pandemic | Horse Racing Free Tips

Companion Animals Buoy Owner’s Mental Health During Lockdown

The University of York and the University of Lincoln in England partnered to complete a study to determine if pets acted as buffers against psychological stress during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Drs. Elena Ratschen, Emily Shoesmith, Lion Shahab, Karine Silva, Dimitra Kale, Paul Toner, Catherine Reeve and Daniel Mills surveyed nearly 6,000 participants on the role their animal played in their lives during the pandemic. In total, nearly 90 percent of the responders had at least one pet–334 (6.3 percent) of participants owned horses or ponies. Interestingly, the human-animal bond did not differ significantly between species.

Their answers overwhelmingly denoted that having a pet was linked to better mental health and reduced loneliness. More than 90 percent of respondents said their pet helped them cope emotionally; 96 percent said their pet helped keep them fit and active.

Over 65 percent of pet owners indicated that they were concerned about their animals during lockdown. The main concerns were restricted access to vet care and exercise, and who would care for the animal if they became sick.

The overwhelming majority of dog, cat, horse and other companion farm animal owners reported that their animal is an important source of emotional support.

Read the full study here.

Guest Speakers Announced For American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum

Join professionals from all facets of the equine industry to learn and explore current issues facing the horse community. On Wednesday, October 28th, The American Horse Council (AHC) National Issues Forum will feature four outstanding presentations, all given in Eastern Standard Time:

At 11 a.m., AHC staff, and possibly a guest staffer from the Senate, will provide a legislative and regulatory update and overview of numerous industry initiatives underway to help position the equine industry for the future. In advance of the November election, AHC will share insights into a first-time list of “top ten” congressional incumbents whose success would bode well for the industry moving forward. Horse enthusiasts will learn how COVID-19 restrictions have impacted this year's agenda, including advocating for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and tax flexibility to provide relief for equine business. On the labor front, horsemen and women will also learn more about the continuing need for guest worker visa flexibility. While the pandemic has added items to the agenda, it has also given new “urgency” to other priorities, including passage of the “Great American Outdoors Act of 2020.” Pushing this landmark trails bill over the finish line serves as a “text book” example of putting “horsepower” into the industry's grassroots network.

At 1 p.m., join David Fuscus, CEO of Xenophon Strategies, to hear about best practices for crisis management. The number and severity of crisis situations that now confront companies and organizations–and put their reputation, profits, and future at risk – underscore the importance of knowing how to communicate about and deal with a crisis. David has been heavily involved in crisis communications and has worked with the media on major national and international crises, including representing the airline industry following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and playing a key communications role in eleven major airline accidents.

At 2 p.m., look for an exciting and entertaining presentation by American Dude Ranch Association members on outdoor riding destinations featuring Russell True of the White Stallion Ranch and Cheri Amos-Helmicki of the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch.

Russell, his brother Michael and their families own the White Stallion and under their management the ranch is consistently recognized as an award-winning property locally, nationally and internationally. The ranch has been ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor of 130 hotels in Tucson for 8 consecutive years and has received numerous TripAdvisor certificates and awards, including Certificates of Excellence, top customer service rankings and Hall of Fame honors. Additionally, the ranch was named “Best Family Resort” in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards in 2018.

Cheri and her husband, Jerry, have owned the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado for 25+ years. An all-inclusive Colorado Dude Ranch vacation free of crowds, lines and stress. In addition to great lodging, you'll also enjoy exceptional meals and on-ranch activities including: horseback rides, Gold Medal fly fishing, trap shooting, Colorado River zip-line, guided hikes, mountain bikes, heated pool and hot tub, Kids' Program, unforgettable evening entertainment and much more.

At 3 p.m., join Dr. Veronica Lac of the HERD Institute to learn about expanding Diversity, and Inclusion in the equine industry. A diverse industry (in age, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and gender) brings diverse viewpoints and perspectives; these elements can help develop new approaches and great new ways to appeal to participants, fans and new customers.

However, diversity does not necessarily mean inclusivity. Yes, making diversity a priority is important; but so is the next logical step: creating a culture where people from all backgrounds feel included. Inclusivity is the key to actually maintaining (not just creating) diversity.

Dr. Lac has over 20 years of experience as a corporate trainer and mental health professional, as well as a certified therapeutic riding instructor through PATH Intl. Her academic background includes a Masters in Training & Performance Management, a Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy, and a PhD in Psychology.

And join us at 5 p.m. for our Annual Awards Cocktail Party honoring Rolapp, Hickey and Van Ness Award Winners.

The AHC is known for convening the equine industry's visionaries and leaders in an intimate three days of informative and innovative discussion on some of the most relevant challenges and initiatives facing the industry. Attendees get to participate in discussions that help shape the industry and optimize existing and emerging legislative and regulatory issues.

Registration is open and video conference logistics will be sent to registered participants along with committee meeting agendas. Learn more here.

The post Guest Speakers Announced For American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Empty Spaces: Filling The COVID Void At The Kentucky Derby

When Churchill Downs finally made the wrenching decision to run the 2020 Kentucky Derby without fans, the year in horse racing already had taken numerous historic turns due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

In the aftermath of the race came the stunning and terrible realization that Churchill Downs could have been filled to capacity and still not held all those who have died in the United States from the virus. From a well of sadness a simple idea emerged – to show what was lost while honoring the spirit of America's greatest horse race.

With this video, writer John Scheinman and photojournalists Alex Evers, John Voorhees and Scott Serio teamed up to juxtapose the Kentucky Derby normally bursting with life and the stark emptiness of this year's race.

It is part lament for what has been lost, part deeply felt reflection and also a token of remembrance for future fans to look back on how, this year, everything changed – the year the Kentucky Derby was not run on the traditional first Saturday in May, but, rather, the first Saturday in September.

Watch the video below:

The post Empty Spaces: Filling The COVID Void At The Kentucky Derby appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Keeneland’s Fall Meet To Be Held Without Spectators, Only Essential Personnel

Keeneland announced Tuesday that its 2020 Fall Meet, to be held Oct. 2-24, will be closed to the public due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Only a limited number of participants and essential personnel will be permitted to attend the live race meet.

Keeneland conducted its five-day Summer Meet in July without spectators but did allow a limited number of owners and essential personnel to attend.

“The safety of our employees, our participants and our fans remains Keeneland's top priority,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “We have the most loyal fans in the world and we cannot wait for the day when we can welcome them back for live racing. The decision to close the meet to the public was made after consulting with local and state government officials and public health experts and monitoring how various sporting venues and events around the world have operated during the pandemic. With the guidance of these experts and lessons learned from recent events, we know this is the responsible course of action.”

“Sunday's kickoff of the 12-day September Yearling Sale, which is followed by the Fall Meet, the Breeders' Cup World Championships and the November Breeding Stock Sale, marks the beginning of a significant three months of business for Keeneland and the horse industry as a whole,” Keeneland President-Elect and Interim Head of Sales Shannon Arvin said. “It is paramount that we conduct our sales and racing operations in a safe and responsible manner that promotes the health and success of everyone involved.

“We will remain flexible and vigilant leading up to and throughout our Fall Meet to ensure that we observe the most current health and safety protocols and respond to any changes in a timely and thoughtful manner,” Arvin added.

To combat the spread of COVID-19, strict compliance with the following health and safety protocols will be required for participants and employees while they are at Keeneland. Similar protocols were in place for the Summer Meet and are in effect for Keeneland's current September Yearling Sale:

· Individuals permitted to come onto the Keeneland grounds will be credentialed or ticketed in advance. Seating will be assigned and properly social distanced on race days.

· Participants include those with a competing horse, including a limited number of owners and trainers. Keeneland also will allow limited access to sponsors, box holders and Club members.

· Keeneland will not permit any general admission or walk-up attendees. Credentialed participants will be assigned a seat for the race day.

· Keeneland will maintain records to allow for contact tracing.

· Health screenings, including a series of questions and temperature checks, will continue at all entrance gates.

· All individuals must wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while at Keeneland.

The post Keeneland’s Fall Meet To Be Held Without Spectators, Only Essential Personnel appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post