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Clone Of Show Jumper Generated From Equine Skin Sample

Gemini Genetics and ViaGen Pets & Equine animal cloning have created a clone of a showjumping stallion using a skin sample, reports EQUUS magazine.

Owned by Pat, John and Lisa Hales of Shaw Farm, Arko III was by the world famous Argentinus, out of Unika. Arko III was the top showjumper in Europe in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and he was the British Equestrian Showjumper of the Year on five occasions.

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Arko's clone was created from a small skin sample that had been preserved by Gemini Genetics. ViaGen Pets & Equine completed the cloning process. Gemini Genetics is a new animal genetic preservation company that specializes in regenerative genetic banking.

In addition to regenerating a horse or other animal, genetic preservation and cloning also allows for breeding from geldings. Sporthorses Gem Twist, Cruising and Chilli Morning have all been cloned. Experts say the technology can also be used to support rare horse breeds.

International Jumpers Compete Sans Shoes; Here’s How

The Swedish show jumping team recently won Olympic gold and jumped more clear rounds than any other nation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but that wasn't their only claim to fame — two of the three team horses did it barefoot.

Most competition horses wear shoes to protect their hooves from wear, provide traction, and prevent issues with the structures within the hoof. However, going without shoes also has its benefits, though horses that have had shoes on for months or years may need time for their hooves to strengthen and grow accustomed to not wearing shoes.

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Dr. Stephen O'Grady of Palm Beach Equine Clinic told Horse Network horse hooves are designed to absorb concussion, accept weight, and dissipate energy. A barefoot hoof has a surface that interacts with the ground to strengthen the overall foot. A shod hoof, on the other hand, bears weight just on its periphery, where the shoe rests on the sole; shoes don't utilize the soft- tissue structures within the hoof.

Though not wearing shoes can improve hoof health, not every horse can go barefoot and be comfortable, O'Grady says. The type of work the horse is asked to do, the surfaces on which he works, and genetics will all play a role in deciding if a horse can stay sound barefoot. The horse's veterinarian and farrier should be consulted before shoes are pulled.

A horse that has had its shoes pulled will need to be acclimated gradually, and have workload tapered to allow for the adjustment. The horse will also have his hooves shaped and not trimmed, so his hooves will look different than those hooves wearing shoes.

Done properly, many horses can transition to going barefoot – even those jumping in the Olympics.

U.S. Showjumper Receives 10-Year Suspension For Shocking Show Horses

Jumper Andy Kocher, who has represented the United States in multiple international competitions, has received a 10-year suspension for using electric spurs on his horses. The ban was initiated by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the international governing body of horse sport.

An investigation was launched after the FEI was informed that Kocher had used an electric shock device on horses in multiple competitions. The FEI considers shocking a horse in any manner horse abuse.

The FEI Tribunal has suspended U.S. Jumping athlete Andrew Kocher for 10 years and disqualified him from eight events between June 2018 and November 2019 for using electric spurs on horses. The athlete has also been fined approximately US$11,000 and ordered to pay costs of approximately US$8,255.

The FEI Legal Department notified the athlete on June 29, 2020, that an investigation had been opened following allegations about electric spur use reported to the independent Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU). It was alleged that Mr. Kocher had used electric spurs on a number of FEI registered and national horses in international and national events, and during training.

Following the investigation, the FEI formally opened disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Kocher in October 2020. He was provisionally suspended on October 28, 2020 pending a hearing before the FEI Tribunal, and this period will be credited against the full suspension, meaning that the athlete is ineligible through to October 27, 2030.

During the suspension the athlete is barred from participating in or attending, in any capacity, including as a spectator, any competition or event that is authorized or organized by the FEI or any National Federation.

The sanctions also include disqualification of all results obtained at events for which the FEI Tribunal was provided with photographic evidence establishing the athlete's use of electric spurs. The eight events are: CSI4* Hickstead (GBR), 21-24 June 2018; CSI3* Lexington (USA), 14-18 May 2019; CSI2* Lexington (USA), 22-26 May 2019); CSI5* Calgary (CAN), 5-9 June 2019; CSI5* Calgary (CAN), 27-39 June 2019; CSI3* Traverse City (USA), 7-11 August 2019; CSI3*-W Columbus (USA), 2-6 October 2019; and CSI4*-W Toronto (CAN), 5-9 November 2019.

These sanctions form the operative part of the FEI Tribunal decision. The full reasoned decision will be published here in due course. Parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the full decision.