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Rutgers Equine Science Center Announces Winner of 2010 �Spirit of the Horse� Awa

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (January 14, 2010) – The Equine Science Center at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has named Antoinette Nigito as the 2010 recipient of the Center’s “Spirit of the Horse” award. Mrs. Nigito will receive the award during the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s 53rd Annual New Jersey Breeder’s Award ceremony on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Sandy Denarski, the 2006 inaugural recipient and chair of the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement and Center director Karyn Malinowski will present the award.

Study: NJ Horse Industry Too Valuable to Lose

By Tom LaMarra

Updated: Thursday, July 30, 2009 8:29 AM
Posted: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 8:33 AM

A report from the Rutgers Equine Science Center details the economic impact of horse racing and breeding in New Jersey and says revenue from alternative gaming at racetracks has supported and fueled those programs in other states.

Advances Against Cushing�s Disease

New therapies, along with improved diagnostic tests, are clearing the way to better care.

By Janice Posnikoff, DVM

With advances in veterinary medicine, we have an increased understanding of diseases that strike our horses. Equine Cushing’s disease has been recognized for more than 70 years, but has often been misunderstood. Today, however, with our improved diagnostic and treatment options, Cushing’s horses are living longer and enjoying a better quality of life. Here’s what we currently know about this disease:

Teen riders are champions

By KRISTY DAVIES • Courier-Post Staff

WATERFORD — Pounding hooves, flying dirt and racing hearts are why three local teens compete in an equestrian sport across the country.

Janis Reader, 14, of Berlin Township; Dominique Abrams, 16, and Noelle Brown, 15, both of Waterford, are champions with the U.S. Team Penning Association and will be competing in the national finals in Amarillo, Texas, this week .


                                   Noelle Brown (back to front), Janis Reader and Dominique
                                   Abrams practice their riding at Bit By Bit Stables in Elmer.

A lack of horse sense

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Two years ago, New Jersey became the first state to adopt comprehensive regulations on the humane treatment of livestock. Now a disturbing case from South Jersey shows the Agriculture Department and other agencies need to do more to make sure the regulations are effective.

World Games 2010 Foundation Selects Director of Hospitality Programs

LEXINGTON, KY - The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced that Mrs. Kim Bennett has been selected as Director of Hospitality Programs for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

As Director of Hospitality Programs, Mrs. Bennett will oversee the planning, design, sales and execution of the 2010 Games VIP hospitality program. Mrs. Bennett will also have shared responsibilities in other areas of hospitality management surrounding the Games, including working with catering companies and specialty functions that may be developed ahead of and during the event.

Alternatives in Cancer Treatment

Cancer. (sigh) No one is exempt. This article spotlights a special local horse, owner and their journey to an alternative treatment.
Judy H is a Woodland Township resident and enjoys the company of her two horses Lark & Quincy. Lark is a lovely mare in her golden years enjoying the life of leisure at home and on social rides with ‘friends. Quincy is a strapping Arab cross, gelding, around 10-11 years old and is Judy’s partner on the competitive trail and endurance circuit. Quincy and Judy found each other approximately 4 years ago, and like all great teams, developed a system that has proved solid and effective in competition. They have competed successfully in 25, 30 and 50 mile rides. Judy’s commitment to his training is expansive including a distance conditioning program, dressage training for rider and mount balance, as well as social rides with friends for Quincy’s relaxation. He has huge potential and is a happy, willing, sensitive fellow.   Side note: Quincy is gray.
Gray horses are prone to cancerous lumps on various parts of their bodies sometimes benign and sometimes malignant.
Quincy had developed melanomas on his ear, shoulder and the underside of his tail. Judy sought the advice of specialists along with treatment options. The tumor on his ear proved to be an occupational hazard. The bridle naturally placed pressure on it and caused him discomfort. Treatment options were few:
·         Surgically remove all – very costly – it is likely that as he ages he will develop others (approx $1500 to $3000 per procedure)
·         Drug therapy – very costly – unstable rate of efficacy. (approx $500 for 24 days of medication)
·         Create a vaccine from the tumor and administer – most cost effective – least conclusive results – newest treatment option. ($1500 for the extraction of tumor material and creation of the vaccine)
·         Do nothing – no cost – no treatment – no rate of efficacy
Judy decided to have a vaccine created from material in Quincy’s tumors. Equine Melanoma Autogenous Vaccine in West Chester PA is the lab that creates such vaccines and created Quincy’s. Just as allergy injection serum is specific to an individual’s allergic reaction from injection testing, Quincy’s vaccine was made and designed specifically from the materials in his tumors. The collection, storage, transportation, etc have such extremely stringent protocols, that everyone involved from the veterinary facility where the tumor material is collected, to the lab that creates the vaccine, is on alarm from start to finish to be sure that the entire process occurs as it should to ensure purity of environment and optimum product viability.
Quincy initially receives a vaccine injection every other week for 6 weeks, then one injection every 12 weeks until there is no more vaccine left. The amount of vaccine is based on the amount of tumor material extracted. Quincy has had three injections so far. Judy feels that the tumor on his ear has reduced in size. She has also been able to creatively alter his bridle rigging so that his ear is no longer irritated. Result data is limited at this point, but Judy and Quincy are part of a larger picture that may change that in the future. They aren’t taking the path most traveled. Instead, they are part of a process that will leave behind a new trail for others.

Quincy and Judy lost this year of competition to diagnosis and treatment of Quincy’s melanomas. They hope to be back… large and in charge… to compete in a 50-mile event in October. We wish them the best of luck with Quincy’s treatment and this upcoming event. GO GET ‘EM! Happy trails. EK

2008 New Jersey HorseXpo

New Jersey HorseXpo is at the gate…

Get ready for the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce’s third annual HorseXpo, the only one of its kind in New Jersey!

Meagan McKee Named New Jersey 4-H Equestrian of the Year

By Jane Meggitt

Meagan McKee, of Blairstown, N.J. was named 4-H State Equestrian of the Year during opening ceremonies at the New Jersey state 4-H show, held Aug. 24 to 26 at the Horse Park of New Jersey.

Horse ownership is a luxury these days

BY TERRY JESTER
For The Coloradoan

If you’re thinking about going out and adopting or buying a horse, please consider this first: Other than the fixer-upper house, there is nothing more likely to suck money out of your pockets than a horse.

If you’ve got both time and money, maybe a horse is for you. But, if you’re short on either, it’s best to skip the cowboy/cowgirl phase and leave it to those with the necessary requirements.