EN John getting his learnin’ on
Today, November 8, is always Dunce Day apparently. Thank goodness for Google, or I wouldn’t ever have an intro for the N&N. November 8 marks the death of Duns Scotus of Duns, a medieval scholar. It’s been 703 years. (He died in 1308 for all those that don’t feel like doing math). He believed that if you wore a pointy hat, knowledge would stream in to your brain and make you smarter. Surprisingly, it worked!– if only because it made people study harder so they didn’t have to wear the super awesome funnel hat. And look at that, you’ve learned something and celebrated the holidays before you’ve even had your morning coffee: what a multi-tasker you are! (And even without your pointy hat of knowledge!) But, if you are afraid of venturing forth into the world this morning without the fashionable 14th century thinking cap, I’m sure if you ask John nicely, he’ll let you borrow one of his. He’s got one for every color gorilla suit he owns. I know! I can’t believe how fashion savvy he is either, especially for a horse guy!
The National Horse Show that has been held at Madison Square Garden for the past million years had its inaugural run at the Kentucky Horse Park. The show concluded on Sunday. Over 560 horses and 350 riders from nine countries competed. School children in the area took field trips to the show and were treated to a “Horse Play” area, and other fun things sponsored by Alltech. Overall, a great successful first year in its new home. [Horsetalk]
Ireland held a “Go for Gold” event horse auction last week. They sold 36 horses with the average price being €17,603, or $24,218 (USD). The top horse sold was a five year old aptly named Red Curren, for €47,000, or $64,662. Breeding matters. [Horsetalk]
The University of Florida received a $900,000 grant for research on a one time treatment meant to change the course of osteoarthritis in horses and humans. They are uniquely qualified to be conducting the research since they already have the technology and facilities to conduct the study. The problem lies with a protein called interleukin-1, believed to be responsible for the degradation of joints. The research is on gene therapies that would result in a single treatment of the affected area. The biggest change compared to current methods is that this new treatment would not interfere with the body’s healing process as corticosteroids do. The link between humans and horses is that the joint structure and weight bearing components of horses are very similar to that of humans. And, if they make this into a working solution for osteoarthritis, the remedy would be able to be used on a variety of species, it is hoped. [Horsetalk]
If you’re not busy this weekend, I suggest hitting up Equitana Sydney on Sunday. Paul Tapner, Clayton Fredericks, Sam Griffiths, Stuart Tinney, and a slew of other awesome Australians will be competing in the Exhibition Eventing Grand Final. The article also has more information to stalk get to know Mr. Tapner a little better. He’s a pony clubber, and still mucks stalls even after he wins. [Stock & Land]
Check out the PRO interview with Galway dominator, James Alliston.:
Go learn how to/about eventing.
And the Pennfield contest!!!
After Amber Kimball began feeding her mount Pennfield, she noticed a change. A horse who was once a bit high strung was suddenly changed. He was sane. He was FOCUSED. When Pennfield heard Amber’s story, they decided to launch a new ad campaign- a contest to find the “word” of each Pennfield fan. Amber’s word was FOCUSED. What’s yours?…..
The contest, to run through early 2012, will gather entries at both PennfieldEquine.com and on Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies’ Facebook page. Respondents are invited to sum up their own personal Pennfield difference in one word, and then write their story. The best entries will win a year’s worth of feed (one ton) for one horse, plus a professional photo shoot and the chance to be featured in a 2012 ad for Pennfield.
