by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 23, 2022
As EHV-1 continues to spread in California, a second horse has been euthanized as a result of the EHV-1 outbreak in California.
This animal at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center exhibited no symptoms until late afternoon on Feb. 22, when it became neurological, and experienced such severe symptoms that it was euthanized. Lab results will take a couple of days before there can be conclusive answers on what happened.
Three horses that had attended an event in Riverside County, Calif., and then returned home ran a fever with no neurologic signs but were confirmed positive for EHV-1. The horses in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Mateo counties have been isolated and will be quarantined at home, along with any exposed companions. Three additional horses on the index event premise, outside of the index quarantine barn, displaying fever only with no neurologic signs were confirmed positive for EHV-1
Meanwhile on the east coast, Equestrian Sport Productions that runs the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festival on Feb. 23 instituted strict new protocols for anyone shipping horses into the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and any new back numbers processed will be required to sign a declaration stating that the horses entering the facility are healthy and have not been in a California competition after Jan. 28.
There are also new testing and isolation criteria for horses coming from California, where a new show planned for this month at LAEC was cancelled because of the EHV-1 situation. Due to the EHV-1 situation at Desert International Horse Park and West Palms Events’ commitment to equine health, it was decided to conclude the LA February show and not add an extra show to the calendar.
The Desert Horse Park sent 11 tests to the California Department of Food and Agriculture lab earlier this week. Three additional horses tested positive for EHV-1 yesterday. One of the three was being tested for the first time after a recently detected fever. The other two positive EHV-1 cases were for horses that had previously tested negative.
Two horses tested negative as a follow up to their initial negative test. These horses will be carefully watched but no further testing is planned. Six previously reported positive cases were re-tested. One of these tested negative and will be scheduled for a follow up test in seven days. All three of the first cases on the property have now tested negative. The park has sought five additional tests for horses with initial fevers.
Three horses attending the LAEC show had been at Desert International Horse Park, returned to their home barn, and then came to LAEC after five days of isolation instead of seven. A statement from West Palms Event noted they also were made aware of a fourth horse who attended its Los Angeles show that had been at Desert International Horse Park inside the 7-day minimum quarantine.
Desert International Horse Park had cancelled its show scheduled for this week and closed access to new arrivals for at least the next week. Instead of running the show under a reduced format as planned, there is now a schedule for each barn/trainer group to school horses in dedicated rings to avoid any exposure to horses outside of their barn/trainer group.The park also has developed rules for the next few days and an updated set of protocols.
An outbreak of EHV-1 in Europe last year led to a massive cancellation of shows.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 14, 2022
Interested in finding out what’s new in equine nutrition and health? There’s a free seminar being offered through Rutgers on Feb. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. rotational grazing, metabolism and microbiome also will be covered by Dr. Jennifer Weinert-Nelson, formerly of Rutgers, who is doing a post-doctoral program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service in Lexington, Ky.
Also offered is something that’s really up to the moment, “New findings on CBD/Hemp in Horse Nutrition” will be offered by Anna Collins from Murray State University in Kentucky.
To register, go to this link.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 8, 2022
There are several choices for those who would like to make a donation in memory of Audrey Bostwick, well-known throughout the driving community, who died last month at the age of 91.
Growing up in Mount Airy, Pennsylvania, she graduated from the Stevens School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and Master’s of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. Her early careers included nursery school teacher, social worker and positions within educational program research and development.
Audrey Bostwick
An avid horsewoman and humanitarian, she started her involvement with horses at the age of five and spent her early life riding and driving in Wissahickon Park in Philadelphia. Her lifelong passion for all things equestrian led her to be a competitor, instructor, and clinician in many disciplines, including hunter/jumpers and equitation, side- saddle,and carriage driving.
She was a licensed judge, steward, and technical delegate specializing in pleasure driving (The American Driving Society Inc., U.S. Equestrian Federation, and American Horse Shows Association), Hunter/Jumper and Equitation (AHSA), as well as Side-Saddle (International Side-Saddle Organization). Audrey was a founding member of the American Driving Society. and served in various roles within the organization.
Her specialty in pleasure driving gained her participation and coaching opportunities at notable competitions throughout the U.S., Canada and England. As one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the pleasure driving community, she leaves behind a network of those brought together by her endearing personality.
Her commitment to education was evident in her efforts with the American Driving Society and Delaware Valley University. She taught at Delaware Valley University as an adjunct instructor in the Equine Science & Management program for nearly 20 years. She was a mentor and friend to many students, sharing her passion for carriage driving, side-saddle, and intercollegiate riding.
She especially enjoyed her time spent at her home farm in Perkasie, Pa.,with her beloved ponies and dogs. An avid reader and book club member, she studied tree species, historical barns, and bird watching. Ms. Bostwick was passionate about the art of carriage driving and actively participated in the governance and direction of the sport for 47 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ms. Bostwick’s memory to the Delaware Valley University Equine Department,Delaware Valley University Office of Development,700 E Butler Ave., Doylestown, PA,18901.Donations also may be made to www.americandrivingsocciety.org or by mail to ADS, P.O. Box 278, Cross Plains, WI, 53528.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 20, 2022
California’s Desert International Horse Park is being even more cautious after an outbreak of EHV-1 (equine herpes virus) on the premises, cancelling its show scheduled for this week and closing access to new arrivals for at least the next week.
Instead of running the show under a reduced format as planned, there is now a schedule for each barn/trainer group to school horses in dedicated rings to avoid any exposure to horses outside of their barn/trainer group.The park also has developed rules for the next few days and an updated set of protocols.
Meanwhile, a new show planned for this month at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center also has been cancelled because of the EHV-1 situation. West Palms Events will not be holding LAXtra (Feb. 24-27) at LAEC , Due to the EHV-1 situation at Desert Horse Park and West Palms’ commitment to equine health, it was decided to conclude the LA February show and not add an extra show to the calendar.
Three horses attending the LAEC show had been at DIHP, returned to their home barn, and then came to LAEC after five days of isolation instead of seven.
As soon as West Palms Events management became aware of that, they notified the trainers, and those horses left the property that same day. Furthermore, both trainers assured West Palms that they were monitoring temperatures and all horses in their care had normal temperatures.
West Palms contacted Dr. Katie Hatch, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) veterinarian. Dr. Hatch agreed the risk was extremely low. However, out of respect to the home boarders at LAEC and out of an abundance of caution West Palms made the decision not offer an”other show in the coming week.
“We believe that by rigorously following the CDFA recommendations we can help eliminate the spread of EHV-1 and the risks to horses. We have a long and robust competition season ahead of us,” a West Palms statement said.
This afternoon, West Palms management said it was informed of a horse with an elevated temperature. This horse was stabled in Barn 1.
“At this time, the horse is isolated, and we are awaiting test results,” West Palms Management stated..
Desert Horse Park said yesterday that Individuals with horses that are currently in transit will be turned away if possible, but daily haul-in horses and riders cannot come to the horse park until further notice.
CDFA confirmed three cases of non-neurologic EHV-1 at the Desert park as this situation unfolded. Of the three original horses in isolation, two have now tested negative. There are three additional positive cases, but all were horses that earlier in the week tested negative. All are stable and currently asymptomatic. Two horses with fevers developed neurological symptoms. One of these was euthanized Feb. 18.
Although it would be best if non-quarantined horses stayed on the property to allow for the additional time needed to monitor and limit the potential spread of EHV-1, Horse Park President and CEO Steve Hankin said he understands if customers decide to leave.
“We would strongly encourage anyone who decides to leave to follow the recommended bio-security guidelines of USEF (U.S. Equestrian Federation) and CDFA and segregate their horses for seven days and continue to do temperature checks twice a day during this period.”
He added, “We are as disappointed and concerned as everyone with the emergence of EHV-1 on the property. Each time we send out a test and wait for results or pick up the phone and learn of another sick horse, as happened last night, my heart sinks.”
Noting there are “things each of us can do to help reduce the risk of outbreaks,” Steve added, “We are committed to do our part now and in the future to share and inform everyone of the important best practices we can each adopt for the safety of our horses.”
An EHV-1 outbreak last winter led to mass cancellations of shows in 10 European countries.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 7, 2022
Canada’s most decorated equestrian, Olympic show jumping individual gold medalist Eric Lamaze, is his country’s new technical advisor for the discipline.
Eric also will serve as chef d’equipe for the squad. He replaces Mark Laskin, who had held the job since 2012 and resigned in November as last year as the role of chef d’equipe was being reviewed. The decision to appoint Eric was made by a hiring panel that included former World Champion Gail Greenough and 10-time Olympian Ian Millar.
Eric Lamaze took gold at the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong. (Photo © 2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I am excited to help lead the Canadian Show Jumping Team to future success in a new capacity,” said Lamaze, 53, who has battled a brain tumor and is cutting back on his own competitive agenda to give the Canadian team his full attention.
“It’s an honor to be named to this position and not one that I take lightly. I look forward to building on the foundation that Mark Laskin laid and am committed to the success of our athletes, both nationally and internationally. I have a strong vision for the sport in Canada and will not stop until we reach perfection.”
In addition to his Olympic gold, Eric earned silver and bronze Olympic medals; an individual bronze medal from the 2010 World Equestrian Games and four Pan American Games medals, including team gold.
He has won every major grand prix event in the world including Calgary, Canada (2007 and 2011); Geneva, Switzerland (2008); Aachen, Germany (2010); La Baule, France (2011); and Rome, Italy (2011) and reached number one in the world rankings several times over the course of his career.
In 2021, Lamaze was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and awarded the Order of Sport, the highest accolade an athlete can receive from the country.
“I would like to thank Equestrian Canada and the hiring panel for putting their trust in me,” said Lamaze, who is based in Wellington, Fla., and Brussels.
“Fifteen years ago, I made the decision to base myself in Europe where I had the opportunity to compete against the best in the world, week-in and week-out, and learned through experience what it takes to win at the highest level. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with my fellow Canadian athletes and guide us back to where we belong, which is at the top of the podium.”
Lamaze’s first opportunity to act as chef d’equipe will be during the CSIO4* Winter Equestrian Festival from March 2 to 6, 2022, in Wellington, Fla., highlighted by the $150,000 Nations’ Cup on Saturday, March 5, as his nation looks toward this year’s world championships in Denmark and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 29, 2022
Callie Schott, who was the assistant rider for Beezie Madden at John Madden Sales, has gotten the ride on Garant, with whom Beezie had been shortlisted for the Tokyo Olympics.
The horse was sold by Abigail Wexner to Southern Arches Farm, where Callie is the trainer. Previously ridden by William Greve, a Dutch horseman, the horse went to Beezie in 2017.
Beezie Madden and Garant. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“We are so happy to see him go to such a wonderful home at Southern Arches with their rider Callie Schott. We have had a long relationship with Callie and are thrilled to be able to stay a part of his journey with her in the irons,” Beezie said on Instagram.
The horse is known as “Junior” because his character is similar to that of Authentic, Beezie’s 2008 Olympic team gold medal mount.
An 11-year-old by Warrant, Garant won the 2019 Longines American Gold Cup. Although he was under consideration for the Olympics last year, Beezie withdrew him from consideration after he bowed out of the Nations Cup at Rotterdam following the first round, where the horse faulted at the water obstacle. She explained the move in relation to the Games, saying “it’s not the right time for him yet.”
