by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 12, 2017
Mosquito season isn’t over.
A third case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been reported in New Jersey, as a 15-year-old Cumberland County mare came up positive and had to be euthanized. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old Salem County stallion is the second case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2017 and is being treated. Neither horse had been vaccinated against EEE or WNV.
“We urge horse owners to maintain their vaccination schedules to prevent their animals from getting diseases like these,” said state Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher.
Most veterinarians administer the EEE and WNV vaccines as a combo with tetanus and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE). EEE has up to a 90 percent mortality rate for horses that have not been vaccinated.
Immunization involves a two-step process for foals or horses that have never been vaccinated, with a booster shot four to six weeks after the initial vaccination. It also is recommended that horses receive an annual booster shot in the spring before mosquitoes are active or before transporting horses to a part of the country where mosquitoes are active year-round.
The first case of WNV in 2017 was a yearling colt in Gloucester County in late September. The colt was given an initial vaccination, but did not receive a booster shot. The colt is being treated. The other EEE viruses were reported in Atlantic and Cumberland counties.
EEE has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than West Nile Virus infection, with a 90 percent mortality rate for unvaccinated horses. Both viral diseases affect a horse’s neurological system and cause inflammation of the brain tissue. The diseases are transmitted by a mosquito bite. The viruses cycle between birds and mosquitoes with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE or WNV infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are considered to be “dead-end” hosts for the virus.
Late summer and early fall are the prime seasons for these diseases. In 2016, four cases of equine EEE occurred in New Jersey between mid-August and mid-September.
EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting horses’ neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.state.nj.us.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 10, 2017
The Rutgers Equine Science Center’s annual Evening of Science & Celebration brings together equine professionals, horse and farm owners, barn managers, educators, 4-H members and other equine enthusiasts to learn about projects and research being conducted by the center.
The 2017 edition, to be held Nov. 9 from 6-9:30 p.m.at the Cook Campus Center, 59 Biel Road in New Brunswick, will feature a keynote address about Equine Assisted Activities Therapy (EAAT) by Karyn Malinowski Ph.D.
In a partnership among the Equine Science Center, Special People United to Ride (SPUR), the Monmouth County Park System’s Sunnyside Equestrian Center, Monmouth University and the Lakewood Veterans Affairs office, the study aimed to provide data on how EAAT affects horses that are interacting with humans during therapy.
A five-day pilot study in in April 2016 at Sunnyside measured the physiological indicators of stress and well-being in humans and horses. The sample collection was completed with a follow-up standing control conducted using the same horses in June 2016, when EAAT interaction was not taking place.
Titled “The Effect of EAAT on the Well-Being of Horses and Veterans Diagnosed with PTSD”, the keynote will focus on preliminary findings that will be published later this year or early next spring.
Karyn is a Professor of Animal Sciences, and the founding director of the Equine Science Center at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), at Rutgers University. Her research and extension programs focus on improving the well-being and quality of life of the equine athlete while ensuring the vitality and viability of the equine industry, both statewide and nationally.
There will be an optional tour of the equine exercise physiology laboratory at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 6 p.m. It also will include information on equine fitness, and several awards, including the Spirit of the Horse.
The fee is $35 for adults and $15 for students. Send a check to Rutgers Equine Science Center, 57 U.S. Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
To register online, go to this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 9, 2017
Eventer Buck Davidson and I Love My Horse equestrian boutique are presenting the #LeeLeestrong golf tournament in Florida at noon Nov. 14 to benefit Lee Lee Jones, who suffered a brain injury in a riding accident.
Lee Lee, who is the stepdaughter of Olympic eventing individual bronze medalist Phillip Dutton, is back home after hospital and rehab stays. She still requires a great deal of care, however and expenses continue to mount.
For reservations at the tournament, to be held at the Country Club off Ocala, contact Terry Welsch at terrywellmet@aol.com or call 727-871-5728.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 9, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
September 28, 2017
NOTE CHANGE OF DATE DUE TO WEATHER
Autumn is the busiest season for equestrians. There’s an abundance of trail and hunter paces, the indoor shows are getting under way along with regional championships, and some outdoor shows are continuing as well.
But in the midst of all the competitions, there also are opportunities to take a look at other aspects of the horse world. In New Jersey, one of the highlights of this season is the annual open house at Mylestone Equine Rescue in Warren County Oct. 15 (date has been changed from Oct. 8 because of weather).
Visitors to the annual Mylestone Equine Rescue Open House enjoy a chance to get close to the horses who live there. (Photo by Jen Dewey)
This 23-acre farm is dedicated to taking the horses no one else wants; those with medical issues, the elderly, the long-neglected, the unloved. Few get adopted; most spend the rest of their lives at Mylestone, where Susankelly Thompson, her family, part-time staff and dedicated volunteers do their utmost to make life as good as it can be for these animals in need.
Residents include Tyler, formerly used for giving pony rides, but at age 23 his arthritic knees made that a thing of the past. He’s now part of the grooming program, in which special needs kids learn to take care of horses. Dillon, a red roan Appaloosa, is starting to trust humans again after being mishandled and beaten. Shadow, whose former owner didn’t think it was worth it to have his infected eye treated, is now totally blind but happy to be at Mylestone.
“A lot of the horses that can’t be adopted out, we have for a long time,” said Susankelly. For instance Cleo, an ex-racehorse who broke down on the track, has been at Mylestone for 22 years. She was being used for contagious equine metritis testing and due to go to an auction when she was cycled out of the program, so Mylestone stepped in and took her. The only people who wanted to adopt her thought they would breed her, but Susankelly didn’t think that was a good idea.
“There are enough unwanted horses,” she pointed out.
The horses at Mylestone love the attention they get from visitors to the open house. (Photo by Mary Holmes)
The organization’s Equine Relief Fund also will be promoted at the open house. It is geared to helping rescues in Texas and Florida that were affected by the hurricanes. The money goes toward veterinary bills, transportation and replacing supplies that have been lost. The fund also helps other equine rescues in New Jersey that need assistance.
“I don’t think people realize horses don’t have anywhere else to go, especially in the state of New Jersey. The SPCA doesn’t have a place to take horses. If the rescues or private foster homes don’t step up…You can take your dog or cat to the shelter but you can’t drop your horse off at the shelter,” Susankelly noted.
The day will feature a number of vendors who will be selling everything from toys to tack and jewelry. Those attending are asked to bring at least one can of soup that will go to a local food pantry, since Mylestone’s concerns extend beyond the horses to people who are in need.
The open house, which usually draws 400-600 people, will be held from noon-4 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 15. If you can’t make it, it is possible to get an appointment for a private tour, but you can’t just drop in because the work involved in taking care of these horses is so intense that there’s time for a chat unless plans are made in advance.
Mini Pearl and Poppy, the goat, are lifelong friends who lived in a tiny bedroom in a house, where Mini couldn’t develop properly because she wasn’t able to run around. She and her pal have adjusted perfectly to life outdoors at Mylestone. (Photo by Mary Holmes)
Attending the open house could be a good life lesson for privileged kids who compete on horses that are well-fed and groomed to a T every day. They would no doubt have their eyes opened by what they see at Mylestone.
Mylestone is located at 227 Still Valley Road, Pohatcong, but the GPS usually comes up Phillipsburg. Those who want to send checks may mail them to 227 Still Valley Road, Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865. For more information, go to www.mylestone.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 2, 2017
With the prospect of bad weather on Oct. 8, the original date for the Mylestone Equine Rescue Open House in Warren County, organizers decided to hold the event from noon-4 p.m. Oct.15 instead.
This 23-acre farm is dedicated to taking the horses no one else wants; those with medical issues, the elderly, the long-neglected, the unloved. Few get adopted; most spend the rest of their lives at Mylestone, where Susankelly Thompson, her family, part-time staff and dedicated volunteers do their utmost to make life as good as it can be for these animals in need.
For more information,here’s a link: https://nancyjaffer.com/previous_columns/2017-09-28/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 21, 2017
Be warned: Under-age drinking, which has plagued the Far Hills Race Meeting for years, will be the focus of a crackdown by authorities at its 97th running Oct. 21.
In a joint effort, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson, the State Police, race organizers, New Jersey Transit and the Borough of Far Hills are working to curb the problem by conducting identification checks of underage individuals suspected of drinking alcoholic beverages on the race grounds.
Those who are not of legal age to consume alcohol will be taken into custody, charged and ultimately released to an adult who is not intoxicated.
The initiative is going to start as soon as racegoers get to Moorland Farm. Any individual entering the event who is visibly intoxicated will be denied entry. Too many people in the past have gotten off the train at Far Hills station already drunk.
All racegoers over the age of 21 will receive a wrist band indicating that they are of legal age to consume alcohol. If an individual is observed consuming alcohol and does not have a wrist band, they will be required to show identification to law enforcement proving they are 21 or over.
If they don’t have it, they will be escorted off the property. Officers will be conducting roving patrols throughout the day to identify those who are highly intoxicated and being disruptive. Anyone found to be causing a disturbance, endangering the safety and welfare of others or otherwise not complying with this initiative, will be escorted from the property.
Noting that law enforcement and the race meeting committee have been concerned about underage drinking, which was highlighted in a newspaper article in 2016, the prosecutor stated, “This year, we are taking a new approach in an effort to curtail the abuse of alcohol by minors and provide a safe atmosphere for all the attendees.”
A crackdown on under-age alcohol consumption at the Far Hills Race Meeting is designed to enforce the law and let people enjoy themselves while watching the horses without disturbances from intoxicated youths. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Race organizer Guy Torsilieri said the latest initiative is the next step in the committee’s ongoing efforts to curb underage and excessive drinking at the annual race meeting, which draws some 35,000 fans annually. In addition to more efforts aimed at barring underage patrons from drinking, this year the committee has partnered with a ride-sharing company and others as part of an overall goal of making the race safe for all visitors.
“In past years, we have made significant strides in curtailing alcohol abuse at our event,” Guy said. “But with underage drinking on the rise, particularly at events that draw significant numbers of college-aged visitors, we are determined to ensure that our event remains a fun, family event to be enjoyed by all.”
Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone welcomed the partnership with law enforcement and race organizers, saying the Far Hills Race Meeting is an asset to the borough.
“It is our goal that by working collaboratively with law enforcement and Far Hills Race Meeting Association, each patron who visits will be offered a safe, friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy themselves.”
For more about the race meeting, go to farhillsrace.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 18, 2017
The Essex Foxhounds are trying a new “mock hunt” format for their fall hunter pace Oct. 22. The hounds won’t be involved, as riders follow field masters in three flights. The first flight will go at a forward pace and take all the jumps. Jumping is optional for the second flight, which will go at a steady pace. The third pace will proceed at a gentle pace, but won’t jump.
The competition starts at 11 a.m., but participants who haven’t pre-registered must come at 10 a.m. to register and pay the $50/person fee.
At the post-pace party, ribbons will go to the best horse/rider combos in each flight, with an award for best turned-out overall. “Polite hacking attire” is requested.
The pace will be held at Cedar Lane Farm, 87 Homestead Road, Oldwick (but the GPS is Califon, NJ)
For early entries, go to www.essexfoxnounds.org.
Questions can be answered by Jim Gordon: (908) 337-2546.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 14, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
August 30, 2017
When the applause ends, after the crowds go home, what’s next for a top horse who has retired from eventing?
In the case of Ballynoe Castle RM, better known as Reggie, that question can be answered with one word: Paradise.
Reggie enjoying retirement at Apple Hill Farm with his pint-size companion, Barney. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The lucky 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse, who was saluted in an emotional retirement ceremony at the Rolex Kentucky 4-star in April, is now comfortably ensconced with his owners, Cassie and Carl Segal, at their picturesque 49-acre Apple Hill Farm in Pottersville.
Reggie, the U.S. Eventing Association’s all-time point earner, deserves his rest. His career, which began with Buck Davidson in 2006, ended last year. Now that’s all behind the sturdy son of Ramiro B. He is not only living a life of leisure in scenic surroundings, it’s a life of pampering as well.
Groomed to a glow every day, Reggie’s bay coat is as shiny as it was when he competed at the biggest three-day events, including the Burghley, Badminton and Rolex 4-stars, as well as two World Equestrian Games. When he’s not enjoying the pasture with its panoramic views; a cornfield, the handsome barn and the Segals’ house, Reggie appreciates variation to his days by hacking on the farm and along the nearby trails under the guidance of his caregiver, Jessica Kiener, who is married to the farm’s property manager, Matt Kiener.
Regie can just sit back and relax at Apple Hill. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Jess, who used to work in the barn at Somerset County’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, has been a competitive eventer herself, training with Buck. Remember her mount, the Segals’ My Boy Bobby, who is also in retirement at Apple Hill?
Jess won the American Eventing Championships at Intermediate level with him, having started him at training level. A fond memory for the Segals and Jess is the time she won Groton House and led the victory gallop with, as Carl puts it, “all the red coats” of U.S. team veterans following behind her.
A typical day in retirement begins for Reggie at 7 a.m., when he gets three-quarters of a scoop of Ultium to supplement his grass diet, which also includes a little hay at supper time.
Living outdoors suits Reggie, who is turned out with Barney, a spotted pony Jess said is “obsessed” with the pasturemate who towers over him. If the weather is hot, Reggie and Barney can escape the heat in what the Segals call a shed, but which really is part of the barn, with rubber blocks on the floor and automatic insect sprayers to keep the bugs away.
The Segals bought Apple Hill because they wanted some land.
“We had never heard of the sport of eventing. We didn’t know from horses. We thought we’d get a couple of horses and do trail riding,” Cassie said. So much for that.
Reggie in the barn with Jess and Matt Kiener and Cassie and Carl Segal. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
As we chatted after Reggie’s grooming session, the talk naturally turned to recollections about this memorable horse.
“The first time we saw him was at Buck’s farm,” said Cassie, who noted Reggie was purchased sight unseen through Patricia Nicholson in Ireland.
“She called Buck and said, `I’ve got this really special horse I think you’re going to like.’ Buck talked to us and we said, `Okay, we’ll give it a try.’”
Although Reggie had competed up to the preliminary level in Ireland. Buck had never ridden him before the sale.
When the Segals were introduced to Reggie at Buck’s barn, there were no gasps of awe, no predictions of fame.
“He looked like all the other horses Buck has,” Cassie acknowledged, recalling her first impression of the gelding who would become the star of their stable.
Reggie and Buck Davidson on the way to winning the 2015 CCI 3-star at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I don’t think there was anything really special that stood out. He was just a nice event horse. We like the Irish horses a lot.”
Carl remembered, “We saw him compete at Plantation for the first time in 2006 at prelim. He won. There are plenty of horses at prelim who fizzle out and can’t do intermediate or advanced. We didn’t have any expectations of him being an advanced horse.”
So the Segals were just happy at the beginning that he “was beautiful and his disposition was good.” He was also fond of people.
“He’s just the sweetest,” said Cass, who rode him once and called the experience “thrilling.”
Reggie was Buck’s go-to horse, a friend as well as a mount. Buck misses him.
“When Jess and I went down to pick him up at Chesterland, Buck made sure he wasn’t there,” said Cass, noting Buck already has visited Reggie at Apple Hill.
Buck takes a final gallop on Reggie during the Rolex retirement ceremony. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
After Reggie’s retirement ceremony at Rolex, Buck and I talked about the horse, who had made did his final appearance in the dressage arena for the test ride at the 4-star with longtime groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray aboard.
“We’re so proud of the horse, but more, we’re proud of the family and the team that has been behind him since day one,” said Buck.
“We’re as close as can be and we’re all brought together because of Reggie. He loves being part of the action. What a joy to have (him) in the barn for the last 11 years. There’s probably more talented horses out there than Reggie but there will never be another winner like him.
“My life is owed to him. It was a great career and I’m thankful I was actually able to be the one who steered him around. It was a joy every single day.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 10, 2017
The National Resource Conservation Service and the Rutgers Extension Service are partnering again in a free program geared to helping horse farm owners learn about environmental management and equine nutrition while enjoying vintages from New Jersey wineries.
Those attending will be told how to obtain funding for projects through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and find out about the latest in environmental research. All that is required from those who would like to attend is an RSVP to michael.westendorf@rutgers.edu or carey.williams@rutgers.edu.
The program runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m.Oct. 11 at Hidden Hills Farm, 656 River Road, Hillsborough.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 29, 2017
A number of equine organizations are helping to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas of Texas and Louisiana hit by Hurricane Harvey.
The USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund is working with the Houston SPCA. According to USEF CEO Bill Moroney, “As part of our commitment to the health, welfare, and safety of horses, the USEF disaster relief fund was created to assist horses impacted by devastating natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey. The outreach and generosity of the equestrian community to support the ongoing emergency assistance in this and future disasters allows us to provide direct financial assistance to the groups involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.”
Click to donate. For more information, contact Vicki Lowell, vlowell@usef.org
The American Association of Equine Practitioners also is marshaling resources to help out. Donations by mail can be sent to: Equine Disaster Relief Fund, AAEP Foundation, 4033 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Ky 40511. Call (800) 443-0177 (U.S. only) or (859) 233-0147.
If you wish to offer assistance with supplies or other resources, please email Keith Kleine at kkleine@aaep.org and you will be contacted with further instructions.
PATH, the therapeutic riding organization, is also helping. For more information, contact kalm@pathintl.org or call 303-452-1212 x 107.
