The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) congratulates WHW for including this topic in this year’s assembly and is highly supportive of many of Mr Davison’s points e.g., regarding the importance of getting competition horses out to graze and the role of learning theory in horse training, in particular with regard to the importance of the removal of pressure. However, the Society also finds that the presentation included a number of incorrect claims and insinuations and hereby encourages WHW to correct this misinformation in a public statement to prevent further misinterpretation that may damage the welfare of sport-horses.

Genome sequencing allows researchers to read and decipher genetic information found in DNA and is especially important in mapping disease genes – discovering diseases a horse might be genetically predisposed to developing.

Another claim trending at the moment is “whole food” feeds and supplements that claim to provide every nutrient the horse needs, with no supplementation of individual nutrients. I’m surprised the FDA and state Ag departments haven’t caught up with some of these feed companies yet.

“I was at the point where I was desperate, depressed, hopeless . . . this (therapeutic riding) just sounded like a chance. And it worked.” — Veteran participant

From a non-horseman mom inquiring about her child’s riding lessons to a ten-year horse owner considering investing in a competitive show horse, the confusion over price and value never ends. Ranging from $100 to $10,000 and more, every buyer has a different price threshold or I.C.A.T. (I Can’t Afford That). Once the I.C.A.T threshold is surpassed, any price is too much.

“While the nymph-stage ticks are most common during the spring and summer months, adult deer ticks can generally be active whenever the temperature is above freezing,” said internationally known integrative veterinarian and owner of Harmany Equine, Dr. Joyce Harman. “If ticks are active, Lyme carriers are still capable of infecting us and our animals.”

They ignore their operating costs and price boarding, lessons, and training based on the “going rate”or slightly less because they are fearful about losing business or not getting enough business.