Daily Archives: April 18, 2011

Breeds, Contributors/Press, Racing, Rescue/Protection Sources

Mint Julep Cup Sales Benefit Equine Welfare Organization

Leave a comment

Woodford Reserve bourbon is taking the traditional Kentucky Derby cocktail, the mint julep, to a new level by unveiling the world’s most exclusive mint julep cup. The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience will feature the most exotic ingredients in the world and a collection of 103 sterling silver mint julep cups designed by Tiffany & Co. exclusively for Woodford Reserve. Proceeds from the cup sales will benefit The Heart of a Horse Foundation, whose mission is to maintain and stimulate the unwavering well-being of horses in America.

“Woodford Reserve has been associated with the Thoroughbred community since the brand’s beginning and through the sale of these cups, we look forward to assisting The Heart of a Horse Foundation in their horse rescue mission,” said Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager.

In addition to the 103 traditional cups, there will also be three “Prestige” cups available for auction. These sterling silver cups feature a design around the base in 24 karat gold vermeil originally used by Tiffany & Co. on a horse racing cup created in 1876, and bidding on these rare cups will start at $2,000 each.

“It is an honor to partner with Woodford Reserve for a second year while also supporting the Heart of a Horse Foundation,” said Susanne Halmi, group director of Tiffany & Co.

Continue reading Mint Julep Cup Sales Benefit Equine Welfare Organization →

Contributors/Press, Publications/Media, Rescue/Protection Sources

New Young Adult Novel Features Maryland, Unwanted Horse Challenge

Leave a comment

Bowie, MD author tells the story of a young girl motivated to save horses

BOWIE, MD – (Mythic Landing) – A new young adult novel by Valerie Ormond highlights the Maryland equestrian community, military family life, and the plight of unwanted horses. Through the story of Sadie, a 12-year-old horse lover, and her tri-color Pinto, Lucky, Ormond takes readers through a tale of heartbreak, determination and love.

“Believing in Horses,” from J. B. Max Publishing, is Ormond’s debut novel. A career Naval Intelligence Officer, she decided to combine her love of horses and writing with her first book. Ormond and her family live in Maryland, which serves as the backdrop for Sadie’s story. The story begins with Sadie’s move to Bowie and her dad’s deployment to Afghanistan.

Throughout “Believing in Horses,” Ormond draws on first-hand knowledge of Maryland horse rescues. Freedom Hill Horse Rescue in Calvert County and Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue in Prince George’s County worked with Ormond to give the book a realistic feel.

Continue reading New Young Adult Novel Features Maryland, Unwanted Horse Challenge →

Awards, Contributors/Press, Events, Racing Sources, Rescue/Protection Sources

Nominate a Veterinarian

Leave a comment

AQHA members are invited to nominate an equine veterinarian’s selfless service in AAEP’s Good Works Campaign.

Do you know a commendable veterinarian?

More than likely you do. According to a 2009 equine welfare survey by The American Association of Equine Practitioners, 71 percent of its members had donated resources or services to assist the equine community in the past year.

Now there’s an opportunity to recognize these veterinarians. AAEP has invited American Quarter Horse members, owners and organizations to nominate veterinarians for the AAEP Good Works Campaign. This campaign celebrates the “good work” of veterinarians who devote time and expertise beyond the scope of their everyday practice to help horses and the equine community.

Throughout 2011, the AAEP Good Works Campaign will spotlight AAEP-member practitioners whose volunteer efforts are improving the health and welfare of horses. Each month, AAEP will select a veterinarian nominated by a horse owner or organization for special recognition.

Monthly honorees will be considered for the 2011 Good Works Award, to be presented during the 57th Annual Convention in San Antonio. The nomination form is available online.

Continue reading Nominate a Veterinarian →

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – A Look at the Effects of EPM on the Horse’s Nervous System

1 Comment

EPM is an equine protozoal disease caused by a one-celled organism which affects the nervous system. Lesions on the spinal cord cause degeneration of nerves resulting in Ataxia (lack of coordination in movement), muscle atrophy and weight loss. The symptom first noticed by most owners is “wobbling” in the hind end. Under saddle, it seems like you are riding two different horses, as the hind end is out of sync with the front.

Opossums, raccoons, armadillos and skunks have been shown to be intermediate hosts of these protozoa. Feces from these animals gets into feed sources (usually forages like hay) and is ingested. A horse cannot contract the disease from another infected horse.

A presumptive diagnosis of EPM can be made by evaluating the horse’s health history combined with a failed neurologic exam performed by a veterinarian. A conclusive diagnosis usually includes blood testing and a spinal tap which are expensive, invasive and often include false positive and false negative results.

Drug therapy usually includes treatment with one of two antiprotozoal drugs, Marquis or Navigator. Both are 28 day protocols and only available through veterinary prescription. It is common to see relapses with these drugs; so many veterinarians recommend two consecutive treatments.

Continue reading Tip of the Week – A Look at the Effects of EPM on the Horse’s Nervous System →