by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 28, 2022
After thousands of speculative, gossipy posts on social media and multiple court conferences, dressage trainer Michael Barisone’s attempted murder trial finally got under way today in Morristown, N.J., with dramatic opening statements from his defense and the prosecution detailing what led up to the crime.
Barisone, who has been in the Morris County Correctional Facility since August 2019, appeared in court wearing a white shirt and yellow tie, rather than the yellow prison jumpsuit in which he has appeared before Judge Stephen Taylor over the course of nearly three years.
The shaggy-haired defendant occasionally had his head bowed while tears came to his eyes as each attorney’s approach to everything that happened unreeled in painful detail.The 2008 U.S. Olympic dressage team alternate pleaded not guilty to shooting dressage rider Lauren Kanarek twice in the chest at his farm on Aug. 7, 2019, the culmination of a student/teacher relationship gone wrong.
Kanarek was being trained by Barisone, boarded her horses at the farm and also lived in the trainer’s house with her boyfriend, Rob Goodwin. Barisone had tried to evict her as she and Goodwin repeatedly clashed with him and his girlfriend, Mary Haskins Gray, also a dressage trainer.
Morris County Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Chris Schellhorn set the stage this morning by describing for the jury Barisone’s picturesque Hawthorne Hill Farm in the Long Valley section of Washington Township, N.J., where the shooting took place, methodically explaining both the facility’s layout and the nature of dressage, as he gave a roadmap of the way the state will present its case.
Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn makes his case. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
He cited how Barisone and Gray, as well as Kanarek and Goodwin, were complaining about their situation to the U.S. Equestrian Federation and SafeSport, while Barisone was calling the police on almost a daily basis in the week before the shooting.
“These groups of people had it in for one another,” said Schellhorn. But whatever else happened, he told members of the jury, they are in the courtroom for one reason.
“We’re here on this trial because of the defendant’s choice on Aug. 7, 2019 to take the pink and black 9 mm handgun, point that gun at Lauren and pull the trigger twice and then to turn it on Rob and pull the trigger.” That shot missed.
The handgun belonged to Ruth Cox, a North Carolina resident who owned horses with Barisone and was visiting his stable in August 2019. Barisone asked her for her gun, a Ruger she had brought along on her trip. Barisone put the gun and ammunition in a safe in his office.
Cox, who would be charged with unlawful transportation of a firearm, will testify later in the trial. She entered the Pretrial Intervention Program to avoid incarceration.
The last straw for Barisone came when a caseworker from the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency came to the farm to investigate an allegation made by Kanarek that Barisone had molested Gray’s 11-year-old son.
Barisone twice interrupted Gray and the caseworker who were talking in his office, eventually telling them they would have to take their conversation elsewhere. He retrieved the gun and drove his pick-up truck to the house, where he saw Goodwin on the porch.
“How do we end this without a war?” Barisone asked Goodwin. But as Kanarek walked down the porch steps, two bullets hit her. Kanarek managed to call 911 and tell the operator she had been shot.
“I’m losing a lot of blood,” she said, as Goodwin subdued Barisone until the police arrived.
Schellhorn contended that Barisone knew what he was doing and “certainly knew what he was doing was wrong.” The trainer is charged with not only two counts of attempted murder, but also possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm for unlawful purposes.
For his part, Barisone’s attorney, Ed Bilinkas, has said he will mount an insanity defense and include an element of self-defense as well.
“Help! I’m in fear for my life. Someone, anyone, please help me,” were the first words in Bilinkas’ opening statement, as he described how Barisone was desperate to end the escalating harassment that included recording of his conversations, threatening posts on social media and disruption of his home and business.
Ed Bilinkas gave a forceful opening statement in his defense of Michael Barisone. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Those were the cries for help from Michael Barisone. Those cries fell on deaf ears.”
While the shooting of Kanarek was a tragedy, Bilinkas said, Michael Barisone also has a tragic story.
Barisone had an awful childhood. He was physically abused by his mother and sexually molested by a neighbor, Bilinkas detailed.
Barisone was “A man who worked his way up to the top of the ladder. but behind the scenes was struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts.” The lawyer revealed Barisone had been seeing a therapist on and off for 20 years.
“What this case is really about is about Lauren Kanarek, her father and her boyfriend devising a plan to destroy this man and drive him crazy.” She thought it was funny that he was deteriorating, Bilinkas contended.
He said Kanarek’s social media posts “tell the real story, the scary story.” Bilinkas maintained Kanarek became obsessed with Gray and blames her for all her shortcomings, posting on social media attacks on the business, Barisone and Gray.
“Every man and woman has a breaking point. My client is not guilty,” the lawyer stated.
“At the time of the shooting, my client feared for his life. He was suffering from a mental disease and did not know what he was doing was wrong.”
Michael Barisone went on trial today before Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Bilinkas informed the jury how a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity works.
“The courts will make a determination that provides for that individual but also provides to protect the public,” he explained.
The trial has moved on to testimony from law enforcement officers who responded to the scene of the shooting, and will continue in that vein tomorrow.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 26, 2022
Rebranding is a strategy used to update messaging after a business reorientation, to make the brand more relevant to new markets and new audiences, or to showcase the brand under a new parent company.
That should give you the context to understand why as of this evening, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center that we have known since 2006 is now Wellington International, in Wellington, Fla., the municipality that bills itself as “the winter equestrian capital of the world.”
To recap, PBIEC was bought last year by the Global Equestrian Group, whose CEO is Andreas Helgstrand, an Olympic dressage medalist, while Olympic show jumping medalist Ludger Beerbaum is a co-owner.
McLain Ward against the backdrop of the old signage at the International arena. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Palm Beach is one of the world’s most prestigious destinations, so the change in name raised some questions for me, especially since very often, when I look up Wellington on the Internet, I get results listing Wellington, New Zealand. So here’s the answer from the folks who made the decision:
“While the history and status of Palm Beach is recognized, appreciated, and contributed greatly to the previous venue name, Wellington International looks to move forward and continue to bring the Wellington name greater prominence in Florida, the U.S., and around the world. Wellington is now a destination for thousands of equestrians every year and is a reputable name in its own right.”
The rebranding is visible as of tonight in the letters on the bridge above the International arena. In effect, it serves notice that the facility, which has hosted the Winter Equestrian Festival since 1989, will be undergoing major changes.
The new name of the WEF facility was revealed when the white cover was dropped tonight.
Michael Stone, president of Wellington International, said, “We are committed to ‘Setting New Standards’ for our venue, as well as for equestrian sport, guest experiences, entertainment, and innovation.
“While equestrian sport is and will continue to be the main focus at Wellington International, future plans include the versatility to host an assortment of events to broaden horizons outside of the main horse show weeks.”
Alex Matz clearing the new Wellington International fence on Cashew. (Sportfot photo)
Andreas had promised great changes to the venue, originally known as the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. The winter shows started at Palm Beach Polo in a far more modest setting under the guidance of the late Gene Mische, who grew the WEF concept exponentially.
He had first seen the Palm Beach Polo property when it was nothing but a lot of palmetto, growing in a field about 40 minutes from Palm Beach. He recalled William Ylvisaker, the developer who started the facility, had painted a picture of a fabulous venue that would offer not only polo, but also magnificent horse shows.
Gene’s first reaction was to wonder whether the entrepreneur “was smoking something,” as the two stood talking among the scraggly plants. But the dream did become amazing reality in a setting that had people flocking to buy homes, show their horses and play polo (even Britain’s Prince Charles showed up there for a match.)
The facility was bought in 2006 by a group led by Mark Bellissimo, which made major changes and did a lot to move it forward. I was talking with Mark shortly after the purchase and mentioned the contributions of Gene in starting the enterprise. Mark noted that while an innovator must be given a lot of credit for starting something, it often requires someone else to take it to the next level. And that is where Andreas and company have come in.
They made some improvements already, with many more on the way. Recently, McLain Ward and I talked about what is happening.
“The changes made so far are things that are hard to see, like the changes of footing in a number of rings and some underground drainage and things that have been let go or not done properly in the past,” McLain told me.
“I hear of great things to come, which will be great for the sport. There’s no shortage of competitors and business and opportunity here. If there’s anywhere in the world that can support a huge investment, it’s Wellington.”
An aerial view of the showgrounds.
McLain, who has talked a bit with Andreas, said of the new owners, “I think they know what they’re doing. They have a good feeling of what the highest standard is. Like everything, it takes a bit of time. I think we’ll see major changes by next year and I think in the next few years it will be completely transitioned.”
An architect’s view of the planned VIP pavilion.
As he pointed out about Wellington International, “It needs to be a world class facility. It’s been let go, it’s been run down for the better part of six to eight years. It’s a tired old house. I’d like to see them develop some of the land in the back, less for real estate, more for the sport, because we’re on a postage stamp here. I know there’s a lot of talk about developing the parking and stabling to more permanent facilities.”
I wondered what pioneers of the sport would think of its current incarnation.
“You can’t imagine not only where Wellington has gone, but the horse business and the sport,” said McLain.
“They set the groundwork and the stage for us to go in that direction. This is a big sport and big industry. The business factor has changed, not just in the running of events. It’s the horse business in general; the level of the business and the numbers, not only in volume, but also in dollar amounts. In 20-30 years it’s exploded. It’s a healthy industry and it’s nice to be part of a healthy industry.”
Want to know more about Andreas? Click here to read a story I did about him and his stable for Horse Sport earlier this month.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 1, 2022
The boyfriend of shooting victim Lauren Kanarek continued being questioned by defense lawyer Edward Bilinkas today at dressage trainer Michael Barisone’s attempted murder trial in Morristown, N.J., which got under way Monday and will continue for at least another week.
Robert Goodwin, who often swiveled his chair back and forth during his time on the witness stand, was rather curt in answering some questions, alternating between seeming bored and annoyed. He had as much difficulty remembering things as his girlfriend experienced in the same chair the previous day, and he often needed to read transcripts to confirm his responses.
On pages where the type was small, Goodwin wound up borrowing Bilinkas’ eyeglasses so he could see, which made for an odd repeated interaction between the lawyer and the witness, who wore a sport coat and open-necked shirt.
Bilinkas asked Goodwin whether he got into an argument with farrier Arnie Gervasio on the morning of Aug. 7. 2019, the day of the shooting. First, Goodwin said he didn’t remember seeing the blacksmith at Barisone’s Hawthorne Hill farm in Long Valley, N.J.
Then he was given a text to jog his memory. Once he finished reading the transcript, he stated Gervasio had been scheduled to shoe Lauren’s horses, but Goodwin was informed Barisone had “told him not to shoe our horses anymore.”
When that happened, Bilinkas asked, “Did you make a physical threat to Michael Barisone?” Goodwin replied, “I do not recall, specifically.”
After Goodwin told Kanarek about the blacksmith situation Aug. 7, Bilinkas asked, “Did Lauren Kanarek tell you to `finish the bastard,’ meaning Michael Barisone?” Before Goodwin could reply, the prosecution raised an objection.
When Barisone arrived at the farmhouse for a confrontation that ended in bullets several hours later, Goodwin had been on the phone with his lawyer.
Firearms expert William Stitt in the courtroom with a photo of the Ruger used in the shooting of Lauren Kanarek.
“The purpose of an attorney was to continue to work at the original deal,” said Goodwin, referring to an arrangement under which Kanarek would pay $2,500 a month for board on two horses, the couple wouldn’t have to pay rent for their living quarters and Goodwin would do carpentry and repair work in the home and stables. But Goodwin also expected to be paid for those efforts, with various amounts of money mentioned in court.
“On the day of the shooting, the farmhouse was far from being completed,” noted Bilinkas.
As the lawyer observed, by Aug. 7, “everything had deteriorated to the point of no return.” The friction between Kanarek and Goodwin on the one hand and Barisone and his girlfriend, Mary Haskins Gray on the other, had reached a level of intensity that made the atmosphere at the farm toxic.
So when Barisone asked after he came to the farmhouse right before the shooting, “How can we work this out?” Goodwin responded that he had brought lawyers into it, “so lawyers can handle it.”
But Goodwin added, “in my mind, there was nothing to work out.”
Goodwin said he thought Barisone’s intention in coming and suggesting there could be a solution “was to pull us out of the house so he could shoot us.”
After Kanarek was shot twice, Goodwin “dove” into the house to escape a bullet aimed at him. It shattered a pane in a door, as the jury saw in a photo when a detective who specializes in crime scene analysis commented on the shell’s trajectory.
Goodwin and Kanarek then moved to restrain Barisone, with Goodwin punching him in the head while Kanarek reached to grab his gun hand. Goodwin put a chokehold on Barisone, who fell on the ground with Goodman on top of him, which is where the police found them when Kanarek, bleeding profusely, dialed 911.
She was transported to Morristown Medical Center, where she was attended to by Dr. Mark Widmann, a thoracic surgeon who said her injuries would have been fatal if not treated.
He noted that when he first saw Kanarek, the trauma service said her heart already had stopped once. Widmann clamped her aorta to raise her blood pressure and keep her alive. She had two sites of injury to the lung itself.
The shooting had also caused an injury to a breast implant, said the physician, who removed that item. Kanarek was on a ventilator for eight or 10 days during her 19-day stay in the Intensive Care Unit, he said.
During today’s proceedings, Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor threatened to close the courtroom to the public if whispering in the gallery didn’t stop. He explained he’s worried about distracting the jury, which due to Covid restrictions is not confined to the jury box. Rather, several rows of the courtroom are filled with the juror overflow, so members of the panel can be socially distanced.
Keeping a firm hand on the proceedings, he already mandated the shutdown of chat rooms on internet sites livestreaming the testimony.
Morris County Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn is planning to wrap up his case Monday, with Bilinkas starting Barisone’s defense later that day. He is pursing an insanity and self-defense strategy. There has been much discussion about recordings of conversations at the farm with devices owned by Goodwin and Kanarek. Expect the importance of those to come into clearer focus as the case proceeds next week.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 23, 2022
After decades running her Knightsbridge training stable in Monmouth County, N.J., Mary Knowlton has moved on to an administrative job at Princeton Show Jumping.
She acted on a long-term realization when an opportunity presented itself, making a career change just as many in the equestrian world will consider for their enterprises when they head into their 60s and the right time comes.
Presenting awards is the glamorous side of Mary Knowlton’s job as USHJA president. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“Ultimately, long term I knew that I was going to have to transition out of my business,” said Mary (formerly Babick). She has huge demands on her time, as she serves a second term as president of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association until 2024.
As is often the case, however, things didn’t go exactly the way she had planned for the future of her business.
“My hope was that I was going to transition out, and (the assistant trainer) Julia (Hogan) was going to transition in,” she said.
But after she sent Julia to Florida for the winter circuit, where she worked with Princeton’s owner, Andrew Philbrick, and trainer Sara Wayda, the plan changed.
Andrew, who looked at Mary and Julia as a pair in terms of employment, had a place for both of them in his business. And for Mary, the time was right.
“The world is changing so fast. The more I talk to my friends who are my age or older,” they told her, “divesting yourself of your business frees you to do greater things, because you’re not weighed down by a payroll or paying workman’s comp.”
She said that the more Andrew pressed her to work with him, “the more interesting the job became to me. It was interesting because he was asking me to do something I had never done before, and I loved that.”
Mary Knowlton spends a lot of time in meetings in her role as president of the USHJA. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Knightsbridge is closing at the end of the month, barn sale items have been advertised on line and 25-year employee Sarah Paulson is taking a break.
“I have been within the same basic structure since 1987 when I moved up here,” said Mary, who came from the Washington DC area and lives in Freehold. She’s still doing some teaching and is learning Mandarin, inspired by the multi-cultural atmosphere in the Princeton area.
“As much as in some ways it’s been stressful, deconstructing my business into its pieces, I absolutely love my new job, said Mary, whose work involves compliance and risk management across Andrew’s businesses.
For example, the Skillman showgrounds in Montgomery Township, Somerset County, where most of Andrew’s shows are held, is preserved farmland. One of Mary’s jobs is “making sure we are always in compliance with the state Agricultural Development Committee. I go to work and there’s always something really fun and interesting.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 19, 2022
Imagine what it’s like to be in war-torn Ukraine, worrying about not only the safety of your family, but also your horses. The U.S. Equestrian Federation has joined the FEI in raising funds to help with this crisis, with 100 percent of the money going toward the cause. For information or to donate, go to this link.
To understand how dire the situation is, and to contribute through the Ukraine Equestrian Federation, read that organization’s account of what is happening:
All at the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation have been touched by the amazing response to our calls for help and donations to our www.helpukrainehorses.eu fund, the kindness of equestrian communities across the world has been generous and instant. The situation in our country for equines is exceptionally challenging and constantly evolving and we thank everyone for their patience. We are beginning to see our collaborative efforts with a number of organizations beginning to have an impact for those who need help.
We are extremely grateful to the many breeding societies, equestrian federations and charities such as the FEI, the Finnish Equestrian Federation, British Equestrian, World Horse Welfare and individuals from many countries around the world for their ongoing support to help with a hugely complex operation in what is essentially a war zone.
Aid administration: We continue to need aid and now supply channels are being established. We ask all of our supporters to follow very clear guidance to make sure support is handled in the most effective way – for you and for us to facilitate getting aid into the country. We would ask that you please refer to our website www.helpukrainehorses.eu to see the latest logistical advice as these logistics are evolving all the time in this dynamic situation.
What we do ask please, is to try very hard to coordinate with fellow donors to supply at least larger quantities of feed, packed on euro pallets and following the guidance on the website. Trucks with larger quantity of aid are more efficient to deliver and distribute. They can go directly to the border with Ukraine and from the border to the warehouse in Lviv. Only small loads/shipments can be brought to Lesna Wola and will be used for evacuated horses staying in Lesna Wola.
Please do not simply turn up at the Polish/Ukrainian border with stock/aid. There are currently very long lines of lorries and correct accreditation is required, without it you could face long delays. We are working on setting up a rail depot in Berlin, Germany which will take aid directly into the heart of Ukraine. Only full, wrapped pallets will be accepted here. Please follow our website and social media for progress updates on this.
Equine assistance:Through help from the FEI Solidarity Fund, we are setting up a stable facility at Lviv with 40 boxes to house horses in transit as we begin to evacuate more from danger. We continue to work with a number of individuals on both side the border to establish stop-over locations for horses. Some will remain in the west of Ukraine and some will move further west into neighboring counties.
There is also a requirement to establish quarantine stations for horses to complete their health requirements prior to their onward journey. We have had very generous offers from a number of logistics/horse transport companies all over Europe, but crossing the border into Ukraine remains complex for a number of reasons and the logistics of moving horses is extremely challenging.
Michaylo Parkhomchuk, Secretary General of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation said; “Our small team has been inundated with messages, emails and calls and we’re very humbled by the support we’ve had but would ask everyone is patient while we try to keep up with our inbox. The actual situation is that we are forced to act during war and in war zone, as Lviv has already been bombed several times, there are no safe zones anymore and there are no guarantees that logistics or any services in Ukraine will work as intended. The ongoing war makes even the simplest things difficult. This will not deter us from the absolute focus to assist as many horses and owners in our country as we possibly can during these dark times. РАЗОМ ПЕРЕМОЖЕМО!!!”
We’ll issue a weekly update of what has been achieved and how those who want to provide support can best help with clear instructions and guidance. That way the aid is expedited to where it’s needed as smoothly as possible. We’re still asking for financial donations which will help with the evacuation and housing of equines via our Charity Foundation or a trusted official fundraiser in your country. On behalf of the Ukrainian horses and their people, we thank everyone for their generosity and kindness.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 8, 2022
The one job title that doesn’t appear on Dr. Jesslyn Bryk-Lucy’s resume is “juggler,” but there certainly would be justification for adding it.
The veterinarian in charge of caring for Centenary University’s 100 horses was recognized as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) 2021veterinarian of the year. She also has been involved in producing a well-received study about the importance of sufficient turnout for horses. The other balls that the Hardwick, N.J., resident is keeping in the air include teaching classes at Centenary, running a private veterinary practice and taking care of her family.
Dr. Jesslyn Bryk-Lucy. (Photo courtesy Centenary Univesity).
The attention Jesslyn gives to the Therapeutic Riding at Centenary (TRAC) mounts has paid off “in a team of happy, willing horses who are kept fit and healthy for our program participants,” according to Karen Brittle, TRAC’s director.
Another person who recommended Jesslyn told PATH of her caring approach recalling, “I will never forget a cold winter night: after putting down one of our beloved (TRAC) program horses, this veterinarian dropped to her knees in the snow to lovingly braid some locks of mane for me. Afterward, she wrote me an email on grieving.”
Dealing with horses used for therapeutic riding at Centenary’s equestrian center in Long Valley, N.J., requires that veterinarians adjust to a different mindset than they would have in evaluating horses for most prospective buyers.
“We’re not interested in `Will the horse hold up for competition; will the horse be able to walk, trot and canter without any worries about it?’ ” explained Octavia Brown, who founded the TRAC program and was a pioneer in developing therapeutic riding in this country. She discussed with Jesslyn what should be considered in terms of horses accepted for TRAC.
“What we’re looking for is personality and fundamentally walk-trot sound enough for what we want. That is what she and I worked on in her mindset and she got it really fast.
“The wonderful thing about Jesslyn, when the horse was showing signs of being uncomfortable or had arthritis, we would discuss how to manage the horse for the best quality of life, for its comfort, for what we needed to do. That’s the kind of thinking that woman has and that’s why we nominated her,” Octavia said.
Caring for the horses used in TRAC, many of whom are older, involves not only helping them through chiropractic work and acupuncture, which Jesslyn is able to do, but also making decisions about when to transition them from being ridden to being used for groundwork; when they should be retired and when they should be euthanized, if they can’t be made comfortable.
“She takes such special care of our horses, knowing what they do, knowing what they need,” Octavia commented.
“And she’s cheerful and nice to boot.”
Jesslyn has taught everything from equine health and anatomy to breeding management, usually amounting to 10 to 12 credits per semester, while checking over the Centenary horses three days a week and handling treatment and emergencies as necessary. She encourages students to help with diagnostics and treatment, which really amounts to teaching another class.
The veterinarian did not have any clinical experience with therapeutic riding prior to coming to Centenary, but is impressed by what she has learned about it.
“It takes very special people and horses to work in that field,” pointed out the 2009 graduate of Cornell University’s veterinary school.
Interestingly, though, Jesslyn’s daughter began riding in a therapeutic program at a local stable when she was two, even though she had no need for the therapeutic part of the experience, because “it’s colors and games and just getting your balance and steering. It was a perfect outlet to get her started.”
When she won PATH’s Region II award, a precursor to being in contention for the national award, it was “total shock,” said Jesslyn, noting she didn’t even know she had been nominated.
Every horse she deals with is important to Dr. Bryk-Lucy. (Photo courtesy of Centenary University.)
Upon earning the national title, she said, “I was speechless and truly honored. It’s just a very noble organization and they do such important work and for me to be involved in that and recognized in that way, I never thought that would happen to me. My private clients (at Leg Up Equine Veterinary Services) were proud to be a part of it, too.”
Jesslyn also has gotten attention for a paper on the benefits of turnout that she did with student Abigail Reilly, who is listed as the first author.
For students like Abigail who are trying to get into veterinary school, Jesslyn explained, “it’s important they get research experience so they can present at a conference or publish a paper that really sets their application apart.”
The study was presented at the Equine Science Society’s virtual symposium last year. The question was how soft tissue injury related to restricted turnout.
Jesslyn recalled Centenary had five horses on whom nothing was working to bring them back to soundness. That prompted resorting to an old horseman’s remedy “turn them out 24/7 and we will look at them in a year.”
The result? “These horses have come back and are working, maybe at a lower level, but they’re still in the program,” said Jesslyn. For some of the horses, the return took only three months. For another, it was two years, but the horse is back jumping.
The abundance of paddocks at the World Equestrian Center Ocala acknowledges the importance of turnout for show horses away from home. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
The research involved using records the university kept on the horses, looking at the initial injury, and whether they were being turned out more or less than 12 hours a day. The veterinarian said it showed horses turned out less than 12 hours a day were twice as likely to sustain an injury.
While thick collagen fibers provide tensile strength to the tendons, they are formed under static conditions and don’t have much give. Thin collagen fibers formed with exercise allow elasticity of the tendons. Horses that are exercised and spend time in the pasture have more thin fibers, meaning their tendons are better equipped to adapt to their movements.
“It makes sense when you talk about fitness and strength of the muscles, tendons and ligaments, they’re going to be fitter being turned out,” Jesslyn said, and the study backs that up. She and Abigail did all the research and wrote the paper together, while Linda Ritchie, a Centenary statistics professor, used her specialty for the project. Their work appeared as an abstract in a special issue of the Journal of Veterinary Science.
Jesslyn noted the entire paper hasn’t been published yet, with questions yet to be answered including conformation, paddock size and footing in paddocks. The intent also is involves putting GPS trackers on the horses to see how much they move.
“It is worth looking at this more,” noted Jesslyn, who is hoping for funding to continue the work with another Centenary student after Abigail leaves for vet school, and eventually get the paper peer-reviewed as a precursor to publication.
The veterinarian notes a lot of the TRAC horses have lived out 24/7, which helps their temperament and enables them to be quieter, calmer and happier, which is very important in their line of work.
As Jesslyn pointed out, “Colic, most of the diseases we see in horses are man-made, from us changing their management; from being grazers and constantly moving about on the plains to (instead) standing in a barn. I understand they’re performance horses and have a job to do and that’s why they’re here,” she acknowledged.
At the same time, she said, “I think we should…try as best we can to get them back to that grazing, moving environment.”
