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Joyce Broccolino Scholarship Award

The Maryland Dressage Association’s Joyce Broccolino Scholarship award is unique. The JBB scholarship is awarded only to Maryland Dressage Association members in good standing as are all of the other MDA awards. However, this award or scholarship does not require any riding skills at all. It is not exactly the same thing as the President’s unsung hero’s award either.

This scholarship is awarded to the senior member who has shown the most service to our club, Maryland Dressage Association, over the past year or past several years. This includes riders and non riders alike.

For the Joyce Broccolino Scholarship, our Omnibus states, “...not based on test scores or accumulative work credits, but, rather on cumulative service…” Our Omnibus also further states, “sustained interest in MDA …”

This particular award was created to honor the hardworking and dedicated volunteers of our club. In that respect it is similar to the President’s unsung hero’s award. However, a committee reviews, evaluates, and presents to the board their selection. The selection is not always an easy one.

This scholarship was created and named after one of MDA’s founding members, Joyce Broccolino, whose boundless energy, good sportsmanship, and hard working dedication helped so much to get the fledgling dressage club in 1982 up and running. Joyce was not an upper level dressage rider, but, rather like many of us, a lower lever, beginner dressage rider. She had boundless enthusiasm for any and all tasks and was great at inspiring others.

I know that there are many of our members who very much fulfill the qualifications for this scholarship, and I hope that all of you will please apply.

I would also like to remind you to please mail your applications to me, Margaret Scarff at 4406 Carico Lane, White Hall, MD 21161. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 410-692-6921 or MDAnews@aol.com.

The applications are due 10 business days after the Finals Show, and again, I am hoping that all of our deserving members will apply.

Better Animals - Horse - Monday Night Live on RFD-TV

Tune in . . Learn . . . Call in your Questions.

Purina Mills Ph.D Equine Nutritionists will be on-air to answer your questions. "Animals Make Better People, We Make Better Animals®"

If senior horses are part of your family, join us on Monday Night Live, October 1. Purina Mills equine specialists will be on hand to discuss the special care and nutritional needs of the older horse.

Discover the latest research on the unique feeding requirements and health concerns as your equine partner ages. And learn how to locate a Purina Mills Horse Health Fair near you.

They'll be taking your calls on Monday Night Live, October 1.

Randel Raub, Ph.D. Dr. Randel Raub received his doctoral degree in equine nutrition from the University of Kentucky and worked at Kansas State University as a research and teaching specialist for Kansas State University. Dr. Raub is now the Director of Equine Business Development and Technical Service. His family breeds and trains seven quarter horses.

Mary Beth Gordon, Ph.D. Dr. Mary Beth Gordon is the Director of Research and New Product Development for Purina Mills' horse products. Dr. Gordon received her Ph.D. in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Rutgers University. Her research focused on the effects of exercise on the hormonal regulation of appetite in horses. She is published in numerous scientific journals including the Veterinary Journal and the Journal of Animal Science. Dr. Gordon is also a competitive dressage rider.

Karen E. Davison, Ph.D. Dr. Karen Davison, an active horse person, learned to ride at an early age. While at Texas A & M University, she discovered research in horse reproduction, exercise physiology, and later specialized in equine nutrition. Her research includes studying the effects of fat-added diets in both broodmares and weanlings. She joined Land O'Lakes Purina Feed in 1993.

To submit any suggestions or information you would like us to consider, e-mail your information to associate editor, Joann.Riggs@FeedDealer.com. We would love to hear any questions or comments you might have for providing useful and informative material for you.

Land O'Lakes Purina Feed LLC 555 Maryville University Drive , Suite 500 St. Louis, Missouri 63141

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Sept. 4, 2007) The state's first Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus positive sample of mosquitoes since 2004 has been confirmed. The mosquitoes were collected from the Pocomoke River swamp in northern Worcester County. The virus was detected in a pool of Culiseta melanura or dark swamp mosquitoes a species rarely found outside of its swamp habitat. The dark swamp mosquito feeds primarily on birds. The Pocomoke swamp is the area of Maryland where EEE is most frequently found due to the high number of mosquitoes and a high population of breeding and migratory birds.

"We have known that EEE is active on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland for years and conduct active surveillance to detect its presence," said Maryland Department of Agriculture Mosquito Control Chief Cyrus Lesser. " The presence of EEE in mosquitoes increases the importance for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. The Maryland Department of Agriculture will continue to monitor mosquito populations in the lower Eastern Shore region and increase mosquito control measures through September."

EEE is spread only by the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause a swelling of the brain (encephalitis). The disease in humans and other animals is rare but can occur when an infected mosquito takes a blood meal. EEE disease occurs primarily in rural areas close to swamps and marshes with high mosquito populations. Humans, equine and ratites (flightless birds such as ostriches and emus) can contract the virus. Clinical signs of EEE in horses and ratites include apprehension, depression, listlessness, paralysis, lack of coordination, weakness, head-pressing, circling, and stumbling. These symptoms are not exclusive to EEE, so it is important to seek professional veterinary diagnosis immediately if any of the signs are present.

Although EEE tends to occur in humans less frequently than West Nile virus (WNV), it can be far more devastating. Up to 50 percent of EEE infected persons who develop neurological symptoms may die compared to fewer than 10 percent who die following WNV neurological illness. Many EEE survivors have long-term neurological damage. Typical symptoms of EEE in humans include fever, headache, mental confusion, vomiting, extreme tiredness, muscle aches, and sometimes seizures and coma. Individuals reporting these symptoms should be referred to their health care provider. Symptoms usually occur four to 10 days after exposure to a mosquito carrying the virus. There is neither a specific treatment nor a vaccine for use in people. There are however, effective vaccines against both viruses for horses, ostriches and emus (also known as ratites) and owners are encouraged to get their animals vaccinated and boostered in a timely manner in consultation with their veterinarian.

People are encouraged to take the following personal protection measures against EEE:

1, Wear insect repellents, according to product labels, especially if you will be outside between the hours of dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
2, Wear long sleeves and long pants to help avoid mosquito bites.
3, Avoid mosquito infested areas.
4,Install and inspect window and door screens in homes and stables and repair any holes found.
5, Vaccinate horses, mules, ratites and donkeys according to your veterinarian's advice.

The standard advice to eliminate standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding areas is ineffective against EEE since the mosquitoes are only endemic to swamp and marshland. In residential areas away from marshes, people should actively remove standing water.

The last reported human case of EEE in Maryland was in 1989. Two equine cases of EEE in Maryland were confirmed on July 28, 2003, for the first time since 1996. The human and equine cases occurred on the Lower Eastern Shore. This is the second occurrence of mosquito-born virus in Worcester County in 2007. The first was a probable human case of WNV illness reported in August.

The DRESSAGE AT DEVON Forum is quickly approaching!!! Come enjoy an educational evening lecture with Scott Hassler (& graze from the gourmet buffet !) Wednesday September 26, 2007 The Breeding and Development of the Young Dressage Horse Dressage at Devon Forum with USEF Young Horse Coach Scott Hassler ****Please purchase tickets in advance as space may be limited!****

Scott Hassler brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Dressage at Devon Forum. President and Director of Training for Hassler Dressage, Scott began his career in show jumping and eventing. As a teenager he rode for a Holsteiner organization in Virginia preparing horses for auction and sale. As a young adult Hassler turned his talents, passion and energies to the discipline of dressage and sport horse breeding. In Germany, training with the late Herbert Rehbein, he began to understand more deeply the connection between breeding and sport. Returning to the United States, Hassler built the breeding program at Hilltop Farm in Maryland.

If you have not yet seen this Musical Freestyle, you're in for a real treat.

You may have to CTRL+Click to access it. Thank you to Sue Van Norman for the link.

http://beboframe.com/FlashFrame.jsp?Size=S&FlashBoxId=3309347442

Maryland Hay Supply List Being Updated, MDA Seeks Suppliers Maryland Livestock Producers Need to Find Sources of Hay Due to Drought

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Aug. 9, 2007 - With rainfall shortages in Maryland wreaking havoc on pastures and hay fields, Maryland livestock producers are already exhausting hay supplies that would normally feed their animals through the winter. While the Maryland Department of Agriculture has a listing of hay sources on its Web site, www.mda.state.md.us, it is seeking updates to better connect hay suppliers with those who need it to feed their animals.

“Many livestock and horse owners are desperate for feed supplies because in many areas there is no pasture and hay supplies are diminishing,” said Agriculture Secretary Roger Richardson. “We are asking those with hay available to contact us so that we can provide an up-to-date listing to our farmers.”

To list hay supplies, please contact Mark Powell at 410-841-5770, 410-841-5987 (fax) or www.marylandsbest@mda.state.md.us. Livestock producers can log onto www.mda.state.md.us to find hay listings or call 410-841-5770 to receive a print out of the listings.

July 19, 2007

It was a double-medal day for Team USA at Deodoro Stadium as Maryland’s Christopher Hickey aboard Regent won the coveted Gold medal on a two-day averaged score of 70.725% after performing his freestyle before an appreciative crowd. New Jersey’s Lauren Sammis, who had led the scores at the end of the Team competition, finished in Silver-medal position (69.925%) after delivering an entertaining freestyle aboard Sagacious HF. The Bronze medal was won by the Dominican Republic’s Yvonne Losos de Muniz aboard Bernstein las Marismas with an average of 69.500%.

Fifteen combinations were invited to contest the Individual medals on Wednesday at Brazil’s National Equestrian Center located 45 minutes outside of downtown Rio de Janeiro. It was a cloud-covered event with cool temperatures. However, the action in the arena warmed the fans of dressage from across the Americas who came to cheer on their countries. Today’s final was decided by an average score taken from the Intermediaire I score posted on Monday and today’s Intermediaire I freestyle score.

The top three riders were a repeat of those that sat in the top three spots after the first Individual competition. Following today’s freestyle, Sammis was able to edge out her Dominican competition and raise a spot and perform alchemy to change what could have been a Bronze into Silver. She was aided by her freestyle score—71.300%—compared to her competition’s 69.700%.

But, it was Hickey, the 38-year-old rider who has competed in a multitude of disciplines as well as dressage, who outperformed his competition to bring home Gold. His mount, the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Regent, is owned by Brenna Kucinski,

All throughout, the rider rode his tests boldly and with confidence…and it paid off. In a very complicated freestyle set to pulsating techno beats followed by undulating ambient percussion, one mistake could have caused a horrible domino effect, and Hickey was careful to keep things in balance and on par with the performances he has put in over his Pan Am debut.

“When I make one little mistake, especially in the canter, which I did today, it can go down the drain very quickly because things come up so fast,” he said. A mistake in his tempis was a place where things could have gone very wrong. “I intended to re-ride the three-tempis. I came into the three-tempis between the pirouettes, and my brain was saying three-tempis and my legs did two-tempis. I did a few and then thought, ‘Oh my God, these are twos! They are supposed to be threes! It was too late to do anything about it. It’s a complicated freestyle that has well-calculated risks.”

Of all the freestyles performed today, Hickey’s music was truly a standout and a very good match for his mount.

“My music is very powerful and was done by a friend of mine, Anne Guptill of Equestrian Arts Production, and my partner, Richard, picked most of the music out,” said Hickey. “My horse is a strong, big-moving horse, and he can be very expressive when he picks himself up decides to show off. I think that music really works well for him…with a different kind of horse, it would not be as successful of freestyle, I think. When that horse hears that music, and that music helps me, it’s a wonderful thing.”

Hickey will leave South America to travel to Germany. He will meet up with his five-year-old horse that has been chosen to be in the Young Horse World Championship in Verden, Germany.

Sammis, aboard the eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Sagacious HF (owned by Hyperion Farm) couldn’t have been happier with her medal bid.

“I have a young horse,” said Sammis. “For me, this is only the beginning of his career…he’s brilliant.”

She acknowledged that to get to a Pan Am medal-winning moment, it takes more than the efforts of just one person, plus a long journey for anyone willing to set out on it.

“It takes an enormous team to make one horse go down that centerline,” she said. “You have six minutes in the arena, and you have months and years of training. It’s a real commitment, so I would like to thank everybody who has helped me along the way. The experience in Brazil has been just a magical time. The people have been just so generous and helpful. It’s just been wonderful.”

Turning her attention to her performance’s strong points, Sammis said, “It was probably my pirouettes, but also I think that a strong point was that this horse was able to go into this environment and really try his best. Movement aside, his temperament is unbeatable. But, I have to say that the pirouettes didn’t hurt!”

Throughout the competition, each of the American riders showed grace and gratitude, not only for their hosts and dealing with other competitors, but for each other. Sammis noted that for this group of riders it was a first experience in being part of an international team. “The type of support you have from other team members has just been amazing…to go in and not feel like you are only riding for yourself, but you are riding for everybody else. It’s rare in this sport that you are cheering your competitors on, hoping they do better and better! It’s a great feeling,” she said. Hickey added, “I was lucky enough to compete on the North American Young Riders Championships two times, and that was a wonderful beginning. This is all of that and 10 times more. The biggest thing I’ve learned from this experience is respect. I have so much respect for people who have been in my shoes in past years. And, I know what was put in to get here.”

Published at eurodressage.com

Maryland Dressage Association member and head trainer for Hilltop Farm, Christopher Hickey with Hilltop Farm's Regent is on the Gold Medal Dressage Team at the Pan American Games in Brazil.

New Jersey's Lauren Sammis on board Sagatious HF lead the way with a whopping 70.200% followed by Floridian Kathline Poulin-Neff and Brilliant Too and Christopher Hickey and Regent.

The United States won the team gold with a combined score of 68.633%, Canada followed with a score of 67.250%, and Brazil, the host country, was third with 64.933%. The individual medal competition for dressage will start today.

Congratulations to all of our competitors!

Recap/Review of show Clinic or other MDA-Sponsored Event

1. Spanish Riding School Clinic – Jill Blackburn with Judi Provencal
2. Recap of 2006 Heavenly Waters Show – Margaret Scarff

Alternately known as “galopp”, Paula’s classroom extends to the world via the Ultimate Dressage Bulletin Board, where she immerses herself, advising all site visitors who are interested in correct judging, riding and training.

Welcome to the first Region 1 newsletter for 2007. A few reminders about the newsletter: 1. Notices of clinics and events are available for GMO or regional activities ONLY. No private clinics will be listed and to save space only notices relating to clinics and events that are auditor oriented or of interest to a large number of people will be included. 2. Any submissions should be made to Alison Head at Region1dir@usdf.org. Submissions should be in plain type rather than in flyer form. 3. If you need to update your email address or want to add an address to the e-news list, please visit the Region 1 web site, www.usdfregion1.org. Thank you! Alison Head USDF Region 1 Director

2007 Region 1 Omnibus The 2007 Region 1 Omnibus is in production and will be to subscribers by February. Copies of the Omnibus can be received by sending a check, payable to Region 1 Omnibus to Alison Head at 38595 Purple Martin Lane, Hamilton, Va 20158. Please make sure to include your current address and email with your check.

Region 1 Spring Meeting The Region 1 Spring meeting will be held at Hilltop Farm in Colora Md, Sunday March 18th from 9 Am to 5 PM. Registration is $15 per person (for lunch and snacks) and should be sent to Alison Head (see above). All GMO members from the Region are welcome to attend. PM delegates should attend if possible since we will be voting on the locations of the 2008 Championships, among other things. Hilltop will be conducting a Young Horse Training seminar on Saturday afternoon, March 17th. Stay tuned for more details.

Some important dates APRIL 18 – 21 – World Cup Dressage Final, Las Vegas, NV. Dressage Freestyle is Sat. April 21. www.WorldCupLasVegas.com JUNE14 – 17 - USEF National Grand Prix Championship, Intermediaire I Championship, and Pan Am Selection Trial, USET Foundation, Gladstone, New Jersey www.USEF.org :High Performance: Dressage OR www.USET.org JULY 14 – 29 Pan Am Games, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil www.USEF.org www.HorseSport.org AUGUST 2 – 5 – FEI World Championship for Young Dressage Horses, Verden, Germany www.USEF.org www.HorseSport.org

The Dressage Foundation's Gifted Fund Region 1's Laura Serkes (VA) was selected by TDF to receive a $750 training grant from The Gifted Fund, established by Carol Lavell in memory of her horse Gifted to assist Adult Amateurs. Laura and her horse Rosenstolz will train with Kathy Connelly. Laura is a member of Northern VA chapter, VADA. Congratulations Laura! For information on The Gifted Fund and other TDF programs, visit www.dressagefoundation.org.

For those that weren't able to attend the Convention this year, this is a brief recap of what transpired during our Open and Closed GMO Council meetings.

The hot topic this year was the budget. After much refining by the USDF staff and the Executive Board, the budget presented to us on the first day of the Convention was still $116,000 in the red. It had been decided that the $15 rebate to GMO members who wish to be come Participating Members should be deleted in order to reduce the deficit by $90,000. Additionally, horse registrations would be raised to $85 and a $20 non-member fee would be assessed at USDF recognized shows to riders and owners not USDF members.

During our Open GMO meeting, an alternative proposal was formulated. With help from Corinne Stonier and Peter Rothchild (Reg. 6) and Lisa Seaburg (Reg. 9) we put together a spread sheet to present at the Board of Governors meeting that would have garnered more money than the proposed budget, without losing the rebate to GMO members. Although it was presented, we didn't get to put it to a vote. The vote was called on the original budget proposal and it passed 958 to 913. This means that in 2008 we will lose that GMO benefit. Hopefully we all have strong GMO programs that provide so many benefits to members that it will offset this loss.

Our Educational Session with Dr. Marie McCarther had 75 in attendance. She proved to be a dynamic and informative speaker. I hope to be able to provide an approved synopsis of her presentation within the next month for the gmoprez list. Likewise, the Round Table Discussions were popular with 60 attending. Each table had at least one person taking notes and those will also appear on the gmoprez list.

Other discussion topics at the GMO Council meetings were:

1. Presentation by John Boomer of The Dressage Foundation of their helpful programs
2. The GMO Letter of Compliance has been tabled for the time being
3. The GMO Handbook is avilable on the USDF web site
4. Availability of the Directors and Officers Insurance at a group rate
5. Importance of GMOs maintaining current information of their officials with the USDF office
6. Archival capabilities for GMOs through the USDF Historical Committee
7. Topics for GMO Council sessions at the 2007 USDF Convention.

The new board for Maryland Dressage Association for 2007-2008 term is as follows:

President: Jill Blackburn
Vice President: Brenda Rice
Treasurer: Elaine Wilterdink
Jr. Vice President: Bess Carlson
Corresponding Secretary: Linda Elliott
Recording Secretary: Patti McCandless

Directors:

Margaret Scarff
Tina Lortz
Linda Seybold
Susan Fradel
Ann Lyons

Let's give all of our new board members a big welcome, and a sincere thanks to our outgoing board members Janet Knox and Rio Sites and outgoing Junior Vice President, Jess Hardester.

PLEASE SEND APPLICATIONS FOR:

Joyce Broccolino Memorial Scholarship to:

Judi Provencal
40 Hoover Court
Elkton, Md. 21921

If you need to check on your work credits you can email Jill Blackburn at philjill@juno.com or Jean Bosley at Jean.Bosley@phh.com

2nd ANNUAL MARYLAND HORSE CONFERENCE

The registration cost is $30 for adults and $20 for youth if you register by November 4, 2006. All attendees will receive a conference proceedings, morning refreshments, and lunch. For more information please visit our website at www.equinestudies.umd.edu/Extension/horseconference2006.html (updates daily). Or contact Kristen Wilson at kswilson@umd.edu or 301-405-1392.

Anne Arundel County Executive Candidates Weigh in on Horse Park Proposal

Maryland Horse Council Quarterly Meeting Aug. 22, 2006

Goucher College VanMeter Hall - Room B10 1021 Dulaney Valley Road Baltimore, MD

Get The Latest On The Maryland Horse Park!

Meet & Greet 6 p.m. - Courtesy Maryland Horse Breeders Meeting 7 p.m.

For directions, please enter Goucher College into mapquest.com

Maryland Horse Council P.O. Box 233 Lisbon, MD 21765

410-489-7826

410-489-7828 (Fax)

www.mdhorsecouncil.org

admin@mdhorsecouncil.org

The USEF Selection Trials at Gladstone.

What a trip! The top 12 competitors of the nation at Prix St. Georges, Young Riders, Riders with disabilities, Intermediaire, and Grand Prix all showing in the same venue and at the same time, with the Grand Prix riders vying for a position on the American Dressage World Cup Team. The top six dressage scores will be the finalists for the dressage jury to consider for the places on the World Cup Team going to Germany this summer. The Jury meets on June 19 to make the final selections.

The four days were completely filled with great upper level riding as well as beautifully choreographed musical freestyles. It was a dressage lover’s heaven.

The riders with disabilities were terrific. They could have beaten the socks off most riders who have no disabilities. That just goes to show you that you can do anything if you put your MIND to it. They all rode beautiful upper level tests, beautiful freestyles, and they all deserved a gold medal.

The young riders were just awesome. Our future as dressage competitors will be a force with which to be reckoned. The only disappointment is that Noel Williams on Pik L, the current winner of the Caitlin Ben Dror Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Camda Dressage Association, was not there. Pik L was not quite up to par so it was decided to skip this show and give him some time off. We all hope to see them back in the show ring soon.

Oliver, a beautiful, brown Dutch stallion by Idocus, was the Brentina Cup winner. This was a true family affair. He is home bred, raised, trained and competed by an amateur rider, Elizabeth Austin. Oliver was bred by Elizabeth’s mother. Just goes to show that you do not have to have a big named professional trainer or a big farm bred horse to win at a big show. Congratulations to the entire family.

Michelle Gibson is back is great form with her new Hanoverian gelding. She was a picture perfect ride. The pair was a poster board example of the training scale. Relaxation, harmony, and fluidness seeped throughout the tests. Their scores were near perfect too. She was clearly the Intermediare winner. Michelle will be a big contender and definitely the one to watch at Grand Prix in a few years. Anky will have to move over.

California rocks! Nearly all of the best scores over the four days of Grand Prix riding came from the California riders. What beautiful tests. Steffen Peters was way ahead of the pack with Laurelyn Browning’s Floriano. Guenter Seidel was right behind him on Richard and Jane Brown’s Aragon. That should come as no surprise to anyone. However, Leslie Morse, Arlene Page, Heather Blitz and Suzanne Phelps clearly wowed the judges too. Leslie Morse and Tip Top were also from California. Of the top six placings, the top three placings were California riders. The California Dressage Association is a very proud organization today.

USEF Festival of Champions – Intermediare The winners are decides on three scores. One at Prix St. George, 35%, Intermediare I, 45% and Musical Freestyle 20%.

1. Michelle Gibson and Lex Barker - 73.431 %
2. Katherine Pouline- Neff and Brilliant Too, 70.268%
3. Jan Ebling and Rafalca, 70.078%
4. Marie Meyers and Fandango 69.590%
5. Melissa Jackson and Wellington – 69.501%
6. Guenter Siedel and Princeton – 69.468%

Grand Prix Championship. The scores were compiled from Grand Prix 45%, Grand Prix Special, 35% and Grand Prix Musical Freestyle – 20%

1. Steffn Peters and Floriano – 77.209%
2. Guenter Siedel and Aragon – 73.394%
3. Leslie Morse and Tip Top – 73.232%
4. Arlene Page and Wild One – 71.722%
5. Heather Blitz and Arabella – 69.214%
6. Suzanne Phelps and Cooper – 68.152%

The Caitlin Ben-Dror Memorial Scholarship Fund show team is pleased to announce the winner of the 2006 scholarship, Noel Williams. Noel will receive the sum of $3000.00 and a blue and grey, (Cait’s colors), embroidered wool horse cooler that says; “Caitlin Ben-Dror 2006 Memorial Scholarship”.

Noel Williams is the young rider who rides Pik L, the horse Cait would have competed on this year. At Devon in 2005, with Cait on her shoulder, Noel and Pik L won Jr. Young Rider. Congratulations Noel, and good luck in 2006.

The Board of Directors for the fund, led by Margaret Hawkins, as Chairman of the Board, is working on the specifics for an additional scholarship to be awarded later this year. Information will be distributed to local clubs, so that interested young riders can apply. We will vote on the specifics for this scholarship at our next board meeting and additional information will be forthcoming.

Rabies Detected in One Queen Anne's County Horse No Risk to Humans or Other Horses from this Incident Reminder to Vaccinate Domestic Animals Including Equine

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 4, 2006) - Tests from one horse on a Queen Anne's County farm have determined that the horse died from rabies, most likely contracted from the bite of a wild animal or bat. The horse was kept outside in a pasture on the farm. None of the horse's pasture mates have left the farm recently and a hold order from the Maryland Department of Agriculture prevents those horses from leaving the farm or interacting with other horses for six months according to standard procedures. None of the horses are showing signs consistent with rabies at this time and all have received treatment to reduce the risk that they would develop rabies. A number of workers on the farm are being treated as a precautionary measure by the Queen Anne's County Department of Health for possible indirect exposure.

"The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Queen Anne's County Health Department are working closely with the farm owners and workers to monitor the situation," said State Veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus. "We want to assure residents that there is no risk to them or their horses from this incident. That said, rabies is present across the state and it is important to check the veterinary records of domestic animals like dogs, cats and horses to see that they are current on all vaccinations, including rabies."

Rabies is transmitted through a bite of a rabid animal and no person was bitten by the infected horse. Rabies is a fatal disease but easily preventable with up-to-date vaccination. Preventative treatment for rabies is effective in humans but must be started as soon as possible after exposure.

Information about rabies is available from your personal physician or veterinarian or online at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies and www.merckvetmanual.com (search for equine rabies).

Note: The farm will not be identified as this is not a contagious human or animal health concern for which public notification is necessary.

George Williams to Conduct USDF Region 1 FEI Jr/YR Clinic Hosted by MacNair's Country Acres, Raleigh, NC

George Williams will be the featured clinician at the 2006 USDF Region 1 FEI Jr/YR Clinic scheduled for May 20-21, 2006, in Raleigh, NC. This clinic is generously hosted by McNair's Country Acres and organized by Eliza Sydnor. The 2006 FEI Jr/YR Clinic Series is made possible through funding provided by The Dressage Foundation.

George Williams started riding dressage seriously in 1973. As a 17 year old he traveled to Germany to study with Egon Von Neindorff. It was there at the Reitinstitute von Neindorff that he earned his German Bronze Rider Medal. After winning two national AHSA and USDF Championships in 1981, Williams followed his mentor, Karl Mikolka, to ride the famed Lipizzan stallions of Tempel Farms in Illinois. After a 20 year association with the dancing white horses, Williams decided to follow his dream to compete internationally.

In 2001, he began his partnership with the charismatic and popular black, lop-eared Westfalen mare, Rocher, owned by Chuck and Joann Smith of Gypsy Woods Farm in Richwood, Ohio. Working with US Olympic Team Coach, Klaus Balkenhol, in 2003, the pair's highlights included fifth place in the World Cup in Sweden, USDF Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year as well as being named Dressage Horse of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse. They achieved a BCM ranking of 16th in the world. After an injury forced them to withdraw from the 2004 Olympic Selection trials, Rocher returned to competition in 2005 earning the title of the 2005 USET/Collecting Gaits National Grand Prix Champion as well as a team bronze at the CHIO Aachen. However, the crowning moment of the year was winning the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at Dressage at Devon for an unprecedented third time. Williams has coached four NAYRC Individual Medal winners and numerous NAYRC Team Medal winners. He has earned the USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals. Recently Williams was co winner of the USEF William Steinkraus Equestrian of Honor Award for his success in 2005.

Rider applications are being accepted by USDF through April 15, 2006. Applicants must be current USDF Participating Members between the ages of 14-21 currently riding at Third Level or above. Auditors of all ages and levels are welcome and pre-registration as well as walk-in registration is available. Rider applications and auditor registration forms are available at http://www.usdf.org/Programs/AdvancedYoungRider/index.asp or by contacting Sheila Forbes, USDF Director of Programs, at (859) 271-7879 or sforbes@usdf.org.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 8, 2006) - Test results on the two horses isolated in the Detention Barn at Pimlico and the two horses from Laurel Barn 9 that are isolated in a barn at Bowie are negative for equine herpesvirus, bringing to closure the entire outbreak in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has lifted the "General Animal Hold Order" at Bowie and expects to do the same at Pimlico after the final veterinary exam later this afternoon. All four horses that tested negative for EHV-1 are free to resume normal activities.

"These negative tests bring this EHV-1 outbreak to official closure in Maryland as all hold orders have been lifted and there are no reported signs of the virus anywhere in the state," said State Veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus. "This is good news for all of Maryland's horse owners and related businesses. We thank all parties involved for their patience and diligence in stopping the spread of the virus. While this event is now over, we remind all horse owners that a robust vaccination program is important, as well as adopting a good standard of bio-security protocols for their farms and horses. We recommend that horse owners consult with their private veterinarian on which vaccines and biosecurity measures are most appropriate for a particular horse and farm."

Last month, the MDA lifted the Hold Orders on Barns 5, 6 and A at Pimlico while the Maryland Jockey Club lifted its self-imposed quarantine. Three horses from three different Pimlico barns were euthanized in January. The last clinical case of the virus at Pimlico happened January 19. There have been no outbreaks at the Bowie Training Center where approximately 600 horses are stabled.

The farm in Kent County where two horses were euthanized due to EHV-1 was released from a Hold Order on Saturday, March 4, 2006 after all 17 horses at the farm tested negative for the virus. The last clinical sign of the virus on the farm was on February 4.

Equine herpesvirus causes upper respiratory infection and can also cause neurological disease. There is currently no known method to reliably prevent the neurologic form of EHV-1 infection. More information about the virus and preventive bio-security measure is available at www.mda.state.md.us.

March 3, 2006

Dear Maryland Horse Owner:

On behalf of Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., I need to call your attention to an extremely serious matter that we all have been hearing and learning about a great deal recently. Unfortunately, it seems that Maryland and other states have seen an increasing number of equine herpesvirus cases in many segments of the horse industry – recreational and competitive – in the past few years. The Governor shares your deep concern and has asked Deputy Secretary Dr. John Brooks and me to keep him well informed of the situation since its beginning last month, and to take all action within our power to prevent its further spread.

Our 87,000 plus horses are not only an important part of the State’s economy, they are often considered by many like family. As a huge supporter of the State’s horse industry, Governor Ehrlich has been fighting for slot machines for better purses, supporting a funding source for the Maryland Horse Industry Board’s activities which includes our initiative for a state-of-the-art Maryland Horse Park, introducing increased funding for agricultural land preservation, and most recently, allocating $10 million in his budget for direct purse enhancements.

No one is happy about the recent herpesvirus cases and their impact on this industry. In the first two months of this year, six horses succumbed to the neurologic form of the equine herpesvirus at three different locations. I know that many other horse owners and employees at these facilities and at other facilities have suffered tremendous economic loss. Many have also undertaken monumental efforts to save their animals. In some cases, this diligence appears to be returning dividends as more horses are recovering and the stables are getting back to business.

The recent cases of equine herpesvirus draw our attention to preventive measures such as vaccination and on-farm biosecurity. While much is unknown about this disease, particularly the neurologic form for which there is no specific vaccine, I want to assure you that the Maryland Department of Agriculture is using the best research and protocols at our disposal to prevent and control this condition. We are cooperating and consulting with other states in the mutual battle against this virus. I urge you to learn as much as you can about this worrisome disease and about measures you can take to keep your horses and ponies healthy by visiting our website at www.mda.state.md.us. Should you have any questions, please contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health staff at 800-492-5590 or 410-841-5810.

In closing, please know that Governor Ehrlich is committed to seeing our Maryland horse industry grow and prosper. Together we can make it happen.

Sincerely,

Lewis R. Riley Secretary

FYI - From Harford Horse Shows Association:

A Special Meeting has been planned to address questions and concerns regarding the Equine Herpes Virus currently affecting our area. To all of our members and associates, please view this as a mandatory attendance. This illness has a direct effect on not only our organization and the 2006 season but all equine activities for 2006 in the Hartford - Baltimore County Areas.

March 2, 2006

7:00 PM

American Legion

Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD

This meeting is for adults only. A $5 donation is requested and will be donated to Equine Herpes Research.

Speaker: Dr. Amy Polk, DVM, Diplomat ACVIM

For more information, please contact Debbie Wilson, Olney Farm, Joppa MD - 410.638.1539

Congratulations to everyone who applied and won an award this year! The awards were very beautiful thanks to MDA's hard working Awards committee. Special thanks go to Debbie and Amanda Carroll, Tina Lortz, Elaine Wilterdink, Janet Knox and Alaine Seheut for a fine job on the awards and the banquet Also many thanks to all of the donors to our silent auction and everyone who helped with the awards and banquet.

The award winners are as follows:

Introductory Young Rider
Champion - Shawa Seybold and Big Mack
No Reserve Champion
Training Level Division A Young Rider
Champion - Kimberly Moxley and Argyle Street
Reserve Champion - Evelyn Kipp and JayBee.
Training Level Division A Senior
Champion - Alaine Seheut and Dios
Reserve Champion - Marilyn McFadden and Zip's Status Symbol
First Level Division A Young Rider
Champion - Logan MacKubin and Plu Perfect
Reserve Champion - Erin Spencer and Rose
First Level Division A Senior
Champion - Aime Morrill and Clark's Dusty Bailey
Reserve Champion - Judy Provencal and GW Ranchman
First Level Division B Young Rider
Champion - Logan Mackubin and Plu Perfect
No Reserve Champion
First Level Division B Senior
Champion - Max Despain and Wave of Hope
Reserve Champion - Melissa Harlinski and Air Jordan
Third Place - Jill Blackburn and Chenecour
Second Level Division A Senior
Champion - Max Despain and Wave of Hope
Reserve Champion - Melissa Harlinski and Air Jordan
Third Level
Champion - Christina Lortz and Diesel
Freestyle First Level
Champion - Max Despain and Wave of Hope
Uscta - Novice Level
Champion - Max Despain and Wave of Hope

Perpetual Award Winners

The Pumpkin Award Alaine Seheut and Dios
The Sterling Plate Max Despain and Wave of Hope
The Whispering Spring Plate No successful applicant.
The Penny Lane Award Aime Morrill and Clark's Dusty Bailey
President's Unsung Heroes Award Linda Seybold, Brenda Rice, Debbie Carroll, and Linda Elliott.
Instructor of the Year - Tracey Hurline

Congratulations again to everyone and I hope next year to see a lot more award winners.

The following MDA members have achieved excellence in writing, which includes contributions to either our club's newsletter, or our web site. Please congratulate these members for helping the MDA achieve our goal of "Gaining And Sharing Knowledge of Classical Dressage".

Young Riders Column

1. Region 1 Youth Team Championships at Morven Park – Margaret Scarff

USDF Region 1 Newsletter

What's New in Region 1?

Greetings!

Horse Park Supporters, Please Attend!

Herpes myeloencephalitis

As this deadly disease is no longer confined to Pimlico Race Track, it is important that all horsemen in the area do what they can to protect their animals and stop the spread of EHV1.  The information currently being presented in the media is not based on facts.  For instance, news reports cite that the farm in Kent County, which is affected by the disease, is that of a race track trainer.  In reality, the farm belongs to Kim Meier-Morani, a MCTA club member and noted Event Rider and Trainer. 

This is part of the message from Susan Newton-Rhodes, a friend and boarder at Kim's farm: 

I am writing to give you some information and background on what is happening at Kim Meir-Morani's farm in Chestertown, Maryland.  As you may know, Kim had to put down one of her horses last Thursday (January 26th) due to suspected EHV -1 (autopsy results will be in this week). The State Vet (Dr. Hohenhaus) upon arrival at the farm immediately quarantined the facility.  The transmission of the virus stemmed from a horse that was transported to the farm for training from the Pimlico Race Track.  Thus far, Kim has eight horses affected by the virus, 1 -death, 2 - with neurological symptoms (recovering), 4 with temps and no symptoms and 1 which started a temperature (103) yesterday. The horse affected yesterday is my horse.

Please keep Kim in your prayers as she is dealing with a heartbreaking issue that no horse owner should ever have to face.  I will keep folks updated as information comes available." 

You can also check at www.thehorse.com for more information. 

The following information was written by Dr. Laura Reilly. (reillylk@vet.upenn.edu)

Herpes myeloencephalitis is a very confusing disease, but here are a few important facts:

1. The cause is equine herpes virus 1 (EHV1), which can also cause respiratory signs and abortions.  It is also known as rhinopneumonitis.

2. The virus is shed in respiratory secretions, and horses get it by inhaling the virus or from contaminated objects such as buckets, tack, etc.

3. On a farm, you may have just one horse or almost all of them affected. There may or may not have been known cases of respiratory disease or abortion beforehand.  We don't know why some horses develop the neurological disease and others don't, but stress may play a role.

4. The signs of the neurological form include fever, incoordination, and weakness, usually most obvious in the hind limbs. There may be weakness of the tail and difficulty urinating and defecating. The horse may go down and be unable to get up.  In most cases, the signs show up about a week after exposure to the virus.

5. There is no specific treatment for EHV.  Some horses recover completely, others do not, and if they are down, the prognosis is poor.

6. The vaccine for Rhino does not seem to prevent the neurological disease, although some vets feel it may reduce the number and severity of cases. 

So what should we be doing at our own farms? I think we need to think carefully about moving horses around right now.  New horses should be investigated as to where they've been the last few weeks, and then isolated for 2 weeks (not a bad idea in any case).  Don't let horses mingle at riding lessons, shows, etc.  Disinfect buckets, etc if they have been used by other horses.  Monitor horses carefully for signs of disease, and call the vet right away if you suspect a problem,