Ocala, FL Friday brought gorgeous weather and a competitive field of 100 horse-and-rider combinations to Hunter 1 for four thrilling hunter derbies: the $20,000Golden Ocala36-39 Hunt & Go Derby, the $15,000UF Veterinary HospitalUSHJA National 3 Open Hunter Derby, the $7,500 USHJA National 3 Jr Hunter Derby, and the $7,500 USHJA National 3 Am Hunter Derby. Patrick Rodes designed flowing, technical tracks that allowed riders[...]Read MoreThe post Samantha Schaefer and In The Know Climb to the Top in $20,000 Golden Ocala 36-39 Hunt & Go Derby appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Wilmington, Ohio World Equestrian Center Wilmington (WEC) welcomed a field of 20 professional horse-and-athlete combinations to the R+L Arena for the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunt-N-Go Derby of Winter Classic 14. Megan Hubbard piloted three entries around the class but ultimately landed on top with Cindy Bohns Crass B (Carrico x Ulanda). Cindy imported Crass seven years ago and then she sold him[...]Read MoreThe post Megan Hubbard & Crass B Land $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunt-N-Go Derby Win at Winter Classic 14 appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

On Feb. 5, a 3-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Pierce County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles after developing a fever on Jan. 29. Four additional horses are suspected positive. This case was just reported to the EDCC.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

10 emergencies to watch for in the hours after your mare foalsThe first few hours after foaling are critical for determining the future physical and mental health of your mare and her newborn foal. | iStockPhew! That baby is born. The past 11 months of waiting, monitoring, and hoping have ended, and that beautiful wet foal is now on the ground wondering what on earth just happened to her. Your mare, meanwhile, is back on her feetcurious and wondrous about that squirmy little ragamuffin that just came out of her.It might be tempting to assume that all is well, and you can finally get your own much-needed deep sleep. Unfortunately, though, your bed will have to waityouve only completed part of the complex process of successful foaling. The next few hours and days will be critical in determining the future physical and mental health of your mare and her newborn foal, says Christine Aurich, DVM, PhD, head of the Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science, in Neustadt, Germany.So get your foaling night blankets and hot thermoses of coffeeand brush up on your smartphone stopwatch featuresas you keep a watchful eye out for these 10 red flags in the post-foaling period.1. Foaling Passes the 20-Minute and/or 45-Minute Mark.Careful breeders have their stopwatch apps open before they even see the foal, Aurich says. At the moment the placenta breaks, and the birth process is starting, you should really start your watch, she explains.If the foal isnt delivered within 20 minutes, theres certainly a problem that merits investigation, she says. If handlers have had training in managing difficult births, they can try to help resolve basic problems like a stuck shoulder or flexed knee. Otherwise, they should call a veterinarian immediately.Regardless, foals should be born within 45 minutes, Aurich cautions. Longer than that, and the foal is more likely to suffer from health issues such as general infections or neurological disorders due to lack of oxygen.Good prenatal care can help prevent or at least forewarn handlers about issues that could complicate foaling, so they can be prepared, says Quinn Gavaga, DVM, of Charles Ranch Equine, in Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada. The health of the mare cannot be overstated, he says.2. The Placenta is Lateor Earlyand/or Isnt Y-Shaped.Mares should deliver the placenta within three hours of birth, says Aurich. Otherwise, a retained placenta could cause uterine infection and the resorption of endotoxins, provoking sepsis (a whole-body reaction to bacterial infection) in the mare, which could also lead to laminitis. This very dangerous and life-threatening issue can usually be quickly averted with oxytocin infusions that make the uterus contract and expel the placenta.But early placentas are red flags, too, she says. If the placenta and foal come out together, or if the placenta emerges before the umbilical cord is torn because the mare has gotten up, it was probably infected (evident as placentitis, or inflammation of the placenta). An early placenta is always an alarm, Aurich says. It means there was a problem already before the foal was born and that the foal was most likely infected in the uterus. These foals develop sepsis, requiring aggressive treatment.Mares with placentitis could also have a red bag delivery. This condition occurs when the placenta separates prematurely from the uterine lining andrather than normal translucent white or yellow membranesyoull see the bright red, velvety intact chorioallantois (the outermost layer of the placenta) at the vulvar lips. In these emergency cases the placenta must be opened immediately and the foal pulled out to halt asphyxiation.Lay the mares placenta out to ensure both uterine horns are present in their entirety. | Courtesy Dr. Alana King After every foaling, handlers should lay the placenta out flat and ensure its complete, in its typical Y-shaped form, she adds. An incomplete placenta means a piece has remained inside the mare, which poses the same risks as retaining the entire placenta.Handlers can also weigh the placenta while waiting for the veterinarian. It should weigh 10-12% of the foals weight; if the figure is less or more, it signifies a problem with the placenta.Be sure to save the placenta in a plastic bag or bucket in a cool place for several hours because it could offer important clues if problems arise later, Aurich says.3. The Foal Isnt Standing Within One Hour.Ideally, foals stand very quickly after birthoften within a matter of minutes, Aurich says. At the very latest, they should stand within an hour.Some foals squirm and struggle to stand but just cant succeed. Problems that could cause this range from contracted tendons and neonatal encephalopathy to sepsis.Foals that dont even try to stand within an hour are probably ill and need urgent veterinary care.When something goes wrong with foals, it usually happens pretty quicklyso dont wait for it to get better on its own, Gavaga warns. It almost never does.4. The Colostrum Doesnt Pass the Home Brix Test.Before mares foal, owners should purchase a Brix refractometer, Aurich says. This instrumentdesigned primarily for the food and beverage industryalso serves as an excellent breeding farm tool to test for density or specific gravity of colostrum. (Colostrum with high immunoglobulin levels has a greater density and, thus, a higher specific gravity.) Its a very easy and really cheap way to check your colostrum quality right away, she says.Handlers should squeeze a small drop of colostrum from the mares udderideally, just after the foal is bornand place it on the refractometer prism. If the Brix value is at least 25%, that means the colostrum quality is good. If its above 30%, its very good. However, if the Brix value is below 25%and especially if its lower than 20%then you know there arent enough antibodies for your foal, Aurich says. You have to call your vet to get frozen colostrum from a broodmare farm or the foal will likely need an intravenous (IV) plasma transfusion.5. The Foal Isnt Nursing Within 2 Hours.Healthy foals usually nurse within one hour of birth. | iStockAmong all the time-sensitive boxes to check, the intake of colostrumthe mares antibody-rich first milkprobably ranks No. 1 in importance, Gavaga says. Foals that fail to consume enough colostrum within the first few hours lack the antibodies that protect them from even the most common pathogens, he explains. That means they could easily fall sick, creating a domino effect of lingering health problems, including sepsis. Without rapid veterinary help, theyre likely to die within days. Sepsis is the leading cause of mortality in newborn foals, adds Aurich.Healthy foals usually nurse within one hour of birth, but some can take a little longer before they start searching for the mares udder. If theyve reached two hours without nursing, they absolutely need human intervention; call your veterinarian immediately.After informing their veterinarians of the foals missed milestone, handlers should milk the mare themselves, Aurich says. This involves gently drawing on her teats and collecting the colostrum in a clean bottle designed for human babies. Handlers should be careful not to spill or waste the colostrum. Its best to wait for veterinary assistance before offering it to the foal: Importantly, foals need to suckle and swallow on their own without being forced or having milk poured into their mouths, she adds.6. The Foal Isnt Getting Up to Nurse Every Half Hour, Suckles the Wrong Thing, or Gets Milk Head.Foals usually lie down to rest after nursing. But then they should get up after a short period, not longer than 30 minutes, and go again, Aurich says. They should also act alert and interested. Thats very important. If theyre not doing that, then something is happening. Something is wrong.The foal shouldnt have milk on his neck, ears, or face, either, Aurich explains. Milk-head occurs when the foal approaches the udder but fails to latch on to the teat, and the mares body releases the milk in response to the foals contact, spraying milk onto the foals head. It means the foal isnt nursing correctly and isnt getting enough nourishment, she says.Milk-head foals do not need training to nurse correctly, says Aurich. They need veterinary care. You have to check the foal because it most certainly has a problem, she says. Its not that the foal doesnt know how to nurse but, rather, she gets disinterested or too tired to drink once the milk is flowing. In most cases, this is a sign that the foal is getting sick.But it might also be a sign the foal was born with a slightly premature endocrine system, Aurich adds. Before birth, foals usually produce progestogen, then shortly before the mare goes into labor, they switch to producing cortisol instead. In certain cases foals that appear fully mature might still be producing progestogenwhich actually has a sedative effect, she explains. Therefore, they dont adapt well to life outside the uterus, they might suckle incorrectly and get milk-head, or they might even try to suckle the mares legs or the barn wall.Watching suckling behavior is the most reliable way to assess the health of newborn foals, because their body temperature and other vital signs are still naturally fluctuating, Aurich adds. Taking temperature isnt helpful, she says. But looking for normal behavior is.7. The Foal Is Retaining Meconium.The foals digestive system needs to clear the dark, tarry contents it accumulated during gestation, known as meconium. Currently, the recommended practice is to administer one or two enemas at birth to avert meconium retention.Foals that struggle to pass meconium tend to strain, lifting their tails and often standing as if they want to urinate, but to no avail. As time goes on, they can show signs of foal colicacting restless and lying down as if theyre trying to keep pressure off the abdomen. In addition to the obvious welfare concerns, meconium constipation can cause foals to stop nursingwhich prevents them from consuming the colostrum and nourishment they need to stay healthy.Foals should poop approximately every half-hour for the first hours until all the meconium has passed, and yellowish milk feces appear. However, foals younger than 3 or 4 days old should never have diarrhea, Aurich adds. If they do, this is most likely septic diarrhea.The first urine comes later. If they are drinkingand drinking enoughthey will certainly start urinating within 12 hours or so, Aurich says. Colts typically urinate within eight to 10 hours, whereas fillies start within 12-14 hours.Notably, owners should not assume an empty udder means the mare isnt producing enough milk, Aurich adds. As long as the foal is nursing regularly, the udders always appear empty even though they might be producing abundant quantities of milk.8. The Mare Seems Disinterested, Colicky, or Sick, or Has Bloody Manure or Urine.Healthy mares show an interest in eating hay and pay close attention to their foals, Aurich says. They should be passing feces and urine within five or six hours of foaling.Sick mares might act lethargic or depressed and could appear sweaty. Rectal temperatures above 38.5 C/101.5 For a resting heart rate higher than 50 beats per minute is cause for alarm. In a septic mare laminitis can start quickly, so handlers should check for signs of sore feet.While mares might have mild abdominal discomfort for a few hours after foaling, they should not experience significant levels of pain, Aurich says. Importantly, pain should improvenot worsenover time. Handlers should be concerned if the mare is getting up and down frequently, rolling and/or thrashing, or showing increasingly more severe facial expressions of pain such as tightening around the eyes, clenching the jaws, or pursing the lips. Blood in the urine or feces is another critical red flag.Such signs could point to serious issues such as uterine prolapse, a retained placenta, damaged intestine, uterine rupture, or a burst artery with bleeding into the abdominal cavity. These are real emergencies that have to be attended by a veterinarian, she says. Haul the mare and foal to a clinic immediately if a vet cannot come right away.Better to transport her with hope of saving her, than just waiting at home until shes dead, Aurich adds.9. The Foals IgG Levels and/or WBCs are Out of Range.Veterinarians recommend testing every newborn foals blood in the first six to eight hours of life to check IgG concentrations.Infographic: Recognizing and Preventing Failure of Passive TransferAn IgG reading under 8 grams per liter is a critical red flag showing the foal did not receive a sufficient transfer of antibodies. A white blood cell (WBC) reading outside the normal range of 5,500-12,000 cells suggests the beginning of sepsis.Remember that 85% of antibodies from colostrum is transferred in those first eight hours. So, if youve tested within that window and the IgG is low, you still have time to feed colostrum (whether from the dam or a donor) nasogastrically and get adequate transfer; the foals intestinal tract cannot absorb these vital antibodies past 24 hours.Beyond that eight-hour time frame veterinarians can provide the foal antibodies through IV plasma infusion.As for other measurements, a particularly low or very high WBC count reveals an immune system reaction, our sources say. Practitioners can also run a serum amyloid A (SAA) test. The reading should be under 100-150 to verify the absence of bacterial activation of the acute-phase protein SAA, which is produced by the liver.10. The Foal and Mare are More Interested in Anyone Besides Each Other.Mare-foal bonding is critical for good physical and mental development of the foal as well as the welfare of both animals.While handlers should not hesitate to care for their foals, especially when they need help, human interactions with foals should remain as minimal as realistically possible, Gavaga says. Concentrate on the mare and make her feel as relaxed as you can, he says. Do what you need to help, but dont try and force a bond with you and the foal. Respect the mares relationship with her foal.Red Flag? Do Not Wait.If you see any of these red flags, contact your veterinarian immediately. I dont think people miss the signs that often, Gavaga says, based on his own clinical experience. I think owners wait too long to react.Post-foaling is certainly not the time for taking the wait-and-see approach, or to let nature work things out, Aurich adds. Nature can be cruel, she says. Nature helping means the wolf or the lion comes for the weak foals that cant get up and run away.For optimal post-foaling success, breeders should maintain a very good relationship with their veterinarians, Gavaga says. They will often then go above and beyond in supporting their clients in all the phases of horse breeding.Take-Home MessageMares and foals can appear healthy at foaling but quickly go downhill if they develop complications in the post-foaling period. Knowing the red flags and acting quickly can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of these scary situations, our sources say. You cant be prepared for every scenario, Gavaga says. But you can try to get as much knowledge as you can beforehand to be prepared for the main problems that can happen.

Four equestrians found themselves ready for a new horse after a lifetime of riding. Here are their stories.After years as a rider and horse owner, we hold on to that identity for ourselves. It may not have been a steady journey, and it was probably interrupted by work and family changes. Or maybe it started late. At some point, we begin to define ourselves as horse owners. After I lost my last horse, these thoughts were on my mind:Do I need another horse? Am I ready for that? Who am I now?Here, we dive into four stories of horse women who are now investing their time and energy into a new horse. Their excitement and sense of good fortune are inspiring.Meet LoisLois Pienkos and her husband live on a picturesque farm near a small town in Eastern Iowa. There are barns, an arena, a jump field, pastures, and a lovely white house with a wraparound enclosed porch full of plants.Lois is a quilter and paints bright barn quilts that hang on the buildings. When her daughter began riding in Pony Club, Lois got involved and then became a rider herself. She bred her mare and raised two dressage horses that she took to clinics and shows. Now retired, she and her husband spend most of the year on their farm in Iowa with their horses and four to five months in Wellington, Fla., where her trainer lives.Lois and her trainer decided it was time to find a smaller horse for Lois to move up the levels. They found a great match for her in Florida in 2021, a 10-year-old Lusitano gelding named Heroi. Once home, she easily, but with sadness, sold her bigger Second Level dressage horse and started on a new adventure.Lois Pienkos was looking for a smaller horse to continue moving up the levels in dressage. Heroi, a 10-year-old Lusitano gelding, was just the ticket. Photo Jean Rude/Fresh InkHeroi is being trained in dressage, Lois says. Im also beginning to try working equitation. He and I are playing with some of the props and plan to attend a clinic or two in 2023 in Iowa. We started him on trails while we were in Florida this past season. At home and at the barn in Florida, we hack around the property regularly.We do hope to show Heroi, hopefully in the next year.The summer fills with clinics and lessons, working on what they learned the past winter in Florida. They travel to Loxahatchee, Fla., in November, where they stable with friends from around the country and train. Lois says her horses progress keeps her going, as she is living the dream.Meet CelestaCelesta Albonetti has ridden since she was a young woman, beginning with hunters, jumpers and eventing before committing to dressage. Celesta loved her small farm in eastern Iowa, surrounded by creeks, woods and farm fields. Her two Trakehner mares loved it, too. After 16 years there, she retired and returned to Memphis, Tenn., and her family. Her older mare with exquisite gaits and flash had passed away a few years earlier.Celesta brought the younger mare, Angie, to Tennessee. She found a suitable dressage barn and became friends with riders at the barn who were able to ride Angie for her. Celesta spent hours there, as she has always cared for her horses in this way. Tragically, Angie later became ill and passed away. Most of us can empathize with the grief this brought to Celesta. When she was ready for another horse, Celesta purchased another Trakehner mare, a 6-year-old she found in Kentucky. Baroness III, called Aliza in the barn, was foaled in 2015 and spent two years as a broodmare prior to Celesta purchasing her in August 2021.Celesta Albonetti purchased her 6-year-old Trakehner mare, Aliza, to get back into her favorite past time. Photo by Landon StocksI felt alive again, she says. I go out every day, and I love it.After a stall became available in her trainers barn in Eads, Tenn., Celesta moved her mare there. The trainer works with Aliza each week, and her progress makes all three very happy. Celestas trainer, Macy, has started to show Aliza, and the three share the excitement of their progress. Their plans are to show at Training and First Level during the summer and fall.Meet EllenEllen Spector has spent her lifetime riding. After years of working, raising children, and boarding her horses, she settled in Iowa, where she and her husband bought a large acreage and put up a 12-stall boarding barn, West Branch Horse Farm. She moved from hunter/jumpers into dressage. She bought mares and started to raise her own dressage horses. Ellen prided her barn as having the best care in the area. The years passed with many beautiful horses and many devoted boarders. As Ellens horses aged and passed away, she found herself without a horse of her own and began to think about the next onea horse she would keep even after eventually selling the property. With her husbands encouragement, Ellen traveled to Denmark with a Danish boarder, Susanne. Susannes sister drove them from barn to barn, searching for the right horse. The three dressage riders found a lovely young mare for Ellen, who has always loved mares.She bought home the 5-year-old Danish Warmblood mare Kokkedals Heroine, barn name Heroine, in 2016. With some help from professional trainers, they have begun to compete at recognized dressage shows, a long-time goal.Ellen Spector was horseless for a time before importing her 5-year-old Danish Warmblood, Heroine, in 2016. Photo by Amy WilkinsonWe plan to go to three show this summer at Maffit Lake [near Des Moines, Iowa], she says. I cant do without her. They spend time together every day as Ellen is doing chores and riding.Meet Judy, the AuthorAs for me, I adopted a rescued yearling in 2004 named Coach, a Hackney. In 2021 he had a pasture accident and had to be put down, which was very traumatic for me.The mare that shared the pasture with him left, so no horses remained on my property. I decided I needed to find a quiet horse for myself, my kids, and my friends. I found Nellie at a small farm 90 minutes away; her teenage owner had outgrown her.After her Hackney Ponys unexpected passing in 2021, Judy took some time off from horse ownership before deciding she was ready to purchase her new horse, Nellie. Photo by Ariel ZimmermanI made two trips with friends to meet and ride Nellie before trailering her home. Her age was uncertain, maybe 10 or 11. They never got papers, but called her a Quarter Horse, which seems correct. Shed had a healthy foal that year. She is pretty and quiet.She and the older Percheron-cross we board for a friend got along from the beginning. Gracie is huge but sweet. Nellie and I connected during the first year. She calls to me from the pasture when I am in the house. She was ridden with western and English saddles.Im not riding now and have not been able to find someone to ride her, but she is a happy horse. These two are the quietest horses we have ever had. I put on their masks, groom and spray them in our large dry lot with no halters or lead ropes. They dont spook or run from crop dusters or large farm equipment. They come for dinner when called.Getting Back into Horse OwnershipAll four women, including four myself, have gone through the process of asking difficult questions.Why buy a horse now? We found ourselves with room in our hearts to fill after losing or selling our previous horses. Two decided on young horses, knowing their needed training would be long and costly.Three met trainers who could ride their horses for them. As long-time owners, we already knew the realities of horse ownership, how much help was needed, and where to find it.If youre thinking of getting back into horse ownership, think first of the horses wellbeing. You need a safe and well-maintained barn, whether at home or a boarding facility.If at home, youll need a backup person to provide the horse care when you cant. You must have a budget that will accommodate the numerous additional expenses that come with adding a horse to the family.We all need to have plans for our horses and pets when we are no longer present. If youre at the beginning of your riding life, you may not have thought of a future after youre gone. Longtime horse owners tend to be more prepared and plan for this step. This is important to consider before jumping into horse ownershipfor horse lovers of any age.But as you look out into the pasture and feel that space in your heart has been filled, all of the time, financial and organizational challenges seem worth it.This article about riding a new horse later in life appeared in the October 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Riding a New Horse Later in Life appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

On March 12, a 23-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse mare in Fauquier County, Virginia, tested positive for strangles. The mare developed clinical signs on March 10, including fever, nasal discharge, inappetence, and lethargy. She is now recovering, and five additional horses are exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On March 11, a 10-year-old Friesian gelding at a boarding facility in Fauquier County, Virginia, tested positive for equine herpesvirus-4 (EHV-4). The horse developed a 104.7-degree fever on March 6 and was admitted to the isolation unit at an equine hospital.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

New Product Offerings and Continued Support for Equine Athletes February 27, 2025 Wilmington, Ohio World Equestrian Center Wilmington (WEC) is pleased to announce the continuation of its partnership with Standlee, a leader in premium forage and equine nutrition. As a supporting sponsor, Standlee remains dedicated to enhancing the exhibitor experience by providing top-quality forage solutions and introducing new product offerings to support[...]Read MoreThe post Standlee Expands Commitment to World Equestrian Center Wilmington for the 2025 Season appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Ocala, FL Entries and stall reservations are now open for the May Day Barrel Bonanza, set for May 14-18, 2025, in Indoor Arena 5 at World Equestrian Center Ocala. With $41,500in added prize money on the line, the competition will be fierce as riders chase top honors. From May 16-18, the event will feature three thrilling days of barrel racing, where horse-and-rider duos[...]Read MoreThe post Entries & Stall Reservations Now Open for 2025 May Day Barrel Bonanza appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Brew!Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy MSPCA at Nevins FarmAdoptable Horse: Brew, a 17-year-old, 13.3hh grade geldingOrganization: MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Methuen, Mass.Get to Know Adoptable Horse BrewIf you ever wanted a horse-sized Bulldog, Brew is your guy! This stocky gentleman is looking for his new digs. Due to his conformation, Brew is adoptable as companion only and should not be ridden. His legs are quite short for his body and his front fetlock joints are both dropped. This does not stop this boy from kicking up his heels while out in the paddock, though! After reviewing with MSPCAs vets, they have determined he is not painful and has most likely been this way his whole life. Upon ultrasound, we were able to rule out Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease (DSLD), as his ligaments looked quite healthy.Brew is a pretty easygoing guy and is able to turn out with both mares and geldings. He leads well, though sometimes thinks he is a bulldozer and needs a quick little reminder that he is, in fact, attached to a human. He is very responsive and very sweet; he just needs a little tune-up. Brew is up to date on all vet and farrier care and is a pretty easy keeper, maintaining on just a bit of balancer and first-cut hay.If you are looking for a big hunk of a gelding to love on, or if your current horse is lonely, please submit an adoption inquiry for ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week Brew and a staff member from MSPCA at Nevins Farm will be in touch.Photo courtesy MSPCA at Nevins FarmASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Brew appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.