Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

Levi makes a new friend. Photo by Jessica Pye.

Levity, an off-track thoroughbred who lives in New Mexico with his owner and rider, Jessica Pye, was scoping out his digs at his new barn when suddenly Conan the Macaw came over the inspect the newcomer. It’s always adorable to see horses and barn animals like cats, dogs, or goats interact, but a moment like this is truly unique. Who has ever heard of a barn parrot?

Of course, now I will insist that my barn get a parrot.

National Holiday: National Submarine Day

Major Events:

Fair Hill CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Ocala International CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Twin Rivers CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Fence H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Do you know what TPR stands for? If not, this article is for you! A refresher from the USEA on how to take Temperature-Pulse-Respiration, as well as going a bit further with mucus membrane and capillary refill time (CRT), this article is a good place to learn (or remember!) some basics. [How to Take Your Horse’s Vital Signs]

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. British Eventing is busy making contingency plans as they face additional cancellations due to weather. The biggest concern is getting people out to do their qualifiers, and while Belton seems to be holding up, two additional events have already been preemptively cancelled. [British Weather Forces Contingency Plans]

Sunsprite Syrius is making a mark on both coasts. Outside of the competition arena though, he’s a perfect gentleman, although he’s gotten a bit sassier after winning Fair Hill last fall. He’ll stand perfectly for grooming and loves hanging out with his human friends, but god forbid you try to introduce him to a horse friend! Syrius is a not a fan of other horses. [Behind the Stall Door]

Attwood Footing of the Week – Pinnacle

Photo by Nick Attwood.

Attwood created Pinnacle to give your horse perfect support so every step is consistent, so the horse can totally focus on the task at hand. Pinnacle is formulated from high quality silica sand and fibers, and coated with viscoelastic polymer giving you a surface that practically breathes, and bounces back from impact.

One of the many benefits of Attwood’s Pinnacle is that it requires no watering. It is also dust-free, so say good-bye to long afternoons teaching and practicing in dusty arenas. Ann M. Swinker, PhD, extension horse specialist and associate professor of equine science at Pennsylvania State University in State College says dust is actually quite hazardous to both human and animal health.

“The problem with dust is that people are actually more susceptible to damage compared to livestock, who have much bigger lungs.”

In a 2006 study Swinker conducted at Colorado State University, she found that the incidence of the respiratory infection bronchitis was 35% higher for riding instructors compared to 5.4% for the general population. In addition, the reported prevalence of asthma was 17% among riding instructors compared to 6% in the general population (American Lung Association, 2001). These statistics point to one thing: All that dust you’re inhaling when you’re working with horses is harmful to your respiratory system as well as theirs.

Attwood’s Pinnacle truly is the pinnacle of equestrian footing.

You can find Pinnacle in many of the top equestrian venues around the world including:

  • Kansas State University Equine Performance Center
  • Windurra USA
  • Stable View
  • Yellowbird Farm
  • Corwin Ranch
  • Bridlespur Farm
  • Project R.I.D.E.

Wednesday Video: David O’Connor during the 2016 winter USEA High Performance training session at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina.