Considerable expense is involved in managing, training, and transporting horses between event sites in various states and overseas. Grants and sponsorships help to defray some of these costs, allowing riders to follow training and competition plans that bring their horses to a peak of condition in time for important international competitions such as the Olympic Games.

Listed on this year's USEF grant tally are:

Phillip Dutton (with horses Ben, Mighty Nice, and William Penn) sponsored by KER

Karen O'Connor (with horse Mr. Mendicott) sponsored by KER

Buck Davidson (with horses Absolute Liberty, Ballynoe Castle RM, and The Apprentice) sponsored by Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies, a KER Team Member

These riders count on the products and nutrition supplements designed by KER to meet the requirements of the hard-working equine athletes in their charge, allowing them to train and compete at the highest levels in their sport.

The Grade I Golconda Derby Stakes held at Malakpet Race Course on January 29 was won by Southern Bay, who has had numerous previous successes. Southern Bay is trained by S. Ganapathy and was ridden by Chris Hayes.

Two days prior to this, the Winter Derby at Bangalore was won by Toroloco. This was the second year in a row that a horse from trainer Irfan Ghatala's stable had won this Grade I race.

Mano began to expand his equine business several years ago in order to provide an array of feeds and supplements to local clients and also to several overseas markets. His company deals in a full line of equine-related goods and services but has added feed supplement choices as well as products in the nutritional, animal health, and pharmaceutical lines. As part of this expanded business effort, he sought out and began an association with partner companies that were successful in the fields of research and development of equine health and pharmaceutical products.

To promote the equine industry, Mano has set up sponsorships, participated in exhibitions and seminars, and become involved in community projects and events. He has provided leadership by serving on the Board of Directors of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry; is a patron and member of the Executive Council of Narpani Pearavai; and is active in the work of the Tamil Language Learning & Promotion Committee. He is also the current chairperson of Woodlands E Terrace Estate.

In his nearly twenty years of association with Kentucky Equine Research (KER), Mano has become one of KER's top international customers. As KER's agent in Southeast Asia, he distributes the company's products to clients in various phases of the equine industry throughout India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia as well as Singapore. He keeps in touch with the latest research through KER publications and electronic media, and often attends the KER Nutrition Conference to discuss developments in equine nutrition management.

Kentucky Equine Research salutes C. Mano for his entrepreneurial achievements and his commitment to spreading knowledge about equine management. 

Brett Mace, Equestrian Australia's High Performance Manager, explained the composition of the Shadow Teams. "Elite-listed combinations are presently the front-runners for the Olympic and Paralympic teams," he said.  "However, I am sure our "A" Squad members will make the most of every opportunity to claim a place on the team through exceptional performances in the lead-up to London. Through the National Performance Directors and selection panels, we will continue to monitor our combinations at major events prior to nominations being due to the Australian Paralympic Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee in May and June."

Megan Jones is sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER) and Barastoc, a KER Team Member. Jones and Kirby Park Allofasudden have had a consistent season and will certainly be looking to catch the selectors' eye at events in the near future.

Way and her 14-year-old New Zealand-bred Hanoverian, KH Arvan, had a successful year in 2011, claiming Horse of The Year in Hastings in March and competing in Sydney later in the year to successfully qualify a New Zealand team for London.

The final team will be selected in June. At present, Way is one of the top contenders for a position and is determined to make it a reality. Often called one of the hardest-working people in New Zealand dressage, Way is using all her savings and taking a job in England so she can be trained by Carl Hester.

Hester is sponsored by Saracen Feeds, a Kentucky Equine Research (KER) Team Member in the U.K. Way will be based at his yard in Gloucester and will ride his horses in return for personal dressage training from the elite rider. She will train with Hester right up to the 2012 Olympic Games. KER wishes Way and KH Arvan the best of luck in their campaign.  

Throughout the rest of the spring season, the Scottsdale Reining Classic in Arizona in March and the National Reining Breeders' Classic in Texas in April will sharpen Coulter and her horses as they get ready for the Kentucky Reining Cup to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in late April. Coulter plans to show Yellow Jersey in this FEI-approved competition.

Coulter is sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER). She is happy with the results she has gotten from KER's products EO-3, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, and Synovate HA, which supports the health of joints and connective tissue.

Driving a team that included three new horses, Weber sewed up a victory at the 2011 Katydid CDE in Aiken, South Carolina by winning each phase of the event. In addition, he served as chef d'equipe for the U.S. drivers at the FEI Pony World Driving Championships in Lipica, Slovenia. His support helped the U.S. drivers bring home individual and team medals from the prestigious competition.

Jordan had the first ride of the competition on Sebastian. She was pleased with the horse's performance but said she is looking to produce even more out of him. She also rode tests on P Sparrow Socks. At the close of competition, Jordan had achieved individual scores above 60, the cutoff for qualification, with both horses. Despite good performances by all riders, the U.S. team finished in second place behind a strong Canadian team.

Jordan, who is sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), uses several KER supplements to keep her competition horses in top shape. RiteTrac, a digestive tract conditioner; EO-3, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement; and KER-Flex, a joint health product, have been part of Jordan's management plan to allow her horses to perform to their maximum potential.

Many activities, including silent and live auctions, are scheduled during the event. One of the live auction items going up for bidding is a lesson with top driver Chester Weber during this year's Live Oak driving competition. Weber, who is sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER) and Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies, a KER Team Member, is a perennial four-in-hand driving champion. Weber counts on feed products and nutritional supplements supplied by these companies to keep his competition horses fit and in good body condition.

Bill Mott and Bob Baffert finished one-two in the contest for top trainer, and both trainers are Hallway clients who choose these products to keep their horses in optimal racing condition. Graham Motion, trainer of Animal Kingdom, also placed well up in the voting for this honor.

To keep his horses in condition for their training and competition schedule, Buck chooses feeds formulated by KER and manufactured by Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies, a KER Team Member. These feed products contain levels of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals that support the demands of strenuous exercise, allowing the horses to perform to their maximum potential.

Lola, when first purchased and one month later.

Six weeks later and with the help of a KER nutrition advisor, Lola and her colt are a picture of health. The recommendation was for a diet of Barastoc Breed N Grow and KER Equi-Jewel.

Catherine reported, "I am amazed at how quickly she has gained weight considering she has a nursing foal!  We didn't think we would be able to breed her until next season due to her poor state, but we are going to try a late-season breeding, as she is on a huge rising plane of condition and nutrition."

Lola, six weeks after new diet was introduced.

The Smiths are well aware of the importance of correct nutrition, especially when it comes to broodmares. Catherine said, "The one thing that upsets me is people who have owned pleasure horses then decide to breed and they think the feeding is the same for a broodmare in foal/foal at foot as for their pleasure horse on a maintenance diet.  I believe this is what happened in Lola's case."

Attendees can learn about global regulatory guidelines for feed, animal-production sustainability issues, pet food developments, pre-harvest grain safety measures, and domestic and international trends in the feed industry.

Variability of ingredients, Salmonella control, mycotoxin safeguards, and implications of the Food Safety Modernization Act will be discussed.

For more information, call 703-558-3574.

Shiwon was among the first top-level riders to swap a helmet for the sport's traditional top hat early in 2011.  

Shiwon Green and Gosh

Since Green made the change, top German rider Isabell Werth has also made the move to wearing a safety helmet, declaring, "Horses are not pieces of sports equipment but living beings. Since you never know if they might react differently under saddle than expected, I decided to ride with a helmet from now on." Werth was also named a Helmet Hero for 2011.

The campaign has the official endorsement of the USEF as well as support from leading equestrians in various disciplines.

As one step in the effort to combat this nationwide problem, the American Horse Council, in partnership with the Kentucky Horse Council and Kentucky Horse Park (KHP), will provide an equine castration clinic on March 10, 2012. The clinic, to be held at KHP in Lexington, provides free gelding surgery though $20 registration processing fee will be charged to help defray necessary expenses.

Stallions are generally more difficult to manage than geldings and often can't be used for pleasure riding. Gelding a horse that is not of top-notch breeding quality eliminates most management problems, prevents the horse from producing unwanted offspring, and results in a horse that can be ridden and used in multiple ways. Gelding young horses is a relatively simple procedure from which the horses usually recover quickly. The procedure is somewhat more difficult in mature stallions because more tissue is involved, but most recoveries are still uncomplicated.

The clinic is open to any horse whose owner who is financially unable to afford the surgery. Castrations will be performed by a veterinarian or a veterinary student under close supervision by a licensed veterinarian. Stallions must be at least four months of age, halter-broken, in good health, and with two descended testicles. A current Coggins test and health certificate are required. 

To register a horse for the clinic or to get more information, call 859-233-4305 or go here.

 

These successful trainers have selected products manufactured by Hallway Feeds, a Kentucky Equine Research (KER) Team Member, to support their elite equine charges as they train and race. Fortified with a proprietary nutrient package formulated by KER, these feeds meet the requirement for superior vitamin and mineral content that is highly bioavailable to the horse. By providing the nutrients necessary for tissue maintenance, nerve health, and metabolic function, Hallway products are a vital part of the success of these trainers and the health of the horses they oversee.

To ensure HRNZ gets as much feedback as possible, the 2011 survey will remain open for a while longer. The organization hopes to gain an insight into industry trends and areas that can be improved. To have your say, click here

Bill Mott was named Best Trainer. Mott saddled numerous winning Thoroughbreds in 2011 including Aviate in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes; Drosselmeyer in the One Count Stakes; Courageous Cat in the Poker Stakes and Shoemaker Mile; and Royal Delta in the Breeders Cup Ladies' Classic.

These horses trained and raced on feeds manufactured by Hallway Feeds and formulated to include KER fortification pellets. Turbulent Descent was chosen as Best Female Sprinter. Trained by Mike Puype and fed Hallway Feeds products, Turbulent Descent won the $150,000 Santa Anita Oaks, the $90,000 Beaumont Stakes, and the $150,000 Test Stakes. Animal Kingdom, winner of the Kentucky Derby before being sidelined by injury, was named Best Three-Year-Old. He also trained and raced on Hallway Feeds products under the guidance of trainer Graham Motion.

Liaison's win is an important step on the Triple Crown trail. This destination will be the focus of leading three-year-olds after their January 1 birthday.

Trainer Bob Baffert saddled Liaison for the race, also sending out fourth-place finisher Sky Kingdom. Baffert was the trainer of Indian Charlie, sire of Liaison. Liason picked up the victory to become Indian Charlie's fifth Grade 1 winner less than a week after Indian Charlie's death.

Baffert, a top trainer who has claimed five CashCall Futurity wins in 14 years, trusts products manufactured by Hallway Feeds, a Kentucky Equine Research (KER) Team Member, to fuel the winning efforts of the horses in his stable. Feeds provided by Hallway are formulated to include fortification pellets from KER, guaranteeing the proper level of protein, vitamins, and minerals needed to support the demands of growth, race training, and performance.

While Pagan focused his research presentation on the KERx products EquiShure, RiteTrac, Nano-E, and EO-3, there also was great interest in DuraPlex, a product designed to prevent bone demineralization in horses confined to stalls. Stall-bound horses, especially those on prolonged rest, lose bone density with inactivity.

According to the adage, bone remodels to do what is required. If standing in a stall is all that is required, the bone adapts to that low-exercise lifestyle. When the horse returns to training, the bones are not adapted to the stresses of heavy exercise, which can cause problems.

Pagan also discussed some upcoming research with the veterinarians, garnering insights into day-to-day problems faced by medicine and surgery specialists and the nutritional tools they would like to combat those problems.

Awards presented included Event Volunteer of the Year, Official of the Year, Coach of the Year, Equestrian International Athlete of the Year, Domestic Horse of the Year, International Horse of the Year, Owner of the Year, Equestrian Event of the Year, Club of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and Young Athlete of the Year.

The evening featured drinks, a delicious three-course meal, and great music, and was a wonderful opportunity for the best of the best to get together and celebrate their successes. Equestrian Australia expressed enthusiasm about carrying on the tradition of this popular night in 2012.

The next Awards Night, to be held on 9 May 2012, promises to be a bigger and better occasion and two tickets (valued at $300) to this exciting event will be given away by Equestrian Australia.

Kentucky Equine Research is the official nutritionist for Equestrian Australia.

Whittington, a British eventing-accredited trainer and clinician, is chairman of the Event Riders Association, the official national representative group in the United Kingdom for event riders. He will be vying for a place on the British Olympic team in 2012. Among his career highlights are having jumped clear around Badminton and Burghley, as well as numerous high-profile wins and places. For more information about Whittington visit www.whittingtoneventing.co.uk.

Cost, including facility fee, will be $300 for both days. Lunch is provided for registered clinicians on both days courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research.

Auditors are welcome for only $25 for both days.

Whittington will present his clinic at Longwood Farm near Ocala. Longwood provides first-class facilities for both horse and rider, and offers a unique cross-country and show- jumping training experience. Longwood's grass derby course includes ditches, banks, mounds, coffins, and a splash-through.

Riders will be put into small groups and assigned a riding session of approximately two hours per day. Certified helmets must be worn when riding.

Note: Whittington will be available for private lessons on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn show jumping and cross-country in an intimate setting with an outstanding accredited clinician!

Please contact Samantha Clark at Samanthalclark@mac.com with any questions, to receive a registration form, or to reserve a private lesson with Whittington. A completed registration form with payment reserves your spot.

Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving both the horse owner and the feed industry. Founded nearly 25 years ago by president Joe Pagan, Ph.D., the company's goal is to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology and apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses at all stages of life. For more information contact Kentucky Equine Research at 3910 Delaney Ferry Road, Versailles, KY 40383; 888-873-1988; 859-873-1988; e-mail info@ker.com. Visit our online library of nutrition and health articles at www.Equinews.com.

With its fast canter circles, spins, and sliding stops, reining is stressful on a horse's muscles and limbs. To train and compete at a high level, Whiz It A Chic needs the nutritional supplements that will allow him to give his best effort. KER provides these and other supplements for athletic horses in many equestrian disciplines.

Coulter had some bad luck at the Shootout and amassed penalties that kept her from placing at the top in the group of 38 competitors. Undaunted, she and her horses are taking a much-needed winter break from their schedule of showing, and will resume training in mid-January.

Weber has spent years supporting the equestrian community. He serves on numerous committees including the USEF High Performance Driving Committee, the National Driving Committee, the Safety Committee, the Hearing Committee, the Licensed Officials Committee, and the Driving Technical Committee. Weber is also the chairman of the Active Athlete's Committee and has served on the Dressage Search Committee.

To keep his competition horses in top condition, Weber uses feeds and products formulated by his sponsors, Kentucky Equine Research and its Team Member, Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies. All KER and Pennfield products are designed to support the demands of high-level training and performance. They provide maximal nutrition including the protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals necessary to keep Weber's driving horses performing at the championship level. 

If selected, Weber would be the first combined driver to win the prestigious title. To cast a vote for Weber, go to http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/7915/2011/12/14/usef_announces_the_2011_equestrian.aspx. The winner will be announced in January 2012, during the USEF Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The team consisted of Allix Jones riding Castlebar Moonlight, Brooke Warner riding Kunama Safira, Alexandra Toft riding High Society, and Georgia Toft riding Bremervale Arrogance.

Allix had an impressive ride on Castlebar Moonlight to finish just 12 seconds behind the winner for the individual silver medal.

Several members of the Toft family have been successful endurance riders, and all of their horses are fed Kentucky Equine Research (KER) supplements and Team Member Barastoc feeds. KER has been sourcing feed stockists for the team in the UAE, and has supplied members with a number of supplements to assist the horses during travel and competition.

Davidson is listed with BallyNoe Castle RM, an Irish Sport Horse gelding; The Apprentice, an Oldenburg gelding; and Absolute Liberty, a Thoroughbred/Oldenburg-cross mare. He is a sponsored Promise Partner of Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies.

Training sessions will be held throughout the winter in locations that may include California, Florida, and South Carolina. To fuel his horses' exercise regimens, Davidson, who has been honored as Young Rider of the Year and two-time National Four Star Champion, feeds Fibregized Omega and EnduroEvent Ener-G. Manufactured by Pennfield Corporation, a Kentucky Equine Research (KER) Team Member, these products are formulated by KER to provide energy and nutrients that support the demands of intense exercise.

The High Performance Training List is made up of horses and riders that will be invited to participate in winter training sessions with Captain Mark Phillips, chef d'equipe for the U.S. eventing team that will compete at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Dutton is sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER). He trusts KER products like RiteTrac to protect his horses from the digestive upsets that are common to horses that are exposed to the stresses of training, travel, and competition.

Jordan, who is sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), rode a borrowed horse in her tests. The difficulty of riding well on an unknown mount was compounded by the severe weather that included high winds, torrential rain, lightning, and some flooding at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre venue. Helping her horse to focus and listen, Jordan took second out of 14 entries in all three of her Grade IV tests, finishing second to Hannah Dodd, the reigning Australian champion.

Jordan expressed her appreciation to the owners of Northern Charmer, a bay Warmblood mare lent for the competition by Dr. Adrian and Elaine Castellini. She found the horse to be well-trained and the owners to be extremely helpful, providing not just the horse but also tack, stable equipment, grooming tools, and feed.

When she returns home to Wells, Maine, Jordan will continue to use KER products such as Restore, RiteTrac, KER-Flex, and EO-3 to keep her own horses performing at their best while guarding against joint damage and gastrointestinal upsets.

Kentucky Equine Research (KER) has donated a raffle prize package for this event. The prize package contains a Tuff Rider^® scrim sheet and all-purpose saddle pad, both with the KER logo; a KER polo shirt; a tube of B-Quiet™ Paste thiamine and magnesium supplement; and a Tuff-Tote multi-use bucket.

Kentucky Equine Research is a nutrition and consultation company that works with feed manufacturers worldwide to develop state-of-the-art horse feeds and nutritional supplements. With headquarters in Versailles, KER has a rich tradition of providing premium feeds to the greatest equine athletes competing today.

McCrea trusts Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies, a Kentucky Equine Research (KER) Team Member, to provide the right feed products to keep Romantovich Take One at the top of his game. Formulated by the equine nutrition experts at KER and manufactured by Pennfield, feeds like Fibregized Omega are designed to meet the needs of horses that are intensely trained. Fibregized Omega is formulated to be a calm source of energy. Because it derives the majority of its digestible energy content from fermentable fiber and fat sources, it gives a horse long-term, sustainable energy sources that do not cause rapid changes in blood sugar. 

In the discipline of eventing, Buck Davidson and his mount Absolute Liberty also captured two medals for the United States, a gold in the team competition and a bronze for his individual efforts, at the Pan American Games. The U.S. eventing team accomplished a record by having all five riders finish on their dressage scores, a feat that has never been done in a team eventing championship.

Like McCrea, Davidson is sponsored byPennfield Equine Feed Technologies. He has chosen Fibregized Omega and EnduroEvent Ener-G, another product designed for high-performance horses, to keep his mounts fueled throughout their training and competition efforts.

Larasati won gold in the dressage competition aboard her Warmblood stallion Wallenstein 145, with an impressive score of 70.96%. The combination was also a member of the Indonesian team that won the team dressage competition.

Numerous horses owned by Gading Equestrian were also successful, including second place in the individual dressage for Desperado 172. All horses in the winning Indonesian team were either owned or managed by Gading Equestrian. 

Larasati says, "Gading Equestrian had four dressage horses and two eventing horses in the Games. We kept them in condition with Equi-Jewel, Perform, Bio-Bloom, and EquiShure, and some had Preserve and Nano-E added."

As one of the special features of the camp, KER president Joe Pagan, Ph.D., will lecture attendees on the importance of proper equine nutrition and its role in performance horse welfare.

Horsemanship and stable management skills, grooming techniques, and instruction in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping will also be included.

Karen, a longtime user of KER products for her competition horses, has been named to the USEF High Performance Training List in its latest update for the 2012 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team. She is listed with her 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Mr. Medicott. Karen is also sponsored by KER Team Member Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies.

Shelly, a driver sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), reports that she is giving her competition pony Cooper some down time after a busy fall schedule. Many horses in training benefit from a vacation during the winter months, and Shelly knows Cooper will come back into spring training with a fresh and eager attitude. Cooper won't be completely inactive, as Shelly still plans to do some pleasure driving with him through the winter months.

Though there are few if any driving competitions scheduled right now, Shelly will stay busy training her new ponies. She also has a number of students in the Aiken, South Carolina area and will continue to work with them as they progress.

Shelly's website features the KER products that she uses to keep her equines in top condition. She says, "I have been using KER and KERx products for many years, and I depend on them to keep my horses healthy and feeling good so they can train and compete at their best."

"Some products I use on a regular basis and recommend are KER-Flex, an oral joint supplement; Preserve, a vitamin E and selenium supplement; Synovate HA, a liquid hyaluronic acid supplement; Restore and Restore Paste, great electrolyte supplement; Hemabuild, a trace mineral and B-vitamin supplement; and Nano E, a unique vitamin E supplement."

"I'd be happy to answer any questions about how I use these products. I'm very proud to have KER as a sponsor. I have visited KER's facility and was most impressed with its staff, innovative research and attention to detail. Visit www.KER.com to access a wide variety of research papers and to subscribe to the company's electronic newsletters, which are filled with helpful information to keep you informed and up-to-date on the latest horse care subjects."

The Australian team consists of Alexandra Toft, Brooke Warner, Georgia Toft, and Allix Jones.
Several members of the Toft family have been successful endurance riders, and all of their horses are fed Kentucky Equine Research (KER) supplements and Team Member Barastoc feeds. KER has been sourcing feed stockists for the team in the UAE, and has supplied members with a number of supplements to assist the horses during travel and competition.

Team veterinarian Narelle Crib reports, "The horses are all doing well, getting some solid work under their belts and looking great. All are eating and drinking like they should, and have adjusted to the normal routine. So have the people! We're now on the serious countdown to race day on 10 December."

A full roster of scientists and researchers are scheduled to speak during the two-day conference. Nutritionists and veterinarians from KER will speak, and invited guests slated to present include specialists in mycotoxins, neurology, endocrine disorders, and internal medicine.

The program will include:

-Insight into the nutritional management of different classes of horses,

-Prevention and management of disease syndromes, and

-Advances in equine nutrition research.

Whether you're involved in equine research, academia, veterinary medicine, or the feed industry, you'll find valuable information and great contacts at the KER Nutrition Conference.

A complete conference program will be available early in 2012, as will registration information and accommodation suggestions. 

For more information, contact Eileen Phethean, ephethean@ker.com or call 859-873-1988.

The U.S. Para-Equestrian Team brought home team gold medals from CPEDI*** competitions in September and November of 2011, and the riders are hoping to follow that example in Australia where they will compete against para-equestrians from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Experience in international competition helps to prepare the equestrians for the upcoming Paralympics to be held in London, England, in 2012.

Mary knows how important it is to meet riders from other countries in top competitions. She commented, "Riding in Australia is an incredible opportunity to once again ride in front of top international judges and build competitive mileage. I find competing overseas in challenging pressure situations and unusual circumstances an invaluable tool as it builds competitive experience, seasoning, and confidence."

The competition in Australia will be somewhat more challenging because the U.S. riders will be performing on borrowed Australian horses, due to the expense of flying equines to international events. When she's training and competing at home, Mary depends on Kentucky Equine Research products such as Restore, RiteTrac, KER-Flex, and EO-3 to keep her horses performing at their best while guarding against joint damage and gastrointestinal upsets.

Janice L. Holland, Ph.D., an associate professor of equine studies at Midway College, said she brought her class to KER's research farm in Versailles, Ky., to allow them to better understand how researchers measure the digestibility of nutrients in horses. Holland, whose main academic pursuits involve equine nutrition, pasture management, and behavior, said several of the students are interested in equine nutrition, including a couple who want to attend vet school.

The students were given a tour of the research barn and lab. A demonstration of the high-speed treadmill was part of the tour, as was in-depth discussions about the types of research conducted at KER and how the research projects are designed and executed.

Denise says, "I rode Foxy for the owner who bought her from Holland unseen. She'd had her about a month when I started riding her. She would tire after about 20 minutes of flatwork, was very unbalanced, and didn't have much muscle. I figured she needed some fattening up but because of her 'mare-ish' temperament and potential strength, I really didn't want to heat her up more."

Denise recommended that Foxy should start receiving Equi-Jewel to provide her with a low-starch, safe form of energy. Foxy was already receiving a balancer from KER Team Member Saracen to successfully meet all her nutrient requirements, and Equi-Jewel was an ideal addition to this diet.

"Her energy levels increased, and she was able to handle much longer flatwork sessions," says Denise. "Her condition improved dramatically within three months and we won a red rosette at a little local show for "best conditioned" in a class of 10. Foxy was no quiet horse. Although I classify her as flighty, she was definitely very strong, so we didn't want her getting out of hand. Equi-Jewel helped to keep that lid on and turn that energy into performance. I totally love this product and Foxy's owner was very impressed with the results."

For more information on KER Equi-Jewel or any of your horse's nutritional needs, contact KER

One such award is "Against All Odds," given this year to Meg Wade. Meg is an endurance rider whose ongoing determination has enabled her to overcome many obstacles to reach her goals. Her inspirational story about her road to recovery after suffering a traumatic brain injury inspired the judging panel and made her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

Meg is also a keen supporter of KER and utilises many KER supplements in her horses' diets.

Kirby Park Irish Jester made an impressive return to top-level eventing, winning the dressage with a formidable score of 43.3. Unfortunately, a stop at the water complex on cross-country saw the pair drop out of contention. Despite the stop, Megan is ecstatic that Jester, who has been out of competition for over a year, had a great round and "felt like he had never been out of work." One rail in show jumping saw the pair finish commendably just out of the top ten.

Megan's other ride, Kirby Park Allofasudden, had a consistent event, finishing fifteenth after dressage, then picking up four time penalties cross-country and one show jumping rail to finish sixth overall.

A similar condition, equine atypical myopathy, has been reported in Europe since the 1980s, and it is possible that the two conditions are actually the same. No cause has been found for either syndrome, though some cases seem to be associated with certain weather conditions and horses that are pastured at least six hours a day.

Stephanie Valberg, Ph.D., D.V.M., is leading a study of SPM and has asked for help from owners of horses that may have had this syndrome. Valberg, a leading equine researcher at the University of Minnesota, is credited with uncovering the causes and treatments for numerous muscle disorders in horses. The current study will work with horse owners to identify at-risk horses and develop diagnostic tests for SPM.

Owners of horses that possibly had, or died from, SPM are asked to take a risk assessment survey that can be found at www.cvm.umn.edu/umec/SPM. Information about the disease is also available on the site. For questions about SPM, please e-mail nmdl@umn.edu or call 612-624-3611 and leave a message.

Tuff, as Most's horse is known around the barn, is fed by Kentucky Equine Research (KER) Team Member Bartlett Milling Company. Bartlett's Phase Four Show and Pleasure Horse Feed is a pelleted formula designed to meet the needs of mature horses of all lifestyles. It is designed for mature horses and contains levels of supplemental minerals and vitamins that are critical to health and performance. Phase Four is excellent for supplementing energy and other nutrients to horses on pasture.

By working with KER, an international equine nutrition and exercise physiology company, Bartlett is able to incorporate modern manufacturing techniques and research findings into its feed formulations. KER has formulated Bartlett's premium line of horse feeds, which includes its Phase Feeds, Steady Energy, and Trail Mate.

Barastoc/KER booth at Equitana

KER and Barastoc offered competitions, diet advice, merchandise, and products at their stand. They also took the opportunity to launch Barastoc Cool Command and Barastoc Competitor, two exciting new products containing beet pulp. Beet pulp is a highly digestible fibre source that has not previously been available in Australian complete feeds.

The stand was a hive of activity, and the new feeds attracted plenty of attention. A competition to win an all-expenses-paid trip to South Australia and a trail ride with KER/Barastoc- sponsored event rider Megan Jones also proved very popular, with a record number of entries.

After the success of the event in Sydney, the team is now looking forward to the Melbourne event next year.

For more information on the new Barastoc feeds, contact KER or Ridley Agriproducts.

Hay will ride Khalil Asam in the competition, and he feels honored to do so. "I'm blessed to have the opportunity to compete with this horse against the best young riders in the world. He is one of the most phenomenal horses I have come across. Not only are his athletic abilities most impressive, but his personality fills the barn," said Hay. Khalil Asam is owned by Natalie Muzzio.

Hay will use Kentucky Equine Research (KER) products in preparation for the international event, including Preserve™, Nano-E®, RiteTrac™, and KER-Flex®.

You can support Hay and his bid for gold by ordering research-proven supplements from KER. Whether you order online or talk to a customer service representative at 888-873-1988, use discount code SAMMY and receive 10% off your total order. A 10% donation on all products sold using the Champion Code SAMMY will then be passed on to Hay to help defray competition expenses to Abu Dhabi. This discount code will be valid until February 10, 2012.

Hay has an impressive competition record including individual and team medals at the 2010 and 2011 North American Junior Young Riders Championships, and multiple other top finishes at prestigious endurance events. He began riding in endurance competitions at the age of 12 and has accumulated over 2,800 miles, many of which were ridden on horses he owns and conditions.

Aside from his equestrian interests, Hay is a full-time student at Penn State University, where is pursuing a degree in environmental resource management.

Winners will be selected weekly and will receive $50 in credit to use on KER products available for sale in their area. If you're unsure which product is right for your horse, one of our nutrition advisors would be happy to help.

To enter the contest, just sign up for KER's award-winning free weekly newsletters, The Weekly Feed and Equine Health Review. Already a subscriber? Just select the newsletter you already receive. Winners will be notified by e-mail.

The contest is open to residents of the United States and Australia. Enter the contest.

KER is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company that serves both the horse owner and the feed industry. Its goal is to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, and apply this knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses.

Shiwon Green and Gosh

Qualification was a two-part process, with the first leg held in Sydney on 28 October and the final leg in Ermelo on the 2 November.

Teams from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa competed for the two slots.

The Australian team, consisting of Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster; Chantal Wigan and Ferero; Lyndal Oatley and Potifar; and Mary Hanna and Sancette, scored an average of 69.25%, which put the team in first place.

Team New Zealand, which was composed of Louisa Hill and Bates Antonello; Vanessa Way and KH Arvan; Nicky Pope and Fabarchie; and Shiwon Green and Gosh, finished second with an average team score of 64.92%. Team South Africa was a close third with an average score of 63.00%.

Both Vanessa Way and Shiwon Green are sponsored by KER's New Zealand Team Member NRM. While competing in Australia, KER and Australian Team Member Barastoc assisted these riders in formulating diets for their horses, and the horses were fuelled on Barastoc feeds while competing in Australia.