Peters says, “According to initial findings, a common perception of restrictive noseband designs allowing a lighter rein aid may be inaccurate and warrant further investigation.” 

“Unfortunately, there are very few safe, affordable options for horse owners when they are unable to keep, sell or give away their horse, and the ASPCA is committed to creating humane options for these equines,” said Tom Persechino, director of ASPCA Equine Welfare. “When dog and cat owners are unable to continue caring for a pet and need help, they can seek out a shelter where their animal will be cared for and placed into a loving home. The ASPCA—along with many of our shelter and rescue partners—are on a mission to create the same lifesaving options for equines across the country.”

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is used to promote healing of injured tendons and ligaments. Using high-pressure sonic waves, ESWT is thought to increase blood flow to the treated area. It has been shown to reduce pain for several days after treatment.

Noelle Almrud, director of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, said, “We are honored to provide a home where Bob can live out his retirement grazing on hundreds of acres, enjoying sunshine on his back, roaming with a herd, running and kicking up his heels. Since he was accustomed to humans in his work, our devoted caregivers are more than happy to give him all of the attention – and treats – that he desires and deserves.”

“There’s often young people interested in horses and they don’t have the opportunity to work with high-quality talent,” she explained. “This is something I would have wanted to do at the university when I was a student there.”

It is true that traditional siding such as board and batten is cheaper than more modern materials such as LP Smartside or LP Techshield. Metal materials can be galvanized or treated coatings to extend their lifespan. Gavalume is an example of a commonly used metal for siding and roofing. It is a steel sheet that has an electrolytically applied coating of a combination of zinc and aluminum.

This year’s lineup of presenters includes such equestrian all-stars as Jonathan Field, Craig Cameron, Warwick Schiller, Tik Maynard, and Lynn Palm, presenting on general training and horsemanship. Other featured clinicians and topics include JR Robles (general training & colt starting), Lynn Palm (Western dressage), Jim Thomas (general training & horsemanship), Jonathon Millar (hunter/jumper), Steve Colclasure (cutting & reined cow horse), Jeremy Steinberg (dressage), Kevin Oliver (reining and trail), Kristen Weaver Brown (barrel racing), Liz Austin (dressage), Heidi Potter (centered riding), Rick Christy (western horsemanship and hunter under saddle), Suzy Stafford (driving), Simon Cocozza (core strengthening & yoga for horses), Sarah Track (saddleseat), Paul Garrison (mules), and Heidi McLaughlin (overcoming fear).

The findings revealed that approximately 76% of riders carried a whip of which 14% of those riders actually used their whip in competition.  Additionally, this study found that increased whip usage correlated with decreased performance (increased faults).  

Hayley Randle, from Charles Sturt University, AU, presented on the results from the physical measures related to a horse’s emotion. Randle explains, “Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and cortisol are the most commonly measured physiological indicators of equine emotion. Other suggested indicators include eye temperature, respiratory rate and salivary alpha amylase, but many of these lack validation in relation to association with emotional state. There were methodological problems with all of the measures we looked at, such as the lack of standardization of reporting and interpretation.”