pandemic | Horse Racing Free Tips

Shortage Of Veterinarians Apparent During Pandemic

Vet care is one of the only industries to see a significant increase in business during the pandemic. As people were stuck at home and spending more time with their animals, they became more aware of abnormalities and minor symptoms—some of which would require medical intervention. This increase in necessary care has made many animal clinics across the country in need of employees.

Veterinarians and veterinary clinics were considered essential business during the pandemic, but were prevented from doing elective procedures. Now that elective surgeries and preventative care have been added back into the roster of services, vet's schedules are becoming more packed.

Additionally, more households than ever have pets and many have more than one pet, compounding the need for skilled vet clinic staff. More people are also willing to do preventative care for their pets than ever before, as well. Pets, like people, are living longer, with more care needed as they age.

Veterinary jobs are expected to grow by 15,600 between 2018 and 2028, according to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association expects nearly 20 percent of veterinarians to retire in the next 10 years, intensifying the need for more vets.

Equine Aftercare Feeling Financial Impact After Event Cancellations

Equine aftercare nonprofits are poised to take a hit financially from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, even though horses in their care have been adopted out in record numbers. A plethora of fundraising events for aftercare organizations have been moved online or cancelled completely as health mandates have limited the number of people who can gather.

Multiple Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)-accredited organizations have had to cancel events and their staff are concerned about how they will make up for the lost revenue. In addition, many donors are also experiencing financial constraints and may be reluctant to give at the levels they previously have. Organizations that offer grants to equine aftercare entities are also feeling the pinch of limited donations, reports Blood-Horse.

Second Stride, a Kentucky-based Thoroughbred rehoming organization, was unable to host their annual pre-Derby party in the spring and they have opted to not hold the in-person party in September, either, as safety protocols keep shifting. The organization now plans to host a virtual event around the Derby that offers a handicapping panel and an online auction.

Win Place Home, a California-based nonprofit, cancelled their spring event, which typically brings in about one-quarter of their yearly revenue. To make up for some of the lost revenue, Win Place Home will offer a week-long silent auction with videos featuring adoptable horses and special guests.

The amount of money nonprofits raise through fundraisers and events is part of what dictates the number of horses each organization can assist. With donations down, organizations may not be able to help as many horses. Surprisingly, aftercare organizations across the country have experienced adoption booms during the pandemic, and not in horses with unlimited second-career potential. Family horses, trail horses and those with limiting injuries were also adopted out in droves.

Interestingly, there has not been an uptick in the number of horses being retired from racing—yet. Though it's unclear what the future holds for equine aftercare, it will hopefully include more donations.

The 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress Has Been Cancelled

The Ohio Quarter Horse Association regretfully announces the cancellation of the 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress, scheduled for September 29 through October 25. The uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic simply prevents safely moving forward in Columbus, Ohio. The well-being of our workers, exhibitors and attendees is our highest priority and based on the information we have today, the risk is simply too great. Thank you for understanding this difficult decision.

“It is a sad day with the cancellation of the 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Hearing all the concerns from the local and state health departments, and the CDC, it was the right decision to make to keep people safe and healthy,” said Dr. Scott Myers, CEO of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association. “It is disappointing to all who worked tirelessly in preparation for this year's Congress, and I want to personally thank you for your continued support. I look forward to the biggest and best Congress ever in 2021.”

Sincere thanks to the many loyal Congress sponsors, exhibitors and supporters. We are in this together, our industry is strong and rest assured, the Congress will be here in 2021. Details on moving forward and further updates will be available here.

The post The 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress Has Been Cancelled appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Equine Rescues Expect To Feel Financial Effects Of Pandemic In Winter

A study out of Britain indicates that animal welfare organizations are expecting to struggle throughout the winter months as the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is felt.

The equine portion of the survey, which was conducted by the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) and the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH), was sent to 37 NEWC members and 126 equine rescues. Of those asked, 74 responded. Respondents feel that their organizations will be most impacted by the pandemic during winter months when welfare cases tend to rise because of the increase in costs associated with caring for horses.

It was noted that even with decreased donations, rescues still must attend to the animals in their care. British equine rescue and adoption agencies are once again placing horses into homes, but an increase in horses needing their assistance is expected.

There are nearly 850,000 equines in the United Kingdom with at least 7,000 of those animals were considered at risk before the pandemic hit. The rescues responded that they feel the pandemic will place additional pressure on equine welfare organizations, many of which are already operating at capacity.

Over 83 percent of the responding organizations, both large and small, reported that their fundraising has been impacted with the pandemic, with more than half reporting an income reduction of over 50 percent. Rescues that utilized shops to sell merchandise closed to visitors, greatly impacting their donations. More than 40 percent of organizations furloughed staff and over 70 percent had to reduce or eliminate volunteer help. Despite this bleak financial news, 62 percent of rescues still took in urgent welfare cases during lockdown.

An Equine Emergency Rescue Fund has been established to provide grants to British equine welfare organizations in need of financial assistance.