Chester Weber Donates Carriage Ride to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Ball’s Live Auction and Bidding Is Expected to Be Fierce

Ocala native Chester Weber is donating a carriage ride to the live auction at the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Ball, Friday, April 8th at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. (Photo courtesy of Live Oak Combined Driving)

Ocala, FL (March 24, 2011) – Ocala residents love their native son Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Champion, whose home base is Live Oak Stud in Ocala. Weber is known for his involvement in education and the arts in his hometown community and will be donating a carriage ride, pulled by his world-class combined driving team, to the live auction of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Ball, Friday, April 8th at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.

“Chester’s generosity in donating this carriage ride is sincerely appreciated by the Ocala Orchestra Board of Directors and Membership. The carriage ride will be presented during our Live Auction program segment and is expected to bring some of the highest bidding of the evening,” said Cindy Van Heyde, Vice President of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Van Heyde said she expects fierce competition as bidders battle to win the carriage ride with Weber, a local celebrity as well as the United States’ leading combined driver. “Many of the people who will be attending the Symphony Ball are familiar with the annual driving event that Chester hosts at Live Oak Stud every March, and they appreciate the beauty of the farm and the sport of combined driving. I fully expect a very competitive bidding environment,” she said.

Continue reading Chester Weber Donates Carriage Ride to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Ball’s Live Auction and Bidding Is Expected to Be Fierce

2012 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final Awarded to ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED)

Lausanne (SUI), 24 March 2011 – The FEI Bureau has awarded the 2012 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final to ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED). This major event, which will be held in conjunction with the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final, will take place from 18 to 22 April 2012.

This weekend, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, located in the southern Netherlands, will play host to the last qualifiers of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage for the 2010/2011 season.

Both competitions will be broadcast LIVE on the official FEI online video platform FEI TV on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March.

FEI Media contacts:
Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Press Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Canadian Para-Equestrian Lauren Barwick Shines at 2011 Dressage Affaire CPED13*

Lauren Barwick dominated the Grade II division at the 2011 Dressage Affaire at the Del Mar Horsepark during the CPED13* Para-Equestrian Dressage competition on her two horses Off to Paris (shown here) and Ferdonia 2 (below). (Photos courtesy of Lindsay Y McCall)

Parelli Natural Horsemanship Student Excels

Del Mar, CA (March 23, 2011) – Canadian Para-Equestrian Team member Lauren Barwick dominated the Grade II division at the 2011 Dressage Affaire at the Del Mar Horsepark during the CPED13* Para-Equestrian Dressage competition, riding away with the blue ribbon on Off To Paris and the red on Ferdonia 2 in the Individual Test. Barwick also took home top honors in the Freestyle, riding Ferdonia 2 to first place with a high score of 75.167% and earning second on Off To Paris with a 73.333.

Barwick’s success in the Para-Dressage spotlight has been aided by mentor and coach Pat Parelli, founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc. Barwick is a Senior Protégé and mentor in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship’s Mastery Program.

“Lauren is an outstanding horsewoman and has the ability to easily connect with her horses,” Parelli said. “At the Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, Lauren had only been riding Off to Paris and Ferdonia for 10 days so it was quite an accomplishment to win first and second in both classes. Lauren knows that building a relationship and developing a great partnership with each horse is paramount, and she is dedicated to putting the horse’s needs first which shows each time she rides.”

Continue reading Canadian Para-Equestrian Lauren Barwick Shines at 2011 Dressage Affaire CPED13*

30th Anniversary Season of HITS Ocala Ends with a Win for Kent Farrington in the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix

© ESI Photography. Kent Farrington and Top Gun on course in the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group.

OCALA, FL (March 22, 2011) — Sunday’s $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, was not only the season finale to the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, but also the 36th Grand Prix of the 2011 HITS Show Season, which marked the virtual mid-way point for the qualifying period for this year’s Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. Kent Farrington felt the need for speed, when he and Iron Horse Farm’s Top Gun captured the win, to conclude the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.

“Yesterday was an extraordinary finish to the Ocala Winter Circuit,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. “Similar to our shows in Thermal, we’ve been blessed with some incredible weather in Ocala this season, which always adds to the enjoyment of the show. I’m very pleased that we had the opportunity to welcome so many new faces this year, which helped contribute to some really exciting competition. I was particularly impressed by the number of exhibitors that participated in, and the number of spectators that came out to watch, our Parade of Champions ceremony. Those riders should be proud of their accomplishments, and it was very nice to see the community from both within and outside the horse show acknowledge their efforts.”

Continue reading 30th Anniversary Season of HITS Ocala Ends with a Win for Kent Farrington in the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix

Caroline Roffman Is Riding on Cloud Nine Thanks to Invitation to Compete at Aachen

Caroline Roffman has been invited to compete in the Under 25 competition at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO in Aachen, Germany. (Photo courtesy of Sharon Packer)

Wellington, FL (March 21, 2011) – Dressage rider Caroline Roffman, who at 22 years old has already tasted her fair share of success in the dressage world, is floating on cloud nine following an invitation to compete at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany. Roffman has been invited to compete in the Under 25 competition at the 2011 CHIO Aachen in Germany, July 8-17.

“They held the Under 25 competition for the first time last year and it was successful so they have decided to offer it again,” Roffman said. “I have always wanted to see Aachen, and now to be able to show there for the first time is just amazing.”

While Roffman isn’t certain which horse she will take to Aachen, she is hoping her new ride, Beemer, a 13-year-old, 17.2 hand bay Holsteiner owned in part by her trainer Lars Petersen, will be able to make the trip. “Beemer is a sale horse so I might not have the option of showing him by July, but I am hopeful that he won’t sell until after Aachen and I will get the opportunity of a lifetime to take him to Germany,” Roffman said.

Continue reading Caroline Roffman Is Riding on Cloud Nine Thanks to Invitation to Compete at Aachen

Historic Simonton Home Tour to Help Rescue Horses, Statesville, NC April 9, 2011

STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Historic Simonton Place Home Tour
April 9, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 9th, 2011
2030 Simonton Rd. Statesville 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.
This is a rare opportunity to tour the Pre-Revolutionary Simonton Place, one of the oldest homesteads in Iredell County and site of one of the first county courthouses and jail.

There will be a Home Tour with History of Simonton Family and the home.  All Proceeds to Benefit The United States Equine Rescue League of the Central Piedmont of NC (www.userl.org).  Included in the tour are a Barn Tour, Butter Churning Demonstrations, Spinning Demonstrations, Tea Service, Equine Massage/Chiropractic Demos.  There will also be an opportunity to Meet the Rescue Horses! Concessions will be available.  For more information call 704-872-3388 or visit www.userlcpnc.org.

Advance Ticket Price $10 Adults and $5 Seniors (60+) and $5 Kids (-12).  To purchase tickets, call 704-872-3388.  Admission at the door is $12 Adults, $6 Seniors (60+), and $6 Kids (-12)

Continue reading Historic Simonton Home Tour to Help Rescue Horses, Statesville, NC April 9, 2011

Eventing Radio Episode 127 by Bit of Britain – Boyd Martin’s Call-in Show

Boyd Martin is our first LIVE Call-in guest on the Eventing Radio Show this week answering questions from listeners about the sport and his career. Tune in to hear what Boyd has to say to his fans and followers right here…

Eventing Radio Episode 127 by Bit of Britain – Show Notes and Links:

  • Show Host: Chris Stafford
  • Co-Host: Boyd Martin
  • Photo Credit: www.useventing.com
  • News: Daily coverage of Southern Pines from March 25-27th, 5-6PM each day with Chris on the Eventing Radio Show and a great line up of PRO riders.
  • News: The Eventing Radio Show and HORSES IN THE MORNING live from Rolex Kentucky 3DE: April 27 – May 1, 2011

_________________________________________

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FEI Launches Bid Process for 2015 FEI European Championships in the Olympic Disciplines

Lausanne (SUI), 22 March 2011 – The FEI has launched the bidding process for the 2015 FEI European Championships for Seniors in Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. The process will run from 15 March 2011 until April 2012. Its objective is to raise the profile of these major FEI events by selecting a candidate able to meet the FEI’s requirements and deliver a sporting event of the highest quality.

The application process will consist of two phases. During Phase I, or Applicant Phase, which will run from 15 March to 31 July 2011, applicants will be required to indicate which one or more of the European Championships they would be interested in staging and provide information relating to their ability to meet minimum Championship requirements. The responses will then be assessed by the FEI and selected candidates will progress to Phase II.

Phase II, or Candidate Phase, will begin on 1 September 2011 and end in April 2012 when the successful candidate will be announced. During this period, candidates will be required to confirm in detail their ability to meet the FEI’s commercial, service and infrastructure requirements.

Detailed information has been sent to National Federations, who are invited to contact FEI Legal Counsel Francisco P. Lima (francisco.lima@fei.org) by 8 April 2011 in order to receive the initial Applicant Questionnaire and for any enquiries relating to the bid process.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13483

HERDA – Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia – Buyer Beware!

HERDA – Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia – Buyer Beware! Check the bloodline of any AQHA, APHA, ApHC and cross-bred horses of these breeds before you buy! Check your horses’ bloodlines before you breed, too! This is a heart-wrenching story from a woman whose mare was diagnosed with HERDA.

By Tara Flanagan and Robin Davison, March 2011: From across the paddock, Penelope (registered name, Quality Sensation) is a striking four year-old paint mare who has nothing but potential. Her athletic build, to-die-for lope and easy disposition indicate that she inherited all the right things.

Robin's horse, Quality Sensation. Click on image for larger view.

But get a little closer and you’ll notice the discoloration on her back from saddle sores. The skin around her withers feels corrugated. It’s easily manipulated and doesn’t snap back into place –almost as if the horse is severely dehydrated.

I bought my mare in November 2009 and had her hauled from Florida to Colorado. Penelope had an injury on her right hind leg from the trip that required a vet’s attention, and which was unusually slow to heal. Mostly, I was filled with the excitement that came with getting the horse I had dreamed about – Penelope and I were going to show at the National Western Stock Show someday.

Typical of many horses who are afflicted by HERDA, or hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia, Penelope started to show signs of the disorder when she developed saddle sores that did not heal in March 2010, about two months after she was started under saddle. A DNA test from UC-Davis revealed that Penelope is HRD/HRD – affected – meaning that she has two copies of the HERDA gene.

Robin's horse, Quality Sensation. Click on image for larger view.
Robin's horse, Quality Sensation, showing the skin not popping back into place. Click on image for larger view.

Affected horses develop severe lacerations, hematomas, and seromas from minor trauma, frequently resulting in disfiguring scars. Due to their persistent wounds, most horses cannot be ridden or shown competitively and are humanely euthanized. Many horses affected with HERDA are often not diagnosed until they are 1-2 years of age, but severely affected horses may develop signs shortly after birth. Symptoms include stretchy skin that feels “mushy” or “doughy” to the touch. Penelope’s mane, for example, has that doughy feel.  Contrary to what the name implies, the disease affects tissues throughout the horse’s body.  The proportion of carrier horses is high in certain Quarter Horse disciplines such as cutting, where 28.3% of elite cutting horses are carriers. Therefore, cutting horses that carry HERDA are more prevalent than halter horses that carry HYPP. In fact, 14 of the top 100 cutting sires are carriers whose offspring have earnings in excess of 116 million dollars. The performance traits of these select carriers bloodlines are highly desired, likely increasing the prevalence of HERDA. Although cutting horses have been the subject of most of the study and press about HERDA, the incidence of HERDA in pleasure and reining horses is on the rise. (information provided by Dr. Ann Rashmir)

HERDA is found in some descendants of the AQHA sire Poco Bueno. Researchers have named four deceased Quarter Horse stallions that were carriers and produced at least one affected HERDA foal. They are: Dry Doc, Doc O’Lena, Great Pine, and Zippo Pine Bar. These stallions all trace to Poco Bueno through his son and daughter, Poco Pine and Poco Lena. Other breeds affected are the American Paint Horse (APHA), the Appaloosa (ApHC) and any other breed registry that allows out-crossing to AQHA horses.  (this information found on http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/ment2befarms/herda.html).

As far as the odds go, if you breed a carrier to another carrier you have a 25 percent chance of producing an affected horse (HRD/HRD), 50 percent chance of producing another carrier (N/HRD) and a 25 percent chance of producing a normal horse (N/N). When a normal horse (N/N) is crossed with a carrier (N/HRD), 50 percent of the offspring may be carriers (N/HRD) and 50 percent may be normal (N/N); none of the offspring will be affected (HRD/HRD).

QUALITY SENSATION
Bay/Overo
ZIPPOS SENSATION
Sorrel/Overo
ZIPPO PINE BAR
Quarter Horse
ZIPPO PAT BARS
Quarter Horse
DOLLIE PINE
Quarter Horse
SATIN N LACE
Sorrel/Overo
POCO FISTY BARS
Sorrel/Overo
IMA FISTY BAR
Sorrel/Overo
INVESTMENT QUALITY
Quarter Horse
INVESTMENT ASSET
Quarter Horse
THE BIG INVESTMENT
Quarter Horse
MISS REBEL RITA
Quarter Horse
ZIPPOS TIFFANY ANN
Quarter Horse
ZIPPO PINE BAR
Quarter Horse
ROCKET BAR BABE
Quarter Horse

I now board Penelope at a local farm, where she enjoys a shady enclosure. It’s too risky to turn Penelope out with most horses, but we have found a few equine companions for occasional turnout. For now, Penelope is doing well. I have learned that these horses can live many comfortable years with the disorder – provided they aren’t ridden and are kept in a very safe environment.

From the HERDA document from Dr. Ann Rashmir showing an affected horse. Click on image for larger view.

So, what can you do? If you plan to buy a quarter horse, paint or appaloosa 4 years old or younger that has several crosses to Poco Bueno, it’s wise to get him/her tested. Require a HERDA test as part of a pre-purchase exam if the horse has Poco Bueno as far back as seven or eight generations.  Just looking at the pedigree on registration papers might not be adequate to determine if the horse is at risk.  The test only costs $40 (here is the link:  http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/horse.php).  And it stands to reason that you can’t produce a HERDA affected horse if you don’t breed two carriers.

For more information please contact Dr. Ann Rashmir at the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University G209 Veterinary Medical Center, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, Office (517) 355-1866.

A few quick facts:

HERDA/hyperelastosis cutis was first reported by Lerner and McCracken in 1978.  The DNA test at UC-Davis has been available for 4 years.

2% of all Quarter Horses are carriers of the HERDA gene. (August 1, 2010 issue of Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association)

AQHA has a ruling on HERDA currently up for review:

http://www.equinechronicle.com/riding-and-training/club-show-news/two-last-minute-aqha-rule-change-proposals-include-amending-chain-use-in-youth-and-amateur-halter-classes-and-adding-herda-to-genetic-defect-list.html

From the HERDA document from Dr. Ann Rashmir showing a severely affected horse. Click on image for larger view.

A few links on this rapidly emerging genetic disease:

http://www.americashorse.tv/health.html?video=4e922025-5abb-48fd-89c1-918335139ead

HERDA – A Devastating Defect By Heather Thomas from the Equine Chronicle EC May/June, 2004 http://www.equinechronicle.com/health/herda-a-devastating-defect.html

An ABC News video interview with Robin:   mms://entriq0lax2wm.fplive.net/entriq0lax2/kmgh/video/20101015155800_45101_001041p1001239p9.wmv

http://www.bringinglighttohypp.org/HERDA.html

I got this HERDA information from a colleague, Lisa Kemp, who is a multi-award winning writer and marketing consultant for the equine industry.  She blogs about equestrian business marketing at http://NoBizLikeHorseBiz.com.  She has included HorsesintheSouth.com in many of her articles, one of which was the award winning article about Gabrielle Boiselle that was a featured calendar promotion on my blog. We have more Gabrielle articles on my blog, too – she has her own category http://horsesinthesouth.com/blog/?cat=872. Lisa wrote a 3-part article for TheHorse.com for this HERDA issue.  You will need a login to TheHorse.com to read these articles (it’s free; you will just have to sign up).  Here is the first article:  http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17175

Extremist Horse Slaughter Group Encourages Horse Cruelty in Nevada

March 21, 2011 – Chicago (EWA) – United Horsemen (UH), a 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes horse slaughter, is taking its fight against the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to a new extreme. Not only does this group oppose every piece of legislation that benefits the welfare of horses but tries to garner support with bogus scare tactics.

The latest attack, made under the guise of a property rights issue, is against a proposed ban on “horse tripping” in Nevada. Horse tripping is a deadly and sadistic event which has found its way into the US from third world “Charro” rodeos and involves roping the legs of a running horse. The event commonly causes fatal injuries or permanent lameness to the animal.

“They are misleading the public with false information and trying to scare people into opposing the legislation. This is not an attack on rodeos or a first step to anything. It is a bill designed to end the cruel, dangerous treatment of horses as was the ban on horse soring,” stated Vicki Tobin of the Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA).

In its latest email to its supporters, UH provides a list of invalid talking points that are an insult to the public’s intelligence and a disservice to American rodeos. The group claims that the Charro Rodeo Association voluntary banned horse tripping in 1995 when in fact, they were forced to do so by a 1994 law, AB 49x – a law that was not spearheaded by the HSUS.

Continue reading Extremist Horse Slaughter Group Encourages Horse Cruelty in Nevada

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