VIRGINIA HORSE INDUSTRY HAS $1.2 BILLION ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today a new study on the Virginia horse industry. A study prepared by the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center (WCC) for Public Service and funded by the Virginia Horse Industry Board found that the horse industry in Virginia has an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion. WCC’s Regional Economist Dr. Terance Rephann determined that the equine industry in the Commonwealth continues to expand and its economic impact continues to grow. “The equine industry’s influence is felt in all parts of the state,” said Dr. Rephann. “We see a very positive effect on jobs, recreation, tourism, retail sales and state and local taxation.”

He adds that the largest areas of economic impact continue to be in Northern Virginia with more than 1,600 horse-related jobs in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties. However, the largest employment impact in the state is in Rockbridge Country—the location of the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington. More than 1,330 jobs are industry related in Lexington and Buena Vista. “The horse industry in Virginia generates $65.3 million in state and local taxes,” he said, “with more than 50 percent of that representing state taxes.”

Additional key findings from the just-released equine survey include:

• The industry generated more than 16,000 jobs in 2010 in Virginia with the greatest effects in the agricultural and ag services sectors, and a lesser effect in the areas of trade and construction.
• Horse owners spend $873 million annually on horse-related expenses—including feed and bedding, boarding, training, tack, capital improvements and labor. These expenses average $4,060 per horse.
• Nearly 1,200 horse shows and events were held in Virginia in 2010—generating $25 million in revenue.
• Some 939,000 people attended Virginia horse shows and competitions last year. Out-of-state participants spent an average of $3,100 per event.
• Virginia ranks 12th in the nation for numbers of horses.
• According to the Census of Agriculture Statistics, while the number of farms in Virginia decreased between 1997-2007, the number of farms with horses actually increased from 10,972 to 13,520 during that same period—offsetting a more significant decline in farms in general.
• Virginia has an estimated 215,000 equines and some 41,000 equine operations.

Equine Rescue League 21st Anniversary Spring Open House May 7th & 8th

At Promise Kept Farm, Lovettsville, VA.

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Equine Rescue League marks a milestone this year – over 20 years of service to equines in need and the local community.

This year’s Spring Open House will be a reflection of all the Equine Rescue League has accomplished as well as a celebration of the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules who have come through the farm shelter.  Many magnificent creatures have passed through the League’s facility.  They have been physically and emotionally healed and have gone on to wonderful careers and loving homes. 

The Open House provides an opportunity not only to learn about the League’s rescue, rehabilitation and adoption programs, but to also meet a variety of breeds and horses of all ages that are available for adoption.  Each has their own moving and inspiring story of triumph.

Anyone with an interest in horses is welcome to the Open House.  Whether looking for a new equine addition to the family or not, all are invited to spend time with the horses, enjoy the beautiful Loudoun County countryside and participate in a weekend of fun and activities. 

Activities for the 21st Anniversary Spring Open House include a Parade of Horses, Games, Demonstrations, Used Tack sale, Yard Sale, Bake Sale and Raffles.  Funds raised are used to feed resident horses and provide each with necessary veterinary, farrier and dental care.

The Spring event will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 7th & 8th, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Promise Kept Farm in Lovettsville, VA.  Admission and parking are free.  To ensure a safe and fun weekend for all, the League asks that visitors not bring their pets to the farm shelter.

For more information, please call 540-822-4577 or e-mail the League at bubbasays2@aol.com.  The Equine Rescue League also maintains a website at www.equinerescueleague.org.

WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW WELCOMES BRIDGET LOVE MEEHAN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Washington, D.C., March 30, 2011--The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), the leading indoor championship horse show in the country, is pleased to announce Bridget Love Meehan as the new Executive Director. Meehan joins the executive leadership of WIHS - Juliet W. Reid, President; Greg W. Gingery, Chairman; and Anthony F. Hitchcock, Chief Operating Officer - as the show prepares for its 53rd annual event taking place October 25-30 at Verizon Center.

Meehan comes to WIHS from Discovery Communications, the world's number one nonfiction media company, where she served in a variety of senior roles since 2004. Most recently, as director of strategic planning and communications, she was responsible for the development and execution of marketing solutions and brand-building opportunities for the domestic distribution market. Prior to that, she was vice president and managing director at Hayes & Associates, specialists in Washington, D.C. event production and sponsorship management, where she designed and executed national marketing and public affairs campaigns for corporate and non-profit clients.  

EasyCare has Built the Easiest Hoof Boot in the World: The Easyboot Trail

EasyCare announced today the upcoming date of April 25, 2011for the launch of the Easyboot Trail hoof boot.

"EasyCare's horse boots are designed with an intricate understanding of what our customers need and want," said Brian Mueller, Director of Sales for EasyCare. "We've invested time and resources over the last 12 months to better understand what each of our market segments is looking for today. Our ongoing customer surveys and field testing with various styles of boot have led us to the launch of this new product."

This boot design will appeal to the broadest segment of EasyCare's customer base: those who enjoy the open trail and backcountry riding.

Information gathered by EasyCare has created a very clear appreciation of which design elements are a priority for current and future boot users. Initial key findings are as follows:

Characteristics of the Perfect Horse Hoof Boot

1. 91% of respondents: easy to apply.
2. 87% of respondents: excellent fit.
3. 64% of respondents: an aggressive entry-level price point.
4. 75% of respondents: stays on in challenging conditions.
5. 60% of respondents: ability to accommodate diverse hoof shapes and various trim cycles.

"The launch of this boot will help satisfy customers whose needs are not currently addressed with our current model line-up, said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare. "One of the most resonant messages we have received from trail riders is their desire for a boot that can be applied by young and old hands alike." We approached this new boot design with that as our first priority."

EasyCare will be revealing various elements of the boot design and characteristics as part of a month-long countdown to the product launch date. "Whether you and your horse ride the trail once a day or once a month, the dependability of this boot will make the move to boots even an more compelling option," said Kevin Myers, EasyCare's director of marketing. "It will also be sold at entry level pricing and adaptable to a broad range of hoof shapes and angles."

For more information and to watch the countdown in progress, go to http://easyboottrail.com.

For more information on horse hoof boots, please see the EasyCare website athttp://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com .

Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center surgeon earns board certification

Dr. James A. Brown, clinical assistant professor of surgery at Virginia Tech’s Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, recently passed the certifying examination given by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), and has earned board certification in this specialty.

Brown, who joined the faculty at the equine medical center last July, performs elective and emergency surgery, collaborates on research projects that take place in the center’s molecular research laboratory, and instructs residents and veterinary students.

“This is a significant achievement,” noted Dr. Nat White, Jean Ellen Shehan Professor and Director of the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center. “The ACVS examination is exceedingly rigorous, and in passing it, Dr. Brown has demonstrated that he has attained an exceptional level of knowledge and is among an elite group in the profession.

Kenny Harlow Riding Clinics April 1st - 6th

5 Day Responsive Riding Clinic at Oak Pointe Stables, Oxford, MI
Friday Evening: Come watch Kenny's exciting demo with his horse Dozer from 7:00pm-9:00pm!
Saturday - Sunday: Come watch first hand as Kenny works with Unbroke and Problem Horses from 9:00am-5:00pm!
If you have an Unbroke or Problem horse that you would like Kenny to work with call us today to sign up for this clinic!
Monday - Wednesday: 3 Day Responsive Riding Clinic:

Bring your horse, spend three days with it...you will be amazed at how your relationship will improve! Kenny has lots of new and easy exercises to improve communications and connection with your horse. He will tailor the clinic to meet the needs of the riders and horses. It's been a long, cold winter. Now is the time to get your horse tuned up for the spring riding! Spots are filling quickly, sign up today!

Secretariat Look-Alike Contest on March 27th

The Meadow Event Park is hosting a Secretariat Look-Alike Contest on Sunday March 27th, as part of Secretariat's Birthday Celebration!  This event will take place at The Meadow Event Park and let the Judges who knew "Big Red" decide.
Location:   The Meadow Event Park, Doswell, Virginia
Date:   Sunday, March 27, 2011
Time:  1:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
          3:00 p.m. - Secretariat Look-Alike Contest
Judges:   Penny Chenery, Kate Tweedy and the grooms who cared for young Secretariat
Cost:  $10 Entry Fee which benefits the Museum of the Virginia Horse and preservation of historic structures at The Meadow Event Park!
Prize:   $500 prize money to the winner (generously donated by Penny Chenery)
Entry Form:  Secretariat Look-Alike Contest Entry Form
Any questions, please contact Sue Mullins at (804) 994-2744 or e-mail smullins@statefairva.org   

Organize a "Trot For Life" Event and Help Fight Cancer

Join the fun-filled community event while riding your horse. Trot For Life is an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The event is fun filled, family-oriented and brings together those who have been affected by cancer. We are currently looking for barns, riding clubs or horse organization’s  to help us put on a Trot For Life in every community in Virginia.

Trot For Life is non competitive. It is a unique event that allows horse enthusiasts and riders to have fun together while raising money for the American Cancer Society. Teams or individuals walk or trot around an arena or field and then participate in fun creative laps. The event itself is very easy to do and only limited to your imagination. You will be assisted by a staff partner from the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society is helping people stay well, get well, by finding cures and fighting back. Trot For Life is a fun way to fight back.

If you are interested in hosting a Trot For Life event in your community, please contact Jennifer Hughes, ACS Staff Partner 804-527-3782 or email Jennifer.Hughes@cancer.org   For cancer information, please contact www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345 for 24 hour information. 

Morven Park schedule includes events for every discipline!

Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3, all-day event.
Spring Horse Trials
Entertain your family with the triathlon of horse sports. Horse trials are the most exacting and exciting of all equestrian sports, as riders compete in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
Competitors can enter the Horse Trial on-line at www.evententries.com
Free admission for spectators.

Saturday, April 16, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Morven Park Dressage Series Championship
Enjoy spring scenery at Morven Park and stop to watch beautiful horses flaunt their fanciest steps. Local and regional dressage riders compete, and the public is welcome at no charge to observe this graceful display of equine athleticism.
Free admission for spectators. More information at www.morvenpark.org
Morven Park – Equestrian Center | 41793 Tutt Lane | Leesburg, VA 20176

Sunday, April 17, 1 – 3 p.m.
Spring Flowers Trail Ride
Ride the wooded and pastured trails through Morven Park’s 1,000-acre site while learning about the native plants and their uses through the ages. This is a low-key ride, suitable for novice riders, but you must provide your own horse and hard riding hat.
$30/horse & rider. More information at www.morvenpark.org
Morven Park – Equestrian Center | 41793 Tutt Lane | Leesburg, VA 20176

Sunday, April 24, Noon - 6 p.m.
Fairfax Hunt Steeplechase Races
It’s a full day of fun featuring top jockeys and excellent horses. Post time for the first race is 1:30 p.m. Vendors’ row features food, jewelry, artisans, and more. Kids’ activities include a “moon bounce,” pony rides, and stick horse races.
General admission $15; under 12 free. More information at www.morvenpark.org
Morven Park – Equestrian Center | 41793 Tutt Lane | Leesburg, VA 20176
 

Don't Miss the April 2 Hunter Show at Union Ridge Equestrian Center

Mark your calendars for the 1st hunter show of the season at Union Ridge Equestrian Center on April 2, 2011. This show will kick off a series of Hunter and Jumper shows. Union Ridge is located in Centreville, VA on Bull Run Post Office Road.

Be sure to check out their website for more information: www.unionridgeequestriancenter.com. This year they are offering high point awards including a golf cart for the high point trainer, Custom Der-Dau Boots for the high point Adult Amateur and a Charles Owen Helmet to the high point Child Rider.

Virginia Appaloosa Horse Club Green Horse/Young Horse Groundwork Clinic

VaApHC will be hosting a Green Horse/Young Horse Groundwork Clinic on April 9th with John Sanford at his farm in Locust Dale, VA.   The clinic will run from about 9am - 5pm with a couple of breaks and lunch.  Drinks and snacks will be provided, but please bring your own lunch.  This is a wonderful opportunity to get our young or green horses out, around other horses and learning with the help and guidance of our own local natural horsemanship instructor.  John comes highly recommended from member Roxanna and Martha, who have used him for their young/green horses and he has done a great job.  John is the author of "Colt Starting" & "Beyond Green Broke."  Clinic cost for members will be $100/day/horse and "rider"; $25/day for auditor.  Non-members will be $110/day/horse & rider; $30/day for auditor.   

We will need a minimum of 6 "riders" to hold this clinic at this price, so please let Sharon know if you are interested in attending. To register or for more information, please contact Sharon Fiel, at dobermom11@msn.com or call 540-972-8568. For more information go to the Virginia Appaloosa Horse Club website at www.va4apps.com