2014 Pinto World Championship

Thousands of people came to the Pinto World Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma to pursue their dreams of big wins and big titles. Many have been working hard and preparing themselves and their equines for the opportunity to share the stage with fellow PtHA members and 2014 PWC exhibitors. These exhibitors demonstrated the finest level of horsemanship and sportsmanship while exhibiting the many talents of their Pintos.

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Ask the Vet: EPM

Question: My Thoroughbred gelding is 24-years-old and has Cushing's Disease and now we suspect EPM. He is being treated for both. What are the odds of a full recovery from EPM - I mean will I ever be able to ride him again?

Answer: According to current research information, around 70% of horses treated for EPM with appropriate medications and protocols will respond and return to their previous performance levels. Your horse is suffering from two separate diseases, however; so his return will depend on how readily each affected system (hormonal, or endocrine, and neurologic) is able to respond to treatments.

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Blister Beetle Poisoning

Written by Benjamin Espy, DVM

Many horse owners feed alfalfa hay to supplement their horse and is a very efficient source of protein and calcium. Alfalfa hay requires very specific growing conditions and is primarily harvested in the western United States. Even if you are using alfalfa that has been harvested months or years previously, your horse is still at risk for blister beetle toxicity.

The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and cattle, but primarily to horses. As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of blister beetles can be deadly to an 1100 lb. horse. Blister beetles swarm in alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident. Even small parts of these beetles are toxic to a horse. Whole insects need not be present to be dangerous.

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AjPHA Youth show their personalities in Youth Team Tournament

During the first day of the 2014 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show, nine teams from around the world participated in the Youth Team Tournament. They showed their home state and country pride with coordinating outfits during the team events as well as arena antics that showed that although they took the competition seriously, they aren't afraid to laugh at their own mishaps and successes.

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Chex By Wrangler Cruises to the Inaugural Ranch Horse Pleasure World Championship

Though he’d just finished clocking fast times in speed events, Chex By Wrangler took the inaugural ranch horse pleasure class at the AjPHA Youth World Championship Show all in stride.

The 2005 chestnut overo gelding by Starlights Wrangler and out of Poppas Old Flame performed with 14-year-old Joshua Briggs of Pilot Point, Texas, in the 15-entry class to clinch the world championship.

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Cameron Rohn takes home Elegant April Memorial Award

Cameron Rohn of Westworth Village, Texas, took home the 2014 Elegant April Memorial Award on June 30 for his win in the Youth Working Hunter 14–18 with Secret Treasure. The 17-year-old also won the Novice Youth Hunt-Seat Equitation Over Fences.

Partners for only about a year, Cameron says the gelding exceeded his expectations at the Youth World Show.

"It feels really good. I hoped we would make the Top Five or Top Three," Cameron said. "He was really good and really soft."

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Summer's Here: Hot Weather Care for Horses

Written by Hayley Donahue, DVM

Owners need to consider management practices needed to help their horses get through the hot weather. It is important to understand the normal physiology of the horse when exercised in hot or humid weather. During exercise the body generates heat faster than at rest. A large percentage of the stored energy used by the body during physical activity is converted to heat rather than motion.

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