Actress Glenn Close Speaks Out on the War on Laminitis

by Fran Jurga | 9 November 2009 | The Jurga Report at Equisearch.com

Her name was Rosie. She was a Morgan mare. She couldn't beat laminitis.

At that point, the horse owner's voice cracked. She caught her breath. Would she go on?

If you have ever owned a horse who suffered from serious laminitis--especially one who didn't make it--you know the pain. Your voice probably cracks too, when you talk about it. You probably catch your breath, too, when you remember the pain that your horse went through, and the pain that you still go through when you recall weeks, months, and maybe years of fighting a disease that has no rules, no heart, no charity.

But when Rosie's owner came forward this weekend, the world took notice. She is not just another horse owner, she is award-winning actress and animal lover Glenn Close.

Ms. Close agreed to work with the organizers of the Fifth International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot to add her voice to that of leading sponsors and horse owners John K. and Marianne Castle, whose beloved Appaloosa "Spot" suffered from laminitis as well.

Spot and Rosie had something in common besides laminitis and generous, caring owners. Both were in the care of Conference chair Dr. James Orsini of the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. Dr. Orsini brought Ms. Close and the Castles together, and a very special video about the horse owner's role in laminitis research and progress in treating the disease premiered at the convention. The beautiful video was narrated by Close.

Later in the Conference, Ms. Close received the Spot Castle Awareness Award for her work on behalf of the war on laminitis being waged by the Conference and the University of Pennsylvania's Laminitis Institute. In response to the award, Close provided her own video response, a tribute to Rosie's memory and a call to action to anyone and everyone who can help put an end to the pain and suffering that laminitis cause horses.

The Conference was held in West Palm Beach, Florida and consisted of three days of major presentations by leading researchers and practitioners. Attendees from Asia, Australia, Europe and South America, as well as from all over the United States and Canada, traveled to Florida to learn and share their expertise.

Photo from Glenn Close's Fetchdog.com blog called "Lively Licks", in which she interviews other celebrities about their dogs.

Top Trainers Take Over for Darren Chiacchia: Maddens, Ransehousen, Hough, Holling and Dover Pitch In to Train and Mentor Injured Olympian's Students

For all those who are cynical about horse professionals and the show scene, consider this clip posted today on the web site of injured Olympic event rider Darren Chiacchia, who remains hospitalized in intensive care at a Tallahassee, Florida hospital after a horrific fall six days ago at the Red Hills Horse Trials:

"Many of the world's top equestrians have reached out to help keep Darren Chiacchia's, Independence Farm, running smoothly by donating their time and talents to teach his stable of students. Friend and neighbor in New York state, John Madden, came to Independence South in Ocala to help Darren's students as they prepare for this springs upcoming competitions at Poplar Place, The Fork and the CCI at the Florida Horse Park. Regarding Chiacchia, Madden said that his 'contribution was made very easy. Darren has been a good friend and is an excellent horseman, which is evident from his students.'

"Earlier in the week, Missy Ransehousen, daughter of famed dressage trainer and previous USET Chef d'Equipe Jessica Ransehousen, worked on the flat with Chiacchia's students and will be attending The Fork horse trials with them. On Friday, Jonathon Holling will be helping out and attending Poplar Place and the CCI* at the Florida Horse Park with Chiacchia's students.

"On Monday and Tuesday, one of show jumping's star riders, Lauren Hough, will teach Darren's students how to further their skills in the show jumping arena. Dressage legend Robert Dover will be here on Wednesday to help them prepare for their dressage tests. The end of the week will bring back jumping legends John and Beezie Madden on Thursday morning.

"Both Holling and Ransehausen will teach here at Independence Farm on a weekly basis and will mentor the students through their upcoming events."

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Darren reportedly has opened his eyes a few times and can squeeze hands, according to the web site. His Independence Farm is located near Ocala, Florida.