Wednesday News and Notes from Horse Quencher

Good morning! Today we have good news from our friends over at The Chronicle, who reported yesterday that Karen O’Connor is on the right track after having surgery to stabilize two fractured vertebrae in late October. Lindsay Berreth reports that Karen went in for x-rays on Monday and the doctors informed her that her healing process was going well. There’s still no talk of riding, and Karen will go back to the doctor again in January for a 90-day evaluation. She hopes to be cleared for the saddle then and is staying in shape with thrice-weekly physical therapy sessions. Karen has moved down to her Ocala base and is still unsure of when she will be able to compete again. If you are interested in learning more about Karen’s recovery, make sure to check out the interview she gave to Samantha a couple of weeks ago. Everyone at EN is sending lots of karma and positive thought Karen’s way for continued improvement. [COTH]

The USEA Annual Convention officially begins today in Colorado Springs at the Broadmoor: check out the full schedule here and for those of you lucky enough to be in attendance, there is also a shopping guide the USEA has put together to guide you through the multitude of souvenir choices. John is in attendance so make sure to check back for updates!

The FEI has approved rule changes for eventing that will go into effect on January 1, 2013. Most of the changes have to do with qualifying for CIC and CCI events, with some levels now requiring more qualifying FEI scores than they did previously.  USEF Eventing Committee chair Malcolm Hook said that overall the committee is happy with the changes, but that they have requested that the FEI to allow them to delay implementation until 2014 in order to give the USEF more time to look over the new requirements. “While 2013 has no championships or Olympics in it, which is an ideal time to introduce something like this, it’s also something that is very different than what the riders have been used to and could cause some confusion,” Hook said. The FEI has not given the committee a decision yet. Keep checking back for a more detailed report on the proposed rule changes as the USEA annual meeting proceeds this weekend. [COTH]

The British Eventing Team was surprised to learn this week that British Eventing has requested a performance review after the team’s stellar performance at this year’s Olympics. British Eventing has stated that this is a normal business practice and that the review will look at teams from the pony level all the way to the senior team to identify areas that can be improved before the 2016 games in Rio. BE chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith told Horse and Hound that the review was agreed to before London games even happened, but that was apparently news to the riders. Tina Cook said her initial reaction was to be insulted and angry, adding that “they [BE] are looking into why we didn’t perform to the same standard as the dressage and the showjumpers — it’s not like we underperformed. Many of the team-mates performed their personal best.” Nicola Wilson echoed Cook’s sentiments about their performance, and Cook concluded by stating that she fully supports efforts to “up their game.” Mary King declined to comment. [Horse and Hound]

Horsetalk has not one but two articles today (one news report and one editorial) about the unknown dangers of phenylbutazone, also known as bute. A new study found that prolonged use of bute over 21 days led to “protein loss, lowered white blood cell counts, blood-flow changes in the right dorsal colon and changes in volatile fatty acid activity.” One of the authors of the study, Dr. Rebecca McConnico, said the average horse owner wouldn’t see overt outward signs of these changes, but they could be potentially problematic. “You wouldn’t see the horse at its best physically. These fluctuations could really affect a horse’s ability to perform.” [Horsetalk]

Following that report, Neil Clarkson wrote an editorial calling for more oversight of bute use in horses. He argues that bute is not safe for all horses, particularly those with ulcers, blood disorders, and congestive heart and kidney problems. He also points out that the “safe window” for dosage is actually relatively small, and it is easy to accidentally overdose without careful management. “Those few sachets of bute in your equine medicine chest may one day prove very useful,” he concludes,  “But always ask your vet first.” [Horsetalk]

Former top British eventer Amanda Stibbe has been awarded the 2012 Torch Trophy Trust Award, meant to “reward volunteers in sport and recreation and to recognize and support their endeavors.”  The award was presented to her on Monday by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent in London. Stibbe currently serves as chairman of the Senior Selection Committee for the British Eventing Team. [British Eventing]

Horse and Hound reminds readers about the dangers of buying used tires for trucks and trailers. [Horse and Hound]

The Eventing Radio Show has announced an exciting development in its latest episode: PRO has taken over. PRO executive director Samantha Lendl talks about the future of the radio program, and PRO riders Sinead and Allison make guest appearances. [Eventing Radio Show]

There is no “Best of Blogs” today, but I leave you with an HN post that I guarantee will make you start trolling your local Craigslist for adorable miniature ponies. Have a great Wednesday and thanks for reading! [HorseNation]

From Horse Quencher: As seen in the Horse Quencher in-box from good friend Hawley Bennett-Awad: “Never before have my horses consistently drank water and have performed so well on a consistent basis, which I know is a direct reflection of using your superior product. Not only have my horses demonstrated improvement and increased durability since adding Horse Quencher, all of my clients who have made the transition are noticing great results as well. Whether it is an upper-level eventing star, a child’s pony, or a retired elder horse, I truly believe Horse Quencher can help every horse in the barn.”

 

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