2015 stallion issue - louisiana equine report

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Clear Creek StudHalf Ours closed out 2014 with a bang as his Cook Some Rice won the Colt and Gelding division of the Louisiana Futurity and his Slowpoke Sam closed with a rush to capture third in the same race. Barry, Mike and William Scott of Scott and Company’s purchase of Cook Some Rice at the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Yearling Sale for $39,000 seem like a wise investment. Cook Some Rice broke slowly but stalked the pace from near the back until he began his steady advance around the turn. He collared the front runner near the sixteenth pole and inched away from there to the wire to win by three-quarters of a length. With his win in the Louisiana Futurity his earnings now stand at $114,840 from two wins and a second in six starts. With the earnings from the Louisiana Futurity Half Ours widened his lead as the leading stallion standing in Louisiana when counting Louisiana bred earnings. He ended the year with $1,619,541 in Louisiana bred earnings and $2,549,195 in total earnings for the year. With the 2015 breeding season rapidly approaching you can book your mares to Half Ours by coming by Clear Creek Stud or calling 985-796-5563. You can visit our web site at www.clearcreekstud.com to see all our stallions.

Val Murrell | (985) 796-5563 | www.clearcreekstud.com

Star Guitar shines on a bright future for the LA Bred program! by Kathryn Loewer

Star Guitar looks to bring his “STAR” power and talent to the breeding shed, where he stands at Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, La. His amazing record and his LA Bred heritage show that Star Guitar is something special.

Star Guitar is by Quiet American out of the Malagra mare Minit Towinit. Owned by Maurice and Evelyn Benoit’s Brittlyn Stable and trained by Al Stall Jr., Star Guitar won 24 of 30 starts and earned $1,749,862.

From 30 starts, Star Guitar scored 24 wins, and of those 22 were stakes victories. He was no doubt a total “rock star” on the track. His owner Ms. Evelyn Benoit can’t say enough glowing things about him. “He really is something special. He ran his whole career, strong, sound and healthy. He was never sick or injured. He ran his heart out for us and was always a complete gentleman. He never displayed stud-like behavior while he was racing. He was just the kindest horse, so gifted, intelligent and smart. We never used drugs on him and he retired sound.”

Ms. Benoit attributes much of his success to the fact that he is built so correct. “I wanted to breed a colt with four black feet... Many people rely on the Electronic nicking, and while that may give some mating probabilities, if I had listened to those programs alone, Star might have never been born...”

Star seemed to know he was special too, and enjoyed being a celebrity. How many race horses have a bar at the track named after them? The Star Guitar Bar…He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Fairgrounds in 2013, wrapping up a stellar career.

Ms. Benoit has been in the Thoroughbred business for 30 years. When her husband suffered a tragic accident that left him crippled, Evelyn says that Star helped her get through the rough times. Even though Star Guitar is a record holding top money earner, according to Ms. Benoit it’s not about the money. Her love for the horses and her passion for racing keep her in the game, and now she hopes to have many more opportunities for Star Guitar to “shine” as a Louisiana Stallion when his babies hit the track and take the winners circle. His first crop will be born this year. Maybe they too will be in the Hall of Fame one day …? • LOUISIANA HORSE OF THE YEAR EVERY YEAR FROM 2009-2012 • CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD AND 3 TIME CHAMPION OLDER HORSE • LOUISIANA ALL-TIME LEADING MONEY EARNER — $1,749,862 • 22 Stakes Wins from 6-9 Furlongs • Stakes Winner Every Year from 2007-2012 • Broke Track Record as a 7-year-old (1:43.71 - Evangeline Downs, 6/30/12)

Inquiries can be directed to: Clear Creek Stud, LLC | Folsom, Louisiana

Inquiries to Clear Creek Stud, LLC11591 Highway 1078, Folsom, LA 70437Phone (985) 796-5563 Fax (985) 796-3630 | E-mail: [email protected] Site: clearcreekstudllc.com


The Courage and Compassion of Maggi MossBy Barbara NewtownMaggi Moss runs Thoroughbreds at tracks across the country. She’s only been in the racing business for sixteen years (and racing in Louisiana for the past ten years), but she has made her mark nationwide with her success and her beliefs.

“I have no issue with using Thoroughbreds in racing,” she says. “Of course I think that all horses should have an opportunity to get turned out and stroll around and eat grass.” But keeping a racehorse in a stall is not necessarily cruel. Thoroughbreds in a good barn are treated better than most people. They have good feed, they have clean straw, and they get exercise. A horse standing in a pasture can be bothered by flies, be malnourished, but above all he is probably bored. Maggi believes that people and horses need a purpose and a routine. “People are creatures of habit: we get up, we take a shower, we eat, we go to work,” she says. Horses need purpose, too, to be happy.

“Visit my barns,” she says. “My horses hang their heads out of the stalls, nicker at people, eat peppermints. I sleep very well at night.” Maggi’s top priority when choosing a trainer is how he takes care of the horses.

“It isn’t rocket science. I believe that if you are good to your horses, you will be rewarded.” Maggi has no tolerance for abusers. Horses have no choice about where they are born or where they end up. She believes that we have an absolute responsibility to give them a good life. Thoroughbreds, in particular, will try to please, even in the wrong hands. They have such heart—such toughness and courage—that they will perform, even if they are hurting.

How does Maggi combine compassion with a successful business plan? She picks up claimers that have already been bred, raised, shipped, trained, and raced. She doesn’t spend money getting a horse ready to race. Any business is a game of overhead, she says…unless you are independently wealthy and don’t care where the dollars go. Breeding or buying yearlings means that you have to wait two or three years until the horse is ready to compete, and the horse may still not earn any money at the track. Maggi does breed and does buy young prospects, but limits what she takes on. “That business plan can go the wrong way very quickly!”

Before Maggi became a racehorse owner, she was a trial lawyer. Women trial lawyers were rare, and Maggi knew that she had to outwork the men. She kept down the overhead at her law office. “It’s easy to spend five times what you really have to when you’re running a law office.” Just like the racing business. “I was raised to respect the dollar. I’m not about to throw money away.”

Maggi also outworked the men in research and preparation. “There’s always something to learn or something to follow that will help you.” She has carried the same 24/7 dedication to acquiring knowledge to racing. “There is a wealth of material out there.” The information follows patterns that the smart researcher can discover.

“Hundreds of things can be deciphered from the Daily Racing Form [http://drf.com],” she says. Maggi pays attention to trends on different race tracks, what trainers are doing with their horses, and how other owners run their businesses. The Beyer numbers, an essential tool in the Racing Form, “are a numerical representation of a horse’s performance, based on

the final time and the inherent speed over the track on which the race was run” (Dean Keppler). High Beyer numbers are desirable: Andrew Beyer says the top Beyer number ever was earned by the sprinter Groovy in 1987: 132. Beyer hadn’t developed his system yet when Secretariat won the Belmont, but he estimates the red horse’s Beyer number would have been 139. A $2,500 claimer might score a 57 in the Beyer system.

Equibase (www.equibase.com) is another valuable tool. The Speed Figures analyze performance by taking into account not only the difference between tracks (dimensions, surface, etc.), but the changes that occur from race to race on the same track. The Class

Ratings, according to Equibase, are a “relative rating for a given field of horses in a given race at a given track.” Combining the two numbers can give a researcher (a bettor or someone looking to buy or breed) a prediction about where a horse will finish in a race against specific opponents.

Len Ragozin developed “The Sheets,” one for each horse running in a race. Each sheet shows a horse’s

entire racing career as well as time laid off. The horse earns a Ragozin number based on how much “quality” the horse showed on a given day. Ragozin says, “The rating includes speed, weight, allowance for unusual track conditions, racing wide or saving ground, headwinds or tailwinds, peculiarities of track construction such as downhill areas, etc.” Lower numbers are better, and one point generally means one or two lengths. The best horses score in the single digits and the worst score in the 40s.

Maggi stays up into the wee hours analyzing the numbers and adding in her personal knowledge of how trainers do their jobs. She looks for claimers that will blossom in the right conditions—that is, in her stables. In sixteen years she has become a nationwide success in the Thoroughbred industry.

“I was in politics for a long time,” says Maggi, “but there’s nothing political about me. I am at a point where telling the truth and speaking from the heart just works. I have nothing to gain, I am not out to impress anybody, and I’m not impressed with myself. I just care deeply about horses. The welfare of horses is my main deal. In fact, I prefer horses to people!” Horses do not lie. “If you pay attention, that is correct,” she says.

Continued on Page 16...

Maggi Moss’ Delaunay winning at the New Orleans Fairgrounds.


Equine Circulatory System 101Horses are among the world’s most supreme natural athletes. Their ability is due to their specialized circulatory system and respiratory system that can accommodate large oxygen demands of the muscles when a horse exercises.

As a manner of speaking, while the circulatory and respiratory systems represent the horse’s engine, the food a horse consumes is the fuel. In turn, the fuel is converted to nutritional energy that powers the muscles. The equine circulatory system transports blood throughout the horse, putting to use the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.

Horse power dictated by heartOn average, the size of a horse’s heart is about 1 percent of its body weight. That means a 1,000-pound horse will have an 8- to 10-pound heart. Thoroughbreds tend to have slightly larger hearts in proportion to their body size, while draft breeds have hearts that weigh only 0.6 percent of their body weight.

Similar to a human’s heart, a horse’s heart has four chambers; two atria that rest above two ventricles. Blood that returns from the body enters the right side of the heart and the deoxygenated red blood cells fill the right atrium.

According to Equimed.com, the blood volume of a horse is about 8 percent of their body weight, meaning an average adult horse that weighs 1,100 pounds has roughly 40 liters of blood circulating through its body.

In order to supply oxygen throughout the body, air passes through the nostrils and along a long nasal cavity before it passes into the larynx and pharynx. After going through the trachea, the air reaches the bronchial trees within the lungs. The alveoli is where gas exchange occurs and where the circulatory system receives oxygen and delivers it to tissues throughout the body, as well as nutrients absorbed from the digestive system.

Max outputThe main objective of the respiratory system is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Depending on the level of exercise, the volume of carbon dioxide will vary. For example, a resting horse generally has a very low respiration rate, only taking 10 to 14 breaths or fewer per minute. Adult horses have a resting heart rate between 28 and 44 beats per minute.

However, this rate rises gradually as the level of exercise increases. When a horse engages in intense exercise, the body’s tissues demand more oxygen, meaning more CO2 must be removed. In order to accomplish this, respiration rate increases. The average heart rate is 80 beats per minute at the walk, 130 bpm at the trot, 180 bpm at the canter and up to 240 bpm while galloping.

Importantly to horse trainers, there is a limit to the minute volume (the amount of air inspired and expired in one minute) that can be reached during maximal intensity exercise. At a heart rate of 200 beats per minute or over – the max – the blood leaving the lungs may not be carrying enough oxygen to sufficiently provide the tissues. This case is known as arterial hypoxia. According to The Horse, the respiratory system can deliver the necessary amount of oxygen, albeit for a limited time, when the heart rate is 180 per minute or less. When the heart rate surpasses that point, it becomes unhealthy for the horse.

Horse trainers should try to strike the sweet spot for horses’ hearts. Help your equine recover faster with supplements before and after intense training.

Stretch Run Daily™ supports metabolic energy functions in the horse during the training and racing season. Horse trainers can use it daily while training for performances horses. It is a top supplement for horse performance.

Stretch Run™ is a pre-race, pre-event health product, to help maintain healthy metabolic energy functions in the horse. For performance horses engaged in racing or other strenuous activity.

Stretch Run Daily™ supports metabolic energy functions in the horse during the training and racing season.


Stallion Directory Sponsored By:

PASO FINO HORSES

INDEPENDIENTE del FuegoVitral – Capitania de Vitrina,Zodiaco de Lusitania2015 Stud Fee: $1000Parker Farms Paso Finos • TennesseePage 22

QUARTER HORSES – RACING

AGOUTI si 104Corona Cartel x Easy Date Dash2015 Stud Fee: $2000Delta Equine Center • Vinton, LAPage 50

AJS FAST DASH si 104Heza Fast Dash - Snows Refrigerator,By This Snow is Royal2015 Stud Fee: $1500Blanchet Farms • Ville Platte, LAPage 26

BEDOUIN CARTEL si 88Corona Cartel x Strawberry Silk2015 Stud Fee: $1000Delta Equine Center • Vinton, LAPage 50

COUNTRY CHICKS MAN siChicks Beduino x Country Zevi2015 Stud Fee: $2500Delta Equine Center • Vinton, LAPage 50

DASHIN BYE si 106First Down Dash – Sweet Bye and Bye, Zevi2015 Stud Fee: $3000Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction • Opelousas, LAPage 30

FAST PRIZE DASH si 104Mr Jess Perry – Fast First Prize, Heza Fast Man2015 Stud Fee: $2500Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction • Opelousas, LAPage 30

FAST PRIZE JORDAN si 109Pyc Paint Your Wagon – FastPrize Doll, Mr. Jess Perry2015 Stud Fee: $2000Robicheaux Ranch • Breaux Bridge, LAPage 3

FDD GOING GRAND siFdd Dynasty x Cash Cartel2015 Stud Fee: $2500Delta Equine Center • Vinton, LAPage 50

FIRST DOWN ILLUSION si 98First Down Dash – Fishers Fantasy, For Really TB2015 Stud Fee: $2500Robicheaux Ranch • Breaux Bridge, LAPage 2

FIRST DOWN KING si 97First Down Dash - Queen of Torts, By Mr Jess Perry2015 Stud Fee: $1200Blanchet Farms • Ville Platte, LAPage 26

FIRST DOWN VIKE si 97First Down Dash – Miss Racy Vike, Racin Free2015 Stud Fee: $750Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction • Opelousas, LAPage 30

FIVE BAR CARTEL si 91Corona Cartel - Five Bar Molly, by Dash Ta Fame2015 Stud Fee: $4500Robicheaux Ranch • Breaux Bridge, LAPage 3

Game Patriot si109Chicks Beduino x Fire and Nice, FirstDown Dash2015 Stud Fee: $6000Robicheaux Ranch • Breaux Bridge, LAPage 2

HEZ FAST AS CASH si 106HEZA FAST MAN – CORONA CASH, FIRSTDOWN DASH2015 Stud Fee: $1500RJ Farms • Campti, LAPage 25

HEZA FAST DASH si 103Heza Fast Man – First Prize Dash, DashFor Cash2015 Stud Fee: $8000Robicheaux Ranch • Breaux Bridge, LAPage 2

JESS CUERVO si 99Corona Cartel – Jessica Ravin, Mr Jess Perry2015 Stud Fee: $2500Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction • Opelousas, LAPage 30

JESS ELIE si 87Mr Jess Perry x Miss Moon Policy2015 Stud Fee: $1000Delta Equine Center • Vinton, LAPage 50

JET BLACK PATRIOT si 110Game Patriot – First Down Hemp, FirstDown Jewel2015 Stud Fee: $4000Robicheaux Ranch • Breaux Bridge, LAPage 2

JLS PARTY WAGON si 108Pyc Paint Your Wagon - Dancing Tonight,by On a High2015 Stud Fee: $1250Blanchet Farms • Ville Platte, LAPage 26

JLS Triple DiamondDashin Bye – JLS Diamonds Forever, Behold A Beduino2015 Stud Fee: Private TreatyLee Hill Farms • Maurice, LAPage 49

Continued on page 13...


MAKE IT ANYWHERE si 91First Down Dash – Separate Ways, Hempen2015 Stud Fee: $4000Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction • Opelousas, LAPage 30

MR POLITO si 89Mr Jess Perry – Ms Pilot Point, Splash Bac2015 Stud Fee: $2500Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction • Opelousas, LAPage 30

REBA REBA CORONA si 109Corona Cartel - Dashing Little Reba, by First Down Dash2015 Stud Fee: $1200Blanchet Farms • Ville Platte, LAPage 26

SHINING FIRST DASH si 95First Down Dash x Keep on Shining2015 Stud Fee: $2500Delta Equine Center • Vinton, LAPage 50

SPIT CURL JESS si 99Mr Jess Perry – Lil Spit Curl, On A High2015 Stud Fee: $2000Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction • Opelousas, LAPage 30

STREAKIN VICTOR si 110Toast to Dash – Magnetic Dot, Hesa Crazy MagicHummingbird Meadow Farm • Minden, LAPage 30

TEE COS si 102Corona Cartel - Do It to It Reb,by Splash Bac2015 Stud Fee: $2000Blanchet Farms • Ville Platte, LAPage 26

TOAST TO DASH SI 111Victory Dash – A Toast To Jet, Raise Your Glass TB2015 Stud Fee: $4000Robicheaux Ranch • Breaux Bridge, LAPage 3

TRIPLE VODKA si 101Tres Seis – Newport Lilly, Stoli2015 Stud Fee: $2000Spiller Quarter Horses • Three Rivers, TXPage 25

WHATHAVEIGOTTADO si 108Shazoom – Strawberry Silk, Beduino TB2015 Stud Fee: $1500Robicheaux Ranch • Breaux Bridge, LAPage 3

QUARTER HORSES – NON RACING

BAYOU BUGS ALIVE Bayou Fuel – Bughonor, Jet Of Honor2015 Stud Fee: $500Gray Veterinary Services • Plattenville, LAPage 57

COVERT OPERATIONThe Top Secret – Cool Captivating2015 Stud Fee: $1000K & C Quarter Horses •Utica, MSPage 31

ELVIS WHITE DIAMONDKids Gun Fighter – JMK Its All Me, by Mr Yella Fella2015 Stud Fee: $1250Circle C Farm Equine Facility • Covington, LAPage 5

EXCELLENT CHOICEMy Intentions – Rubies Telusive Girl,by Telusive2015 Stud Fee: $1000Circle C Farm Equine Facility • Covington, LAPage 5

FIRST DOWN FRENCHMANFrenchmans Guy – Evening Traffic,by Dash Thru Traffic2015 Stud Fee: $7504H Ranch • Poplarville, MSPage 34

GRUBBINEatin Out – Peppys Lil Oak,by Docs Oak2015 Stud Fee: Private TreatyBig Beaver Company • Plaquemine, LAPage 31

HES PLENTY DOCWoodys Nikita Moon – Plentyofit E Face, Plentyofit2015 Stud Fee: Private TreatyLyons’ Den Farms • Church Point, LAPage 35

JL PLAYBOYS FANTASYLot A Playboy – Danas Last Fantasy,by Freckles Fantasy2015 Stud Fee: Private TreatyBig Beaver Company • Plaquemine, LAPage 31

KID A GLOWTouchdown Kid – Cool Ms Sunglowby Ima Cool Skip2015 Stud Fee: $1250Circle C Farm Equine Facility • Covington, LAPage 5

KORIS LIL JOEPipers Doc – Rogues Poco Cutter, Two Stripes Las2015 Stud Fee: Private TreatyLyons’ Den Farms • Church Pointe, LAPage 35



Continued on Page 9...The Courage and Compassion of Maggi MossBy Barbara Newtown

Maggi, in philosophical terms, speaks Truth to Power. She says that racing has changed. The claiming game doesn’t work as well in today’s world. “We are breeding a lot more unsound horses and we are running them into the ground. It’s hard to find healthy, sound horses.”

The casinos, she believes, are killing racing. When the casino money came in, the racing world rejoiced. But that casino money is not going to purses; the casinos don’t want to give it back. “The casinos are creating an inferior, cheap product,”

she says. Desperate trainers will keep bumping horses down to worse tracks and worse races and running those horses into the ground, hoping for a hundred or two in earnings.

What is disappearing is the middle ground of good, sound horses. Much as the middle class is disappearing from America and the poor and the wealthy classes are increasing in numbers, the same is happening to Thoroughbred racing. Breeding and buying yearlings is gaining as a business plan. Millions and millions are being spent on the high end of the sport. “Racing to turning back into the sport of kings,” she says.

What does that mean for horses on the low end? In the past, Maggi would “re-purpose” the claimers she bought that proved not to be earners. She knows many failures at the track who now live happy lives doing hunters, three-day eventing, or just pleasure riding. But the situation now is so brutal that finding a sound, reasonably-priced claimer with potential for “an afterlife” is difficult.

Maggi believes that we are sending a lot of substandard horses to the track, which results in thousands of horses being sent off to slaughterhouses. “An atrocity,” says Maggi. If people could see the actual slaughter process, the crowding, the shipping of mares and babies, the terror on the horse’s faces, they would demand that an owner forego the $250 he or she might have gotten at the slaughter auction and spend $250 to have the horse euthanized properly.

“I talk to the big owners about this problem, and they just look at the ground.” The slaughterhouse atrocities happen every day, and everyone tries to hide it.

Maggi describes the downward spiral of an underperforming horse: perhaps born in a fancy barn to a big-time breeder, the horse fails to fulfill its promise; he’s put in a claiming race, and ends up at a minor track; he proves too expensive to keep; he gets sold at a slaughter auction and suffers a terrible end.

Maggi follows her horses. She doesn’t want them to experience that sad fate. “You put something on their papers that lets people know that you want to know what they’re doing and where they are.” If Maggi loses a horse at the claim box, she registers the horse with the Daily Racing Form’s Stable Mail, a free service that sends you an email notice if a horse, trainer, or jockey has any race-related activity. (Equibase’s Virtual Stable is another free notification service.)

“For instance,” she says, “if I kept track of one of my horses that showed up in not the best person’s hands, and he went to a track that scared me a lot, I would just claim the horse back and retire him. I’ve had my horses show up in bad places. It’s my job, because they were my horses, to do what I can to save them.”

Horse rescue takes up as much of Maggi’s time as her racing business. “There’s an unofficial network of people who keep their eyes out for horses that need to be rescued. There are people sending money to PayPal to underwrite rescue work.” Maggi knows many horse rescue people, and they know her. She can afford to rescue horses she herself has owned and perhaps a few more, but she can’t respond to all the requests she gets.

“I look at it this way,” says Maggi. “I have been incredibly blessed. I’ve earned everything that I’ve done. I am self-made, and I’ve worked really hard. I have been blessed in a business that I really don’t fit in. I don’t fit because I’m not married to money and nobody dropped a million dollars on me as an inheritance. I give back and give back and give back by saving horses from people who have a lot more money than I do. That’s how I sleep at night.”

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” --Mahatma Gandhi

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Failure To Conceive: Endometritis In The MareDr. E. Oostelaar, DVM | Dr. S.K. Lyle, DVM, PhD, DACT | Dr. N.L. Heidorn, PhD

One of the most important causes of reduced fertility in the mare is endometritis. Endometritis is the inflammation of the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. This inflammation is often caused by an infection which can be due to the growth of bacteria, fungi, or yeast. These infections can be acquired during natural mating or artificial insemination; however, artificial insemination is usually associated with transmission of lower numbers of organisms.

A thorough history of the mare can help diagnose endometritis or other reasons of reduced fertility. The age of the mare, the number of foals she has produced and a history about previous (especially the most recent) foaling and post-partum period can give extra helpful information.

A normal uterus is protected from external contaminants by three physical barriers: the vulva, the vestibulo-vaginal sphincter and the cervix. Injury, anatomic abnormalities and loss of structural function of any of these barriers can permit the introduction of air and fecal or urinary contaminants into the uterus, causing endometritis.

Every mare experiences a transient period of endometritis after breeding regardless of the type of mating used (artificial or natural). Most mares are able to clear contaminants and byproducts of inflammation from their uterus in the post breeding period, but some mares cannot. These mares have a disease called “Persistent post-mating induced endometritis”, which is due to impaired uterine clearance mechanisms. With close monitoring by a veterinarian it is possible to establish a successful pregnancy in mares with PMIE.

Clinical signs:In most mares no visible vaginal discharge or elevated temperature is seen. Sometimes a shorter interval between heats can be noted. A common presenting complaint of mares with PMIE is a negative 14-day pregnancy exam. These mares do not have a shortened interval between heats, and results of culture and cytology on the subsequent heat are usually negative.

Diagnosis:Transrectal palpation and ultrasonography are important for detecting and determining the nature of free fluid in the uterus. Mares with endometritis and especially mares with PMIE often have free fluid in their uterus. It is extremely important to examine the mare within 24 hours following mating to diagnose PMIE.

Endometritis is fairly easy to diagnose using a guarded swab to obtain a sample from the uterus for culture. Based on growth endometritis can be diagnosed, as well as the causative microorganism and its sensitivity pattern

to anti microbial drugs. The mucus sample can also be submitted for cytology (analysis of the cell types, i.e. inflammatory cells) at the same time for a definitive diagnosis of endometritis. Sample acquisition should be during estrus.

A small piece of the endometrium can be obtained by biopsy as well. In addition to assessing the degree of inflammation, the presence of fibrosis around the endometrial glands can be evaluated and scored. Biopsy is especially useful in cases where a chronic endometritis is suspected. The biopsy score is used to predict the mare’s chances of carry a foal to term.

The presence of endometrial cysts or other abnormalities within the uterus can be diagnosed using ultrasonography. Hysteroscopy (examination of the uterus with an endoscope) can give additional information about the severity of inflammation, adhesions or the presence of foreign bodies.

Treatment:The goal of treatment is to remove the cause of endometritis and eliminate the inflammation. Any anatomic defects in the mare’s reproductive tract should be repaired. Often a simple surgical procedure called a “Caslick vulvoplasty” (partial closure of the top portion of the vulvar lips) is performed. Other internal defects, such as loss of vestibulo-vaginal sphincter function or cervical lacerations, may need more invasive surgery.

Systemic and/or local antimicrobials based on culture and sensitivity results can be administered. Local treatment consists of an intrauterine infusion of a small volume of sterile saline combined with the appropriate antimicrobials during estrus. If PMIE is diagnosed, uterine lavage is recommended. This consists of an infusion and recovery of larger volumes of sterile saline with or without drugs that stimulate uterine contractions, such as oxytocin and prostaglandin, to clear the uterus of inflammatory products and fluid. Oxytocin and prostaglandin are frequently given systemically as well, under the direction of your veterinarian.

Endometritis in the mare does not necessarily mean the end of her breeding career. Diagnostic results and the response to a treatment play an important role in formulating a prognosis for fertility. Most acute infections are easy to treat. Chronic infections are usually associated with a worsened prognosis, and increased treatment costs.

If you would like to consult a veterinarian about equine endometritis please contact:Equine Health Studies Program , School of Veterinary Medicine

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 | Telephone: (225)-578-9500


Independiente del Fuego, a “Fino” Paso FinoIndependiente del Fuego, a champion Paso Fino stallion, adores his blue Jolly Ball. Owner and amateur rider Phoebe Parker says that “Indy” likes to grab the ball by its handle and bang it against the side of his stall. He sets up a fast rhythm and keeps it going in perfect time. “He’s musical,” says Phoebe, “and he loves to imitate the sound of the ‘fino’ gait!”

The Paso Fino gait is natural. No devices or techniques are needed to create the movement. The pattern of the footfalls is left hind, left fore, right hind, right fore. If a horse with breeding similar to a Paso Fino exhibits a trot rather than the traditional gait, that horse is called a “trocha galope,” not a Paso Fino.

The gait is shown in three versions: corto, largo, and fino. The corto carries horse and rider along at a pleasant, trail-riding speed. When asked to show the largo, the horse extends the gait and can attain speeds over thirty miles an hour…without making the rider bounce. The fino is highly collected and the rhythm of the hooves is a rapid staccato. The contrast between the fino’s slow forward movement and the speed of the horse’s feet is thrilling. The high point of a Paso Fino show is the judging of the fino horses. Judges watch and listen as the competitors “fino” on resonant boards laid down in the arena. The riders glide along slowly on perfectly still saddles…while, underneath, hooves fly like sewing-machine needles and make sounds like machine guns.

Independiente del Fuego has a superb natural fino gait which has propelled him to championships in both the professional and amateur/owner divisions. “He’s an honest horse,” says Phoebe. “He wants to please.” Indy shows “brio”—a spirited, keen star quality—but he also can be the ideal pleasure horse on the trail, as he moves along at an easy corto and stays safe and steady on challenging terrain.

Indy’s bloodlines are excellent and rare. His sire Vitral, a world champion, died young and his frozen semen was destroyed in an unfortunate thawing accident. On Indy’s dam side, the fino ability is strong, as well. His dam’s sire, Zodiaco de Lusitania, was a world champion. Indy also carries some interesting color genes: he is a red dun and his latest colt is an apricot dun with a frosted mane.

Phoebe and her husband Bill didn’t start their horse careers with Paso Finos. Bill grew up on his family’s farm in Tennessee and showed Quarter Horses. Phoebe grew up on a farm in Tennessee, too, and rode Tennessee Walkers. Their interest in Paso Finos was ignited when they saw one at Dr. Kim Garner’s clinic in Millington, Tennessee, and asked the veterinarian all about the breed. They learned from her that Paso Finos are exciting, comfortable, obedient, handsome, and sound.

Phoebe and Bill were fortunate to be guided in their exploration of Paso Finos by several experienced breeders. Linda Branstetter, of Branstetter Paso Finos in Hickory Withe, Tennessee, introduced the breed to West Tennessee in the 1970s. Beth Uellsmann’s grandparents, of El Tomaria

Farm in Benton, Missouri, brought the first Paso Finos to the southeastern part of the USA in the l960s. Linda and Beth have been generous with their time and knowledge. Phoebe is also grateful to Liz Pruette and Celia Pollard of Dreamcatcher Paso Fino Horse Farm, also in Hickory Withe. Phoebe mentions that Manny Londoño of Rancho Poker Paso Finos in Covington, Louisiana, owns a two-time National Champion Fino stallion which shares bloodlines with Indy through Zodiaco de Lusitania.

Nowadays Phoebe and Bill live on her family’s farm near Haywood City, Tennessee. The farm was first settled in 1826 and still produces cash crops of soybeans, wheat, cotton, and corn. Phoebe and Bill have carved out fifty acres from the crops for their horse business. Indy’s breeding career, however, will take place at Masterson Farms in Summerville, Tennessee, a state-of-the-art breeding facility. Thanks to the skills of Masterson Farms, Indy will be able to pass on his world-class genes through live cover, AI (chilled and frozen), or embryo transfer.

For information about Independiente del Fuego and the Paso Fino breed, call Phoebe at Parker Farms: 731-612-3493. Email: [email protected]


new Foal? What should you do?

10tiPs on FoAL CAREDr. Frank M. Andrews - LVMA Equine Committee Professor and DirectorEquine Health Studies Program | Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine | Louisiana State University

1. vaccinate the mare 30 days before foaling with a product containing tetanus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Western Equine Encephalitis, and West Nile Virus. The normal gestation length for mares averages 335-345 days from the breeding date.

2. Foals should take 15 to 30 minutes from the time the mare starts pushing. The normal foal presentation is similar to a diving position: both front feet should come first, with one foot slightly in front of the other and the soles facing down. The nose should be on top of the front limbs and the neck, shoulders, abdomen and hindquarters should then follow. If the foal presents in any other fashion (no head, only one foot, soles facing upward or tail first), then a veterinarian should be called immediately. Improperly positioned foals are a true emergency and require immediate attention if the foal is to have a chance of survival.

3. once the foal is on the ground allow the mare and foal may lay there for 5 to 10 minutes. The umbilicus should stay attached so that the foal can get extra blood. Allow the mare and foal to bond before you enter the stall. The foal should stand within 1 hour and start nursing within 2 hours. Within 3 hours the foal should pass meconium (first feces) and urinate (the foal should generate a good urine stream).

4. the foal should nurse every 30 to 40 minutes and should be bright and interested in the surrounding environment. If the foal is lethargic, slow, or wanders around the stall without nursing, this may indicate a “dummy foal” and you should call your veterinarian.

5. Call your veterinarian once the mare and foal are stable tell him/her that you have a newborn foal and describe the foal’s behavior. Keep a record of the foaling activity, including length of time it took the mare to foal, and the timing of events above. Communicate this to your veterinarian. Make an appointment so that your veterinarian can check the foal and the placenta (don’t throw the placenta away) within 12 to 24 hours.

6. During the veterinary visit, blood will be drawn to check to see if the foal got adequate colostrum (first milk) and enough antibodies. The Snap® test is the preferred test for this.

7. Cleaning and dipping the navel in chlorhexidine (or a weak iodine) solution 2 to 3 times daily for the first 3-5 days of life is essential. Don’t use strong tincture of iodine (7%) as it will cauterize the navel and may lead to an abscess later. Check to make sure that the navel is dry and urine is not leaking out of the navel, a condition called “patent urachus”! If this should occur, call your veterinarian immediately.

8. the foal should suckle approximately 20 to 30 times daily and it should latch on to the tit and drink without interruption. If the foal nurses for a few seconds and then goes into the back of the stall or becomes colicky, then the foal may have gastric ulcers and will need to be evaluated by your veterinarian and treated.

9. nibbling on hay and grain occurs at approximately 1-3 weeks of age. Your foal should be curious about the stall or paddock and frisky (at times). At approximately 1 month you can start the foal on creep-feeding. Consult foal creep-feeding instructions on the feed bag.

10. turnout and exercise is important for foals and mares after foaling. Observe the mare and foal during the 1st turnout, to avoid injury and problems with dogs, wildlife or other horses. Observe your foal frequently during the first month of life and keep your veterinarian up to date on the foal’s progress. Enjoy your newborn foal and congratulations!


Karen O’Connor Appointed Team Coach to Mexican Eventing TeamOcala, Florida, USA. January 12, 2015 – Multi-Olympian Karen O’Connor has been appointed the new Coach of the Mexican Eventing Team and will assume the role immediately. The appointment will involve O’Connor training the team for major events including the Pan American Games in Toronto this summer and the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016.

O’Connor is looking forward to the challenge and commented: “It is with great pleasure that I have been appointed as National trainer of Mexico’s Eventing Team. There is tremendous support in Mexico from the army and the civilians alike, for the implementation of a solid program going forward to develop Mexico into a true competitive nation on the world stage. This comes at a very good time for me. I finally feel recovered from my back injury to take on this position. Since David’s appointment as U.S. Chef d’Equipe some two years ago, I have had to stand down from all involvement to the USA’s HP committees to prevent any perceived conflicts of interest. I had served on all of the standing committees for over 25 years. Letting go of this, has been very frustrating for me. I have been forced therefore to consider other options including other nations.

Sue Ockenden has done tremendous work in developing eventing in Central and South America. Other American and Canadian riders are coaching teams from the Americas and Mark Todd is now coaching Brazil. Wonderful sites in Mexico have been developed and are currently scheduled for CCI** in February, and tentatively CCI 3* in September. There is plenty of talent in Mexico. I look forward to working with all of the riders, and I am very confident in developing their National Program so they can very soon become a competitive nation on the world stage.”

O’Connor has represented the USA at five Olympic Games and four World Equestrian Games as well as two Pan American Games and numerous four-star events around the world. In 1993, O’Connor was the number one ranked lady rider in the world and she has been named U.S. Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year ten times. She won the Team Silver Medal at the Atlanta Olympics, riding Biko, and the Team Bronze Medal at the Sydney Olympics, aboard Prince Panache. At the Pan American Games at Fair Hill, O’Connor and Joker’s Wild earned the Individual Silver Medal. In 2007, Karen and Theodore O’Connor won the Individual Gold Medal in addition to leading the U.S. to the Team Gold Medal at the Pan Am Games in Brazil. Karen was the highest placed American eventer at the 2012 London Olympics, riding Mr.Medicott. She was also the oldest female Olympian of all athletes and the oldest U.S. athlete, male or female, in London.

Karen O’Connor & Mexican FEM President Juan Manuel Cossio.


Havard Sales Management held its annual Fall Spectacular Ranch Gelding Competition and Mixed Sale on a great Thanksgiving Weekend. The sale was held at the George H Henderson Expo Center in Lufkin, Texas. This year’s sale shows remarkable increase over last November’s numbers.

The Ranch Gelding Competition featured some of the best in the country as the sale results reflected. The Grand Champion Ranch Gelding was Lil Blue Quixote a 2008 sorrel gelding by Mecom Blue. He was consigned by Justin Wright and sold for $11,000. The Reserve Champion Ranch Gelding was Local Tee Time a 2005 sorrel gelding by Zack T Wood and was consigned by Tee Woolman (reserve was not met). The Third Place Ranch Gelding was Coon Dog Cat, a 2009 Sorrel Gelding by Cats Merada. He was also consigned by Justin Wright and he sold for $7,500. All total we had 67 geldings come through the sale ring on Friday night and 56 of those were sold for a sales ratio of 84%. The gelding sale averaged a solid $4808.

Friday’s High sellers were: 1. Hip 22 – Lucky Gold, a 2008 Palomino gelding consigned by Meyer Horse Co. of Bernard, Iowa. He sold for $12,500 to Chad Blanchard

of Plaquemine, Louisiana. 2. Hip 8 – Lil Blue Quixote the afore mentioned Grand Champion of the Ranch Gelding Competition. 3. Was a tie at $10,000. The tie was between Hip 61 - Poco Too Smart a 2005 sorrel gelding consigned by Jim Shaffer of Terrell, Texas and sold

to Richard Ford of DeBerry Texas. The other horse was Hip 62 – Pac N Bugs Alive a 1998 sorrel gelding consigned by Meyer Horse Co. of Bernard, Iowa. he was purchased by Will Ferguson of Wiergate, Texas

Our Saturday sale featured 131 head of an outstanding group of mares, stallions and geldings. The High Sellers in Saturday’s sale are: 1. Hip 98 – Shesapepteaspoonful a 2004 sorrel mare by Hes A Pepto Spoonful. She was consigned by Pat Wells of Tenaha, Texas and was

purchased by Mitch Farris of Midway, Texas for $11,500. 2. Hip 150 – Menace Streakin Six a 2010 buckskin stallion by Executive Menace. He was consigned by Skeeter Cox of Upper Marlboro,

Maryland and was purchased for $10,000 by Katherine Vandries of Wallis, Texas. 3. Hip 122 – Hes So Sophisticated a 2010 chestnut gelding by Sophisticated Catt. He also was consigned by Skeeter Cox of Upper Marlboro,

Maryland and sold to Bill Richardson of Whitesboro, Texas. (Bill Richardson passed away a few days after the sale. We are very shocked and saddened by his passing. He was truly one of the good guys. He will be greatly missed)

Our overall average for both days was 81%, The Top 5 horses averaged $12,000, the Top 10 averaged 10,980, Top 20 horses averaged $9,395 and the overall average was $3,952.

We are currently accepting consignments for our Spring Spectacular Sale which will be held on March 13th and 14th. It also will be held in Lufkin, Texas.

This sale will feature: 1. A Team Sorting Draw Jackpot with $1000 added money. Horses must be included in the sale and must sell in order to collect the cash prizes. This sorting and sale will be open to gelding and mares. Sorting and sale will be on Friday, March 13th.

2. Special Color and Ranch Gelding session featuring ropers, reiners and ranch horses. These will sell on Friday, March 13th . 3. Mixed Sale Session selling mares, gelding and stallions. This session will feature cutting, reining, pleasure and barrel horses. They sell on Saturday, March 14th.

Consignment forms are on our web site www.HavardSales.com or call our office at (337) 494-1333 for forms and more info.

HAVARD SALES MANAGEMENT’S FALL SPECTACULAR RANCH GELDING COMPETITION AND MIXED SALE RESULTS


PERKSAFLAMINDash For Perks – Dusty Flames, Flaming Jet2015 Stud Fee: $500Gray Veterinary Services • Plattenville, LAPage 57

PISTOL PACKIN BADGERSmart Little Pistol – Wheeling Polly, Wheeling PeppyLyons’ Den Farms • Church Pointe, LAPage 35

PISTOLS COLT 045Smart Little Pistol – She Is Playin Tari,by Ginnin Playboy2015 Stud Fee: Private TreatyByron Brasseaux • Arnaudville, LAPage 19

RS LAREDO PLAYBOYLaredo Blue – Lizzys Player, Lizzys Gotta Player2015 Stud Fee: Private Treaty3T Ranch Horses • Gueydan, LAPage 19

RV POCOLENAS DREAMHeilwin Gold – RV Freckles, SR Hallmarked2015 Stud Fee: Private Treaty3T Ranch Horses • Gueydan, LAPage 19

SHORTY GRAYGUNPlaygun – Circle Bar Lena, Shorty Lena2015 Stud Fee: Private TreatyStagg Quarter Horse • Corey Trammel • Grant, LAPage 33

TRIPLE VODKA si 101Tres Seis – Newport Lilly, Stoli2015 Stud Fee: $2000Spiller Quarter Horses • Three Rivers, TXPage 25

THOROUGHBREDS – RACING

APRIORITYGrand Slam – Midway Squall, by Storm Bird2015 Stud Fee: $2000Elite Thoroughbreds • Folsom, LA*See list of our other stallions in our ad on Page 17

AWESOME BETAwesome Again – Ellie’s Moment, by Kris S2015 Stud Fee: $1500Peach Lane Farms • Opelousas, LAPage 59

BEHINDATTHEBARForest Wildcat – RhianaLeMesa Stallions • Carencro, LAPage 44

BIG BAND SOUNDBernstein – Ensnare, by Seeking the Gold2015 Stud Fee: $2500 LFSNGulf Coast Equine • Sunset, LABack Cover and Page 17

BIND Pulpit – Check, by Unbridled2015 Stud Fee: $1500Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

B. J.’S MARKSheikh Albadou – Gem’s For Julie,Diamond Prospect2015 Stud Fee: $1000 LF by Sept. 1st or $1500 LFSNClear Creek Stud • Folsom, LAPage 7

CALIBRACHOASouthern Image – Fort Lauderdale, by Montbrook2015 Stud Fee: $2000Adcock’s Red River Farm • Coushatta, LAPage 39

CAMEO APPEARANCEMajestic Warrior – Sweet Beat, by Tiznow2015 Stud Fee: $1500Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

CLASSIC ALLIANCESky Classic – Swift Alliance, by Afleet2015 Stud Fee: $1000Bernard Farms • Carencro, LAPage 51

COSTA RISINGRoyal Strand (IRE) – Gal’s ListLeMesa Stallions • Carencro, LAPage 44

CUSTOM FOR CARLOSMore Than Ready – Meadow Oaks, by Meadowlake2015 Stud Fee: $3000 LF by Sept. 1stor $3500 LFSN – Nominated to Breeder’s CupClear Creek Stud • Folsom, LAPage 7

DUE DATEEl Prado – Hidden Assets by Mt. Livermore2015 Stud Fee: $2000Peach Lane Farms • Opelousas, LAPage 59

E DUBAIMr. Prospector – Words of War, by Lord at War (ARG)2015 Stud Fee: $3500Elite Thoroughbreds • Folsom, LA*See list of our other stallions in our ad on Page 17

FLASHPOINTPomeroy – Two Punch LilLeMesa Stallions • Carencro, LAPage 44

FLASHY WISE CATCatastrophe – Satin ShoesLeMesa Stallions • Carencro, LAPage 44

FOREFATHERSGone West – Star Of Goshen, by Lord At War2015 Stud Fee: $2000Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

GOLD TRIBUTEMr. Prospector – Dancing Tribute, by Nureyev2015 Stud Fee: $2000Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

GUILT TRIPPulpit – Mysterieuse Etoile, by Quiet American2015 Stud Fee: $2500Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

G. W.’S D’OROMedaglia d’Oro – Sarah Lane’s Oates,Sunshine Forever2015 Stud Fee: $1000 LF by Sept 1stor $1500 LFSNClear Creek Stud • Folsom, LAPage 7

G. W.’S SKIPPIESkip Away – Logical Reasoning, Lord Alive2015 Stud Fee: $1500 LF by Sept. 1st or $2000 LFSNClear Creek Stud • Folsom, LAPage 7


Continued for page 13...


HALF OURSUnbridled’s Song – Zing, by Storm Cat2015 Stud Fee: $4500 LF by Sept. 1st or $5000 LFSN – Nominated to Breeder’s CupClear Creed Stud • Folsom, LAPage 7

IDEForty Niner – Maytide, by Naskra2015 Stud Fee: $2000 LF by Sept. 1stor $2500 LFSN – Nominated to Breeder’s CupClear Creek Stud • Folsom, LAPage 7

INTERACTIFBroken Vow – Broad Pennant, by Broad Brush2015 Stud Fee: $2000Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

LION TAMERWill’s Way – Tippecanoe Creek, by Olympio2015 Stud Fee: $2000 LF by Sept. 1st or $2500 LFSN – Nominated to Breeder’s CupPage 7

MASS MEDIATouch Gold – Sultry Allure, by Forty Niner2015 Stud Fee: $1500Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

OLE REBELCarson City – Velvet Tulip, Valid Appearl2015 Stud Fee: $1000 LF by Sept. 1stor $1500 LFSNAdcock’s Red River FarmPage 7

ORTHODOXPulpit – Dominique’s Joy,by Strawberry Road2015 Stud Fee: $1000Peach Lane Farms • Opelousas, LAPage 59

POLITICAL WHITLines of Power – Political Parody, by Doonesbury2015 Stud Fee: $1000Peach Lane Farms • Opelousas, LAPage 59

PUCKMr. Greeley – Dawn Launch, by Relaunch2015 Stud Fee: $1000Peach Lane Farms • Opelousas, LAPage 59

REDDING COLLIERYMineshaft – Joop, by Zilzal2015 Stud Fee: $2000Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

SECRET RUNEnd Sweep – Secret Lady, by Runaway Groom2015 Stud Fee: $1000Lucky Horseshoe FarmSulphur, LAPage 44

SEE CEE’S REASONCee’s Tizzy – ForthewrongreasonLeMesa Stallions • Carencro, LAPage 44

SMOOTH AIRSmooth Jazz – Air France, by French Deputy2015 Stud Fee: $2500 LFSNGulf Coast Equine • Sunset, LAFront Cover and Page 17

SONGANDAPRAYERUnbridled’s Song – Alizea, by Premiership2015 Stud Fee: $4500 Paid By Sept. 25thCopper Crowne • Opelousas, LAPage 45

SPEED LIMITStorm Cat – Unbridled Breeze, by Unbridled2015 Stud Fee: $1500Burando Farm • Logansport, LAPage 20

STAR GUITARQuiet American – Minit Towinit, by Malagra2015 Stud Fee: $3500 LF by Sept. 1st or $4000 LFSN – Nominated to Breeder’s CupClear Creek Stud • Folsom, LAPage 7

SUM OF PARTSSpeightstown – Enjoy The Moment, by Slew’s Royalty2015 Stud Fee: $2000Page 39

TIZ THE ONETiznow – Abundantly Blessed, by Phone Trick2015 Stud Fee: $1500Adcock’s Red River Farm• Coushatta, LAPage 39

YANKEE GENTLEMANStorm Cat – Key PhraseLeMesa Stallions • Carencro, LAPage 44

WARMBLOODS

BALANCHINEBergamon – Frohwind – Grand Slam2015 Stud Fee: $1250 LFGNewtown Farm • Benton, LAPage 41


Southern Pointe PercheronsRaeanne and Kevin Martin of Covington, Louisiana, drive a six-horse hitch of 19-hand black Percheron geldings. The hitch has competed all over the USA in the prestigious North American Six Horse Classic Series competitions. Four teams show in an arena at the same time and the judges look for uniformity, expressiveness, and quality of motion.

The Martins have recently turned from competing to sharing their giant horses. Southern Pointe Percherons are now available for hire at all sorts of events. As Raeanne says, “Can you imagine having your beau arrive in a six-horse hitch and present you with a ring?” Or having the bride-to-be delivered to the steps of the church by gleaming black steeds pulling a classy coach?

Draft horses were not the first means of transportation for the Martins. Kevin confesses that his main interest, growing up, was three wheelers and four wheelers. “You feed them with gas, and when you’re not using them, they aren’t costing you!” He didn’t own a horse until he was 25.

Raeanne, on the other hand, started showing American Saddlebreds when she was six years old. She began her show career in the Academy classes, which are designed to introduce beginning saddle seat riders to the conventions

of showing. Riders use school horses and rules on attire are not as strict. When she was thirteen, she found her own Saddlebred at the World show in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a coal black three-year-old named Love’s Bolero. “He taught me, and we learned a lot together,” she says. Raeanne explains Saddlebred competitions. The three-gaited Saddlebreds show at walk, trot, and canter. The five-gaited Saddlebreds add the “slow gait” and

the rack. The slow gait is a pace, and the rack is a faster version with the same footfalls. Saddlebreds are usually shown with a Lane Fox saddle, which has a large cutback for the withers and seats the rider farther back, so that the horse’s shoulders are free to move and the neck is free to rise straight up from the shoulders. A double bridle allows more precision in raising and lowering the horse’s head.

Raeanne’s father bought the family’s 50-acre St. Tammany Parish farm in 1989. The place has huge live oak trees, six pastures, and 3 large stocked

ponds . Raeanne still keeps five Saddlebred broodmares on the farm. (One of the foals, Voodoo Prince, owned by Michelle Boze of Mandeville, LA, was the 2013 World Champion weanling in Freedom Hall / Louisville, KY.)

Continued on Page 53...

By Barbara Newtown

Continued from Page 52...Southern Pointe Percherons

Four years ago Kevin and Raeanne were married under the majestic oaks of the farm. Shortly after, on Christmas Day, 2012, they toured Grant Farm (Anheuser-Busch)near St. Louis, and were so enthralled by the strong and patient Clydesdales they saw there that they bought six unbroke three-year-olds. They sent the horses to a trainer for sixty days and, when they got them back, started showing four as a team in local parades. “We didn’t know how to drive,” says Kevin. “We taught each other.”

Last year Raeanne gave Kevin a present: a one-week driving course at Big Shoe Stables in Meeker, OK. The clinician was Don Langille, famous for breaking and training draft horses. Don drives the Express Clydesdale Hitch for Express Ranch in Yukon, OK. Don also had his own Percheron team, and when he decided to sell them, he called up Kevin. Don said, “A lot of people come just to drive, but you came to learn!” He insisted that Kevin needed this team. He and Kevin reached an agreement and now the “boys,” as they call them, are housed in Louisiana. As far as the Martins know, this is the only Six-Horse Hitch show team in the state of Louisiana. The Martin’s team attended the Finals of the North American Six Horse Hitch Classic series last year in Mesquite, TX, where the teams competed for $100,000 in prize money. “We fit six Percherons, tack boxes, hay, grain, and the wagon into one semi. The six giants range in age from 7 to 12. Slick (on the left) and Ranger make up the lead team, Thunder (on the left) and Gus make up the swing team in the middle, and Jet (on the left) and Ike make up the powerful wheel team.”

Raeanne has two children, her son Chanse who lives in Mandeville, and her daughter Macayle who lives at the farm and is gearing up to be the farm manager. Kevin’s daughter Makayla works as a vet tech at MedVet in Mandeville, LA. Both women love grooming the Percherons. Kevin, however, because he is taller, is in charge of putting the bridles on.

So—if you want to make a 19-hand impression, hire the Southern Pointe Percherons for your parade, wedding, birthday party, or corporate event. Call Raeanne at (985) 630-6119, email [email protected], or look for Southern Pointe Percherons on Facebook.



Monitoring the High Risk Pregnant MareSara K. Lyle, DVM, MS, PhD (LSU SVM 2008), DACT | Assistant Professor of TheriogenologyDepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences | LSU School of Veterinary Medicine

overviewAfter expending considerable time in establishing pregnancy in the sub-fertile mare, it is imperative that she be adequately monitored to detect complications in the later part of gestation. The most likely complication to arise during the last third of gestation in the sub-fertile mare would be placentitis (infection of the placenta). Timely identification of placentitis is crucial for multi-modal therapy to be successful.

Most cases of placentitis occur because bacteria gain access to the placenta movement through the cervix. Clinical signs include premature udder development and lactation (Fig. 1), vulvar discharge (Fig. 2), and premature delivery or stillbirth. Abortions can occur from 75 days to term, although the majority of clinical cases are noticed during the third trimester. These premonitory signs are more common with fungal infections than with bacterial infections. A special type of placentitis is nocardioform placentitis, seen most commonly in central Kentucky. With this type of placentitis, discharge from the vulva is very uncommon, but mares will have premature udder development.

DiagnosticsUltrasonography is a key diagnostic modality for diagnosing disturbances of the fetus and uterus. Evaluations are made both transrectally and transabdmonially, and are best performed when the mare is restrained in stocks in a quiet environment. Mare agitation or anxiety can elevate fetal heart rate, which could be interpreted erroneously as fetal stress. Sedation is also to be avoided if possible, due to the associated lowering of the fetal heart rate. Hormonal profiling can provide crucial information and is complimentary to the information gained by ultrasonography. Other modalities that can be used include sampling

of fetal fluids, and echocardiography.

Transrectal Ultrasonography –An increase in the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP; Fig. 3), especially with concurrent accumulation of fluid between these layers, is characteristic of placentitis. Edema of the placenta at term is normal and simply indicates impending delivery. Edema of the chorioallantois, or a discernible difference in the echogenicity of the uterine wall and the chorioallantois at other times should be considered as an indicator of potential premature delivery. Fetal presentation and positioning is easily confirmed by identifying the presence (normal) or absence (breech) of the fetal eye adjacent to the maternal pelvis.

Figure 1. Ultrasound image of a mare with placentitis, with fluid accumulation (green line) between the uterus and placenta.

Transabdominal Ultrasonography – Transabdominal ultrasonography is useful for assessing fetal heart rate (FHR; Fig. 4), fetal activity, fetal presentation and position, character and depth of fetal fluids, as well as in cases of placentitis not due to ascension through cervix (e.g., nocardioform placentitis or blood-borne infections).

Figure 2. Echocardiography (ultrasound) of the fetal heart.

Hormonal profiling – Several hormones in the maternal circulation may be useful to monitor during high risk pregnancies. Total progestins (“progesterone”) are commonly measured in pregnant mares, although single samples probably are not as informative as serial samples. Total maternal plasma progestins are low until the last 2-3 weeks of gestation, climb substantially, and then fall abruptly within 24 hours of parturition. Increases in progestins prior to day 315 may be seen with placentitis; abrupt declines in progestins are associated with severe fetal compromise and impending abortion.

therapeutics for the High Risk PregnancyThe exact list of therapeutic agents needed for an individual mare will vary depending on the reason for the high risk status. However, a few agents are commonly used in many high risk mares: altrenogest (Regumate®, flunixin meglumine, pentoxifylline, and antibiotics. Firocoxib (Equioxx®) is useful when prolonged non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug use is indicated. Vulvar discharges from mares with suspected placentitis are typically contaminated with commensal microflora making isolation of the causative organism difficult. Broad-spectrum antibiotics (trimethoprim sulfa, ceftiofur, or penicillin and gentamicin) are indicated in these instances.

ConclusionsTimely identification of abnormalities during the last trimester of the sub-fertile mare is crucial to achieve the desirable outcome of a healthy neonate. The success of multi-modal therapy for placentitis hinges on early recognition of infection. Unfortunately the clinical symptoms of placentitis are not consistent, but a combination of serial ultrasonography and maternal hormonal profiling may allow the earliest identification of mares with a compromised pregnancy. Sub-fertile mares, or those with a history of previous ascending placentitis, should have serial examinations beginning no later than the start of the last trimester. In some cases monitoring from mid-gestation onward would be prudent. Further research on bio-markers for identifying infection of the allantoic fluid will aid in improving outcomes of cases with placentitis.


Florida Parishes - 2014 Event ScheduleSaturday and Sunday, December 13th-14th

Louisiana Mounted Shooters of America.

Ph: 225-622-5747 | Email: [email protected] | www.laequinereport.comLouisiana Equine Report

2015 stallion issue - louisiana equine report

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