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From
The Editor
Wow - so much has changed
in the past two weeks. The calendar of events is growing so fast I can't
keep up. New events arrive almost every day now. Maybe the groundhog was
wrong - I think spring is already here, judging by the plans for horse
shows and clinics. There is no shortage of things to do for you and your
horse this year - that is for sure.
This issue we have an article that you should really pay attention to -
the article outlines the new measures in place before a horse can go to
slaughter for meat consumption. Now I know that most of us do not sell
our horses for slaughter, but this new mandate will make a difference to
some when they are buying a horse - so please read it and pay attention.
I have also kept the link in for the article from the last issue on
liability insurance - this again is an important aspect of owning or
riding a horse - if you didn't read it last issue, you should this issue.
I would like to welcome our latest advertiser to the Equine Niagara News
and that is Sandy Best ofThe Best Bandages.
Watch for his ad to appear as the title sponsor for the web version of
the Calendar of Events. Next issue we will have an article about his
products featuring our very own Hanoverian - HomeStretch - that uses
Sandy's magnetic products. Actually so does our dog.
Now, in keeping with trying to give you the readers what you are looking
for in Equine Niagara News, I am finding some of the work a little
overwhelming. So to help me keep you up-to-date and informed when
submitting information for publication either in the magazine or on the
website, can you please use the forms that I have setup - they help me
move quicker to getting your items posted. Here are the links:
Forms:
Free Basic Listing Form
Enhanced Listing Form
Shows, Clinics & Equine
Event Listing Form
Article Submission Form
Feedback Form
And
on another note -I have started a discussion forum, a chat room, and an
Equine Niagara News social networking site. My questions here is - do you
want me to keep them? At this moment they are not being used to their
potential - so please provide me with some feed back in this regard.
And last - to also ease some of the burden in publishing I am considering
moving the publication dates of the magazine to alternate Monday's
instead of Thursday's. What are your thoughts on this? For. Against. Why?
My reasoning for Thursdays initially was to let you know what was
happening on the weekend - if the issue goes out on a Monday will it make
that much difference to you?
Well
- this letter from the editor is quite a lot to take in this issue. I
hope you respond with answers for me so I can make some decisions. Don't
worry - I'm not letting go of this magazine - I'm just trying to be more
productive.
Thanks once again for your input and comments.
Until next time,
I hope you enjoy this
issue!
Until next time,
Debi Katsmar.
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Classifieds
New listings
added - lots of new horses listed.
See
Classifieds for more information.
We're sure many of you have something to sell. Now you can submit
your listings yourself.
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To
The Editor
Hi Debi,
Thanks for taking the time
to write about our new venture in this issue of Equine Niagara News.
We're really excited about it!
Hope to meet you in person
at some point.
Best wishes,
Darley
Thank you helping get the
word out about horse slaughter in north america.
Good work,
Anthea L.
Thanks Deb for the
prominent mention! Most appreciated!
Marilyn
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Join
Our Mailing
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During the past week some of you may have noticed that
Vineland Grower's on Hwy 20 in Fonthill is now closed with a big
"SOLD" sign on the property. And sold it is, to Alfons and
Bea Blokhuis, owner's of Lowden's Feed & Supply in Smithville. This
property will become the second location for Lowden's, starting their
expansion process.
"We are excited to
be expanding with our second location," says Bea. "It gives
us an opportunity to both better serve the community and also provide
opportunities for our children now and in years to come".
Bea and Alfons were
chicken farmers looking for something more, when the original owners of
Lowden's approached them six years ago asking if they would be
interested in buying the business. Thinking it over, the Blokhuis'
thought it was definitely time for a change. Lowden's Feed and Supply
was already a prosperous business that allowed for growth and more
importantly the ability to bring their family on-board to help the
growth and success of their new venture. Read more
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IMPORTANT
NOTICE FOR HORSE OWNERS
Below is a notice from the government of Canada notifying
horse owners of a change that will take place as of July 31st regarding
their new mandate to have complete medical data available for all
horses being presented for slaughter. Why is it important now? Because
now marks the beginning of the six month period for starting to keep
those records.
In many cases, it will never affect the average horse owner as they
never intend to present their horses for slaughter. However, it will
affect how people purchase horses in the future. Horse buyers will want
this drug-history even if they never intend on their horses going to
slaughter. It will become part of the norm. In the article below you will find
the links to the new "Equine
Information Document" (EID) that will be required with the
sale of horses, or those presented for slaughter. For your convenience,
Equine Niagara News has made a simple form for keeping track of
medications administered to your horses and the reasons for it. Click
here to download the tracking form. You will still
need to complete the EID form, but our tracking form will help in the
collect those records on an on-going basis.
IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR EQUINE OWNERS
Effective
January 31, 2010, equine owners, intending to sell animals directly or
indirectly to Canadian meat processors, are being advised to record
certain information.
Equine
owners who wish to keep their sale options open should record all
vaccines, medications given (administered or fed) to their animals and
record any occurrence of illness in their animals.
The
collection of this information will better prepare the equine industry
for July 31, 2010 when it will be mandatory for all federally-inspected
equine facilities to have complete records dating back six months for
all domestic and imported animals presented for slaughter.
These
requirements apply to owners of horses and their crosses, referred to
as equine.
In order
to help owners collect all of the necessary information, the CFIA is
launching a new Equine Information Document (EID) that can be found in
the Meat Hygiene Directive no. 2009-49.
The EID
is the first step in the development of a comprehensive food safety and
traceability program for the Canadian equine industry - for both
domestic and international markets.
Anyone
selling equine may have to provide an EID at ownership transfer. The
document will require an owner-signed declaration to verify the
accuracy of the information.
There
are a number of medications and substances that are prohibited from
being given (administered or fed) to equine intended to be slaughtered
for human consumption. A list of these medications and substances can be
found on the CFIA web site.
For the latest information about identifying and recording
health information for your equine, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca or call 1-800-442-2342.
Equine Niagara News asked several people their thoughts on
this new directive and the result was an astonishing conglomerate of
answers in regard to why the government would create a process that
they have not the means by way of manpower, finances, etc. to provide
the enforcement of such a measure. All believed ultimately it will create
more harm to the horses waiting to be slaughtered by lengthier
quarantine times, etc.
Ellie Ross, a lady well known for rescuing horses destined for
slaughter along with her dedication to their well-being commented,
"the upcoming EU requirements were set a long time ago.
Many people were unaware of this until recent months as the transition
date approaches. This will inevitably lead to more horses being raised
solely for meat purposes."
Brenda McArthur of Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue's comments echoed
Ellie's, "My only concern is this will now create a
quarantine period which will cause horses to be stuck in feed lots
longer which could cause more neglect. This is where I feel
our authorities that are in place to protect our animals need to
step up to the plate and inspect these feed lots more regularly and
take action on cruelty infractions."
We tried to reach several auction houses and abattoirs for comment. So
far, the General Manager of the Ontario Livestock Exchange did return
my call, however we were unable to connect for his actual comments (my
fault, not his). ENN will keep trying to get his comments. Ultimately
the auction houses do not take ownership of the horse, nor do the
auction houses necessarily know who the buyer of the horse is and their
intentions for that horse. It is
the seller's obligation to provide the documentation required at the
time of sale. That being said, what happens when the horses arrive at
the abattoir without the appropriate documentation. Are they accepted
and quarantined for six months, or are they turned away? So many
questions to be asked. We will follow-up in future issues and try to
get the answers to some of these questions.
In the meantime, click
here to read Ellie and Brenda's complete comments
and see a copy of the EID form required as of July 31st, 2010.
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From
The Horse's Mouth___________
Dressage
Niagara's First Clinic of 2010 with John MacPherson
The first Dressage Niagara riding clinic for 2010 is
scheduled for Saturday, February 20 with John MacPherson, FEI
Competitor, Trainer, Level III Dressage Coach
& M Level Judge. The location is 3 Gaits
Equestrian Centre, 935 Farr Rd, Fenwick.
John is a multi-year "listed" rider who has
represented Canada internationally for more than 25 years, and has
twice won the Bronze Medal at the CDI-W Dressage at Devon. He is
one of an elite number of certified Level III Dressage Coaches in
Canada and John's students range from grassroots riders to Grand Prix
competitors. More...
Liability Insurance: Should you have it?
Definitely! For
your own protection as well as others.
This article is worth repeating.
click here for the complete article.
Heartland has been renewed for another season and bigger news still - watch for a
made-for-TV Heartland movie to air in December of this year.
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Experience
the Field of Dreams
By Heather Baiano
When one hears of a therapeutic riding centre, images of happy,
laughing children on quiet ponies come to mind. While that is a
common picture at I CAN-T.E.R in Ridgeway, Ontario, there are many
other programs that take place there. One such program is the
Horse Groom Apprenticeship Program. In a time where University and
College tuitions keep climbing, Apprenticeship may be the way to go for
many who want a job in a skilled profession.
What exactly is an
apprenticeship, and what does a horse groom do? Find out more
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A
Bit About_________________
Cornerstone Announces 2010
Calendar Including CDI3* Dressage Competition
Palgrave,
Ontario - Cornerstone will host the CDI3* Spring Into Dressage
competition from June 4 to 6, 2010, in addition to two other national
gold dressage competitions, the Cornerstone Summer Festival from July
16-18 and the Cornerstone Summer Classic from August 20-22.
Cornerstone's annual hunter/jumper competition will be held June 23-27.
All four equestrian competitions will be held at the Caledon Equestrian
Park in Palgrave, ON, which is the equestrian venue for the 2015 Pan
American Games. Read more
Tragic Accident Befalls Blue
Hors Matine
Blue Hors Matine
and Andreas Helgstrand captivated the audience with their joyful
performance at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Sara Lieser.
Danish
dressage star Blue Hors Matine has been euthanized after breaking her
leg in her field, according to Horse and Hound. The 13-year-old gray
mare (by Silver Moon) broke her right forelimb at the knee while out
with pasture buddy Blue Hors Cavan. article
Horse Toy Figures Recalled by Blip
Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint StandardRead more
Jump Canada Announces 2010 Canadian
Show Jumping Short List
Ottawa, Ontario-The
Jump Canada High Performance Committee is pleased to announce the 2010
Canadian Show Jumping Team Short List. List
Dressage Canada Announces 2010
Short and Long Lists
Ottawa,
Ontario-Dressage Canada's Senior High Performance Committee is pleased
to announce the 2010 Dressage Short and Long Lists. The horse/rider
combinations were selected based on criteria that considered 2009
competition results. Lists
Government of Canada Invests in the Future of
British Columbia's Horse Industry
ALDERGROVE,
BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 27, 2010) - The
Government of Canada is investing up to $40,000 in the Horse Council BC
to help identify common priorities, outline a road map forward and
develop a strategic plan to achieve future growth and new market
opportunities for the equine industry. Read more
Eric Lamaze Opens 2010 Season with a Win
Wellington, Florida - Olympic
Champion Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON, claimed his first victory of the
2010 season by winning the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round III on
Thursday, January 28, at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in
Wellington, FL. More
Olympians Holzer and Trussell Score
a Triple Victory for Canada at CDI-W West Palm Beach Gold Coast Opener
"Three-time
Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer and Pop Art won both the Grand Prix and
the Grand Prix Freestyle at the CDI-W Gold Coast Opener, held January
21-24, in West Palm Beach, FL, USA."
Photo
Credit-Susan Stickle www.susanjstickle.com
Ottawa,
Ontario-Toronto native and three-time Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer,
who currently resides in New York, NY, won both the Grand Prix and the
Grand Prix Freestyle at the CDI-W West Palm Beach Gold Coast Opener,
held January 21-24, in West Palm Beach, FL, USA.
Riding Pop Art
(Amsterdam x Cabochon), a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by
Rusty Holzer and Moreen Nicoll, Holzer won the Grand Prix for Freestyle
test with a score of. 71.489%. The duo then performed a spectacular
Grand Prix Freestyle to earn 76.489% for the double victory. Holzer's
Freestyle score was 4.6% higher than her nearest competitor, Mikala
Gundersen of Denmark riding Leonberg, who earned a score of 71.800% for
second. Jaimey Irwin of Stouffville, ON placed fifth with his
Oldenburg Dover, a 13-year-old gelding sired by De Niro. More
Equine Canada Announces Four New FEI Jumping
Stewards
Ottawa, ON-Equine Canada is
pleased to announce the appointment of four new FEI Stewards for
Jumping.
Patricia Chalmers of Pincourt,
QC, Allan Ehrlick of Campbellville, ON, Susan Hawes of Okotoks, AB, and
Richard Smith of Abbotsford, BC, have all been appointed as FEI
Stewards for Jumping, effective January 1, 2010.
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Congratulations!
Minor Bros Survey Winner - Congratulations to Connie Lywood !- winner of the $250 prize package
from Minor Bros for completing their survey.
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In The
News___________________
Elderly Man, 2 Horses Injured in Stagecoach Accident
An Arizona man and his two horses are seriously injured
after the man's out-of-control stagecoach tore through the streets of
Mesa Fire, Ariz., MyFoxPhoenix.com reported. FoxNews Article
King Ranch was the origin of an
outbreak of deadly horse disease
Rare
horse disease affects horses in 12 states Article.
Will Super Bowl Spot Become a Horse
of a Different Color?
The maker of
Budweiser beer is having second thoughts about a decision to run
commercials during Super Bowl XLIV that would not feature the brand's
familiar Clydesdales. Read more
Wild Horses Rounded Up in American
West
Horses Lose Freedom Over Fears of
Overpopulation, Starvation
Gerlach, Nev., a
sleepy little town an hour and a half north of Reno, turns into the
third-largest city in the state once a year when a colorful crowd
descends upon the nearby Burning Man Festival.
Government
captures wild mustangs over concerns of overpopulation, starvation.
More Photos
This is not the
season for Burning Man, and yet Gerlach has been a very busy place in
the last few weeks. Media, activists and at least one billionaire have
descended on the town to witness one of the largest wild horse roundups in the nation's history. Read story and see video from ABCs Good Morning America
site.
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Off to the Races___________
Barrie, Ontario Man Sets Record
LAS VEGAS -- Brian Troop set the record for most single-day points in
Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship history at
the Red Rock Resort Friday, but he wasn't happy.
"I haven't won anything
yet," the 61-year-old accountant from Barrie, Ontario, said.
"It's ironic that I did this in the first year where they didn't
have a Day 1 prize.
"But I do like my
position." More
Canada's best honored at Sovereigns
TORONTO, Ontario -- Champs
Elysees was the horse of the year and Eugene Melnyk was the man of the
hour as Canada's outstanding performers of 2009 were feted at the
Sovereign Awards ceremony on Friday evening.
A crowd of more than 200
gathered at the downtown Ultra Supper Club also were privy to the first
dead heat in the 35-year history of the Sovereign Awards as Biofuel and
Negligee shared the 2-year-old filly title. More
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Equine Health__________
Tumours and Tumour Like Growths in Horses
Bob Wright, Belwood, Ontario, and Hans Delaunois-Vanderperren, Norfolk,
United Kingdom
Lumps and bumps that occur on a horse's skin can be
divided into neoplastic (tumour) and non-neoplastic (inflammatory,
parasitic-induced) masses. The location of the lump, its outward
appearance, the age of the horse and the coat colour often help in the
differentiation of the mass. Confirmation, however, often requires
histological (microscopic) examination, since many cutaneous masses appear
clinically similar. Three common tumours affect the skin of horses -
sarcoids, squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas. Learn more
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Stable Reading & Viewing _________________
How to Research Your Off the Track Thoroughbred's
Pedigree
A reader recently asked how
they could research the pedigree of their off the track Thoroughbred.
You'll need three things to do this, the lip tattoo numbr, the horse's
registered name and date of birth (year). If your horse hasn't been
tattooed, you'll need to be sure of that name! Make sure it is
spelled correctly . More
Back Pain Amongst
Horse Riders
HORSE RIDING IS
NOT BAD FOR YOUR BACK. The job of looking after a horse IS bad for your
back. Read more
Craig Cameron's
Top Trail Tips
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We
chat with the "cowboy's clinician" about all things trail. More from MyHorse.com
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