Steve Meadows Wins Living The Mission Award

Steve Meadows, president of the Virginia Quarter Horse Association, was given the Living The Mission award at the 2012 All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio. 

The award, presented to Meadows during the Equine Chronicle Masters classes on October 27, is given to equestrian trainers who exhibit “character, integrity, and stewardship in their life and business practices.” The Southern Belle Futurity bestows the annual award, which showcases trainers who advocate for all aspects of the equestrian community at the local, state, and national level. 

Meadows is a full-time trainer, judges AQHA and NSBA shows, is a member of the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Council, and represents the American Quarter Horse on the Virginia Horse Council.

Congratulations to Steve!

Washington International Horse Show Welcomes Washington Area Chevrolet Dealers as Its Newest Sponsor

The 2012 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the country's top shows, welcomes its newest sponsor, the Washington Area Chevrolet Dealers (WACD). The WACD is a presenting sponsor of the WIHS Winner's Circle, where top awards presentations will take place throughout the week, including the presentation to the winner of the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix.

We are thrilled to welcome Washington Area Chevy Dealers to the Washington International Horse Show,” said WIHS Executive Director Bridget Love Meehan. “They are a great addition to our sponsor line-up and bring an important local distinction to our event.”

"The Washington International Horse Show offers the highest caliber competition just like Chevrolet offers the highest caliber automotive line-up in the industry," said Karen Radley, owner of Radley Chevrolet. "We are excited to bring some more 'horsepower' to this fantastic annual event."

Now in its 54th year, WIHS will take place October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C.

WACD also supports WIHS's ongoing efforts to connect with area children and the local community. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free to all daytime performances before 5 p.m. courtesy of the WACD. WIHS Kids' Day (Saturday, October 27, from 10am-2pm) and performances on Sunday, October 28 will both be featured as the “Washington Area Chevrolet Dealers Family Days at Washington International Horse Show.”

In addition to the sponsorship of the WIHS Winner’s Circle and children’s admission, WACD will showcase a special Chevrolet vehicle during Saturday evening's exhibitions just prior to the President’s Cup Grand Prix.

Many of the nation’s best horses and riders in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines will be competing. Nationally, WIHS is rated “AA,” the highest possible, by U.S. Equestrian Federation. On the international level, it has a three-star (CSI 3*-W) rating from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). The ‘W’ indicates the show is one of a select few in the U.S. offering a prestigious World Cup Qualifier, the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix.

The $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix will be featured on Saturday, October 27. Other highlights include the $25,000 Puissance (high-jump competition) on Friday, October 26. For the country’s top junior riders, the WIHS Equitation Finals will be held on Saturday, October 27. There will also be exciting equestrian exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities such as Breakfast with the Mounted Police and Kids’ Day. The show is regularly attended by an elite audience of leaders from Washington’s government, social, business and diplomatic communities, and thousands of spectators who fill Verizon Center sports arena for six days and nights of exciting equestrian competition. 

Visit www.wihs.org/tickets/ for more information on purchasing tickets to this year’s event.

FIRST HORSE IN 2012 TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

~ Horse had not been vaccinated for disease ~

                The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) today announced 2012’s first positive case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a horse. The horse, a nine-year-old Morgan gelding, was from Loudoun County. It had not been vaccinated for WNV for at least three years. The onset of symptoms was September 11. The horse was euthanized and necropsied at VDACS’s animal health laboratory in Warrenton on September 13.

Dr. Joe Garvin, head of VDACS’ Office of Laboratory Services, urges horse owners to check with their veterinarians about vaccinating their animals for WNV. “WNV is a mosquito-borne disease,” he said, “and we generally start seeing our first cases in August and September. The disease is preventable by vaccination, as is Eastern Equine Encephalitis, so many veterinarians recommend vaccination at least yearly, and in mosquito-prone areas, every six months.” He adds that mosquito season in Virginia can run through November.

The WNV vaccine for equines initially requires two doses administered three to six weeks apart. The vaccine takes four to six weeks from the second dose for optimal effectiveness. Horse owners should consult with their veterinarians to choose a re-vaccination schedule to protect their horses effectively. Prevention methods besides vaccination include destroying standing water breeding sites for mosquitoes, use of insect repellents and removing animals from mosquito-infested areas during peak biting times, usually dusk to dawn.

               Mosquitoes can transmit the virus from bird to bird. Occasionally a mosquito that has bitten an infected bird will then bite a human, horse or other mammal and transmit the virus to them. Transmission between horses and humans is extremely unlikely. Continuous, effective mosquito control can minimize the risk of exposure of both horses and humans to mosquito-borne diseases.

                Currently, no drugs exist to treat WNV specifically in horses or humans. The mortality rate in equines is about 30 percent. Treatment for an infected horse consists of supportive therapy to prevent the animal from injuring itself throughout the two to three weeks of the disease. A veterinarian can prescribe treatment tailored to the particular case.

                Animal owners should consult their veterinarians if an animal exhibits any neurological symptoms such as a stumbling gait, going down, facial paralysis, drooping or disinterest in their surroundings. Currently, there are live-animal tests for WNV in horses and chickens, but none for other animals, although testing can be done on any dead animal. Animal owners should consult their veterinarians or the nearest VDACS Regional Animal Health Laboratory for advice or information should an animal exhibit symptoms of WNV. The location and phone number of each lab is available at vdacs.virginia.gov/about/directory-ais.shtml <http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/about/directory-ais.shtml> .


The following websites provide more information on WNV and how to protect humans and horses:
Horses:
vdacs.virginia.gov/animals/wnv.html <http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals/wnv.html>
aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/wnv/ <http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/wnv/>
Humans:
vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/factsheets/westnilevirus.htm <http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/factsheets/westnilevirus.htm>
 

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.

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.”

Adventures in AGsploration offered this summer

The University of Maryland Extension AGsploration action team is excited to announce that they will be offering six “Adventures in AGsploration” programs this summer throughout Maryland.  Each will be a one-day educational program for youth who have completed 5th through 8th grade by the end of the school year.  Participants will have the opportunity to learn about agriculture by engaging in fun, hands-on science-related activities, network with people involved in the Agricultural Industry, tour and visit local agriculture operations, and learn about potential education and career opportunities based in agro-science and science, technology, engineering and mathematic skills (STEM) fields, all while having fun and making new friends!

2012 Dates and Locations include:

•Tuesday, June 19th- Baltimore County Extension Office, Cockeysville, MD

•Thursday, June 21st- Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park, Centreville, MD

•Tuesday, June 26th- Washington County Extension Office, Boonsboro, MD

•Tuesday, July 24th- Thendara 4-H Camp Center, Hurlock, MD (Dorchester County)

•Thursday, July 26th- Montgomery County Extension Office, Derwood, MD

•Thursday, August 2nd- Maryland 4-H Center, College Park, MD (Prince George’s County)

The focus of the program is to enhance youth’s STEM abilities through interactive lessons that focus on one of Maryland’s top industries, Agriculture.

Registration cost is only $15 for each participant and is limited to the first 50 youth at each site. The deadline for registration is June 1, 2012.  The AGsploraiton program includes lunch, snacks, transportation to field trips, t-shirt and educational programming.

Registration materials are available online at: www.maryland4h.org <http://www.maryland4h.org>

For additional information, please contact:  April Hall Barczewski by phone at 410-996-5280 or 410-996-8134 or by e-mail at adhall@umd.edu

Equitrekking Nominated for Daytime Emmy for the Fourth Year In a Row

PBS Travel TV Series Nominated for Outstanding Photography

Washington, DC- May 9, 2012 –Equitrekking, the Emmy Award-winning PBS travel TV series, has been honored with a Daytime Emmy nomination in the 39th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Single Camera Photography. This is the fourth consecutive year that Equitrekking has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy.

Equitrekking is nominated alongside The Electric Company on PBS and Giada at Home on The Food Network. This is Equitrekking’s fifth Daytime Emmy nomination. Equitrekking won an Emmy for Outstanding Single Camera Photography in 2009. The series was also honored with a nomination for Outstanding Special Class Series in 2009 and 2010 and for Outstanding Writing in 2011. Awards will be presented at a gala in Los Angeles on June 17th.

“This is a testament to the staying power and popularity of the Equitrekking series,” said Darley Newman, the series host, producer and creator, who has been nominated for three Daytime Emmys. “We recently filmed our 35th episode in Botswana, Africa and have grown what many considered to be a niche concept into a globally watched educational series enjoyed by families around the world.”
The Equitrekking TV show follows Darley as she travels the world with local people to get an in-depth, eco-friendly look at a destination’s natural surroundings, culture and history. The tight-knit Equitrekking crew travels to dramatic and beautiful destinations, often riding horses to get to areas that aren’t normally showcased by the media. Young entrepreneurs Darley and Chip Ward, the series executive producer, have built the Emmy-winning Equitrekking series from the ground up, using their complementary skill sets and passions to creatively produce and promote each episode through online video and the popular www.equitrekking.com website.

“Our team and especially Greg Barna, Equitrekking’s director of photography, has regular adventures that are more than challenging to film, like a recent elephant charge in Botswana, traveling and camping in remote areas without electricity and battling the elements at high elevations,” said Chip. “We are honored to receive this continued recognition for our hard work and the quality of our work.”
In addition to its North American broadcasts, Equitrekking is now seen on international networks in over 65 countries including the Japan, France, Italy, Russia, and Turkey.

The 39th annual Daytime Emmy Awards is a presentation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in cooperation with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. To see a list of this year’s nominees, visit http://emmyonline.tv/mediacenter/daytime_39th_nominations.html.  For more information on the Equitrekking series, including photos and behind the scenes videos, visit http://www.equitrekking.com/press/.

About Equitrekking
Equitrekking is the Emmy Award-winning lifestyle television series that takes viewers on global travel and horseback riding adventures to experience culture, cuisine, history and adventure. Hosted by travel expert and producer Darley Newman, Equitrekking broadcasts in high definition on PBS in North America and on international networks in over 65 countries. The show’s companion website Equitrekking.com <http://Equitrekking.com/> features everything visitors need to research and plan their travels, including video clips, expert tips, travel articles and the Equitrekking.com Vacation Guide, a searchable guide to dude ranches, cattle drives and riding holidays.

In September 2009, Equitrekking won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Single Camera Photography and was twice nominated for Outstanding Special Class Series, alongside the popular MTV series True Life and Made. In 2011, Equitrekking’s Darley Newman and Chip Ward were nominated for a Daytime Emmy for writing Equitrekking, up against The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and their team of 31 Comedy Central Writers. Equitrekking has twice been awarded First Place for Best Travel Broadcast in the North American Travel Journalist Awards Competition. Equitrekking’s companion book Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback, published by Chronicle Books and written by Darley Newman, received the Merit Award for Best Travel Book 2008 from the North American Travel Journalist Association. The series has also received two Telly Awards for Photography and in the Travel & Tourism category.

In addition to Equitrekking, Darley is a columnist for Practical Horseman, DiscoverHorses.com and speaks frequently at events. Darley and Equitrekking have been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Ralph Lauren magazine, USA Today, New York Times, Budget Travel, Hollywood Reporter and the book How’d You Score That Gig, a look at the coolest careers for twenty and thirty-something’s, published by Ballantine Books/Random House. Darley is also the founder of Equitrekking Travel at www.EquitrekkingTravel.com , featuring exceptional equestrian vacations led by many of the local guides seen on the Equitrekking TV show. Visit http://www.equitrekking.com

Goose Creek Association Honors Bill and Jeri Jackson

Katherine Strother, 2012-2013 Chair of the Goose Creek Association Board of Directors, presented the 2012 Golden Goose Award to Bill and Jeri Jackson, owners of Tri-County Feeds, Etc. (TCFE) located in Marshall, Virginia.  The Golden Goose Award is given for going above and beyond to promote conservation and preservation.  For the past six years it has been presented annually to deserving recipients in Fauquier and Loudoun counties.  

Bill Jackson accepted the award on behalf of the Jacksons.  Creekside, the home of Gregg Ryan, was the site of the award ceremony.

In January of 2011 TCFE, specializing in equine and equestrian products, partnered with McCauley Feeds to manufacture a high-quality, nutritious line of horse feeds in environmentally sound packaging.  In addition, Bill and Jeri Jackson committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these feeds to the Goose Creek Association and the Piedmont Environmental Council.

“Often people doubt that they can make a difference—dismissing any effort as just a drop in the bucket.  We saw the bigger picture—we saw all of those drops filling the bucket,” said Bill Jackson, president of TCFE.  He continued, “In nine months we have sold 34,643 bags of our new feed in environmentally supportive packaging—that’s one big bucket—eliminating the same number of poly-woven bags that never biodegrade from the landfills.”

Complementing the new feed bags—TCFE proudly offers reusable totes for their customers.  This continues TCFE’s commitment to protecting the environment.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the reusable totes goes to the Goose Creek Association and the Piedmont Environmental Council. 

                                                            ###

For additional information, please contact Jeri L. Noel Jackson, vice president of TCFE, at 540-364-1891 or jeri@tricountyfeeds.com

Fairfax4Horses Supports Saving Woodlawn Stables

Fairfax4Horses, a local non-profit equestrian organization that is celebrating its tenth year of advocacy on behalf of the equestrian community in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia, opposes a detrimental bypass proposal for Route 1 improvements that would divide the property and facilities of Woodlawn Stables.

Located on a 56-acre portion of the Woodlawn Plantation Historic District in Alexandria, Woodlawn Stables leases the 56-acre horse farm from the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one portion of the Woodlawn Mansion and its 127 acres of historic property. With 50 horses and ponies and ten instructors, Woodlawn Stables provides lessons in horsemanship and horse riding to 300-400 children and adults per week who come from inside and outside Fairfax County. It is the largest, and one of only a handful of its kind left, in Fairfax County.

In solidarity with the dedicated volunteers of Save Woodlawn Stables, Fairfax4Horses strongly supports the adoption of the widening-in-place proposal for Route 1. This alternative solution would preserve the property, the historically significant buildings, and the existing pasture, barn, and riding facilities of Woodlawn Stables, so that it may continue to operate as a family-owned riding school and boarding facility, as it has done for 33 years under current ownership.

The closing of numerous large riding stables in Fairfax County over the past decade, due in part to rising property values and real estate development, was the primary impetus for the founding of Fairfax4Horses, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary advocacy is for the establishment of public riding facilities on County parkland. "Our reason for seeking new facilities on County parkland is that private facilities are disappearing," said Fairfax4Horses President Beverly Dickerson. "Woodlawn Stables helps fill the great public demand for accessible horse riding lessons and enjoyment of scenic green pastures and wildlife habitat -- things that make Fairfax County so special,” she added.
For further information, visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/savewoodlawnstables and http://www.savewoodlawnstables.org

About Fairfax4Horses
Fairfax4Horses, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to ensure that all Fairfax County residents have access to affordable public riding lessons at park facilities within a reasonable distance of where they live. For more information on Fairfax4Horses, visit http://www.fairfax4horses.org/.

Contacts:
Rebecca Brown Thompson, Public Relations (479) 530-8971; Beverly Dickerson, President (703) 620-4689

Equine Educational Day April 24, 2012

Charlottesville Southern States and Blue Ridge Equine Clinic are putting on another Equine Educational Seminar on April 24th, 2012.  Previous sponsors have been Kentucky Performance Products, Standlee Hay, Pfizer, Farnam, Foxden Equine, Straight Arrow, Triple Crown, and many others.  There are vendors and equine experts available before the speakers for questions and information about new feeds and products.  Speakers will present on Equine Dentistry, Virginia Bred Horse Program and general Horse Health.    This is a great opportunity to get your horse friends together and have a night out.  There will be a dinner, door prizes and one lucky person will receive 20 free bags of Legends and Southern States horse feed. Doors open at 5 pm, Dinner is Served around 6:30 and Speakers start around 7. 

This event is free to the public, but does require an RSVP.  Seating is limited. To be held at the Elk's Lodge in Charlottesville across from Darden Towe Park.  Please contact Laura at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic by April 16, 2012.  laura@blueridgeequine.com or (434)973-7947 

Tri-County Feeds, Etc. Offers New Feeds Customized for Northern Piedmont Horses

Tri-County Feeds, Etc. (TCFE), providing feed and equine and equestrian products for more 33 years, recognizes that proper nutrition is critical to horses’ well-being. TCFE worked closely with the nutritional experts at McCauley’s Equine to formulate and manufacture a complete line of feeds that addresses the specific needs of horses in the Northern Piedmont Region. Textured and pelleted customized feeds with various levels of protein, fat, and fiber are available.

TCFE Feeds for the Piedmont are:

· Produced in a drug- and medication-free, equine-only feed mill
· Made fresh to order using the highest quality ingredients available
· Highly palatable and digestible
· Fully fortified with inorganic and organic mineral sources
· Produced in consistent formulas for all ages and types of horses
· Packaged in an environmentally friendly “bag within a bag” that separates so both parts can be recycled easily
· Affordably priced

Bill Jackson, President of TCFE, said, “We saw a clear need for feeds that would meet the unique nutritional requirements of horses of all ages and disciplines located here in the Northern Piedmont.” He continued, “TCFE was pleased to work with McCauley’s Equine to develop the feeds that meet this need effectively and affordably. From babies to seniors, from healthy horses to those with special needs—TCFE Feeds for the Piedmont will deliver the nutrition required.”

The new TCFE Feeds for the Piedmont are not only good for the horses of the region—they are good for the community too. TCFE believes it is important for companies to reinvest in the communities from which they earn their livelihood—and they are doing just that with their new TCFE Feeds. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of TCFE Feeds for the Piedmont goes to the Goose Creek Association (www.goosecreekassn.org) and to the Piedmont Environmental Council (www.pecva.org and www.buylocalvirginia.org) –stewards of our environment and open space and supporters of buy local.

“Reinvesting in our region and protecting our environment have always been priorities for TCFE. Our new feeds are one more way we can support these priorities,” said Jeri Jackson, Vice President of TCFE.    

For additional information on the new TCFE Feeds for the Piedmont—please visit TCFE at 7408 John Marshall Highway, Marshall, VA 20115, on the web at www.tricountyfeeds.com, or contact Bill Jackson at 540-364-8191.

Dressage Debuts at 2012 College Preparatory Invitational

Wellington, FL - August 3, 2011 - The College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) will add dressage seat classes to the 2012 edition of their event, held January 13-15. Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, this year's CPI will be a must-attend event for aspiring hunt seat and dressage collegiate riders. The application for the dressage classes is now available online at www.collegeprepinvitational.com and are due by October 1, 2011.

With new dressage seat equitation classes at this year's competition, the CPI is also excited to welcome six-time dressage Olympian Robert Dover as the judge.

Merial Launches “Outbreak Alert” Program

DULUTH, GA.– June 1, 2011– Supporting horse owners and veterinarians in their efforts to keep their horses healthy, today Merial launched its “Outbreak Alert” program, which will be used to notify horse owners about reports of equine disease throughout the country, as well as build a greater awareness of those diseases and the importance of prevention.

Disease poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of horses. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has a mortality rate estimated to be as high as 90 percent.^1,2 Every case of rabies presents a death sentence to the infected horse – and a risk of infection for other horses.³ Potomac horse fever (PHF) can lead to severe complications or death, which occur in up to 30 percent of infected horses.^4,5 One out of three horses that gets sick from West Nile virus (WNV) dies or must be euthanized.⁶ While these statistics are alarming, horse owners can help minimize the risk of disease by being armed with information.

“The primary focus of the program is to help keep horse owners, like myself, informed about the threat of disease in the area where they live or where they may be traveling,” says Beckie Peskin, Product Manager, Equine Vaccines and Dewormers, Merial. “Owners want the best for their horses, and knowing where the threat of disease exists will help them take the appropriate preventive measures to help protect their horse – whether it is in their own barn or competing halfway across the country.”

Horse owners can sign up for free alerts via the program’s website, www.outbreak-alert.com. When a disease report occurs, those who have signed up for the notification and live within a 250-mile radius of where the report occurred will receive a text and/or e-mail message to alert them of the potential disease threat. Owners who travel with their horses and want to stay abreast of disease threats in other parts of the country can enter multiple ZIP codes in the site’s search field. They will then be able to receive alerts for all areas they have selected. Owners are also encouraged to share details of the Outbreak Alert program with other horse owners through e-mail, text, Twitter and Facebook.
 

USHJA Zone 3 Forum - April 27th

A Zone 3 Forum will be held Wednesday, April 27 at 6pm, at the Virginia Horse Center, Lexington, VA in the Hospitality Center and everyone is invited to attend. Topics that will be discussed and need member input are: How to spend the Zone money from the 2010 Zone Support Fee; Should the zone change the Zone Year from 12/1-11/30 to 10/1-9/30 so that the zone could have finals and give out zone awards or have banquets earlier; New Zone Finals and Championship bonus points and Bid process; Zone Election Process for 2012; Nationalization of Children’s and Adult section update; and New Competition Standards for 2012.

If you have other topics you would like included, please email them to Diane Popp, USHJA Zone Director dpopp@ushja.org and we will be more than happy to discuss the topics.

AQHA Dressage

Are you looking to earn points for your Quarter Horse? Why not try Dressage? Dressage was approved as an official AQHA event in 2010. To find out about the program, go to the AQHA website (www.aqha.com).  You can find approved Dressage shows in your area by going to the Show Schedule.  Go to the Manager Resources section to get the details of the program and find out how to earn points.  There is also a free download report entitled ‘Riding Dressage’ to help introduce you to this discipline.  

There are several AQHA-approved shows in Virginia and Maryland for 2011 (as well as shows in other states) and more to come! For more information email Mala Erickson at malaerickson@hotmail.com.

New! Live Wagering Approved on Strawberry Hill Races!

In a bid to ensure that those in attendance actually realize that there are horses involved, there will be wagering on the Strawberry Hill Races for the first time in 2011.

The Virginia Racing Commission has approved a live racing application that permits pari-mutuel wagering on four Strawberry Hill Races steeplechase races on May 21, 2011 at Colonial Downs in New Kent County. Strawberry Hill’s traditional training flat race, the SFVA Turf Cup, is exempt and will not be available for wagering.

This marks the first time that live, pari-mutuel wagering will be available at the Strawberry Hill Races, which was founded as the Deep Run Races in 1895.

The 79th running of the Strawberry Hill Races will happen the same day as The Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland.

New in 2010, Pari-mutuel wagering will again be available to Strawberry Hill attendees through Colonial Downs, both on selected simulcast races from throughout the United States as well as the Preakness Stakes. Most of the Pimlico Race Card will be simulcast at the Strawberry Hill Races in real time, with the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes being the grand finale of the day. As a result, gates open later – at 11 a.m., with the first of five Strawberry Hill Races going off at 2:30 p.m.

For complete information, pricing and times, please visit strawberryhillraces.com. 

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.