Saddle Up! Meets the needs of exceptional people!

Posted on March 16, 2012 by

Saddle Up!,

a nonprofit recreational therapeutic riding program in Franklin, TN, was founded in 1990 and incorporated in 1991. It is the region’s oldest and largest recreational therapeutic riding program and it is the only one exclusively serving children and youth with documented disabilities.

Saddle Up!’s mission is to provide children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through recreational activities with horses. They bring that mission to life by providing a year-round program on their 34-acre farm. For many of their riders, Saddle Up! is one of the few, if not the only, recreational programs available to them.

Everyone involved with Saddle Up! is exceptional. Their children, parents and volunteers are the strength and foundation for their accomplishments. To ensure the safety of their participants and a quality learning opportunity, Saddle Up! requires all of their Instructors to be certified by NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). In addition, they provide special training for their dedicated group of volunteers, who come from all walks of life, age brackets and locations in the area to serve in the program.

In 2011, Saddle Up:

•  Marked it’s 20th Anniversary as a non profit organization

• Launched the pilot for the Saddle Up! Equestrian Club (SUEC)
Modeled after the United States Pony Club, the SUEC includes classroom work, barn work, riding, and horse care, and it provides members the opportunity to earn badges and other recognition showing their achievements and growth.

• Provided 4,509 lessons to 176 participants.

• Lowered the average age of our herd.
In 2010, our herd’s average age was 22.6 years. At the end of 2011, it was 13.4 years. Getting younger horses helps us keep our costs down and increases the chances for each horse to serve longer in the program.

• Provided learning opportunities.
Among training provided during 2011 was special training for Board members to help them be better prepared for their leadership role. Also in 2011, we did a pilot for an Instructor Development Team to provide ongoing learning and development opportunities for our staff Instructors.

• Maintained financial health.
Thanks to the generosity of individuals and organizations combined with the stewardship of resources entrusted to their care, Saddle Up! again ended the year with revenues being higher than expenses.

How you can help?

There are many ways that you can help keep Saddle Up! the place “Where all children are equal in the saddle,” including:

Your personal donation. Individuals like you provide the majority of funds for Saddle Up!. Gifts of all size make a difference. If you participate in a combined campaign such as United Way or Community Health Charities, please choose to designate your gift to Saddle Up!, and check with your employer about matching gifts. [Donate]

Volunteering. Saddle Up! depends on dedicated volunteers, especially those who serve in theri weekly lessons, to make the program possible. They welcome both individuals and groups. [Volunteer]

Event Sponsorships. Saddle Up! depends on their events to provide a significant portion of revenues for their program. Event sponsorships provide an excellent opportunity to support Saddle Up! while also gaining marketing exposure for your business or organization. Major events include the Music Country Grand Prix, Chukkers for Charity (Saddle Up! is a co-beneficiary with the Rochelle Center) and the Country Ride ‘N Roll. Please call their Development director Knox Brewer at 615-794-1150 ext. 32 or email him at kbrewer@saddleupnashville.org, for more information.

Fulfilling Our Wishlist Requests. From horses to tack, laundry detergent, golf cart, and more, their Wishlist shows some of the needs we have. [Wishlist]

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FarmVet Customers Chad Brown and Zagora impress again in the Hillsborough.

Posted on March 15, 2012 by

Brilliant Result for Zagora in Hillsborough

Updated: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 1:36 PM
Posted: Saturday, March 10, 2012 8:10 PM

Zagora is on track to pursue consecutive victories in the race that gave her grade I status—the Diana Stakes at Saratoga.

The 5-year-old French-bred daughter of Green Tune took another step toward that goal and proved her mettle March 10 by winning impressively as the 4-5 favorite against a field of eight challengers in the $150,000 Hillsborough Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Tampa Bay Downs (VIDEO). Zagora started the year with a 2 1/4-length win in the Endeavour Stakes (gr. IIIT) over the Tampa grass course Feb. 4.

“I thought she showed good turn of foot when he turned her loose,” said trainer Chad Brown. “Today was a harder race than the Endeavour so she can use a little bit more time to recover. My main goal with her this summer would be the Diana again. We know she likes Saratoga and it is a very prestigious race to win.”

Zagora, one of four graded stakes winners in the 1 1/8-mile race on firm turf, started in mid-pack as the field rolled passed the Tampa Bay Downs grandstand and into the first turn. Taking the lead early and holding it for the better part of the race was 96-1 shot Megaspiel ridden by Scott Spieth. The daughter of Singspiel clicked off solid fractions of :23.49, :47.38, and hit the six-furlong mark in 1:11.57.

As the field approached the second turn, jockey Javier Castellano moved Zagora to the outside of Federation and shot quickly past five horses to the lead. Out of the turn, Zagora fanned wide into the middle of the track and lost some momentum but quickly regained her focus. A sixteenth of a mile from the wire, Zagora hit the passing gear again and rolled to a 1 3/4-length win over the Great Britain-bred Federation and jockey Pablo Morales. They held on to finish second by a neck over Unbridled Humor, ridden by Joe Rocco Jr.

The final time was 1:46.97, slightly off the course record of 1:46.34. Carrying the high weight of 122 pounds, Zagora ran the final quarter-mile in :23 1/5.

“When I asked her for run getting to the stretch she just took off,” said Castellano, who rode her to victory in the Diana last year. “I let her go wide so there would be no traffic, and she did the rest on her own.”

Brown said he thought Castellano rode a smart race.

“He kept her in the clear, knowing he’s on the best horse,” Brown said. “He got carried out a little on the final turn but it wasn’t his fault as far as I could see. She still overcame it. She’s a pro. I think she is bigger and stronger this year.”

Zagora is owned by Martin Schwartz who gave a lot of credit to Michel Zerolo of Oceanic Bloodstock, who bred the mare and picks out most of Schwartz’s runners. The winner is out of Zaneton, by Mtoto.

“And Chad Brown is second to none,” Schwartz said following the race. “He is going to rewrite history along the way.”

As for Zagora’s next race, Schwartz said he’d like to try the Jenny Wiley Stakes (gr. IT) at Keeneland April 14 on the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) undercard. He added, however, that Brown is “slapping his hand” because he likes to space out the mare’s races.

“The Diana is our main goal with her. That would be something special,” Schwartz said

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Benefits of swimming with your horse and Aqua Therapy.

Posted on March 14, 2012 by

Cooling your Horse

By Heather Dilts Baiano
From Rein, Summer 2010

If you have ever ridden along the beach, enjoying the cry of the gulls, laughter of friends, and galloping horses, we’re certain swimming with your horse has crossed your mind. The lure of the gentle waves draw your eyes further out off the sandy beach. You eagerly aim your horse out to the shimmering horizon and urge him forward.

How do you encourage your horse to swim? Does swimming have any benefits to a horse? Are there dangers to such a venture?

According to research, relax, the benefits are endless.

Swimming with your horse can be a form of therapy. It increases circulation, and is a non-weight-bearing exercise. It relieves boredom that sets in for horses (and riders) while improving fitness, stamina, and muscle tone. For example, if a horse is on stall rest, he can still be taken out to swim. Ten minutes swimming for a horse is equal to one hour of schooling in a ring. The horse can stay in good physical condition while recovering.

Most of the muscles a horse uses they employ while swimming without impact that usually occurs on ground. There is no concussion or shockwave that travels through the legs and body, allowing muscles to work harder due to resistance, but limits potential injuries. (Click here to read complete article)

For those of you who don’t live near the beach, there are a couple of other ways to get your horse in the water.

1) Kesmarc (Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center)

Kesmarc is a world class equine sports medicine facility, dedicated to the recovery and conditioning of high-end equine athletes. Kesmarc’s state-of-the-art swimming pool provides all of the benefits of aerobic exercise in a strong conditioning program without stressing the tendons, ligaments and muscles of the leg.

• Maintains muscle tone and cardiopulmonary capacity

• Increases mental alertness and freshness in track sour horses

• Great when used in conjunction with Aquatred Therapy and Equigym Therapy for complete rehabilitation and cross training effect.

2) Horse-Gym Aquatrainer

For more information on Kesmarc or the Horse Gym Aquatrainer, call/visit farmvet at 888.837.3626, www.farmvet.com.

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Equestrian Neightion: Mounting Your Horse from a Mounting Block

Posted on March 13, 2012 by

Thank you to Equestrian Neightion for this week’s Video Spotlight.

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Congratulations to FarmVet Customer, Chris Pratt, for Friday’s $25,000 HITS Thermal victory.

Posted on March 12, 2012 by

Chris Pratt Cruises to victory in Friday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix at HITS Thermal to kickoff Horsepower Weekend.

THERMAL, CA (March 10, 2012) – As the final days of the 2012 HITS Desert Circuit approach, Chris Pratt of Lake View Terrace, California shifted things into high gear when he and Indigo Farms, LLC’s Cruise beat out 54 other starters to take the top prize in Friday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Pratt’s victory is his first of the season after he and Cruise finished fourth in the $53,000 Chartis Grand Prix CSI2*-W, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, last week. Friday’s win was the launch for the season finale at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California with the festivities for Horsepower Weekend officially underway.
For the third year in a row, the show grounds in Thermal have been invaded by luxury speed-machines courtesy of sponsor Lamborghini of Newport Beach. Lining the berms of the Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix arena are the very best in sports car technology and design. This year’s line-up includes a couple of very sleek McLarens, the Fiskar, which pairs electric technology with the power of a sports car, and a reproduction of a late 1950s Porsche that has the eye of several exhibitors and even members of the HITS Staff.

As millions of dollars of dormant horsepower sat quietly on the berms, an equally valuable assemblage of active horsepower took to the field to challenge Olympic Course Designer Olaf Petersen, Sr.’s Grand Prix track.
Friday’s class was a “who’s who” of West Coast show jumping and offered the perfect mix of excitement and drama as High-Performance riders tune up for Sunday’s $200,000 Lamborghini Grand Prix, presented by Lamborghini of Newport Beach. Petersen set a dynamic 1.50 meter course that took riders and horses on a journey of height, stamina and speed. The first 12 riders failed to master Petersen’s test, with much of the trouble coming at his double combination at fence five. Mexico’s 2011 Pan-Am Team Bronze Medalist Antonio Maurer and his own Callao were the first to go clear, and were immediately joined in the jump-off by Pratt and Cruise who followed behind them in the order.
Seven trips later, Rich Fellers of Wilsonville, Oregon and Harry & Mollie Chapman’s Flexible completed a clean round of their own to make it three in the jump-off with more than half of the class still left to show. After the next 16 riders failed to advance to the short course, John McConnell of Lemitar, New Mexico piloted Rancho Corazon, LLC’s Katie Riddle to a clean ride, making it four in the jump-off. Forty-fourth in the order, Lane Clarke of Laguna Nigel, California and Granville Equine’s Casseur de Prix were the final pair to go clean in the first round, setting the stage for a five man jump-off.
For the jump-off, Petersen brought back 10 efforts, including the liverpool and the a and b elements from his triple combination, which prevented nine first-round riders from advancing to the jump-off.
Maurer and Callao were up first in the jump-off and wasted no time setting the Great American Time to Beat at 41.626 seconds. Their glory only lasted a few moments as Pratt and Cruise immediately followed them and managed to shave nearly two seconds off their time to take the lead in 39.286 seconds.


After the class, Pratt was already looking ahead to Sunday, and beyond.  “My horse was right on form today. I hope we left something in the tank for Sunday. If my schedule fits, I’d love to go to Saugerties for the [Pfizer] Million. I’ve heard such great things about that class.”
Fellers and Flexible were next to show and unfortunately dropped the very first rail. They made it through the rest of the route without any trouble to finish in 40.626 seconds with four jumping faults, which earned them third place. McConnell and Katie Riddle followed and also suffered a jumping fault when they knocked a rail at the 9a-b combination to finish in fourth place.
Clarke and Casseur de Prix had the final opportunity and seemed to be on their way to a double clear ride, but heartbreak came at the last line when they dropped rails on the last two fences. They crossed the timers in 41.107 seconds with eight jumping faults to finish in fifth place.
With Friday’s class in the books, all eyes are now on Sunday’s $200,000 Lamborghini Grand Prix finale which, as the final qualifying opportunity of the Circuit for September’s Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, is expected to draw a large starting field and an even bigger spectator crowd eager to witness who will be crowned the champion of the richest Grand Prix on the West Coast. Sunday’s schedule will include several specialty classes starting at 8am with the $25,000 California Horsetrader Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic High, followed by the $25,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at 11am and the Grand Prix at 2pm.
“Sunday will be a spectacular finish to a spectacular season here in the desert,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. “Everything about this year has been a great indication of the bright future ahead for the Desert Circuit. The success of this season will pave the way for some new and exciting additions, not just here in Thermal, but across all of the HITS Circuits.”

Click here for full article with photos.

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Horse Owners Assess Tornado Damage, Losses

Posted on March 9, 2012 by

Horse Owners Assess Tornado Damage, Losses

by: Pat Raia The Horse.com
March 05 2012, Article # 19691

Horse owners in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee are assessing damage and calculating losses after a series of early spring tornadoes swept though several counties in those states last week.

According to the National Weather Service, 42 confirmed tornadoes tore through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio on March 2. The storms packed winds as high as 180 mph, knocking out utilities and flattening homes and barns. All told, the confirmed human death toll reached 39, according to the agency. The number of horses lost or injured as a result of the storms is still uncertain.

“We know there are horses missing and roaming the area, but we just don’t know much else,” said Jim Noel, president of the Indiana Horse Council.

Kentucky was among the hardest hit by the twisters. Farm operators William and Rhonda McCardle lost 15 of the Quarter Horses residing in a barn on their Crittendon, Ky., property when the tornado struck, demolishing the structure. Two horses remain missing. Two surviving horses, a yearling and a 2-week-old foal, were later discovered alive in the barn rubble. Those animals were placed under care at a veterinary hospital in Lexington, Ky., said Sue Haynes, friend of the McCardle family. On March 5 the yearling died as a result of his injuries, Haynes said.

Meanwhile, Kelly Carr, owner of the Saddle Up Arena equine facility in Madison, Ind., said one member of her family lost three of five horses to the storm. Other animals were injured, she said.

“Some had large wounds from flying debris and cuts from hail,” she said. “We could see homes and barns just flattened.”

In Tennessee, a spokesman for the Jackson County Extension Service of the University of Tennessee, said that Extension Service Manager Cynthia Zeitz was still helping horse owners assess the post-storm damage to animals and other property.

Rebecca Gimenez, PhD, primary instructor and president of the Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, said these early storms are a reminder that horses are particularly at risk for tornado-related injury and death when they are located in a barn when the heavy weather arrives.

“Unless your barn is built like Fort Knox and certified for a high wind event, horses should be in their pastures,” Gimenez said. “Horses may get nasty injuries, but they won’t be crushed in the barn.”

Gimenez also reminds owners to clear their property of any items that might become airborne before a storm strikes. Owners should, whenever possible, remove tree limbs that storm force winds could blow down and remove debris and other items from pastures and paddocks.

While the damage assessments continue, the Kentucky Horse Council is coordinating support for tornado-affected horse owners through the U.S. Equine Disaster Relief Fund. The Fund provides revenue to help horse owners purchase necessities such as feed and fencing in the aftermath of tornados and other devastating storms.

“We are also in touch with the Indiana Horse Council to determine the extent of the need there,” said Kentucky Horse Council President Anna Zinkhon.

Meanwhile, those wanting to donate to the U.S. Equine Disaster Relief Fund should visit www.kentuckyhorse.org/disaster-relief/ for details. Anyone interested in helping the McCardle family rebuild should contact Haynes at Sue.Haynes@ymail.com.

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Caucasus, Middle East Dubai Horse Racing

Posted on March 8, 2012 by

Click Here to watch a National Geographic presentation on Horse Racing in the Middle East.

Call/visit us online at 888.837.3626, www.farmvet.com to questions.

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Foods your dog should never eat.

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table really hurt your dog? Well, that depends on what it is and what’s in it. We’ve pulled together a list for you from WebMD of 17 foods you should never feed man’s best friend.

1. Avacado contains a substance called persin that’s toxic to dogs in large amounts.

2. Alcohol, even in small amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death.

3. Onions and Garlic can destroy a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.

4. Coffee, Tea, and other Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog.

5. Grapes and Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Just a small amount can make a dog ill.

6. Milk and Other Dairy Products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).

7. Macadamia Nuts can be fatal for dogs. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nut can make a dog ill.

8. Candy and Gum are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog’s body. That can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure.

9. Chocolate, as most people know, is bad for dogs. It can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.

10. Fat Trimmings and Bones are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Bones can splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog’s digestive system.

11. Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums all have seeds. The seeds from these fruits can cause inflammation of the small intestine or intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Peach and Plum pits contain cyanide which is poisonous to both humans and dogs.

12. Raw Eggs can cause food poisoning from bacterial like Salmonella a well as skin and coat problems.

13. Raw Meat and Fish contain bacteria which can cause food poisoning.

14. Salt in excess can lead to sodium ion poisoning

15. Sugary Foods and Drinks can lead to obesity, dental problems and the onset of diabetes.

16. Yeast Dough can stretch the dog’s abdomen and cause sever pain as it swell inside. Also, when the yeast ferments, the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

17. Your Medicine- Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog’s reach.

If Your Dog Eats What It Shouldn’t

Dogs explore with their mouth. And, no matter how cautious you are, it’s possible your dog can find and swallow what it shouldn’t. It’s a smart idea to always keep the number of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 — where you know you can find it in an emergency. And, if you think your dog has consumed something that’s toxic, call for emergency help at once.

Click here to order treats for your pet from FarmVet.com or call 888.837.3626.

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FarmVet customer Roger Attfield is a finalist for Racing Hall of Fame.

Posted on March 5, 2012 by

Attfield, 4 Horses Among New HOF Finalists

By (bloodhorse.com)

Five newcomers and five returning finalists comprise the National Museum of Racing’s 2012 Hall of Fame ballot. The first-time finalists are trainer Roger Attfield and Thoroughbreds Ashado, Ghostzapper, Housebuster, and Xtra Heat. They join jockeys Calvin Borel, Garrett Gomez, Alex Solis, and John Velazquez, and trainer Robert Wheeler, all of whom were finalists in 2011.

Hall of Fame voters may select as many candidates as they believe are worthy of induction. The four candidates with the highest vote totals will be elected.

The finalists were selected by the Hall of Fame’s 16-member nominating committee from a total of 82 candidates suggested throughout the year by turf journalists, Thoroughbred industry participants, and racing fans. To be eligible, trainers must have been active for 25 years and jockeys must have been active for 20 years. Thoroughbreds must have been retired for five years. All candidates must have been active within the past 25 years. A separate Historic Review Committee is assigned to consider candidates whose careers were completed more than 25 years ago.

The results of the voting on contemporary candidates will be announced April 23. The induction ceremony will be held at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs on Aug. 10 at 10:30 a.m. ET. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Attfield has saddled the winner of 1,727 races, including 369 stakes, and has purse earnings of more than $88 million. He has won the Sovereign Award for outstanding Canadian trainer a record eight times and trained three Canadian Triple Crown winners (Izvestia, With Approval, and Peteski). Attfield has won a record-tying eight runnings of the Queen’s Plate (Can-I) and won his first Breeders’ Cup race in 2011 when Perfect Shirl took the Filly and Mare Turf (gr. IT).

Ashado won 12 of her 21 career starts with purse earnings of $3,931,440. She was named champion 3-year-old female in 2004 and champion older female in 2005. Trained by Todd Pletcher for Starlight Stable, Paul Saylor, and Johns Martin, Ashado won seven grade I stakes, including the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Breeders’ Cup Distaff (gr. I).

Ghostzapper won nine of 11 career starts and earned $3,446,120. He was named Horse of the Year and champion older male in 2004 when he posted a 4-for-4 record. A homebred campaigned by Stronach Stables and trained by Bobby Frankel, Ghostzapper won the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) in stakes-record time. Among his additional victories were the Woodward Stakes, Vosburgh Stakes, and Metropolitan Handicap, all grade I.

Housebuster won 15 times in 22 starts and earned $1,229,696. He was named champion sprinter in 1990 and 1991. Trained by Warren A. Croll, Jr., for Robert P. Levy, Housebuster scored grade I victories in the Jerome Handicap, Carter Handicap,and Vosburgh Stakes. Eleven of his 15 wins were in graded stakes races.

Xtra Heat won 26 times and finished out of the money only twice in 35 career starts en route to earning $2,389,635. Owned by Classic Star Stable and trained by John Salzman Sr., Xtra Heat was named champion 3-year-old filly in 2001. She won 10 stakes races, including the grade 1 Prioress. Xtra Heat won six races in a row twice during her career and posted two victories in the grade II Barbara Fritchie Handicap and the grade III Endine Stakes.

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Agape Animal Rescue Onsite At Operation Sweethearts

Posted on March 1, 2012 by


Click here to learn more about Agape Animal Rescue and how you can sponsor an Agape Dog.

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