STATE FAIR OF VIRGINIA SCHEDULING EQUINE EVENTS FOR 2012 FAIR

The State Fair of Virginia is back and will hold the annual event September 28 through October 7, 2012. The Fair is reinstating equine events at its facility in Doswell, Virginia, in Caroline County, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encourages horse owners to participate.

Due to the bankruptcy of the former State Fair, many agricultural groups and livestock shows made other plans for their shows and exhibitions this year. But the fair is back in business under the ownership of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and Universal Fairs LLC, and they are ready to welcome horses and their owners to the track in Doswell. Given the historic association between the park, formerly known as Meadow Farm, and Triple Crown winner Secretariat, a full slate of equine events is a priority at the new State Fair of Virginia.

Horse owners interested in competing in the fair or in holding events should contact statefairhorses@statefairva.org. An online registration form is available at http://www.statefairva.org . Interested parties should contact the fair or fill out the online form by Aug. 9, 2012, to assist in creating a complete schedule of equine events.

Amelia Springs Fall Trail Ride Sept. 21-23, 2012

Amelia Springs Fall Trail Ride Sept. 21-23

Located at 7720 Mount Zion Rd. Jetersville, VA. 23083

Our trails offer a variety of terrain including creek, pasture, woods and gravel roads.  Trails are self guided on private Hunt Club property. Trails will be marked Short and Long rides.

Gates open at 10:00 A.M. Friday for Camping. Early arrivals welcome on Thursday after 3:00 P.M. It is a primitive site in an open field. There is no electric. There is water, showers and horse wash at the barn.

Current Negative Coggins required and will be checked at the gate.

Friday night we will have all you can eat Steak Dinner for $10. (under six free)

On Saturday there will be a Continental Breakfast before the Ride and then a hot lunch on the Trail. There is dinner Saturday night as well as other activities such as a Cornhole tournament, Music, and a Camp Fire at the Barn.

There will be a Continental Breakfast Sunday morning and a Gospel group in the dining hall.

The Cost is $50 for Adults and $30 for Youth (11 - 16) for the entire weekend, which includes Camping. Children 10 and under are free!

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Boy Scouts of America.

No Refunds

Click HERE  for a registration form.

The Ride begins at 10:00 A.M. Saturday morning. There is an unorganized ride on Sunday.

Photographs are also available.

No Stallions, Please

There are water hydrants throughout the field. Farrier on site and Veterinarian available.

Dogs are welcome on leash at campsites, but please, NO DOGS ON TRAILS!

You may ride out Friday after 12:00 Noon.

For More information go to :http://ameliaspringstrailride.com/ :
No mailers will be sent out. Register by using the on-line form: http://ameliaspringstrailride.com/registration.html or call Wanda Walker at 804-561-6633 or 804-513-1319

You will also need to fill out a release waiver to be mailed in with your registration form: http://ameliaspringstrailride.com/waiver.html

Horses in Service Fundraiser Trail Ride Nov. 17

Horses In Service 
TRAIL RIDE FUNDRAISER at MILLSTONE FARM
10600 Cosby Mill Rd. Quinton, VA 23141
November 10th, 2012
Rain Date: November 17th
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Pre-registration by Nov. 8
Cost: Lunch only = $10, Pre-registered Riders = $30, At the gate = $40

Pre‐Registration By Nov. 8th

MUST WEAR HELMETS!!

Download H.I.S. and Grubbs waivers from H.I.S. website before arrival at:

www.horsesinservice.org

Complete and email / mail both waivers, copy of current coggins and “WANTED”

information from flyer (for each rider) to:

Horses In Service

Natural Therapeutic Riding Center

6301 Hines Rd. Henrico, VA 23231

mcheynew@wildblue.net

Make checks payable to H.I.S.

**Pre‐Registered riders can mail check

or pay $30 at the gate**
www.horsesinservice.org

Ringside Dining Returns to Washington International at Verizon Center

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce the return of the Fidelity Investments® Club, a VIP dining platform in Verizon Center that gives spectators a spectacular vantage point to watch the top horses and riders in the country. The Washington International Horse Show, now in its 54th year, will be held October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

Modeled after VIP seating at major European horse shows, the Fidelity Investments Club offers a first-hand view of horses and their riders as they compete over technical jumping courses and challenging heights. The exclusive dining area garnered rave reviews in its opening year, and WIHS is proud to offer it again in 2012.

"We are pleased to welcome Fidelity Investments back to the WIHS as title sponsor of our most exclusive VIP dining facility," said Bridget Love Meehan, WIHS Executive Director. "The Fidelity Investments Club was a big success last year and we're thrilled to be able to offer our sponsors and special guests such a fantastic place to network, entertain guests and experience the show once again."

The custom-built and beautifully decorated dining area is conveniently located directly off of the West end of Verizon Center's main concourse near the in-gate. The platform consists of 16 tables of eight seats and is open for evening performances Tuesday through Saturday. The dinner buffet offers a gourmet menu and full bar service, and is the perfect place to socialize and watch equestrian sport at its finest.

"Fidelity Investments is pleased to support the Washington International Horse Show again this year and we look forward to another successful event in October," said Steven Niehoff, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Fidelity Investments.

In addition to the Fidelity Investments Club, WIHS will once again host sponsors and supporters in the popular Acela Club, located on the skybox level overlooking the arena, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Acela Club tables seat four and include buffet dinner and open bar; individual tickets are also available. Acela Club is home to nightly social events, including Friday's Armed Forces Reception and Saturday's President's Cup Party.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, to make a Fidelity Investments Club or Acela Club table reservation or to purchase individual Acela Club tickets, contact Bridget Love Meehan, Executive Director, at 202-525-3679 or info@wihs.org.

For more information on the Washington International Horse Show, please visit www.wihs.org.

Undergraduate engineering students work with horses during a summer research internship

The rolling pastures, lazy fences, cool shelters, and big barns make up the picturesque home for dozens of horses at the Middleburg Agriculture and Research Extension Center http://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/middleburg/index.html

While the spot is the perfect haven for students and faculty in the animal science field, it’s also become the retreat of choice for one undergraduate engineering student.

Stefanie Pagano of Oakton, Va., a senior majoring in biological systems engineering in the College of Engineering (http://www.eng.vt.edu/) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (http://www.cals.vt.edu/), is spending her summer living at the center as part of an immersive internship and summer research project through the Scieneering program (http://www.undergraduate.vt.edu/Scieneering/), which focuses on blending the fields of science, engineering, and law.

The 420-acre farm is an internationally recognized sporthorse breeding facility, with two faculty members who live on-site with graduate and undergraduate students throughout the year. It houses two stallions, dozens of mares, and the foals they produce.

Pagano is one of six undergraduates taking part in the center’s summer internship. All of the other students are animal and poultry science majors, but Pagano is still in her element, even as the only engineer. “I grew up around horses. I love horses. I want horses in my life,” said Pagano. “How can I intermix the two worlds – engineering and horses? I would love to look at how racehorses coming out of the starting gate, how that force effects their joints. I've read the force is similar to if a person put all of his weight on his middle finger. I would love to look at the biomechanics of that.”

The center’s summer internship doesn’t just give undergraduates an opportunity for research. The students stay busy with the care of the horses and the upkeep of the farm. “On a daily basis, we wake up and feed the horses. The mares get an ultrasound to see what day they are on their reproductive cycle to determine when to breed them. We also do foal handling in the afternoons,” said Pagano. “Many people think horse life is glamorous, but it is actually a lot of grunt work, too – moving manure, repairing fences, and other maintenance issues to make sure these girls can live the best life possible and produce the best babies too.”

Even as an undergraduate, Pagano and the other interns are actively involved in the medical and scientific procedures at the center – from the birth of foals to assisting in ultrasounds, muscle and uterine biopsies, and glucose testing. Pagano will use the muscle biopsy samples for her summer research project evaluating the impact of resveratrol – a plant compound found in red wine – on the horses’ microRNA. The data collection is not complete yet and will need to be analyzed. “What I hope to find is that the resveratrol either up regulates or down regulates the microRNAs that are involved in the metabolic functions of the body. I don’t expect resveratrol to reverse obesity, but potentially it could be a weight loss supplement to improve glucose tolerance, absorption of insulin, and the overall metabolism of the horse.”

Pagano credits the Scieneering program with helping her figure out what to do with her life – a tough question for many college students to answer. “The Scieneering program has been great at exposing me to a lot of different things, people, and situations. I think it has really set my future path – seeing what I can do in the horse world with biomedical engineering. I’m doing research well outside of the engineering field but one day, I’ll be able to bring them back together.”

While Pagano is getting a lot out of the program, the program is getting a lot out of her as well. “Our students should be knowledgeable and capable horsemen, of course, but ultimately we want to develop them as critical, creative thinkers able to work together to solve complex problems and make science a bigger part of their daily lives,” said Rebecca Splan, associate professor and residential faculty member at the center. Splan is also Pagano’s research mentor. “Stefanie has added a new element to our team with her engineering background but passion for horses. We are lucky to have her.”

Pagano will present her research findings on her microRNA study at the Joint SURF and Scieneering Summer Research Symposium on Aug. 3, 2012, at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skeleton Conference Center. The public is invited to attend the event. More than 100 undergraduate students will present their summer research projects.

Forum on Veterinary radiographic reports at public auction

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital will host an educational forum on July 18 at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion, Saratoga Springs, New York.  An expert veterinary panel will present radiographic images of joints and endoscopic videos of throats in sales yearlings.

The panel, moderated by Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, will discuss different types of radiographic and throat abnormalities and their impact on sale and racing with and without surgery. The panel will also review the recent changes in the conditions of sale regarding Veterinary Radiographic Reports at public auction and answer questions from the audience.

Serving as the panel of experts are Larry Bramlage DVM, Dipl. ACVS, Scott Pierce DVM and Debbie Spike-Pierce DVM.  Dr. Bramlage is an orthopedic surgeon at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Bramlage is a member of the Jockey Club and is known as an expert in Thoroughbred racing circles having served as the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ media spokesperson for the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup broadcasts for 19 years. Drs. Scott Pierce and Debbie Spike-Pierce are also based at Rood & Riddle in Lexington but are present at major Thoroughbred auctions throughout the year providing veterinary services for consignors and buyers.

"With the new changes to the conditions of sale guaranteeing accuracy of veterinary repository reports, this is the perfect time to familiarize breeders, consignors and buyers with real examples of X-ray lesions and scope findings and share with them our thoughts on their significance,” said Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, a New York based Rood & Riddle equine practitioner.

The event is sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Association, New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund, Fasig-Tipton, and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. A welcome reception with light hors d’oeuvres will begin at 6:00pm for early arrivals with the panel discussion from 7:00-8:30pm. RSVP is not required for attendance but requested to assist plans for adequate seating and refreshments. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by July 13 to rreh@roodandriddle.com or by phone to (859) 233-0371.

Rescue Partnership Gives Horses a Second Chance

With the recent economic challenges, horses have been one of the silent victims of the downturn. All across the country, horse owners are voluntarily surrendering their animals, putting a huge burden on rescue organizations. But out of this crisis, some organizations have partnered with veterinary clinics and become a safe haven for these animals.

The relationship between The Oaks Veterinary Clinic in Smithfield, Va., and the Diamonds in the Rough Rescue is one of these bright examples.

Founded in 1966 as a mixed practice, The Oaks grew over the years and in 2004 evolved into a full- service large-animal practice with a strong focus on horses. Since then, they have seen a definite increase in the number of horses being surrendered or taken due to financial difficulties.

“We saw these cases on the rise, and a longtime client of ours started doing rescues out of her existing boarding facilities and asked us to help her out, which we were happy to do,” says Dr. Cathy Lombardi, DVM, who has been with The Oaks since 2004. “In 2010, she transitioned to a non-for-profit rescue, Diamonds in the Rough, due to the sheer volume of horses that were being surrendered.”

Two years later, Diamonds in the Rough takes in as many as 20 horses a month, and Dr. Lombardi has a standing Tuesday appointment to deal with the new horses and the existing ones in the program.

“Diamonds in the Rough has a program built around the four R’s — Rescue, Restore, Retrain and Rehome — and we are pleased that we can be part of that program,” Dr. Lombardi says. “We work primarily with the Rescue and Restore portions of the program to determine the rescues’ medical needs and to get them in adoption shape.”

July 29 Old Dominion Gaited Horse Assoc. Trail Ride

The Old Dominion Gaited Horse Association is organizing a group trail ride for Sunday, July 29th, 2012, at Sky Meadows State Park, in Delaplane, VA. Bring your gaited horse of any breed, any tack preference, and enjoy a beautiful ride in the rolling foothills of Virginia!

When? Sunday, July 29th. No rain date, check http://www.odgha.net/ for weather updates.

Time? Meet up at 9am. Be ready to ride at 9:30am, for approximately 2 hours. Bring your own lunch and folding chairs if you'd like to chat and lunch together afterwards around the trailer area.

Fee? There is a vehicle fee of $4, horse trailer fee of $3, plus $2 per additional horse. So if you are pulling a 2 horse trailer with 2 horses, your fee for the day would be $9.

Where? Sky Meadows is on Rte 17, in Delaplane. Take US Rte 50 to 17 South; or take I-66, Exit 23, then go 7 miles North on Rte 17. The bridle trails are on the opposite side of the road from the main park entrance, so watch for Bridle Trail signs. Meet up at the Paddock parking. More details on this location at this link:
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/sky.shtml

Difficulty? Easy, no major challenges. Walk and gait at varying speeds, as footing permits. There are 6 miles of trails, two different loops. The terrain is gently rolling hills, forest and open meadows.

Details? Riders are required to bring a negative Coggins report and sign our release of liability form. Horses that are very green should wear a green ribbon in their tail. Biters and kickers should wear a red ribbon on their tail to warn other riders to stay back. Loose dogs are not allowed, so please leave your dogs at home.
Friends with trotting horses are welcome to join.

Please RSVP to Elizabeth@elimarfarm.com   by July 25th.

Come on out, pack a lunch, make some new friends & enjoy a smooth, pleasure ride!

Bedford County Hunter Pace August 11

Bedford County Hunt Summer Hunter Pace
4148 Hurricane Drive Goode, VA 
Saturday, August 11, 2012 

Enjoy wooded trails and natural jumps in beautiful Bedford County, Virginia.
First Team out – 9 a.m. and last team out – 11 a.m.

Divisions: Full Cry, Hilltoppers and Trail Riders 
Ribbons awarded to first 6 places in each division!
Dress: Informal/Helmets required
Entry Fee (includes light snack): Adult- $35 Under 18 - $30 Bedford County Hunt Members - $30 Virginia State Law requires a negative Coggins

Directions to 4148 Hurricane Drive From Bedford: 122N past Liberty High School (6.4 miles from school) to right on Hurricane Drive (Rt 639). Go 3.1 miles to left at green mailbox #4148. From Lynchburg: 221S to Goode Post Office. Turn right on Goode Station Road. At stop sign, turn left on Cifax Road. At next stop sign, turn left on Old Cifax Road and immediately right on Otterville. Go 5.3 miles to 122N. Turn right and go 1.8 miles to right on Hurricane Drive (Rt 639). Go 3.1 miles to left at green mailbox #4148.
Please note all trailer access is from 122/Hurricane Drive end. You cannot access 4148 Hurricane from Otterville with trailers.

Contact: Libby Ragland at 434-610-8968 or libbyragland@gmail.com