019 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover where over 500 off-the-track Thoroughbreds will strut their stuff for the title of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.

The Thoroughbred Makeover is also a fantastic place to shop for your next equine partner as around one-third of the horses competing are also for sale via the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace — a one-stop-shop where you can watch, meet, and trial multiple horses all in one place. A few weeks ago we featured three horses available via the Marketplace and now that the Makeover is upon us we’re featuring three more. Get shopping!

Untethered. Photo via ASPCA Makeover Marketplace.

Untethered (CONGRATS – KLONDIKE KITTY, BY STORM BOOT): 2009 16.0-hand Florida-bred gelding

If you’re looking for the been-there-done-that warhorse type, ‘Ty” could be your guy! Ty sold for $200,000 as a two-year-old and by the age of 10 won a total of $282,778 in 94 career starts. Ty last raced in February of this year and seems to have taken to his new life like the true professional that he is, with a particular affinity for working outside the ring on the cross country course, the trails, or hunt field. Ty has already been to his first event here his finished on his dressage score. His trainer thinks he could be a great adult amateur horse as his level-headedness imparts confidence to his rider.

View Untethered on the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace.

Titanico. Photo via ASPCA Makeover Marketplace.

Titanico (MARCAVELLY – ALKMENE, BY SLEW CITY SLEW): 2012 16.0-hand Ontario-bred gelding

Titanico (who is funnily enough also called “Ty”) is a fabulous prospect who’s already transitioned seamlessly to his new life as an event horse after having last raced in June of 2018. Ty has competed up to the Novice level and have placed in the top 5 and finished on his dressage score at every event he has competed at. His trainer thinks he has serious upper-level potential as he is a sensitive, yet trainable ride and is very brave but careful over fences. After 26 career starts and $65,958 in earnings, Ty is now schooling 1.10 m fences (with plenty of scope for more) plus lateral work and counter canter on the flat.

View Titanico on the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace.

Semore Smoke. Photo via ASPCA Makeover Marketplace.

Semore Smoke (SASHA’S PROSPECT – ANOTHER WILD THING, BY WILD ZONE): 2013 16.3-hand Oklahoma-bred gelding

This handsome grey is a tall drink of water at almost 17-hands and he’s lovely well-mannered gentleman to go with his good looks. Odie has fabulous ground manners as well as super athletic potential to move up the levels in eventing. His trainer calls him a good mover who’s very balanced an has a great canter. He has a solid flatwork foundation and is schooling Beginner Novice over fences with plenty of extra scope.

View Semore Smoke on the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace.

Monday Video: The Tiniest Photo Finish

By on Sep 30, 2019 3:00 pm -

You know we love a good pony race here at EN, so we can’t help but share what might have been the most exciting finish in pint-sized racing history.

The Shetland Pony Grand National is always a highlight at any event it’s held at and this weekend’s race, a charity event at Newmarket Racecourse, certainly did not disappoint. The two-and-a-half furlong race came down to a photo finish to determine the winner. Watch and see what happens!

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Sep 30, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo by Abby Powell.

Horses never cease to amaze me. Yesterday I went on hack and was merrily trotting along until my mare slammed on the breaks, threw her head down, and jumped sideways all the same time in a very dramatic spook that nearly tossed me over her neck. The object of her fear? A pile of another horse’s poop in the middle of the trail. I’ll probably never understand why something as benign as that is terrifying, but the kid riding the dirt bike on the property bordering the trail further down didn’t even warrant the flick of an ear.

National Holiday: National Mud Pack Day

Major Weekend Events:

#Stable View: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Results:

FEH East Coast Championships [Website] [Final Scores]

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Surefire Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Monday News & Notes:

The East Coast USEA FEH Championships took place at Loch Moy Farm in Maryland this past weekend. Witht he East Coast Champions being crowned, the 2019 FEH Championships have now wrapped up, with the West Coast and Central Championships each taking place within the last week. [Catch up on all FEH Championship Coverage]

Winter will be here sooner than we know it whether we like it or not (mostly not). We can’t prolong the inevitable, so we may as well prepare for it so that it might suck a little less. Our friends at horse nation put together a handy list of things to take care of before the temperatures seriously start to dip. [Autumn Is Here, but Winter Is Coming: 8 Ways You Can Prepare For Colder Weather]

The equine fatality total at California’s Santa Anita Park is now up to 32 since last December. A three-year-old colt, Emtech, was euthanized on the track on Saturday after a catastrophic breakdown during the eighth race. Emtech’s jockey was not injured. [Catastrophic Breakdown Mars Santa Anita Card]

Monday Video: Your Stable View CCI3*-S winners, Doug Payne and Vandiver

Quinn bounced back to come away with the win in the Stable View CCI***-s. Perfect prep for the Fair Hill 4L in a few weeks! #winnerwinner #vandiver #eventing #jumping

Posted by DPEquestrian LLC on Saturday, September 28, 2019

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Lexington’s Map to the Stars

By on Sep 28, 2019 9:00 am -

Visit LEX Map to the Stars. Photo courtesy of Whit Hiler.

We have to give a big bravo to the marketing team at Visit LEX, which promotes tourism in the Horse Capitol of the World: Lexington, Kentucky. Their newest promotion had the EN team chuckling and we knew we needed to share this with our own Thoroughbred-loving readers. From Visit LEX:

“You may not know this, but like Los Angeles, California there’s a large population of celebrities living here in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky. They lay low but live the good life, enjoying Lexington’s fresh air and beautiful landscapes. Our pals at VisitLEX are tasked with increasing tourism…so in an effort to do just that, we’ve come up with a fun way to expose and leverage these celebrities to help bring in more visitors to Lexington. That said, we’re excited to introduce the all-new Map to the Stars. It’s complete with real names and actual addresses for Lexington’s most rich and famous.

So, what makes Lexington’s new Map to the Stars so damn special and unique?

-Well for starters, Lexington’s celebrities have four legs instead of two.

-They say “neigh” instead of “hey.”

-They eat grass instead of smoking it.

-If you haven’t already guessed it, we’re talking about famous horses and their horse farms.

-And unlike Hollywood’s Map to the Stars, visitors can actually book tours through Horse Country to visit these beautiful horse farms and meet these famous horses. How cool is that?

The beautifully designed Map to the Stars can be found at the VisitLEX Visitors Center, the Blue Grass Airport and the Kentucky Horse Park inside various eye-catching newspaper boxes. To help raise awareness for our new Map to the Stars we’ve also created a fun (and really misleading) video.”

Personally, I’ll take Lexington over Los Angeles any day. After you visit the stars, here are three off-track Thoroughbreds looking for new careers who available in Lexington or the surrounding area that you can take home as a souvenir:

Cooptado. Photo via Makers Mark Secretariat Center.

Cooptado (EQUAL STRIPES (ARG) – COORDINADA (ARG), BY RIDE THE RAILS): 2010 16.0-hand Argentinian-bred gelding

Chances are this horse has done more traveling than you have. Born in Argentina and after competing in the Argentinian Triple Crown where he won the first and third races, Cooptado went on to race in Singapore, Dubai, and the US where he’s been competing since 2017. His last race was in March of this year and after a career total of 46 starts he earned a total of $1,193,150. His racing connections sent him to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) specifically so that he could find a loving forever home and a second career. At nine years old, Cooptado has more than enough left in the tank to show just how classy and athletic he is al over again in a second career. He retired soundly from the track and has simply spent the summer enjoying downtime at the MMSC facility.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Cooptado on Makers Mark Secretariat Center.

Tweezer. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Tweezer (SOCIETY ROCK (IRE) – DEEDAY BAY (IRE), BY BRAVE ACT (GB)): 2016 15.3-hand Irish-bred gelding

Want the heartiness of an Irish Sport Horse with the full blood of a Thoroughbred? Meet the Irish bred-and born Tweezer. Tweezer never raced in Ireland, however — he was imported and made his first start in Louisiana earlier this year. He made five starts with no remarkable placings before arriving at the New Vocations facility to get a shot at another career. His lovely uphill build would lend itself nicely to a career as a sport horse and he’ll need a more  advanced rider to bring him along. He’s never displayed any naughty behavior under saddle, but he is a hotter ride who will require some finesse from his rider to teach him how to be balanced and help him develop new musculature.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Tweezer on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Dee’s Ronnie. Photo via Second Stride Inc.

Dee’s Ronnie (BRAVE CAT – GEE HONEY, BY MATTY G): 2014 16.2-hand Minnesota-bred gelding

They can’t all be world travelers, but Dee’s Ronnie comes to Kentucky by way of his homeland of Minnesota. The now five-year-old began racing just last winter and has made eight total starts, with the latest being earlier this month. Overall, he’s simply lacking the talent to succeed as a racehorse, but this kind gelding looks like he’d really thrive being someone’s best friend and maybe event partner. Dee’s Ronnie has a super sweet face and a kind eye to match. His veterinary exam upon arrival at Second Stride was clean and the staff describe him as smart and willing.

Located in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Dee’s Ronnie on Second Stride Inc.

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Sep 28, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo(s) by Abby Powell.

How ironic is it that right before National Save Your Photos Day my iPhone yelled at me because I’m running out of storage? I don’t think us equestrians really need a special day to remind us to save our photos — we’re pretty darn good at that on our own. I’m betting a fair few of you out there have a similar problem as me. Do I really need multiple near-identical photos of my horse begging for a cookie or my dog (adorably) sleeping? I guess not … but they’re SO CUTE.

National Holiday: Save Your Photos Day

Major Weekend Events:

#Stable View: Website, Schedule, Entries, Times, Live Scoring, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

FEH East Coast Championships [Website] [Live Scores]

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Surefire Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Babington Transferred To Rehabilitation Center

How ‘Cooley’ Became One Of The Most Desired Prefixes In Eventing

Researcher Identifies Lack of Risk Management in Horse Industry

Three Years Of Rehab Brought Harmony’s Boitano To Dressage At Devon Win

Safety warning after horse smashes through trailer window on motorway

Recognizing Pain in Stoic Horses

Saturday Video: Doug Payne and Baymax sit in third place in the Stable View CCI2*-S

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine: Racehorse Edition

By on Sep 27, 2019 1:00 pm -

It’s been a fascinating week for racehorse-related geekery, friends, and the neat thing about research into racehorses is that much of it is translatable to our beloved sport of eventing. This week we’ve gathered up some interesting information that all centers around racehorses: from using them as a model for a human and horse disease, to new research about genetics and breakdowns, plus a great synopsis of injury prognoses for Thoroughbreds coming off the track.

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 …

Racehorses are being used to study atrial fibrillation by creating a 3D map of the heart –video above! Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to heart-related complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. It’s a condition that can develop in both horses and humans with a long history of athletic training as scar tissue accumulates on the heart. Collaborating researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Adelaide are using ultrasounds and echocardiograms while trotting horses exercise on a treadmill to create 3D maps of their hearts. This cardiac mapping will provide insights for both clinical management of both human and equine patients with the condition. Results will be presented at a conference later this year and two publications from these data are excepted to be released within the next year as well. [HorseTalk]

So there’s this thing called the Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) mutation and it’s not a genetic risk factor for catastrophic breakdown in Thoroughbred racehorses according to a recently published study from researchers at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. WFFS is a fatal genetic condition that is characterized by abnormally thin or fragile connective tissue. The mutation is recessive and only presents at a very low frequency in the breed. The UC Davis researchers showed that carrying a copy of the mutation did not increase the risk of catastrophic breakdown. Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome is named as such because it was first studied in Warmblood horses, though it is also present in Thoroughbreds and crosses. [UC Davis]

When purchasing an off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB), it’s important to understand their medical history and how it will affect their limitations in a second career. Dr. Janik Gasiorowski of Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center in New Jersey answered questions in a recent Chronicle of the Horse article about the prognosis of some racing injuries and suitability to go on to another athletic career. From fractures, to soft tissue injuries, to feet — this is a must-read for anyone thinking of getting involved with OTTBs. Some injuries may not be as hopeless as you might think! [Chronicle of the Horse]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Between the Ears at Blenheim with Andrew Hoy

By on Sep 25, 2019 5:00 pm -

While you might have been primarily focused on the CCI4*-L at SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials this past weekend, there was an equally exciting competition full of up-and-coming event horse stars in the eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S, ultimately won by Australia’s Chris Burton and Clever Louis.

Amongst the competition was fellow countryman Andrew Hoy riding Odaria Finemore‘s Bloom des Hauts Crets, a lovely young Selle Français mare (Orlando X Naika de Kerser, by Oberon du Moulin) who is already racking up frequently flyer miles in international competition having just returned form Tokyo last month to contest the Ready Steady Tokyo Olympic test event.

At Blenheim, the 8-year-old’s first four-star competition, the mare finished just outside the top 10 in 11th place, adding only 6 time penalties to her dressage score. The rain that day made for a dramatic-looking gallop across the beautiful Blenheim grounds — grab mane and enjoy the ride!

Blenheim: Website, Final Scores, Live Stream Replay, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

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Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Sep 23, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo via Caroline Martin.

It was a double dose of Martins at the local hospital yesterday as both Boyd Martin and Caroline Martin parted company from their horses in the CCI4*-S at Planation Field International, but we’re happy to see that both are on the mend! As Boyd says: some days you’re the windshield, some days you’re the bug.

National Holiday: Autumnal Equinox

Major Weekend Results:

Plantation Field: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

Blenheim: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Results:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Marlborough H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Cedar Ridge H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Monday News & Notes:

There’s still time to get your entries in for Surefire H.T., but you have to act fast! Entries for all divisions will be open until 3:00 p.m. today, Monday, September 23rd. You can enter through EventEntries.com or email the event secretary, Mary Coldren, at [email protected]. The event takes place this coming weekend and offers Beginner Novice through Intermediate divisions running on Sept. 28th-29th, plus YEH on Friday the 27th. Because of the entry extension, ride times will not be available until Thursday.

An award has been set up to honor the memory of Samantha Calzone, who we are devastated to learn passed away due to a riding accident on Sept. 16th. Samantha was an avid hunter-jumper rider and former captain of the University of Connecticut equestrian team. Donations made to the EQUUS Foundation will support the horse/human bond in celebration of Samantha’s life.[Samantha Calzone Memorial Horse Whisperer Award Established by the EQUUS Foundation]

Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy can teach you a thing or two about creating a bold cross country horse. The former show jumper may have only started eventing in late 2013, but what time he’s lacked in the sport he’s made up for in top finishes. Here are a few tricks of the trade from the 2018 World Equestrian Games double silver medalist. [#SundaySchool: Padraig McCarthy — how to make your spooky horse bolder across country]

Monday video: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are your Plantation Field four-star winners! Here’s their cross country round.

Winning Ride: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights take the 🔝 spot in the CCI4*-S after being one of only two combinations to jump double clear on cross- country at Plantation Field Horse Trials! #USAEventing

Posted by USEF Network on Sunday, September 22, 2019

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Sep 21, 2019 12:01 am -

Karen and Rob Bowersox of the Major League Eventing Podcast are providing commentary for the Plantation Field live stream, so you know it’s going to be a good time! Photo by Sarah McGregor.

There’s a whole lot of live stream action happening today, so you can go eventing without even getting on your own horse! Cross country day at SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials kicks off bright and early at 9:30 a.m. BST/4:30 a.m. EST, coverage of show jumping day at Plantation Field International Horse Trials begins sharp at 8:00 a.m. EST and, looking westward, Twin Rivers Ranch Fall International Event starts at 10:25 a.m. PDT/1:25 p.m. EST. Links for each live stream are below!

National Holiday: Responsible Dog Ownership Day

Major Weekend Events:

Plantation Field: Website, Schedule, Entries, Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Blenheim: Website, Ride Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Cedar Ridge H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Covert Rights Continues His Comeback At Plantation Field International CCI4*-S

‘Not a track to go round on a wing and a prayer’: find out what riders think of Blenheim’s CCI4*-L cross-country course

PODCAST: Cross-Country Safety with Morgan Rowsell

On film and in bronze: Valegro makes mark again

Hot on Horse Nation: “Tougher Than A Box of Concrete” & Good Enough to Win: Meet Bob Long, Mongol Derby Winner

Saturday Video: Cath up on the most recent FEI Nations Cup action

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Sep 20, 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 …

Everybody poops … and we horse owners really like to obsess over our horse’s manure, so you my have noticed some seasonal changes. Why do some horses get runny manure in the fall? A reader of The Horse recently posed this question to one of their veterinarians, who gave us the scoop on this nasty issue. Frankly, the potential causes are numerous; from parasites to your horse needing dental work to a virus or bacteria inhabiting the gut. [The Horse]

The British Equine Veterinary Association has issued a guidance on how a no-deal Brexit will affect the movement of horses. The United Kingdom (UK) is scheduled to leave the European Union (EU) on October 31st an may not reach a withdrawal agreement before then (a “no-deal Brexit”). Should this happen, owners and competitors will need to deal with additional requirements for horses traveling from the UK to the EU including blood tests, a health certificate and vet consult which all must be obtained within a certain time frame before traveling. [BEVA]

The use of Lasix in racehorses may be most effective for some if given 24 hours before a race. In 2015 The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation put out a special call for research on exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EPIH), commonly known as “bleeding” in racehorses. Two studies from this call have now been published. One study found that treating horses who had never bled in a race before with furosemide (Lasix or Salix) four hours prior to exercise was more effective in decreasing the number of red blood cells found in the lungs than furosemide treatment 24 hours prior to exercise with controlled water access. However, the second study found that in known bleeders, a low-dose treatment of furosemide 24-hours prior to exercise with controlled water access was the most effective in controlling bleeding. [BloodHorse]