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Ukraine’s Equine Charity Remains In Desperate Need Of Support

The Ukraine Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEF-CF) has seen donations plummet as the rest of the world begins feeling the economic effects of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The charity estimates that donations are averaging just over $1,000 a week, though it takes nearly $29,000 a week to cover the aid requested from about 300 stables.

The hay shortage is of particular concern. Many hay fields are riddled with landmines, making the harvesting of hay impossible. The shortage is reaching desperate proportions.

The average cost to get feed transported to and distributed in the Ukraine is about $1,500. In June, the charity produced its own specially designed compound feed to help offset some of the costs of bringing in feed from outside areas.

More than 800 tons of feed and shavings had been delivered to 162 stables and clubs in Ukraine as of June 1, including the occupied areas.

Learn how to donate here.

Ellis Park Honors Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance During 100th Season

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be highlighted at Ellis Park on Sunday, July 17, 2022. As Ellis Park kicks off their 100th season of racing, the 2022 Runhappy Meet will feature 14 stakes races, including the Ellis Park Turf Stakes presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

The Henderson, Ky.-based track will sell t-shirts throughout the meet with 10 percent of profits donated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, courtesy of Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, CEO of Gallery Furniture and owner of Runhappy.

Ellis Park will also offer “Runhappy Dollar Days” every Sunday of racing, with $1 hotdogs, $1 popcorn, and $2 beer.

Three-year-old and up fillies and mares will go eight and a half furlongs on the turf for $75,000 in Sunday's Ellis Park Turf Stakes presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag will be made to the winning connections following the running of the race.

“Ellis Park is known for our 2-year-old program and being the training ground for up-and-coming equine talent,” said Ellis Park General Manager, Jeffrey Inman. “We share the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's concern that Thoroughbreds are taken care of throughout their career and into their retirement and honor the tireless work they perform. We are proud to support the TAA and to partner with them in hosting the Ellis Park Turf Stakes on July 17.”

“We are so excited to be back at Ellis Park for another exciting day of racing,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “We are grateful for the platform Ellis Park is providing the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to raise awareness on the importance of accredited aftercare.”

About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, rehome, and retire Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders' Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $24.5 million to accredited

aftercare organizations. Currently 82 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.

The post Ellis Park Honors Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance During 100th Season appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Fly High: Drones Don’t Disturb Feral Horse Herds

Dr. Javier Lenzi and researchers at the University of North Dakota investigated how feral horses in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park responded to drones.

The drone used had a 3-foot wingspan and a rear propeller, weighing just over 5.5 pounds. It was flown directly over the wild horses at nearly 400 feet off the ground. Video recordings were taken in 10-second intervals and analyzed to determine how the horses responded.

The researchers found that the horses did respond to the drone, but they did not exhibit any escape responses, which would be expected in lower-level aerial or ground surveys. The scientists reported increased feeding, traveling and vigilance behaviors, but decreased grooming and resting when the drone was flown overhead.

The researchers suggested that because the drone was so small and flown so high, it might have been perceived as low risk by the horses. They concluded that drones may be an appropriate tool for feral horse herd surveys as they don't disturb the horses as much as other population survey tools.

Read the study here.

Have A Seat: No Need To Stand While Ridden Horses Urinate

Though most riders have been taught to stand in the stirrups when the horse they're riding urinates, the need to “get off his kidneys” isn't necessary, EQUUS magazine reports.

A horse's kidneys and bladder are located beneath layers of muscle and bone, much deeper and more protected than where a saddle sits on his back. There is no possibility of a rider's weight affecting the horse's ability to urinate or empty his bladder completely.

Though it may be easier for the horse to stretch out if the rider stands, sitting very still may have the same effect.