NOTE: The 2014 Sun and Surf Circuit is currently taking place at the Del Mark Horsepark in CA. We spoke with Show Manager Clay MacLeod this morning to get an update on what effect, if any, the wildfires might have on the show.

Cruelty charges against an Arkansas horse trader accused of maltreating more than 100 animals have been dropped.

Shane joins the Congress Team with over 20 years of equine photography experience. He is the official photographer for many AQHA and APHA horse shows across the country. He brings years of expertise and experience as the new photographer of the Congress, exhibitors and spectators can expect high-quality photographs and art, and excellent customer service.

AQHA: Jon Barry, John Briggs, Brett Clark, Dawn Clason, Bill Coffman, Ed Dingledine, Robin Frid, Karen Graham, Mike Hawkins, Holly Hover, Deborah Kail, John Lawrence, Rhonda Replogle, Dean Ross, Mark Sheridan, Jason Smith, Jennifer Thompson, Carla Wennberg

Eight Thoroughbreds died in an early morning fire May 9 at a barn and adjoining annex located on Rice Road in Lexington, Ky., across from the rear entrance to the Keeneland stable area. As of 8 a.m., fire investigators were on the scene to determine the cause.

The bill would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish standards for equestrian helmets. It does not mandate the use of helmets when riding horses.

According to Hughes, two horses (one from Wisconsin and one from Kansas) recently were diagnosed with EHV-1. The two horses had been at a competition held at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln in April.

“Science is progressing at an astonishing rate in equine veterinary medicine and the fact that an Eclipse clone could be born next year, albeit that the rules of racing wouldn’t allow it to compete, is almost unbelievable.”