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September 2008
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Michael Tang Creates Artwork For 2008 Capital Challenge Horse Show Poster: (September 15, 2008, Brookeville, MD) The 2008 Capital Challenge Horse Show is pleased to present this year’s poster featuring the artwork of artist Michael Tang. The latest in a collectable series by this noted artist, the image follows the tradition of beautiful watercolor paintings depicting a winning horse and rider from the previous year. This year’s edition features Peter Pletcher riding As Always - a nine-year-old Westphalen stallion owned by Becky Gochman. Since the Capital Challenge Horse Show started its yearly poster in 1995, the artwork of artist Michael Tang has made the posters a collectable series... The 2008 Capital Challenge commemorative poster will be available for sale during the show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The 2008 event will kick off on Saturday, September 27 and will run through Sunday, October 5. Admission and parking are free throughout the week. The schedule and results can be found on the Capital Challenge website: www.capitalchallenge.org. For more information on the Capital Challenge Horse Show call (301) 260-2467 prior to the show or (301) 952-7944 during the show.
- Marion duPont Equine Medical Center's horse ambulance provides important services at Virginia equine events:
LEESBURG, Va., Sept. 19, 2008 - They travel up to five hours one way to staff an event - and during the whole trip, they hope their services won't be needed when they get there.
The five-member ambulance crew from Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/emc/index.asp) and their well-equipped rig provide emergency care and transport services to horses that incur injuries in steeplechase and point-to-point events which take place throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Read the full story
- New Featured Classes at 2008 Capital Challenge Horse Show – New “Challenges” await both the hunter and jumper riders at this year’s Capital Challenge Horse Show. In keeping in the tradition of promoting the best in equestrian sport, the management is pleased to announce the addition of The $45,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Challenge and new a feature hunter class The $5,000 Emerging Pro Challenge.Manager Oliver Kennedy said of the Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper division revamp, “We have always had a great turn out of junior/amateur-owner riders from across North America, and by expanding this division it will give them an increased level of competition and one of the highest purses ever offered for the Junior/Amateurs.”
The division will consist of three phases. The first two $10,000 Table II, sec 1. classes will be held on Thursday and Friday afternoons in the Show Place Arena. The final phase will be held Saturday night. The $25,000 class will be held in a grand prix format (table II section 2a). The overall highpoint score of the three classes will be presented with the Ariat Congressional Cup. The $5000 Emerging Pro Challenge will give riders competing in the professional divisions (future hunter, green working, green conformation, regular working, regular conformation) the opportunity to showcase their ability.Kennedy went on to say, “It is hard for the top young professionals, or those who do not have the large string of horses or owners, to compete at the major national horse shows. This class is designed for these riders to be able to showcase their riding ability, and thanks to the King Family who has signed on to sponsor this new and innovative competition, who knows, maybe we will find the next great hunter rider.”To keep updated on the latest Capital Challenge Horse Show news please visit the official web site www.capitalchallenge.org Visit www.equestriansport.tv for live streaming video of this year’s show. For more information call (301) 260-2467.
- AETA Announces Election Results: The American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA) is pleased to announce the results of its recent election for the 2009 Board of Directors. Officers: President: Frances Bowers of Saddlers Row, Palatine, IL, Past President: Tom MacGuinness of Horseware Ireland, President-elect: Don Warren of Cabin Branch Tack Shop, So. Pines, NC, Vice President: Kerri Kent of Kerrits Equestrian Apparel, Hood River, OR, Treasurer: Cathy Sacher of Essex Classics, Fleetwood, PA; Directors: Mike Akers of Olson Mills Tack Shop, Bellevue, WA, Tony Coppola of The Tackeria, Inc., Wellington, FL, Ed James of SSG Riding Gloves, No. Boston, NY, John Nunn of Bit of Britain, Oxford, PA, Tammy Prince, Sales Agent, Newberry, FL, Marvin Wilker of Wilker Custom Horse Products, Franklin, TN
In January 2009, the new Board members will take the reins from AETA's founding Board. During the next few months, the newly elected Board will receive an orientation on issues of governance. To ensure a smooth transition and organizational continuity, the "founding" Board will continue in their roles through the end of 2008. Planning continues for the New Year and the next AETA International Trade Fair to be presented from January 31st to February 2, 2009, in Baltimore, MD. In the coming weeks, AETA will distribute details of the popular AETA Trade Fair programs: Golden Tickets for complementary accommodations at our host hotel, AETA Bucks providing discounts to member buyers, the Miss AETA and Best Stand competitions, and other new and exciting programs in the works. Members who would like to take part in planning and implementing these and other programs are encouraged to contact the AETA office. To join AETA, please visit http://aeta.us/member-ap.htm For information about the AETA International Trade Fair, please visit http://www.hopperexpos.com
- Thundering Hooves: Experience the thrill of Maryland steeplechase races on MPT this September - Owings Mills, MD; Breathe in the fresh spring air and experience the thrill of Maryland's time-honored steeplechase races this September as Maryland Public Television (MPT) airs the broadcast premiere of a new documentary on Maryland steeplechase racing. Thundering Hooves: Maryland Steeplechase Racing, premiering on MPT September 25 at 10 p.m., gives horse racing fans an all-access pass behind the excitement as cameras follow owners, trainers, jockeys and horses as they prepare for and participate in Maryland’s steeplechase races, held annually each spring, including the Maryland Hunt Cup, the most prestigious timber race in the world. For over a century, steeplechase racing in Maryland has been a vibrant and steadfast part of the state’s rich horseracing tradition. Though sometimes overlooked and underreported, Maryland steeplechase racing enjoys an international reputation. In fact, steeplechase racing communities across the globe recognize the state for its remarkable horses, celebrated trainers, tough jockeys and world-renowned races. Thundering Hooves: Maryland Steeplechase Racing brings the past alive, and forever documents the dynamics of the sport as they exist today. Thundering Hooves: Maryland Steeplechase Racing was produced by W. Drew Perkins with Rubicon Productions. Based in Sparks , Maryland , the award-winning Perkins has produced, directed and scripted productions for PBS, the Discovery Channel, the Learning Channel and History Channel. Rubicon Productions is a full-service production company handling projects from conception to completion, producing award-winning documentary films for broadcast and educational distribution. MPT will air an encore of Thundering Hooves: Maryland Steeplechase Racing October 19 at 10:30 p.m.If you would like high-resolution copies of the attached images, please contact Jessica Leshnoff at jleshnoff@mpt.org or 410-581-4293.For more information on MPT, visit mpt.org. For this and other press releases, visit the MPT pressroom.
- Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center names public relations coordinator: LEESBURG, Va., Aug. 22, 2008 - Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center has named Kate Lee as public relations coordinator. For the full story, visit their website.
August 2008
- Maryland Million, Maryland-bred Fund
stakes highlight Maryland’s fall racing season
Timonium, Md.—Registered Maryland-breds and Maryland Million eligible runners will compete for $2.23 million in stakes purses during the Laurel Park fall meet that begins on September 4.
The 23rd running of Maryland Million Day, on October 4 at Laurel Park, will consist of 12 races offering nearly $1.7 million in purses.
The Maryland-bred stakes program includes 11 races, each worth $50,000 and culminating in the Maryland Juvenile Championship (December 27) and Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship (December 20). Visit their website for more information.
- New $5000 Hunter Class To
Challenge Emerging Professional Riders: The management of the Capital Challenge Horse Show has once again introduced an innovative class to their competitive show. Held this year from September 27th to October 5th at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD, the prestigious event will feature an exciting new $5000 hunter class for emerging professionals. The $5000 Emerging Pro Challenge will give riders competing in the professional divisions (future hunter, green working, green conformation, regular working, regular conformation) the opportunity to showcase their ability. Seasoned professional riders who have won six (6) classes in a professional division at a major national level “AA” horse show are ineligible and will have to remain on the rail to cheer for the “rising” professionals who will step into the limelight. Manager Oliver Kennedy said, “There are a lot of riders who have great talent and start many of the top horses, but sell them before they get a chance to showcase their work at the major horse shows.”Kennedy went on to say, “It is hard for the top young professionals, or those who do not have the large string of horses or owners, to compete at the major national horse shows. This class is designed for these riders to be able to showcase their riding ability, and thanks to the King Family who has signed on to sponsor this new and innovative competition, who knows, maybe we will find the next great hunter rider.” Throughout its 15-year history, the Capital Challenge has supported hunter riders with generous prize money and rider and trainer-friendly scheduling. They continue to generate excitement around hunter classes unparalleled in the world of equestrian competition. The World Champion Hunter Rider Professional Challenge held each year on Friday night not only draws hundred of people to the stands, but has also enticed thousands of viewers to watch the class at home on streaming video provided by www.equestriansport.tv. For more information about the show or for the full specs on the $5000 Emerging Pro Challenge please visit the official web site www.capitalchallenge.org or call (301) 260-2467 prior to the show or (301) 952-7944 during the show.
- RHODE ISLAND BANS DOUBLE DECK TRAILERS FOR HORSES: On July 5, 2008 Rhode Island became the 6th* state to pass legislation banning double deck trailers to transport any horse no matter what its final destination. (NY, PA, MA, MD, VT all ban double deck trailers for horses. CT, MN, and VA regulate their use for all horses, and CA bans for transport to slaughter and AZ regulates their use for transport to slaughter. For more information visit http://www.equineprotectionnetwork.com
June 2008
- 6/30: Domestic Dispute filly stars at Yearling Show: A Domestic Dispute filly, Strike a Blow Lass, bred and owned by Barbara Smith’s Dragon’s Lair Farm of Lothian, Md., was named grand champion among the 73 horses exhibited at the Maryland Horse Breeders Association’s 74th annual Yearling Show on Sunday, June 29 at the Timonium Fairgrounds. Mike Trombetta, Maryland’s leading trainer in 2007 by percentage of winners, served as judge for the show. “We looked at a lot of nice horses,” commented Trombetta after the event. “I’d like to have any one of [the class winners] in my barn. The champion was hard to pick, but the [Domestic Dispute] filly stood out a little more. She’s a good-sized, strong filly.” Trombetta expressed confidence in his decisions: “If I had to go back and choose again, I’d select the same ones,” he said. Full Story
- 6/22: Capital Challenge Horse Show Expands Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Division - In keeping in the tradition of promoting the best in equestrian sport, the Capital Challenge Horse Show is pleased to announce the addition of an expanded $45,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper division. Celebrating its fifteenth year the 2008 Capital Challenge kicks off on September 27th and runs through October 5th in Upper Marlboro, MD. Manager Oliver Kennedy said of the expansion, “We have always had a great turn out of junior/amateur-owner riders from across North America, and by expanding this division it will give them an increased level of competition and one of the highest purses ever offered for the Junior/Amateurs.” The division will consist of three phases. The first two $10,000 Table II, sec 1. classes will be held on Thursday and Friday afternoons in the Show Place Arena. The final phase will be held Saturday night. The $25,000 class will be held in a grand prix format (table II section 2a). The overall highpoint score of the three classes will be presented with the Ariat Congressional Cup. Last year’s winner of the $50,000 Ariat Congressional Cup Grand Prix, Kent Farrington, said of the newly expanded division. “I think it’s great that there will be an expanded junior-amateur division with an interesting and challenging modified world cup format.” The new class will give the juniors and amateurs the opportunity to compete indoors over courses designed by world-renown Conrad Homfeld. Homfeld was a Team Gold and Individual Silver Medalist at the 1984 LA Olympics, as well as the team Gold and Individual Silver medalist at the 1986 World Championships in Aachen, Germany. Homfeld was also a two-time winner of the World Cup Finals and has designed the courses at two world cup finals. He was also just named course designer for the 2010 World Equestrian Games to be held in Lexington, Kentucky. Homfeld will also design the courses for the children’s/adult jumpers. The $10,000 Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper Challenge will take place on Thursday night in the Show Place Arena. To keep updated on the latest Capital Challenge Horse Show news please visit the official web site www.capitalchallenge.org To watch footage of last year’s show jumping action visit www.equestriansport.tv. For more information call (301) 260-2467.
- 6/19: Allie from CANTER Mid Atlantic is testifying TODAY (6/19) at the US House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee. The subject is “Breeding, Drugs, and Breakdowns: The State of Thoroughbred Horseracing and the Welfare of the Thoroughbred” http://energycommerce.house. gov/membios/ schedule. shtml
- 6/19: Animal Welfare Institute and National Black Farmers Association Launch “Project Wanted Horse” Partnership Disproves Slaughter Industry’s “Unwanted” Horse Theory Washington, D.C. – The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) today launched a national partnership to help American horses in need by finding them homes on farms operated by NBFA members. The announcement of the “Project Wanted Horse” partnership comes as the US Congress considers the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 311/ H.R. 503), working to disprove bill opponents’ arguments that the campaign to end horse slaughter has resulted in a glut of unwanted horses in the United States – and that slaughter is therefore necessary. “One of the horse slaughter industry’s main arguments is that there are no homes for these animals,” said Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for AWI. “The coming together of our national organizations sends a significant message that these horses are valued and wanted.” “Project Wanted Horse” will ensure that horses rescued by equine protection organizations, from the slaughter pipeline, or from an abusive situation are placed on farms operated by NBFA’s 94,000 members across the country. AWI will oversee the placement of horses with NBFA members. Each placed animal will be accompanied by a legally binding contract, ensuring quality lifetime care and that they will not be resold only to end up on the path to slaughter. While horse slaughter no longer occurs in the United States, in 2007, more than 100,000 American horses were exported to Canada and Mexico, where they were killed, processed and exported for human consumption in Europe and Asia. Each year, thousands of horses are purchased at auction by killer-buyers, stolen from farms and acquired illegally. Across the border, they are often slaughtered using barbaric practices that are illegal in the United States, such as shooting and stabbing. “Having seen the recent HBO ‘Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel’ segment on horse slaughtering, I had no choice but to act,” said Dr. John Boyd, NBFA founder and president. “Horse slaughter, in all circumstances, is a violent, brutal process. Horses play an important role in our members’ lives, not just because of their role on the farm, but because they are often part of our families. By joining with the Animal Welfare Institute, we hope to end the transportation and brutal killing of these animals for human consumption.” The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 311/ H.R. 503), pending in both chambers of Congress, would outlaw the transportation of horses either domestically or internationally for slaughter. The legislation is sponsored by Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and John Ensign (R-NV), as well as Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), John Spratt (D-SC), Nick Rahall (D-WV) and Ed Whitfield (R-KY). S.311 has 38 cosponsors in the Senate, including presidential contenders John McCain (R-AZ), and Barack Obama (D-IL), while H.R. 503 has 204 cosponsors in the House. Dr. Boyd will be in Washington, D.C. on June 18 and is available for media interviews. For scheduling, please call Chris Heyde at 703-836-4300 (office) or 202-423-8689 (cell).
- 6/19: NetPosse.com Idaho Alert - MO Stolen B&W APHA Mare IN FOAL- Pettis County - June 16, 2008
- 6/17: An Epidemic of Abandoned Horses The global food and fuel crisis is resulting in more than just people going hungry. Rising grain and gas prices, as well as the closure of American slaughterhouses, have contributed to a virtual stampede of horses being abandoned and turned loose into the deserts and plains of the West to die. Read more.
- 6/17: New Test Now Available for Horses in Md. As part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture's (MDA) ongoing work to expedite the identification and control of disease, the College Park Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is now able to perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for equine herpesvirus-1, the causal agent of a common horse disease often called "rhino." This capability includes the neuropathic strain of the virus which causes neurologic herpes (equine herpes myeloencephalopathy), a significant disease of horses in the US. The ability to detect EHV-1 neuro with PCR analysis will enable the industry and MDA to more quickly detect and more effectively respond to suspected and actual cases, reducing the adverse economic impact associated with actual and suspected outbreaks of this disease. Previously, samples collected in the field would be sent across the country for analysis using this same technique. The delay in receiving results meant that animals implicated in the disease investigation, but not infected would be restricted longer awaiting results. Reducing the turnaround time of the samples, significantly reduces the time between suspicion of disease and a determination that the virus is or is not present, allowing the response activities to more properly focus on the infected animals. MDA intends to make this available to equine veterinary practitioners soon and will also have that valuable asset available to assist in the management of suspected outbreaks of EHV myeloencephalitis. The goal is to provide same day results for swabs and blood submitted before noon most business days. PCR is now a common and often indispensable technique used in medical and biological research labs for a variety of applications.
- 6/16: Supreme Court of the United States Denies Appeal on Illinois Horse Slaughter Ban Washington, D.C. (June 16, 2008) – The repeated attempts by Illinois-based Cavel International, Inc. to continue slaughtering horses in the face of a state ban on the practice and the will of the people of Illinois were quashed for a final time today, when the Supreme Court of the United States denied the slaughterhouse’s petition for certiorari. On January 18, 2008, Cavel had appealed the earlier decision by the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which upheld the decision by the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to reaffirm the constitutionality of an Illinois law preventing the slaughter of horses for human consumption. “We are relieved and elated that the Supreme Court has decided this case does not warrant additional review,” said Tracy Silverman, general counsel for the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI). “We thank the Illinois attorney general’s office for its efforts arguing to uphold the state law preventing the slaughter of horses for human consumption.” The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503/S. 311), a federal bill to ban horse slaughter in the United States and the transport of horses abroad for the same purpose, is pending in the US Congress. Its enactment is now essential to ensure horses who would have been sent to Cavel are not exported for slaughter in Canada or Mexico. “While we don’t expect companies such as Cavel to stop trying to manipulate the legal and political systems, we hope other pro-horse slaughter organizations will now work with us to protect America’s horses from this cruel and predatory industry,” said Chris Heyde, AWI’s deputy director of government and legal affairs. “The American public has made clear its desire to close this industry down, and AWI is proud to be leading the charge to pass the urgently needed federal law to ban horse slaughter.”
- 6/9: The Center for Fine Art Photography is holding an open juried fine art photography show called All Things Horses. If you know photographers or horse lovers with cameras who would like to enter their work tell them to visit our website at www.c4fap.org. As an added bonus if you feel this might be tied into a fund raiser for your group you can contact me at bill@c4fap.org [mailto:bill@c4fap.org]for ideas and how we can help.
- 6/9: Debra Wiedmaier Clinic in June - Debra Wiedmaier is available to teach a clinic at Chesapeake Dressage Institute on June 14 & 15 or June 21 & 22, IF there is enough interest in our area. Please e-mail us and let us know if you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity by participating as a rider or an auditor. Also let us know which weekend(s) you are available. Rides will be $125 and auditors are welcome for a fee of just $15. Marketing@chesapeakedressage.com
- 6/9: Article: Police warning to horse owners after thefts
- 6/9: NetPosse.com Idaho Alert - CA - Stolen Buckskin AQHA Gelding - Shasta County - June 3, 2008
- 6/9: MOVIE STAR HORSE COMING TO MARYLAND MILLERSVILLE, MD - Precious Pet Cottage will be hosting a personal appearance by Author/Artist Ron Hevener this coming Saturday, June 7th at 3PM EST. Joining him will be Selket Louchiano, the Arabian Stallion who stars in the author's new documentary film based on his novel, "Fate of the Stallion." The novelist will talk about his new documentary film, "From The Pages Of A Novel" which will debut, worldwide, that very same evening, June 7th at 7 PM EST, on http://www.NickerNetwork.com On Sunday, June 15th, the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau in Lancaster, PA will be hosting various presentations in their newly renovated theatre throughout the day by Ron Hevener.