HAT Chat Articles – October 2005

 

 

A word from our President

 

Isn’t this is the time of year when the temperatures are supposed to start going down?  Well, it seems no one has bothered to tell that to Mother Nature.  During our show on September 18th, the thermometer kept climbing higher and higher, and eventually went over 100 degrees.  I was at the show announcing that afternoon, and kept reminding everyone to make sure both they and their horses had plenty to drink.

 

We have a couple of really exciting events coming up in October and November.  There’s more information on each of them inside this newsletter and on our website.

 

To begin with, we’re going to have our first-ever Adult Riding Clinic on October 23rd.  It’s a lot like the Youth Clinic we had in June, but it’s just for adults this time.  Space is limited for riders, so be sure to sign up quickly for this one.

 

Then, on November 6th we’re going to have our last show of the year.  We’ve changed the name of it to Halter Challenge and Open Show, but don’t let that bother you…it’s the same format as last year, with a futurity for weanlings and yearlings, followed by an open show.  This is the time for you to get those younger horses out and show ‘em off!  Who knows?  You might get to take home a trophy and a little extra spending money to boot.  We’ll see you there!

 

Roger Dougan

HAT President

 

 

HAT Autumn Show A Success

 

By all accounts, the HAT Autumn Open Show on September 18th was a great success.  Once again, we had a really good turnout, in spite of unusually high temperatures that reached over 100 degrees at one point in the afternoon.

 

Congratulations to all our participants, especially the High Point winners Kayla Savage and Fon Laughlin.  Complete show results and several photos are included in this issue.

 

 

HAT Adult Clinic October 23rd

 

At our Youth Clinic in June, many of the parents and other adults asked us if we could put together a similar clinic just for them.  We thought that was a pretty good idea, and we went to work on it…

 

Now, we are pleased to announce HAT’s first-ever Adult Rider’s Clinic.  It will be held on Sunday, October 23rd from 1-5pm at Loy Lake Arena in Denison.  A flyer outlining the clinic topics and fees is included in this issue and is available on our website at www.hat-texoma.org.  Space is limited to 15 riders, but anyone can come out and audit the clinic as well.  If you are interested, be sure to sign up early!

 

 

HAT Halter Challenge and Open Show November 6th

 

HAT’s final show of the year will be held November 6th at Loy Lake Arena in Denison.  Registration opens at 8am, and the first Halter Challenge class will show at 9am.

 

Do not let the title of this show confuse you.  “Halter Challenge” is the new name for our Weanling and Yearling Futurity.  Although the name is new, the purpose has not changed -- this is still our annual event designed to showcase and “show off” Texoma area weanlings and yearlings.  There will be trophies, ribbons, bragging rights, and a cash jackpot all up for grabs.

 

The Open Show will start immediately following the conclusion of the Halter Challenge.  It follows the same format as the show we held in September.

 

A flyer describing the entire event, as well as a showbill for the Open Show, are both printed in this newsletter.  Additional copies can be printed from our website at www.hat-texoma.org.

 

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

 

 

State/Local News

 

Helping Hands Extended to Two- and Four-legged Katrina Victims by Texas Extension, Agriculture Researchers

 

As thousands of evacuees displaced by Hurricane Katrina filled relocation centers and found shelter elsewhere in the state, a unique force with offices in every county rallied to assist.

 

Providing food – even straight from the field – and other immediate needs for victims of this natural disaster was a priority for employees and volunteers from Texas Cooperative Extension and Texas Agriculture Experiment Station, officials said.

 

In Amarillo, that meant fresh vegetables.  Hundreds of pounds of cantaloupes, tomatoes and corn from field trial plots at the Texas A&M System Research and Extension Center were harvested by employees and used in meals served to evacuees, said Dr. John Sweeten, Experiment Station director at the facility.

 

“We felt it was the best use of this produce at this time,” Sweeten said.  “What other agency in town could have brought in fresh vegetables in a moment’s notice?”

 

The Experiment Station, with 13 facilities across Texas, has been conducting research to help farmers grow fruits and vegetables since 1888.

 

“Providing food and other basic needs is something we are well equipped to handle, so our employees were able to quickly assist in a number of ways throughout the state,” said Dr. Elsa Murano, Texas A&M University System vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences.  “For many of the evacuees the needs are still immediate.  And we will continue helping as our new neighbors get farther down the road toward a normal life again.”

 

The agencies were able to respond quickly because Extension has employees and volunteer programs in every county and Experiment Station has research plots in every region of the state, she noted.

 

In urban counties where thousands of evacuees were driven for shelter, Extension employees and volunteers assembled health kits containing personal hygiene items.  More than 1,000 kits were assembled and distributed in Bexar, Andrews, Angelina, Travis and El Paso counties.

 

“We distributed more than 400 kits to evacuee centers at Kelly USA and Windsor Park Mall in San Antonio,” said Rita Avendano of Extension’s Better Living for Texans program for Bexar County.  “Extension employees and program volunteers also provided assistance with data entry and missing person location.”

 

In Harris County, Extension faculty developed a resource kit to help families rebuild their lives.  The kit includes information on food safety, nutrition and household budgeting.  A worksheet and checklist for recording important information – such as credit card and bank account numbers – was also included.  These kits will be distributed through agencies already assisting families with relocation.

 

Dr. Ed Smith, Extension director, said evacuees may also benefit from the agency’s free programs that teach life skills, basic money management, and health and nutrition.

 

“These programs can help people transition into new locations as they start thinking more about managing a new household and budgeting financial resources,” Smith said, adding local Extension offices can provide free information or programs on these topics.

 

Extension’s youth program, 4-H, also played a key role in disaster relief, said Dr. Martha Couch, associate director of 4-H and youth development.

 

“In addition to helping displaced individuals, many 4-H clubs are involved in collecting and distributing food, veterinary medicine and supplies for thousands of horses and household pets left homeless due to this catastrophe,” she said.  “For example, Extension’s Kendall County 4-H members are working with Lone Star Equine Rescue and several businesses in that county to organize the collection and delivery of veterinary medicine and other supplies to horse relocation centers in Louisiana and Mississippi.”

 

Grayson County 4-H members also assisted the horse rescue effort by donating halters, lead ropes and a variety of horse first aid supplies.

 

Couch added that children who have been relocated to Texas may wish to consider joining 4-H in their vicinity.

 

“It’s an excellent way for young people to make new friends and learn practical life skills,” she said.

 

As the extent of Hurricane Katrina damage became known, Murano and Smith announced that all employees of the agencies were allowed emergency leave to assist with relief efforts.

 

One employee, Steve Paz, an Extension information technology specialist in Lubbock, headed to Louisiana shortly after the disaster, taking satellite communication equipment, computers and a generator in mobile-office trailer, since communication needs were urgent.

 

“Were hoping that what’s been done so far is just the beginning,” Murano added.  “We’re here to provide information and resources for the long haul and want to do a lot more to help those whose lives have been disrupted by this catastrophe.”

 

 

National News

 

 

USDA Issues License for West Nile Virus DNA Vaccine for Horses

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a license to Fort Dodge Laboratories, Inc. of Fort Dodge, Iowa, a division of Wyeth, for a vaccine to protect horses from viremia caused by the West Nile virus (WNV).  The vaccine, which was developed through a collaboration of the Centers for Disease Control and Fort Dodge, is the first fully licensed WNV DNA vaccine for animals in the United States, and it is believed to be the first DNA vaccine in the world to be approved by a veterinary or human medicine regulatory agency for commercial sale.

 

The new vaccine has been named West Nile Innovator® DNA.

 

“Fort Dodge, which has a long-standing commitment to innovative research and product development, recognized the significant value of DNA in the prevention of disease in animal populations, as well as humans, and worked with the CDC to develop West Nile-Innovator DNA,” says Steve Chu, DVM, PhD, Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development, Fort Dodge Animal Health.  “During this process, Fort Dodge made some groundbreaking discoveries that simplified the preparation and formulation of the vaccine, enabling the successful development, testing and registration of the first product of its kind.”

 

West Nile Innovator contains genes for two WNV proteins, and therefore, does not contain any whole WNV, live or killed.  Administered intramuscularly, the vaccine causes the horse’s cells to begin making proteins from the West Nile virus, which trigger a protective immune response.  West Nile-Innovator DNA will be added to Fort Dodge’s line of equine products in early 2006 and will be available to licensed veterinarians.

 

In granting full licensure, USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics determined that the vaccine’s safety and efficacy have been satisfactorily demonstrated.  Studies looking at how long the vaccine maintains its immunity are ongoing.  However, the label contains a caution that vaccinated horses may not be eligible for export, as current commercially used tests may not be able to differentiate between this vaccine, conventional vaccines and horses that have been exposed to the actual virus.

 

WNV, a mosquito-borne disease, was first detected in the United States in 1999.  The virus, which can cause encephalitis or inflammation of the brain in animals and, in some cases, humans, has been found in Africa, western Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean region of Europe.  It has spread to all 48 of the Continental United States.

 

WNV infection in horses may include both central nervous system and peripheral nervous system signs.  From the first introduction of the virus in 1999 through December 2004, there have been 22,602 reported equine cases.  Approximately one-third of horses that become ill with WNV either die or must be euthanized.

 

This technology represents a new generation of vaccines.  Traditional vaccine development involves either passing a disease-producing virus through a different species or cell type until it no longer causes disease but does create immunity, or by killing the virus in such a manner that allows it to produce immunity but no disease in the recipient.  DNA vaccines, by contrast, use specific fragments of a pathogen’s unique genetic material to stimulate a targeted immune response from the host.

 

For more information on the vaccine, contact Fort Dodge Laboratories, Inc., at 1-800-685-5656.

 

 

Legislative Update

 

 

American Horse Council Press Release

Contact: NLamoureux@horsecouncil.org                     September 21, 2005

 

 

 

Making Horses Eligible for Federal Emergency Funds

 

Language making horses eligible for federal disaster assistance is now included in the USDA FY 2006 appropriations bill.  The provision was added as an amendment offered by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY).  It was passed by voice vote.  Its effective date would be July 28 in order to cover losses suffered because of Hurricane Katrina.  The full 2006 USDA appropriations bill must still be passed by the Senate.

 

The provision is the same as the language in the Equine Equity Act (S. 1528) introduced in July by Senators McConnell, Jim Bunning (R-KY) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR).

 

There is no similar provision in the House-passed USDA Appropriations bill.  A Conference Committee will be formed to work out the various differences between the two bills and the Conference bill will then have to be passed by Congress.

 

This legislation would also make horses eligible for federal emergency relief similar to other livestock and crops.  It would specifically repeal the restrictive definition of livestock under the old and outdated Agricultural Act of 1949, which defined “livestock” to consist of various animals, including “equine animals used for food or in the production of food.”

 

The exclusion of horses from relief under the various federal livestock assistance programs instituted since then seems to have followed that same definition and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has followed suit in administering them.  Horses have thus been ineligible for federal emergency funds, except when the industry got special ad hoc authorization for federally-guaranteed loans for foal losses caused by Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome.  Senators McConnell and Bunning spearheaded passage of that relief also.

 

“This legislation would end the unfair discrimination of horses and make horse breeders and owners eligible for emergency assistance that producers of other crops and livestock have enjoyed,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council.  “Broadening the current emergency assistance programs to include horses will rectify the unfair economic situation now facing horse owners and breeders versus other livestock producers in the aftermath of disasters.”

 

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As the national trade association representing the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent your equine interests and investments.  Organized in 1969, the AHC has been promoting and protecting the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry itself on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

 

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Purina Mills Dealers Host Horse Health Care Events in Local Markets Across America

 

Consumer Rebates provide Funding for North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

 

Billed as Purina Mills Horse Health Fairs, these events will give horse owners opportunities to learn health and nutrition tips from regional and national equine experts.  Produced in an environment which Purina Mills calls “facts and fun,” the Horse Health Fairs will give horse owners a chance to create a sense of community, show off their animals and take advantage of special offers on selected Purina Mills products, during the over 700 events.

 

In addition to speakers from Purina Mills, the events will also feature AAEP Veterinarians, who will speak on horse health issues, preventative care and topics of local interest.

 

According to Purina Mills Marketing Manager, Dr. Scott King, DVM, “We anticipate the Horse Health Fair to be a big hit with horse owners everywhere.  We’ll create a fun atmosphere, where people can relax, talk a little horsemanship, have a good time and learn something, too.”

 

“A good portion of the program will feature older horses and the issues they face, such as a nutrition presentation on Dietary Carbohydrates in the Equine Diet” added Dr. King  “More people than ever before own older horses, so it’s important to get as much information in the hands of horse owners as possible.  Getting an older horse ready for winter never comes easily.  That’s why the Horse Health Fair will be held in the fall.  Just so everyone has some helpful hints and extra knowledge going into the winter months.”

 

As a part of the program, Purina Mills will encourage horse owners everywhere to support the work of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).

 

During the final months of the year, Purina Mills will offer a rebate to consumers good for $15 back on five bags of Equine Senior horse feed.  Consumers may elect to receive the rebate or donate the amount to NARHA, by simply checking a box on the rebate form.

 

“It’s an easy way for people to support an organization that does work that’s nothing short of amazing,” added Dr. King.

 

Rebate forms will appear in issues of top-rated national equine magazines.  They will also be available to NARHA supporters.

 

For the Horse Health Fair, horse owners wishing to attend are encouraged to register early for their local event because seating and participation are often limited, depending on venue.

 

There should be an event close to where you live.  If not, check with your local Purina Mills Gold Program Dealer

 

 

Important HAT Reminders

 

HAT Membership Renewals Due

 

The HAT membership year runs from October 1st to September 30th.  That means it’s time to renew your membership.

 

(Note: if you have joined HAT or renewed your membership in August or September, you do not need to pay again – your membership is active until September 2006).

 

A membership form is available on the inside back page of every issue of HAT Chat, and can also be printed from the HAT website.  Fees have not changed – they are still $10 for individuals and $25 for families (families include everyone living at the same physical address).

 

Please be sure to provide us with an e-mail address if you have one; we are working on better ways to bring membership news and information to our members faster, and e-mail is just one of the areas we are exploring.

 

 

HAT Officer Elections in November

 

The annual election of HAT officers to serve in 2006 will be held during the monthly meeting on November 3rd.

 

All five officer positions (President, Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) come up for election each year.  Those elected will serve from January through December of 2006.

 

If you are interested in serving as a HAT officer, please call or send in an e-mail (contact information is listed on Page 2).

 

 

Extension Service News

by Eddie Baggs, CEA-Agriculture

Denton County Cooperative Extension

 

Establishing Ryegrass Pastures

 

Annual ryegrass is the most popular cool-season grass because it is relatively easy to establish and does not require large equipment investments, which is very appealing to small landowners.  Ryegrass does not have to be planted into the soil like small grains (wheat, oats, cereal rye).  A successful stand can be established by simply broadcasting the seed on top of the pasture, but the seed must have contact with the soil.  So before broadcasting onto an established pasture such as bermuda, it is recommended to mow and graze closely to increase seed-soil contact.  The timing for this will be anywhere from the end of September through mid October, depending on temperatures and available moisture.  Early forage production may be increased if drilled into a prepared seed bed.  Ryegrass seed can be mixed with the initial fertilizer application.  However, remember that grazing may not be available until January.  Many producers will mix rye with a small grain to afford both early and late fall/winter grazing.  Another disadvantage to ryegrass over-seeding is that it may compete with your warm season grass (bermudagrass) in the spring and can cause it to re-establish slower.  In fact you may lose the first cutting of bermuda by establishing ryegrass if not grazed properly, so it is not recommended to over-seed the most productive hay fields.

 

Many producers will turn to ryegrass and/or small grains for winter pasture because of the lack of hay and the need for large amounts of high quality forage to get through winter.  As dry as this summer has turned out, and with many pastures still in bad shape, winter annuals may be an excellent option.  Ryegrass varieties that are commonly used in this area are: Gulf, Ribeye, TAM90, Marshall, and Southern Star.  A general recommendation would be to broadcast 25 pounds of ryegrass per acre or one bushel of small grain (drilled) along with 15 pounds of ryegrass.  Nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied until after October.  A soil test is always the best way to determine fertility needs.  If the pasture will be grazed on a continuous basis, the stocking rate would be about 1.5 animals per acre.  If limited grazing is used 4-6 animals per acre may be possible.  These figures will be different from operation to operation due to management and environmental conditions.

 

Educational programs conducted by the Texas Cooperative Extension serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

 

 

Ask The Vet

by Dr. Katie Hayes, DVM

 

Stem Cell Treatments for Tendon Injuries

 

I recently attended a seminar by Dr. Harmon at Performance Equine Vet Clinic on Methods of Accelerated Recovery of Soft Tissues, which among other things covered the use of stem cells to help heal tendons.

 

Stem cells are cells that promote the healing of damaged tissues.  Stem cells are found all over the body, whether human or horse, old or young.  All we hear in the press about them concerns embryonic stem cells that come from human embryos, and incites the controversial issue of abortion.  Embryonic stem cells do have the phenomenal power of being able to reproduce themselves in whatever tissues they are put in; for example, if they are put into spinal cord tissue, they reproduce and make spinal cord cells.  However, there is a problem with embryonic stem cells in that they can multiply out of control and cause tumors to develop.  Of the 250 stem cell labs in the country, Dr. Harmon stated that only two are doing embryonic stem cell research and all the rest are doing work on regular stem cells.

 

The stem cells used in treatments for horses come from the individual horse’s own fat.  The fat tissue is removed from the top of the tail and sent to a lab, where the stem cells are processed and then sent back to the vet in syringes ready to inject into the same horse.

 

Tendons and ligaments receiving stem cell injections heal with reduced scarring, retain greater elasticity and performance, and are less prone to re-injury.  Osteoarthritis, joint injuries, OCD, and damaged cartilage in joints treated with stem cell injections are able to regenerate damaged bone and cartilage and reduce pain.  Treatment is best done within 1-2 months after an injury, especially for tendons, but injections do help in old arthritis cases.

 

The cost at Performance Equine is $1500 for the removal of fat, stem cell processing, and one injection of stem cells in the injured area.  Additional injections are $250-$350 each.

 

The horse has been the model experiment, and now in human medicine they are starting to use similar stem cell injections with dramatic healing results in knees and hearts.

 

 

Vaccination Reminders

 

·                    Make sure your adult horses have their West Nile boosters.

·                    Babies from this year need a series of two West Nile injections one month apart to be adequately protected.  It is also time to start your 6-7 month old babies on Flu-Rhino shots.

·                    Mares bred in April should now be getting their 5-month Rhino Pneumabort-K vaccine.  Rhino shots should be given in the 5th, 7th, and 9th months of pregnancy.

 

 

A Bit of Humor

 

Equestrian Definitions, Part 1

 

Auction: A popular, social gathering where you can change a horse from a financial liability into a liquid asset.

Azoturia (Monday Morning Disease): a condition brought on by showing horses all weekend.  Symptoms include the feeling of dread at having to get out of bed on Mondays and go to work.

Barn Sour: An affliction common to horse people in northern climates during the winter months.  Trudging through deep snow, pushing wheelbarrows through snow and beating out frozen water buckets tend to bring on this condition rapidly.

Big Name Trainer (also called Cult Leader): Horse owners follow them blindly, will gladly sell their homes, spend their children’s college funds and their IRAs to support them as they have a direct link to “The Most High Ones” (Judges).

Bog Spavin: The feeling of panic when riding through a marshy area.  Also used to refer to horses who throw a fit at having to go through water puddles.

Bolt: to gulp feed.  Usually occurs with sandwiches at half-hour lunch breaks.

Bran: A wheat by-product occasionally fed moistened to horses, most usually applied as spackle or stucco on owner.

Colic: The gastrointestinal result of eating at the food stands at horse shows.

Colt: What your mare always gives you when you want a filly.

Contracted foot: The involuntary/instant reflex of curling one’s toes up just before a horse steps on your foot.

Corn: small callus growths formed from the continual wearing of cowboy boots.

Cribbing: The vice of chewing your pencils while worrying as you figure the cost of next year’s hay.

Drench: Term used to describe the condition an owner is in after he administers mineral oil to his horse.

Endurance ride: The end result when your horse spooks and runs away with you in the woods.

Equitation: The ability to keep a smile on your face and proper posture while your horse tries to crowhop, shy and buck his way around a show ring.

Feed: Expensive substance utilized in the manufacture of large quantities of manure.

Fences: Decorative perimeter structures built to give a horse something to chew on, scratch against and jump over (also see Inbreeding).

Flea-bitten: A condition of the lower extremities in horse owners who also own dogs and cats.

Flies: The excuse of choice a horse uses so he can kick you, buck you off or knock you over - he cannot be punished.

 

Author Unknown

 

 

This Month’s Recipe

 

Prairie Land Pot Roast                                                                 Servings: 8

 

1                         boneless beef chuck roast (2 lbs)

1/2 tsp                 salt

1/4 tsp                 ground black pepper

1 bottle                (8 oz) Kraft® Catalina dressing, divided

2                         large onions, sliced

2 lbs                    all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 lb                     carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tbsp                  chopped parsley

 

·        Season both sides of roast with salt and pepper.  Brown meat in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven on high heat in 1/4 cup of the dressing, turning to brown both sides.  Add onions and stir until brown.

·        Add remaining dressing, potatoes, carrots, and enough water to come up 3/4 of the way up the meat (about 1-1/2 to 2 cups).  Bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low.  Simmer 2 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.

·        Remove meat from pot and slice thinly against the grain.  Serve meat and vegetables topped with pan gravy and sprinkled with chopped parsley.

 

(For thicker gravy, combine 3 tbsp flour and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl.  Remove meat and vegetables from pan and bring liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.  Gradually whisk flour mixture into liquid until thickened as desired.)