Jack Le Goff: A Video Tribute from USEF

by Fran Jurga | 27 July 2009 | The Jurga Report

Video courtesy of Sarah Lane, USEF's Senior Director of Communications, and www.clubequestrian.com. I believe that is the soundtrack is the wonderful original recording of Edith Piaf singing "La Vie en Rose".

Friday's news of the death of former USET eventing coach Jack Le Goff was stunning. I feel the usual sadness at the loss of a great horseman and the particular loss of someone who lived right here for many years and was a familiar site on horseback and out on the water as well.

But mostly I wonder about the the fact that we have lost not just a great horseman and a legendary coach to whom US eventing owes so much, but we have lost some perspective on international horse sports and eventing as a sport. Jack Le Goff spanned generations in eventing, indeed the 50 years of Badminton seem contiguous with the timeline of his life.

He was a great competitor, but he was also one of the last great coaches whose roots were in classical training, as you will see in the video, which shows some of his higher level displays of horsemanship at the Cadre Noir at Saumur, which is roughly the French equivalent to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

The sport of eventing has changed since Jack Le Goff had riders like Tad Coffin and Mike Plumb galloping around the Essex County trails here in Massachusetts (and I do mean galloping). If you went to what you thought was a safe little schooling show, he might pull up with a big horse van and give some young horses some showring exposure. (No pressure, riding in front of Jack Le Goff!)

There was a time when the best aspiring riders in Canada and the US found there way to Hamilton/Wenham, Massachusetts to train at the USET headquarters. Even now I meet people who brag about having even having passed through the barn in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Is eventing the same sport now? I don't think so. Wherever it is headed, it is not likely to ever go back to those days of galloping super-fit horses.

The accomplishments and gifts to our nation of an international coach like Jack Le Goff can never be overstated. But his sport may have technically passed with him, and the next generation is on its own to invent what's next for their great sport. Who is or will be the next to inspire riders--and a nation--to embrace a sport the way that Jack Le Goff did?

What a tall order to attempt to fill those boots and attain the thrilling combination of art and sport that Jack Le Goff represented.

Tech-y Tack: Has Anyone Seen a Quantum Saddle?

Discussions in saddle design and fit these days are rising to new levels as the treeless vs treed saddles fight for the market share. But just to add some spice to the mix, watch this video for the new Quantum saddle from England, which has just won a major design award.

What you are seeing is the jumping saddle, and I can't wait to see what they do for an endurance and dressage model.

Quantum saddles aren't sold in the USA (yet, that I know of), so I don't think this can be construed as an ad. It is just an amazing animation of a saddle with features that I've not seen before, or described this way. This saddle has been through rigorous testing, including Equinalysis gait scoring that showed that the horses lengthened stride when their saddles were changed to Quantum.

No, I don't know what a Quantum saddle costs, and it is probably one of those saddles which, if you have to ask, you won't be getting one. But the technology and ingenuity are wonderful.

One can only wonder how one of these rides. Kudos for the developer's presentation, ingenuity and effort to back up claims!

HYPP: AQHA Offers Free Download of Survival Guide for Owners of HYPP+ Horses

Very high up on the list of disorders you'd like to avoid experiencing in your barn is the equine genetic trait known as "HYPP", short for Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis. It is a muscle disorder found in certain Quarter horses and related breeds, and should be a concern, particularly if you don't know the origin or bloodlines of your horse and are concerned by symptoms, or if you have confirmed diagnosis that your horse carries the trait.

Some horses may never show symptoms but it is important to know the signs and know what to do. The best thing to do, of course, is to discuss your horse's health with your veterinarian and make note of any unusual behavior or muscle twitching.

But what's a twitch and what's a Twitch? Horses have that amazing ability to twitch their muscles involuntarily; some horse owners are alarmed when they do that.

The American Quarter Horse Association has put together a guide to help you sort through the myths and realities of HYPP and how to manage the condition if your horse is found to be affected.

According to the AQHA, the most-common symptoms of HYPP include muscle tremors, weakness, muscle cramping, yawning, depression, an inability to relax the muscles, sweating, prolapse of the third eyelid, noisy breathing and/or abnormal sounds or whinnies.

HYPP cases usually start with muscle weakness and prolapse of the third eyelid, sweating and minor tremors most commonly in the flank, neck and shoulders.

More severe attacks can involve severe weakness, high heart and respitory rate, staggering, dog sitting and collapse. In its most extreme form, HYPP can lead to collapse and death, usually from a heart attack or respiratory failure.

If you're not concerned about HYPP for your horse, perhaps you know someone who could use this information. If so, please forward the link to him or her so that this information can help the horses who might need it.

Thanks to the AQHA for compiling this report and making it available. Click here to go to the download page.

Why Horses and Highways Don't Mix

by Fran Jurga | 21 June 2009 | The Jurga Report

Pferd im Auto, originally uploaded by T.J's photos.

This shocking photo is posted just as a reminder of how bad things can turn out when horses get loose. Four horses escaped from a field in Germany and were in a road; this Haflinger was hit by this car and ended up diving head first through the windshield and was killed.

Amazingly enough, the driver of the car was unhurt, except for shock.

Thanks to T.J.'s photos for posting this image by Klaus Ponner. I hope it doesn't disturb people too much but it is quite haunting in that it looks almost like an art installation. It's tragic.

Have you checked your fences lately? Are you sure you closed the gate?

Humane Society of the US Compiles State-by-State Regulations and Resources for Horse Euthanasia, Carcass Disposal

When it comes to burying a horse, not all states are created equal. The same adage applies if you are looking for a rendering plant or a low-cost euthanasia program.

But how would the average horse owner ever know?

Enter the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has compiled what looks to be a valuable tool for veterinarians, rescue workers, and owners or holders of unwanted horses who are looking for an alternative to sending a horse to slaughter but don't know what their choices are.

Hopefully, states will add services and resources as awareness grows, and also correct or add to their listings, so this resource will develop and grow.

Click here to access the list, and please forward this post to anyone you think might need this information.

Thanks to the Fugly Horse of the Day Blog for bringing this new resource to the horse world's attention.

WARNING: FDA Recalls Certain Wormer Pellets in Missouri and Arizona

Here is the text of a warning published by the US Food and Drug Administration in their Enforcement Report for this week:

PRODUCT
Horse and Colt Wormer packaged in 16-oz. containers under 5 private labels, containing 1.25% pyrantel tartrate (equivalent to 5.671 grams per pound), NADA 092-150. The products were marketed under the following brand names:

(1) Kaeco Equine Wormer Pellet for Horses and Colts;

(2) Manna Pro Foal & Horse Pelleted Wormer;

(3) Durvet Horse & Colt Wormer, NDC 30796-490-31;

(4) Farnam Pellet Care P Equine Wormer Pellet;

(5) Sportsman's Friend Colt and Horse Wormer.

Recall # V-234-2009
CODE
All lot numbers
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Recalling Firm: Virbac AH, Inc, Fort Worth, TX, by e-mail on March 9, 2009 and by letters on April 29, 2009.
Manufacturer: Virbac, Inc, Bridgeton, MO. Firm initiated recall is ongoing.
REASON
Stability failures (subpotent)
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
237,708/1-lb. cans
DISTRIBUTION
Missouri, Arizona

While the reason given for the recall is "stability" or that the wormer is not fully potent, it is still not a good idea to use it and the manufacturer would like to know that as many of the sold items are accounted for as possible. They are legally bound to comply with the FDA recall terms.

The FDA Enforcement Report is published weekly by the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. It contains information on actions taken in connection with agency Regulatory activities.

Disaster Planning: Are Left-Behind Horses Better off Left In or Out?

Texas A&M University Extension Specialist Dr Brett Scott continues his disaster planning advice with one of the most difficult dilemmas a horse owner can face: if you have to evacuate and can't take your horses (or all the horses at a location), what is the safest way to set up the left-behind animals?

I'd write more but I'm going to the lumberyard to buy three sheets of plywood and a a can of neon spray paint. And I'm going to hide them in a safe place where they won't get used for something else!

That's one thing Dr. Brett doesn't mention: the time to buy storm supplies like plywood and tarps is not when a storm is coming. The stores will be sold out. Invest in those items when they are on sale and store them away.

Thanks to Extension.org for making this video public.

AVMA President's Award to Washington's "Rodeo Doc", Doug Corey

by Fran Jurga | 13 July 2009 | The Jurga Report

Dr. Doug Corey at work. (AVMC photo)

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is meeting in Seattle, Washington this week. Most of the news coming from the convention is about PETA's protest over the fish-handling demonstration going on at the Pike Place fish market, but there's plenty of educational and administrative work for the US veterinary profession underway. The wheels are turning!

One aspect of the convention this year that caught my eye was that our old friend Dr. Doug Corey received the AVMA's President's Award this year. That is quite an honor. Dr. Corey is a past president of the AAEP and has been active in trying to at least get some rules on the books for how livestock is treated at rodeos.

Here's an official rundown on Dr. Corey's lifetime achievements, as sent by the AVMA:

"Douglas G. Corey, DVM received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University and is currently a partner at Associated Veterinary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington. Since entering the profession he has been active in organized veterinary medicine and has devoted much of his attention to horse welfare issues.

"Dr. Corey is a past president and board member of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and was honored as the Oregon Veterinarian of the Year in 1997. He has served on the board of directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and has chaired their Research, Public Relations, Membership, Equine Welfare and 50th Anniversary Committees. He is an active member of the AVMA and has chaired the Association's Animal Welfare Committee

"Dr. Corey was instrumental in establishing a full-time animal welfare position at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and helped develop minimum care guidelines for rodeo livestock and other welfare rules and guidelines for the PRCA. He has served on the Advisory Council to the PRCA on Animal Welfare for 23 years and has chaired the organization's Veterinary Advisory Committee. He is a member of the American Horse Council's Equine Welfare Committee and serves each year as the National Final Rodeo's on call veterinarian for media relations."

I would also add to those accomplishments that on June 15, the Unwanted Horse Coalition of the American Horse Council announced that Dr. Corey will serve as Vice Chairman of the UHC.

Congratulations to Dr. Corey!

Safety Video: Is Your Horse Trailer Ready for Fire/Hurricane/Flood Evacuation Use?

by Fran Jurga | 11 July 2009 | The Jurga Report



No one wants to think about it, but it's that time of year. Forest fires, hurricanes and floods are sure to be in the news again this year, but maybe if everyone is prepared, the worst will never happen.

Brett Scott PhD, Assistant Professor of Animal Science and Extension Horse Specialist at Texas A&M University talked to a video camera recently and provided a laundry list of tips for horse owners who should be preparing their plans now for how to evacuate their animals if the need arises.

Who can forget those horrible scenes of traffic jams and closed gas stations back in the days of Hurricane Gustave? It was so hot, and many horses were stuck in trailers pulled by trucks going nowhere. And when they got somewhere...there was no power.

Sure, this is all common sense. Sure, we all already know this stuff. But look around. Imagine that today's the day. If you had to load up and hit the road with your horses because a wildfire was approaching or a nuclear power plant melted down, could you do it?

How would you do it? Walk yourself through the steps. Now ask yourself what would happen if you were away for the weekend. Could a stranger or a neighbor or a rescue agency worker come to your barn and get your horses to safety. Could they find the equipment and identification information and medications your horses would need?

Writing phone numbers on a blackboard is not enough. Make a binder. Take pictures of all the horses and identify them with name, age, medical conditions and behavior idiosyncracies. Write down all the possible information you can think of for people to contact.

Then get to work on that trailer. And maybe get to know your neighbors, just in case.

Thanks to extension.org for hosting this video.

Big Weekend for the USA Dressage in Aachen: Steffen Peters Sweeps World Equestrian Festival!

by Fran Jurga | 5 July 2009 | The Jurga Report

Europe's premier horse competition, Aachen's World Equestrian Festival, is the latest feather in the top hat of US dressage rider Steffen Peters. Riding his 2009 World Cup winner Ravel this weekend, the pair won it all for the USA. The final victory came on Sunday with a slim victory over Holland's Anky van Grunsven and Salinero in the freestyle to music. Van Grunsven had set the score to beat at 84.50 percent with a highly technical choreography. And yet Steffen Peters still managed to go one better, claiming his third victory at the Festival with a score of 85.60 percent.

After winning the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Spéciale and the Grand Prix Freestyle, Ravel and Peters also secured the title of Dressage Champions Aachen 2009.

Ravel's freestyle routine was packed with technically difficult exercises: it began with the canter tour with flying-changes on a curved line. Also remarkable were the direct combination of a pirouette, piaffe and the extended walk.

Remember, Steffen is originally from Germany, and he first discovered Ravel at the World Equestrian Festival. Just watch, and listen to the enthusiasm of the announcer:



Thanks to Mary Phelps and Dressage Daily for the heads up on the video posting. Mary was there!

Aachen is a horse-friendly city on Germany's Dutch border and was the site of the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. Each year, Aachen hosts the CHIO World Equestrian Festival, and invites teams and individuals to compete in showjumping, dressage, eventing and combined driving.

Here's a little video about the city and their equestrian event facilities. If you have a chance to visit, you won't forget it!

Favorite Art: A Perfect Horse for the Fourth of July and a Preview of One of This Summer's Leading Events

Don't you agree? This red-white-and-blue gesture depends a lot on negative space to create the unmistakable image of a horse's head, and it's one of my favorite logos in a long time.

Just when you think you have seen a horse's head interpreted every possible way, some creative mind takes it to a new dimension!

Surprise, surprise, though--this horse is not an American creation at all.

This image will represent the Alltech FEI European Dressage and Showjumping Championships, which will take place at England's famed Windsor Castle outside London in late August. Yes, the Queen Herself has invited everyone over to her suburban home for a very special competition.

With the announcement of title sponsorship by the American-based international animal nutrition giant Alltech, the Europeans have more of a tie to the USA than previously thought. Alltech, of course, is also the title sponsor of the FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky next year.

This beautiful artwork was created by Brand Electioneering, a British marketing firm.

To learn more about the plans for the Alltech FEI European Championships, watch this little video of the announcement of Alltech's sponsorship, hosted by the event's managing director Simon Brooks-Ward with Dr Pearce Lyons of Alltech...and some surprise guests at the end.



A press release about the event deems it "the most important equestrian event to be held in the United Kingdom this decade". Some US riders may qualify to compete in the non-championship events.

Thanks to Showjumping Unplugged for releasing this tape.