Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Humane Groups Petition FDA to Block Companion, Working and Show Horses from Being Slaughtered for Human Consumption

www.frontrangeequinerescue.org/documents/humane-groups-petition-FDA-to-block-companion.pdf

Humane Groups Petition FDA to Block Companion, Working and
Show Horses from Being Slaughtered for Human Consumption

Meat From Horses Not Raised For Food Presents Public Health Hazard


(March 27, 2012)— Front Range Equine Rescue and The Humane Society of the United States
filed a legal petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent former companion,
working, competition and wild horses from being used as human food. The petition alleges that
the drugs given to these horses throughout their lives are banned by FDA and/or potentially
dangerous to humans. Using these horses for human consumption creates an unacceptable and
illegal public health threat under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

(click the link at the top for the rest of the article)

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Racehorses to the Slaughter - NYTimes.com

Racehorses to the Slaughter - NYTimes.com

Horses to the Slaughter
Published: March 26, 2012

Thoroughbred racing trades on bucolic imagery and glossy beauty, but a report in The Times on Sunday documented the real pillars of its success: the casual and continual mistreatment of vulnerable, overmedicated and ultimately disposable athletes. Reporters who analyzed tens of thousands of races and combed through reports of injuries and medical tests found a culture of rampant cheating and feeble regulation, where injured and fragile horses are forced to run while drugged, to the great peril of both animals and jockeys.

The main reason is drugs — the stimulants, steroids, pain medications, anti-inflammatories and other chemicals used to enhance performance and mask injuries. Veterinarians and racing officials acknowledge that abuses are rampant but grossly unpoliced because tracks and state racing commissions lack the will or money to crack down. Much illegal doping takes place on private farms where horses can’t be tested. No single governing body or federal regulations control the industry’s drug practices, and existing punishments are lax.

(for the rest of the article, please click the link at the top of the page)

Sunday, March 25, 2012

First Aid for Horses Seminars Set for April | The Pilot: Southern Pines, NC

First Aid for Horses Seminars Set for April | The Pilot: Southern Pines, NC


As of Saturday, March 24, 2012

The United States National Equestrian Tourism Organization, along with Carolina Equine Clinic, will hold three seminars on First Aid for Horses with topics targeting the trail horse but also for all riders who ride out for any reason.

“We are honored to have Carolina Equine Clinic be our co-sponsors for these fundraising seminars,” said USNETO president Mary Harcourt.

Seminars will be held on Tuesday evenings. Dates are April 3, 17 and 24 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Knightsbridge Farm on Lake Bay Road will be the location and is also a sponsor. The cost is $30 for all three nights or $15 per night. Those attending should bring their own chair for the seminars. Live demonstrations will also be presented so attendees will also move around the indoor arena as needed, according to a news release.

(for rest of article please click link at top of page)

Man held in macabre horse killing | Mail Online

Man held in macabre horse killing | Mail Online


Man, 28, arrested for severing horse's head in 'bizarre and senseless' killing and dumping it in associate's truck


By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 16:45 EST, 24 March 2012 | UPDATED: 16:45 EST, 24 March 2012



Arrested: Darrell Mowat, 28, allegedly dismembered a large horse

A man has been arrested for severing a horse's head in what police have described as a 'bizarre and senseless' killing.


Darrell Mowat, 28, allegedly dismembered a large horse and left the head in the rear of a pickup truck belonging to an associate.


However, police said the killing was more likely to be 'a gruesome and ill-conceived prank' rather than a true threat along the lines of the infamous horse's head scene in The Godfather movie.


It is believed the horse, a two-year-old Percheron large workhorse named Joe, would have endured much pain and suffering in the killing, reports the Niagara Falls Review.

Mowat of Niagara Falls, Canada has been charged with breaking, entering and killing cattle, willfully causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal.

Niagara Regional Police were called after the remains were spotted in the back of a truck in the Falls on Wednesday morning.

Staff Sgt. Michael Woods told the Review that their investigation led them to a farm in the rural south end of Niagara Falls on Thursday night, where they found the dismembered carcass of a horse.



The head belonged to a two-year-old Percheron large workhorse, similar to the one pictured, named Joe (file photo)

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2119876/Man-held-macabre-horse-killing.html#ixzz1q7F5U2h7

Death and Disarray at America’s Racetracks - NYTimes.com

Death and Disarray at America’s Racetracks - NYTimes.com


BREAKDOWN | DEATH AND DISARRAY AT AMERICA'S RACETRACKS
Mangled Horses, Maimed Jockeys

The new economics of horse racing are making an always-dangerous game even more so, as lax oversight puts animal and rider at risk.



Jakob Schiller for The New York Times

A 2-year-old quarter horse named Teller All Gone broke a front leg in a race on Sept. 3 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track in New Mexico and was euthanized. His body was then dumped in a junkyard next to an old toilet at Ruidoso, a short walk from where he had been sold at auction the previous year.

By WALT BOGDANICH, JOE DRAPE, DARA L. MILES and GRIFFIN PALMER
Published: March 24, 2012

RUIDOSO, N.M. — At 2:11 p.m., as two ambulances waited with motors running, 10 horses burst from the starting gate at Ruidoso Downs Race Track 6,900 feet up in New Mexico’s Sacramento Mountains.

Nineteen seconds later, under a brilliant blue sky, a national champion jockey named Jacky Martin lay sprawled in the furrowed dirt just past the finish line, paralyzed, his neck broken in three places. On the ground next to him, his frightened horse, leg broken and chest heaving, was minutes away from being euthanized on the track.

For finishing fourth on this early September day last year, Jacky Martin got about $60 and possibly a lifetime tethered to a respirator.

The next day, it nearly happened again. At virtually the same spot, another horse broke a front leg, pitching his rider headfirst into the ground. The jockey escaped serious injury, but not the 2-year-old horse, Teller All Gone. He was euthanized, and then dumped near an old toilet in a junkyard a short walk from where he had been sold at auction the previous year.
(for rest of article please click link at top of page)

SUMMERVILLE | Horses rescued; SC man charged with animal abuse | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC

SUMMERVILLE | Horses rescued; SC man charged with animal abuse | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC

By BRENDA RINDGE - brindge@postandcourier.com

SUMMERVILLE --

A Summerville man was charged Thursday with animal abuse after Berkeley County Animal Control found on his property four underweight horses -- one of which had serious burns.

Berkeley County Animal Control charged Dwight Benjamin McCloud of Old Dairy Road with three counts of failure to provide care or treatment for a diseased or injured animal; three counts of failure to provide humane treatment to animals; and one count of failure to provide adequate food and water.

Penalties for each charge include a fine of up to $1,092.50 or up to 30 days in jail.

Tyrone Walker - Anna Hendrix, with the Livestock and Equine Awareness and Rescue Network, is helping to care for a 3-year-old stallion that is recovering from chemical burns and malnutrition.

Authorities said the horses were malnourished, underweight and had other health problems.

Elizabeth Steed, founder of the LEARN horse rescue program, took in two of the horses when they were discovered last week. She specializes in rehabilitation of starvation cases.

Steed praised Berkeley County Animal Control for its response.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/03/09/3806582/horses-rescued-sc-man-charged.html#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy

Summit of the Live Horse Press Release | We Don't Eat Our Horses – Slaughter is NOT Euthanasia.

Summit of the Live Horse Press Release | We Don't Eat Our Horses – Slaughter is NOT Euthanasia.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

For Immediate Release: March 22, 2012

Contact: Simone Netherlands, Director of Respect4Horses, (928) 925-7212

Horse Welfare Conference to Counter Horse Slaughter Conference

Is Horse Slaughter Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?

Oklahoma City, OK. (R4H) – Equine advocates from across the nation will participate in a press conference and live webcast, the Summit of the Live Horse, aired from Oklahoma City on 04/03/2012 to address the explosive issues surrounding Horse Slaughter and Wild Horses and Burros.

The Summit of the Live Horse Press Conference
Holiday Inn, Will Rogers Airport
4401 SW 15th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
12 – 1PM CDT
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

(for rest of story please click the link at the top of the page)

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Bread may feed my body,

Bread may feed my body, but my horse feeds my soul. 




No hour of life is wasted........


No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle. 
~Winston Churchill 



TEMECULA: Abandoned horse has new home | Breaking News | PE.com - Press-Enterprise

TEMECULA: Abandoned horse has new home | Breaking News | PE.com - Press-Enterprise




CONTRIBUTED IMAGE
Villa Chardonnay, an equine rescue near Temecula, has taken in a horse named Little Blackie. He was tied to a fence for days near Apple Valley, in the high desert area of San Bernardino County.

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT

Published: 23 March 2012 05:38 PM

Villa Chardonnay, an equine rescue and sanctuary, has a new resident. Little Blackie, a 30-year-old standard bred horse, was found tied to a fence near Apple Valley.

Little Blackie need dental care, has arthritis and a heart condition and is undernourished. Horses with such issues have little no chance of being adopted and should not be ridden. Now he has the opportunity to live a peaceful life at Villa Chardonnay.

The poor economy has had a devastating effect on the horses in our country for the past several years. Stories like Little Blackie’s are common.

The reasons for abandonment are many; job loss, farm foreclosure, illness and the rising price of hay. Monthly feed costs, which are higher in Southern California, can run to about $150-$200 per horse. Many times older horses like Little Blackie have a higher rate of abandonment because they require more expensive feed for seniors.

(click link at top for rest of story)

Reports of injured, emaciated horse lead to investigation by Duval County Sheriff's Office » Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Reports of injured, emaciated horse lead to investigation by Duval County Sheriff's Office » Corpus Christi Caller-Times

By Steven Alford
Posted March 24, 2012 at 2:09 a.m.



Contributed photo Duval County Sheriff's officials are investigating reports of an emaciated, injured horse on a ranch near Concepción.


Contributed photo Pictures of a horse on a Duval County ranch show sores on its body. A sheriff's office investigator said the horse was bitten by a younger horse to establish dominance over female horses that are in heat.

Duval County Sheriff's officials are investigating a ranch near Concepción after complaints about an emaciated, injured horse.

Pictures taken over several months from passers-by show sores on the horse's body and a thin frame, with the horse's ribs poking into its skin.

Sgt. Alan Gonzalez said he paid a visit Wednesday to the ranch off County Road 239 and said it appears the older horse has been attacked by a younger one.

"The female horses are in heat right now and the male horses have been fighting for rights to them," he said.

(click link at top of page for rest of article)

Keep Your Horse Safe during Severe Weather - HorseChannel.com

Keep Your Horse Safe during Severe Weather - HorseChannel.com

Know the best ways to prevent equine injury during thunderstorms, rain and heavy wind.
From the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
March 24, 2012



Severe weather can be a troubling event, especially when there are animals whose welfare and comfort is of concern as well. Small pets can usually take cover with their owners, but what precautions can an owner take for larger animals such as horses?

"The first step in protecting your horses and other livestock from severe weather is to realize what the severe weather risks are in your area," says Dr. Brandon Dominguez, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) & Biomedical Sciences and member of the CVM Veterinary Emergency Team. "For many areas, springtime brings threats of severe thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes."

(for the rest of the article please click the link at the top of the page)

Decapitation of horse `defies explanation,' police say

Decapitation of horse `defies explanation,' police say

BY DOUGLAS QUAN, POSTMEDIA NEWS MARCH 23, 2012

The bizarre killing and mutilation of a horse, its head severed and dumped outside a home in Ontario, ``defies explanation,'' a police official said Friday.

After initially characterizing the incident in a news release as an apparent ``gruesome and ill-conceived prank,'' police later qualified the statement to say they were treating the incident as a ``serious criminal offence.''

On Wednesday morning, Niagara Regional Police officers were called to a home where the severed horse's head had been discarded in plain sight in the bed of a pick-up truck parked in the driveway.

The next day, detectives were led to a farm in rural Niagara Falls where they found the rest of the two-year-old horse.

(click link at the top of the page for the rest of the article)

Horse riding anyone?

Horse riding anyone?

Silvia Radan
24 March 2012

Here’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Head to the stables, get on a horse and ride along the beach and watch the sun go down

A rare, dustless sky was sleeping over the island. On this warm beautiful day, Sir Bani Yas was as motionless as a meditating monk.



“It is the quite before the storm,” somebody remembered the saying, not knowing probably that in just over 24 hours, it was to become true.

It was not for this island’s landscapes that we have come here for, though. It was for its newly opened stables, the latest tourist attraction that allows adults and children, beginners and experience riders, to enjoy one of Arabia’s most prized heritage: the equestrian sport.


(for the rest of the article, please click the link at the top of the page)

New Haven for Horses in Washington Plans Grand Opening Event - Life - The Litchfield County Times

New Haven for Horses in Washington Plans Grand Opening Event - Life - The Litchfield County Times

Published: Thursday, March 22, 2012
By Jack Coraggio





Washington Equestrian Center manager Nikka Therrien with Yardie. Photos by Laurie Gabordi.

WASHINGTON—There’s something strangely intimate about a horse farm with only eight horses, even one that is75 acres in size. On a temperate Thursday afternoon recently, it was impossible not to feel a natural calming effect when visiting one local farm.

At the pastoral Washington Equestrian Center, majestic creatures rested comfortably in their individual stalls, and there was little noise or whinnying and no sign of intimidation. With a notably friendly and content disposition, the equine residents welcomed the opportunity to eat a horse snack offered from the palm of a perfect stranger.

(for the rest of the story, please click the link at the top of the page)

Horses for Handicapped hosts Special Olympics equestrian competition - Tampa Bay Times

Horses for Handicapped hosts Special Olympics equestrian competition - Tampa Bay Times

By Theodora Aggeles, Times Correspondent
In Print: Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Horse handler Darla Walker of Saddle Up Riding Club leads Sir Dar, ridden by Chris Evans of Clearwater, in Saturday’s Special Olympics Florida Area 6 Equestrian Competition at Kiwanis Horses for Handicapped in Seminole.

[Courtesy of Butch Aggeles]

SEMINOLE — Mary Urquhart was at the barn before sunrise. Getting up early to feed the horses is nothing unusual for the 80-year-old, but Saturday was special.

Twenty-three disabled athletes were due by 8:30 for the Special Olympics Florida Area 6 Equestrian Competition.

As the event got under way, sunlight filtered through the pines, lighting athletes' faces as they stepped or were helped into the saddle.


(for rest of article please click link at the top of the page)

Cavalia: Equine and Equestrian Extravaganza With the Flash and Spectacle of a Circus - Florissant, MO Patch

Cavalia: Equine and Equestrian Extravaganza With the Flash and Spectacle of a Circus - Florissant, MO Patch

The show, featuring stunt riders, acrobats and aerialists, runs through April 8 under the Big Top in downtown St. Louis.

By Doug Kaufman
March 23, 2012



Cavalia is packed with stunning images. Credit: Doug Kaufman

Cavalia, the equine and equestrian extravaganza being performed in St. Louis through April 8, combines all the flash and spectacle of a circus with the serenity and beauty of a walk in the woods.

The show, called “A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse,” explores humankind’s longstanding relationship with horses.

Cavalia features 37 highly skilled riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians and 49 magnificent horses. During the course of two hours, the horses gambol, trot and gallop across the expansive 160-foot-wide stage, sometimes free to wander, occasionally guided by a trainer through a series of balletic movements, but usually carrying riders executing fantastic, eye-popping stunts.

(for rest of article please click link at the top of the page)

The Horse | Complicated Equine Skin Diseases

The Horse | Complicated Equine Skin Diseases

by: Erica Larson, News Editor
March 23 2012, Article # 19733

"The practice of equine dermatology is usually straightforward with clinical examination and diagnostic testing; it is a rare occasion for an equine skin condition to be considered an actual emergency," began Ann Rashmir-Raven, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, associate professor in the department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University. However, complicated and emergent equine skin disorders do exist. During a presentation at the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., Rashmir-Raven reviewed complicated, catastrophic, and reportable skin diseases.

(for the rest of the article, please click the link at the top)

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The horse that died of a broken heart: Lavender passes away from mysterious illness day before owner died of leukaemia | Mail Online

The horse that died of a broken heart: Lavender passes away from mysterious illness day before owner died of leukaemia | Mail Online

The horse that died of a broken heart: Lavender passes away from mysterious illness day before owner died of leukaemia


By DANIEL MILLER
PUBLISHED: 08:09 EST, 21 March 2012 | UPDATED: 08:14 EST, 21 March 2012

A loyal horse died of a 'broken heart' just a day before its young owner tragically passed away from leukaemia.

Emma Smith, 23, of Minster, Kent, died on January 20 almost a year to the day she was diagnosed with the condition.

Her beloved horse Lavender died a day earlier from a rare form of colic, despite having never been ill in her life.


Bond: Emma Smith, 23, lost her year-long battle with leukaemia just a day after her beloved horse Lavender passed away from a rare form of colic

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2118176/The-horse-died-broken-heart-Lavender-passes-away-mysterious-illness-day-owner-died-leukaemia.html#ixzz1pmCHmM3i

Monday, March 19, 2012

Horse racing drama 'Luck' proved too real for HBO | horse, racing, hbo - Horse Racing Capsules - Brownsville Herald

Horse racing drama 'Luck' proved too real for HBO | horse, racing, hbo - Horse Racing Capsules - Brownsville Herald

March 18, 2012 10:53 PM
By LYNN ELBER, The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Horse racing has long withstood the deaths of its skittish, injury-prone thoroughbreds. Hollywood proved it lacks the stomach for it.

HBO abruptly cancelled its racetrack drama series "Luck" this past week after three horses used in the production were injured and euthanized during 10 months of filming in the last two years.

The abrupt fall of "Luck," which will end its single-season run on March 25, reveals the chasm between the racing and entertainment industries.

At the track, a horse puts its life on the line so gamblers can stake $2 or more to win, place or show, with the industry and fans accepting the danger to animals and jockeys as a harsh part of the bargain.

(click link at top of page to view the rest of the article)

Thursday, March 15, 2012

National Animal Supplement Council Brings "War Horse" Trainer to Annual Conference - MarketWatch

National Animal Supplement Council Brings "War Horse" Trainer to Annual Conference - MarketWatch

March 14, 2012, 2:33 p.m. EDT

VALLEY CENTER, CA, Mar 14, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Due to the world-wide success of Stephen Spielberg's Oscar-nominated film, "War Horse," the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is excited to announce Hollywood horse trainer, Bill Lawrence, as keynote speaker for its annual conference.

Lawrence, who has worked for more than 20 years in the movie industry training liberty horses and other animals for major motion pictures such as, "John Carter," "Evan Almighty," "The Young Black Stallion," and "The Legend of Zorro," was selected as one of the lead trainers in the movie, "War Horse," training liberty horses alongside actors, including Jeremy Irvine.

"Bill's behind-the-scenes stories are intriguing, captivating and really tell a deeper story of the companion animals our members serve and are so passionate about," says Bill Bookout, president of NASC, the nonprofit industry trade association that works on behalf of concerned and committed providers of animal health supplements, supply chain partners and state, federal and international government officials to create a regulatory environment that is fair, reasonable, responsible and nationally consistent to protect and enhance the integrity of animal health products.

(for rest of article click link at the top of the page)

The Horse | Tornado-Tossed Horse Under Kentucky Veterinarian's Care

The Horse | Tornado-Tossed Horse Under Kentucky Veterinarian's Care

by: Pat Raia
March 14 2012, Article # 19738

A 6-year-old Kentucky Mountain Horse gelding is enjoying lots of attention since being swept up from his pasture and deposited into his owners' home by a tornado that swept through West Liberty, Ky., earlier this month.

On March 2 more than 40 confirmed tornadoes tore through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. The storms packed winds as high as 180 mph, knocking out utilities and flattening homes and barns. David Fugate, DVM, of the West Liberty Vet Clinic, said the town of West Liberty was among the hardest hit by the storm.

But the day proved extremely lucky for one West Liberty horse. Fugate said that during the storm, EF3 tornado-force winds ripped the roof off the horse's owners' home. Fugate said the horse--now named Twister--was then lifted out of his pasture and dropped into the house.

"They said they were walking down the hall and found the horse in the kitchen," Fugate said.

(for rest of article please click link at the top)

SPCA hosting letter writing party to support boy's fight to save horses - Fosters

SPCA hosting letter writing party to support boy's fight to save horses - Fosters

By LAURENNE RAMSDEL

Wednesday, March 14, 2012


STRATHAM — Those looking to aid a 9-year-old boy's campaign to end the inhumane treatment of horses can do so by attending a letter-writing party at the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Sunday afternoon.

After having been exposed to the methods used throughout the United States to slaughter horses, Declan Gregg has focused his energy on voicing his concern in order to make a difference.

With the help of his mother, Stacie Gregg, Declan has been providing readers through a blog with links to various equine related websites, information about legislation related to the meat packaging industry, pictures and video clips about horses. The blog,www.children4horses.blogspot.com, has been viewed thousands of times by readers in nearly two dozen different countries throughout the world.

The 9-year-old Greenland boy's efforts to publicize the inhumane nature in which horses are being killed went beyond blogging when he testified before a packed house at the state capital in Concord. Declan testified before members of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee about House Bill 1446, which was proposed to be amended in order to include a sentence that excludes horse meat from inspection, processing and sales.

(for rest of article, please click link at the top of the page)

Santa Anita to have baby shower for Zenyatta – USATODAY.com

Santa Anita to have baby shower for Zenyatta – USATODAY.com

The Associated Press
Updated 3h 57m ago



Bill Luster, The (Louisville) Courier-Journal

Zenyatta, pictured in November 2010, gave birth to a colt sired by 2006 Preakness winner Bernardini.
Enlarge


Bill Luster, The (Louisville) Courier-Journal

Zenyatta, pictured in November 2010, gave birth to a colt sired by 2006 Preakness winner Bernardini.

Santa Anita is celebrating the birth of Zenyatta's colt with an equine baby shower on Saturday.

The track will give away "It's a Boy" posters free with all paid admissions and Team Zenyatta will have an autograph session before the races begin.

The superstar mare, who won 19 of 20 career races before retiring in November 2010, gave birth to a colt for the first time last Thursday in Kentucky, where she lives at Lane's End Farm.

(for rest of article click link at top of page)

If you go: Public equestrian trails around and near the Oklahoma City metro area | NewsOK.com

If you go: Public equestrian trails around and near the Oklahoma City metro area | NewsOK.com


Have a horse? In the Oklahoma City metro area, an outdoor horseback ride is a short trailer ride away.

Published: March 15, 2012 0

Equestrian trails
Arcadia Lake, Edmond



Competitive trail rider Kris Hapgood at her home in Edmond, Monday, February 6, 2012. Photo by David McDaniel, The Oklahoman

NEWSOK RELATED ARTICLES

Edmond woman and her horse ride trail to success
03/15/2012 Kris Hapgood and her horse Buddy are staples in the trail riding circuit, and now they both have the prizes to prove it.

The six-mile trail meanders around the lake's west side. The parking lot is in the middle of the trail, so riders can roam in any direction. The cost to ride the trail is $4 a day per person, or trail annual passes are available at the park office. Trailer parking is available. For maps or more information, go to www.arcadialakeok.com or call 216-7470.

Lexington Wildlife Management Area, Lexington

(click link at top to read rest of artilce)

Rockland Township woman uses equine inspiration to enrich yoga instruction

Rockland Township woman uses equine inspiration to enrich yoga instruction

Originally Published: 3/15/2012 Share

By Courtney H. Diener-Stokes
Reading Eagle correspondent



Courtesy of Courtney H. Diener Stokes
Mary Beth Klopp teaches one of her yoga classes at Dance Dynamics in Ruscombmanor Township, which she has three times a week.
Finding one's center is an important tenet of yoga. And sometimes you never know what might prove to be inspirational on that transcendent journey.

Mary Beth Klopp, 53, of Rockland Township has been a yoga instructor for 16 years. She has an unlikely source in her life that has enriched her yoga practice and instruction: her horse named Alo.

"He's my teacher right now," she said of the thoroughbred she found at the rescue farm Another Chance 4 Horses in North Heidelberg Township in 2009. "He's just deepening what I do in yoga, and I just bring it back in the class with me."

Before she was even aware of the impact Alo would have on her life, she gave him a name that is very suited given his role.

(please click link at top of page for rest of article)

Accidents happen, but why? - New York Horse Racing Blog - ESPN New York

Accidents happen, but why? - New York Horse Racing Blog - ESPN New York

By Bob Ehalt

In a winter filled with the glow of unprecedented purses and unusually mild weather, it’s sad to report that an ominous van rather than a horse has emerged as the lasting image of New York’s 2012 winter racing season.

The haunting specter of the white horse van that removes injured or deceased race horses from the track has been seen of late at Aqueduct with seemingly the same frequency as Sam the Bugler.

Since Nov. 30 there have been 15 fatal breakdowns in races over Aqueduct’s inner track, a figure which is reportedly 50 percent higher than in the past two inner track meets.

Numerous other times, like twice on Sunday, horses with minor or at least non-life threatening injuries have been led into the van and driven to their barn or a veterinary hospital for treatment.

Yonkers may have its talking spokesperson horse, but NYRA has now its van, which has become such a ubiquitous part of a day at the races in the era of real-time, digital coverage of the sport that one can only wonder how long it will be before its driver, or perhaps even the van itself, starts a Twitter account.

In response to a situation that’s spiraling downward at a frightening pace, NYRA’s vice president and director of racing, P.J. Campo, vice president of facilities and racing surfaces, Glen Kozak, and the circuit’s leading jockey, Ramon Dominguez, met with the media on Thursday to declare the racing surface safe.
(click link at top of page for rest of article)

NDP - Atamanenko hopes Ottawa Billboard will shine light on horse slaughter

NDP - Atamanenko hopes Ottawa Billboard will shine light on horse slaughter

Billboard will shine light on horse slaughter


Alex Atamanenko, MP for BC Southern Interior, is applauding the new anti-horse slaughter billboard that has been erected in Ottawa by the US based Angel Acres and supported by the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition.

“I am hoping that the billboard’s powerful message will bring much needed public attention to an industry that, for a long list of reasons, should not exist.”

Atamanenko has championed this cause with his private members bill C-322 (Slaughter of Horses for Human Consumption). Thousands of people have petitioned the government in support of this bill in the hopes of ending what is regarded as a predatory and inhumane industry.

“If other companion animals, such as dogs and cats, were to suffer the inhumane deaths endured by horses in Canadian slaughterhouses, the country would call for an immediate end to the practice,” said Sinikka Crosland, Executive Director of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition.

According to Atamanenko all kinds of horses, raised for every other purpose other than the food supply, are being bought up by kill-buyers at auctions across Canada and the United States. They are then transported to Canadian slaughterhouses so their meat can be sold to European and domestic markets for human consumption.

(or rest of article, please click link at top of page)

‘Ecosanctuary’ Plans for Wild Horses Add Tourism to the Mix - NYTimes.com

‘Ecosanctuary’ Plans for Wild Horses Add Tourism to the Mix - NYTimes.com


Matthew Staver for The New York Times

The potential wild horse sanctuary is intended to be at least partly self-sufficient, through tourist visits.
By KIRK JOHNSON
Published: March 14, 2012

CENTENNIAL, Wyo. — This was prime horse country once, in the old Western working way of bridles, bits and sweat. Leather tack from those days still hangs, cracked and preserved in the arid dust, on the wall of the 1906 vintage hay loft at the Wilson place.

Matthew Staver for The New York Times

Jana and Rich Wilson, who once raised cattle on their 4,700-acre Deerwood Ranch, outside Centennial, Wyo., hope to be approved by the Bureau of Land Management for a pilot project to shelter a herd of 250 wild horses.

Little other evidence is left, though. Horsepower on the ranch went under the hood and was called four-wheel drive. Horsehair rifle sights, once supplied to the United States Army from the Centennial Valley here in southeastern Wyoming, were supplanted by newer technologies. Horses became gentle, recreational and costly to keep.

Now the rougher version is about to return.

(for the rest of the article, click the link at the top of the page)

Mountain Grove, Mo., rejects plant to slaughter horses for meat - KansasCity.com

Mountain Grove, Mo., rejects plant to slaughter horses for meat - KansasCity.com


Mountain Grove, Mo., rejects plant to slaughter horses for meat
Backers of the plan are reportedly still looking for a site in southwest Missouri.

BY DONALD BRADLEY
The Kansas City Star

No horse slaughter plant for Mountain Grove, Mo.

That’s fine with folks there. In a public meeting last week, they shouted down the plan for an operation that would kill up to 400 horses a day with the meat — roasts, briskets and steaks for human consumption — going to Europe and elsewhere. Another meeting was held Monday.

On Tuesday, Unified Equine, run by a Wyoming state legislator named Sue Wallis, and Chevideco, a Belgian company, announced they would look elsewhere.

The message from Mountain Grove?

“Go home!” attorney Cynthia MacPherson, who led the city’s attack, told The Star on Tuesday. “If we have a horse problem we’ll solve it ourselves. We don’t need her (Wallis) and a Belgium company coming in here.”

Wallis could not be reached for comment. But she told a Springfield TV station that the backers remained committed to finding a location in southwest Missouri.

(for the rest of the article click the link at the top of the page)


HBO drama Luck axed after deaths of horses | Reuters

HBO drama Luck axed after deaths of horses | Reuters


LOS ANGELES | Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:23pm EDT

(Reuters) - The critically-acclaimed horse-racing drama series "Luck" was canceled on Wednesday after the deaths of three horses, TV network HBO and producers said.

"It is with heartbreak that executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann together with HBO have decided to cease all future production on the series 'Luck'," HBO said in a statement.

"While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won't in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision," HBO added.

(for rest or article please click link at the top)

Sunday, March 4, 2012

5 Horses Dead, Others Saved After Tornado - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

5 Horses Dead, Others Saved After Tornado - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

5 Horses Dead, Others Saved After Tornado
Posted: Mar 03, 2012 8:44 PM ESTUpdated: Mar 03, 2012 9:59 PM EST




by: Aundrea Cline-Thomas


COOKEVILLE, Tenn.- The National Weather service has confirmed an EF 2 tornado, with winds up to a 125 miles per hour, tore through Jackson County Friday. Along Dodson Branch Highway some of the most unlikely volunteers pitched in hoping to save horses trapped inside of a barn.

It wasn't until Saturday morning that Willene Ogle could make it to what was left of her barn.

"I'm just in a daze or something you know," she explained.

(for rest of article, click link at top of page)

Jones died in horse riding stable

Jones died in horse riding stable

Jones died in horse riding stable




Posted: 03/03/2012
(MC/WNWCZM/MT)


THE MONKEES star DAVY JONES spent his final moments with his beloved horses inside his riding stables.

The British-born I'm a Believer hitmaker died suddenly of a heart attack at his Florida home on Wednesday (29Feb12), aged 66.

Early reports suggested Jones passed away peacefully in his sleep, however the singer's representative, Helen Kensick, has now spoken out to set the record straight.



Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/entertainment/celebrity/Jones-died-in-horse-riding-stable_85124194#ixzz1o8jUhd4C

Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Local News: Top trainer accused of soring horses (03/02/12)

Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Local News: Top trainer accused of soring horses (03/02/12)

Top trainer accused of soring horses
Friday, March 2, 2012

By BRIAN MOSELY ~ bmosely@t-g.com




Prominent walking horse trainer Jackie McConnell is known in recent years for showing Moody Star to numerous top ribbons, including world championships in 2005 and 2006. He was arrested and charged yesterday with allegedly soring Moody Star and other horses and showing under a proxy trainer after his license was suspended in 2006.

A prominent Walking Horse trainer and three others were arrested Thursday and charged in a 52-count federal indictment with violations of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).

Jackie L. McConnell, 60, Jeff Dockery, 54, John Mays, 50, all from Collierville, and Joseph R. Abernathy, 30, of Olive Branch, Miss., were charged with conspiracy to violate the protection act by transporting and showing horses they knew to be "sored" and also falsifying entry forms and paperwork.

The indictments were unsealed on Thursday and filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District at Winchester.

McConnell was under a five-year suspension from showing horses by the USDA due to prior violations of the HPA. The suspension ended on Oct. 31, 2011.

McConnell and Dockery face 47 counts each, while Abernathy faces 10 counts and May only one charge. If convicted, the four face a maximum term of three years in prison for each felony count and up to one year in prison for each misdemeanor.

McConnell was arrested at his barn in Collierville near Memphis Thursday morning. Jackie is the brother of three-time World Grand Champion trainer and Walking Horse Trainer of the Year Jimmy McConnell.

(click link at top of page to read rest of article)

Grandin: Humane practices essential for horse slaughtering plant | Springfield News-Leader | News-Leader.com

Grandin: Humane practices essential for horse slaughtering plant | Springfield News-Leader | News-Leader.com

Grandin: Humane practices essential for horse slaughtering plant
Livestock expert says she has no ties to proposed Mountain Grove facility




Livestock science expert Temple Grandin talks about a possible horse slaughtering plant east of Mountain Grove which will produce horse meat for human consumption. / Nathan Papes / News-Leader



Written by
Wes Johnson

Renowned livestock expert Temple Grandin says she supports the development of humane horse slaughtering facilities in the United States.

But during an interview last week in Springfield, Grandin was surprised to learn she had been listed as a designer for a Unified Equine, LLC, horse slaughtering facility near Mountain Grove.

“I had nothing to do with landing that site,” said Grandin, who was in Springfield to speak at a conference on livestock grazing. “I didn’t even know the name of that site until just now.”

(click link at top of page for rest of story)

_______________________________________________________________
This article really disturbs me.  Already the lying has begun.  We all know there is NO HUMANE WAY TOO SLAUGHTER HORSES.  Our own USDA inspector have been quoted as saying it, inspectors FROM HORSE SLAUGHTER FACILITIES.  People who live in the places where they want to build plants need to check this out:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xjQ59Zr1A70  or check it out near the top of my blog in the left column  FDEF

Voluntary recall of horse feed | news10.net

Voluntary recall of horse feed | news10.net


Voluntary recall of horse feed
5:49 PM, Mar 3, 2012




According to the FDA, Western Feed, LLC is voluntarily recalling two lots (M718430 and M720280) of Kountry Buffet 14% feed because it may contain monensin sodium (Rumensin).

The feed is packaged in 50 lb. bags bearing the Payback logo with the attached tag identifying the product as Kountry Buffet 14%.

Monensin sodium is a medication approved for use in some livestock and poultry species, but can be fatal to horses if fed at sufficiently high levels.

The lot number (M718430 and M720280) can be found towards the bottom of the tag, below the Feeding Directions.

(click link at top of page for rest of article)

Horse Rescue - Why We Do What We Do



Such a beautifully done video. Rescue people are a special breed and I thank the gods for each and every one of them. One of the things I hate the most about my poor health is my inability to do any helping in the way they do. So I do this. I spread the word. I give money when I can, and I pray every day and thank the gods for these wonderful people that do what they do. Bless them.

Ginny, FDEF

Saturday, March 3, 2012

HSUS Video - Channels - Horses - Race to the Death

HSUS Video - Channels - Horses - Race to the Death

A video posted by the Human Society of the United States (click link above to view) about the suicide horse race in Omak, Washington. Stupid humans at it again. This stuff just incites me. Our equine friends TRUST US. They will go where we ask them to because that bond is strong, and they have to have tremendous trust to follow us over non dangerous terrain. What these idiot riders ask of their horses is insane. I have zero pity for any "stupid humans" injured in the making of this video. Thankfully, according to one of the vets on hand there were no equine fatalities this year. This is another horse "sport" that needs to go away.

Ginny, FDEF

Police seek man in investigation of equine kidnappings, slaughter

Police seek man in investigation of equine kidnappings, slaughter

Police seek man in investigation of equine kidnappings, slaughter
By: Jim Williamson - Texarkana Gazette




A man with a criminal history of cattle theft remains a person of interest in the death of a Columbia County horse.

Law enforcement officers are looking for William Webster Hamilton, who also goes by the names Billy Hamilton and Billy Mitchell. The 40-year-old is describe...

(click link at the top of the page to read the rest of the article)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Texas Mayor Paula Bacon Kicks Some Horse Slaughter Tail - Forbes

Texas Mayor Paula Bacon Kicks Some Horse Slaughter Tail - Forbes

Texas Mayor Paula Bacon Kicks Some Horse Slaughter Tail


Every small-town mayor is bedeviled by something. For Paula Bacon of Kaufman, Texas, it was Dallas Crown, which slaughtered horses next door to her friend Mary Nash’s 40-acre farm off Highway 175.

Dallas Crown was shuttered during Bacon’s last term in office after a 20-year legal battle over environmental violations that constantly overwhelmed the city’s wastewater plant with horse blood and discharge. But news that horse slaughter plants may be returning to the U.S in 2012 has Bacon speaking out about what one horse slaughter plant with 46 non-unionized employees can do to a small town of 6,700 hard-working people.

(click link at top for rest of article)