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Annual UK Equine Research Showcase To Take Place Virtually

University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host its 10th annual UK Equine Showcase virtually through four sessions over four dates in January and February 2021.The event will continue the “life journey” theme initiated last year and will emphasize weanling to yearling horses, presenting both completed and work-in-progress projects relevant to this age group.

“We are excited to once again put together an excellent set of lectures and continuing education featuring many of our colleagues,” said Emma Adam, assistant professor and research and industry liaison at the Gluck Equine Research Center. ““The way our industry is helped through the resources we have at the University of Kentucky is unparalleled.”

Due to the current pandemic, the event has moved to a virtual format. Organizers wanted to continue to provide information and continuing education opportunities in 2021 rather than postpone for a year. Recognizing that staying engaged for long periods of time via a virtual format is challenging, organizers chose to break up the annual event into several shorter sessions over the course of a few weeks.

Jan. 5, 6-7:30 p.m. EST, will focus on musculoskeletal issues and include the following topics and speakers:

Bisphosphonates, NSAIDs and other medicines in the juvenile horse with Scott Stanley, professor of analytical chemistry at the Gluck Equine Research Center.
Sesamoid bone maturation by the laboratory of James MacLeod, director of UK Ag Equine Programs and John S. and Elizabeth A. Knight chair and professor of veterinary science at the Gluck Center.
Bone pathology in Wobbler's Syndrome with Jennifer Janes, assistant professor of anatomic pathology at UK's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Jan. 19, 6-7:30 p.m. EST, will focus on nutrition and pasture topics and include the following information and speakers:

Mineral requirements for a growing horse with Mieke Brummer-Holder, assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.
Amino acids and protein synthesis in the growing horse with Kristine Urschel, associate professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.
UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program information with Krista Lea, program coordinator, and Ray Smith, professor and extension forage specialist, both from the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

Feb. 2, 6-7:30 p.m. EST, will focus on parasitology, vaccination immunology and causes of mortality and include the following information and speakers:

Vaccination, immunity and immune response in weanlings with David Horohov, chair of the Department of Veterinary Science, director of and Jes E. and Clementine M. Schlaikjer Endowed Chair at the Gluck Center.
Parasitology as it pertains to weanlings and yearlings with Martin Nielsen, Schlaikjer professor of Equine Infectious Disease at the Gluck Center.
Common(est) causes of mortality in this age group with Laura Kennedy, assistant professor and veterinary pathologist at the UK VDL.

Feb. 9, 6-7:30 p.m. EST will cover hot topics in a mini session format of 10 minutes each, with updates about equine research literature resources at UK, nocardioform placentitis summary from 2020, COVID-19 economic impact and the next equine survey, lab updates, Equine Biological Passport update, genetic diversity project, updates on equine surface research, important parasitology updates and more.

“This is a unique and special outreach event. The purpose is to showcase some of what is happening at the University of Kentucky in terms of scientific discovery and service efforts relevant to the young horse,” MacLeod said. “Participants will hopefully gain new information they can apply to their programs, but importantly also a greater appreciation for some of the critical questions being addressed at UK, why these issues are important and where the cutting edge of research is on a number of very interesting topics. This annual program, now reaching 10 years, highlights our commitment to advance research, service and teaching for the benefit of horses and the equine community.”

The UK Equine Showcase is open to veterinarians, owners and managers of all horse breeds or anyone with an interest in learning more about foals and horse management. Its virtual format means that this opportunity is open to attendees from across the U.S. and even world.

The cost to attend all sessions is $25 until the early-bird registration deadline of Jan. 5. This package will include a PDF of the presentations and access to a recording of the sessions after the event has concluded. Attendees can also opt to attend only one or two of the sessions they are interested in. Individual event registration will also be available for $10 each. There are special rates for farms interested in having multiple employees attend. Students from any university can participate for free. Please contact equine@uky.edu for help in registering for those discounted or free sessions. Continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians is pending approval by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners. Register here. Contact equine@uky.edu with questions about the event or with help registering.

UK is also accepting sponsor participation for the showcase. Presenting opportunities are available to participating organizations on a first-come, first-served basis. Email equine@uky.edu for details.

Additional Covid Attendance Restrictions Announced For UK

As there is currently an increased rate of transmission of COVID-19 in the UK, British racing leaders have agreed with the UK Government to impose more stringent racemeeting restrictions beginning on Jan. 1, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Tuesday. Under the new restrictions, no owners will be permitted to attend Tier 4 race meetings and essential staff only are allowed at meetings in Tier 4 areas. In addition, no owners living in Tier 4 will be permitted to attend race meetings in Tiers 1-3. These restrictions also apply to Scotland in areas which are under Level 4 restrictions. Owners are also encouraged to check with individual racecourses before attending. Owners attending race meetings in Tiers 2 and 3 are reminded that they must comply with the BHA’s protocols, as well as national guidance.

The BHA’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Jerry Hill, said on Tuesday, “Racing has worked hard to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus through the tough protocols people have followed when attending race meetings. With the NHS under pressure and a more virulent strain of COVID now circulating, we have agreed that these new restrictions are appropriate to the situation and will keep their use under review for Tiers 2 and 3. No one should attend at all if they feel unwell and any participant showing symptoms should immediately self-isolate and arrange a COVID-19 test.”

“Our priority since June has been to keep racing going as this is vital to the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people who depend upon our industry,” said the BHA’s Chief Operating Officer Richard Wayman. “We have worked hard with government to secure permission for owners to keep attending, with numbers restricted during the national lockdown. Owners are the lifeblood of our sport and we understand the disappointment these additional restrictions will cause. However, the measures, which will be kept constantly under review, will help reduce risk on the racecourse and ensure that racing is able to continue safely through these most challenging times.”

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Brexit Steering Group: Avoid Movement Of Horses To EU In First Two Weeks Of 2021

The Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group, which leads horse racing's preparations for the UK's departure from the EU, has advised members of the industry not to move horses to and from the EU unless absolutely necessary for at least the first two weeks of 2021.

With less than seven weeks to go before the transition period expires, there will be significant changes to how horses move between the UK and the EU from Jan. 1, irrespective of whether a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is signed.

Whilst British racing is in regular contact with the relevant government departments to gather information and best prepare the industry for Brexit, some details remain to be fully clarified and the new travel arrangements will also be entirely dependent upon any agreement which may be made by the UK government with the EU.

The steering group remains hopeful that any such FTA that is signed will allow the outstanding points of detail to be resolved quickly, but as things stand confirmation on a number of matters is still pending:

The UK's status as a third country listing for animal health purposes following the end of the transition period
Authorizations to allow British transporters to operate within the EU and EU operators to operate in the UK
Recognition of the General Stud Book, (along with all other Stud Books and Breeding Books of all species), which identifies thoroughbreds and allows their movement as Registered horses.
Even in the event of agreements on these key areas for British racing being confirmed in the coming weeks, the Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group is of the view that there will be additional friction in moving thoroughbreds through key ports from Jan. 1, with the potential for initial disruption.

It is therefore advising that industry participants put off moving horses unless it is absolutely necessary within that initial two-week period, and to contact a transporter or shipping/customs agent for further guidance as a matter of priority.

Furthermore, following the confirmation of any FTA the Thoroughbred industry will need to understand the details of any equine health rules under which movements can take place as well as any replacement for the current Tripartite Agreement – originally made with France and Ireland – which currently governs Thoroughbred movements between Britain, France and Ireland.

The Chair of the Thoroughbred Industries Steering Group, Julian Richmond Watson said:

“We know that some people want to make plans for the New Year, but the picture will remain unclear until we know the terms of any new agreements between Britain and the EU.

“Even if there is an overarching trade deal, we will still need specific arrangements to be agreed covering the movement of thoroughbred horses.

“If industry members want to avoid the risk of delays or disruption, we advise them not to schedule movements in the first two weeks of 2021.

“Our message right now is 'Stand By, Change is Coming'. We would ask participants to keep up to date with the latest information regularly via the Brexit page on britishhorseracing.com and await direct communication from their membership body once we know the details.

“We continue to work closely with Defra and all other relevant UK government departments, who are well-informed about the needs of the racing and breeding industries. We are also in regular contact with our counterparts in Ireland and France and other EU jurisdictions.”

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Leading Horseracing Organizations Partner With UK To Support Research Efforts To Improve Surface Safety

While 2020 has largely seen tracks closed for in-person fans, racing has continued. So have the sustained efforts of a group of tracks and industry organizations that formed a partnership early in the year to collectively support the surface safety research efforts at the University of Kentucky.

Churchill Downs, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Keeneland, the New York Racing Association, Inc. and The Stronach Group have pledged resources to bolster this unprecedented research initiative as part of their combined efforts to increase safety and transparency in the sport of horseracing.

The aim of this fund is to improve the safety of horseracing by supporting equine surfaces and safety research under the direction of Mick Peterson, director of equine safety and researcher in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering in UK's College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Peterson joined UK's team in 2016 and is nationally and internationally recognized for a career in track surface safety research and testing. The position of director of equine safety was created this year by the college to support the industry through the continued development of technologies to ensure safety of surfaces for racehorses and all performance horses.

“The UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is committed to our signature equine industry in all ways. In particular, we are dedicated to all aspects of safety in our sport,” said Nancy Cox, UK vice president for land-grant engagement and college dean. “This gift allows us to do important research to assist Thoroughbred racing and to create a pipeline of experts to serve racetrack safety.”

Since Peterson joined the UK team, much progress has been made in supporting surface safety efforts. In 2019, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association committed $100,000 to transform a large industrial research laboratory located on the UK campus. And during The Jockey Club Round Table in 2019, The Jockey Club committed to supporting the efforts of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, led by Peterson, and its ability to serve the equine industry.

“The selection and maintenance of racing surfaces has the potential to reduce catastrophic injury rates. Providing a consistent surface also helps trainers and owners make sound decisions for the welfare of their horses,” Peterson said.

Under the direction of Peterson, the lab has been particularly effective at reinforcing the welfare and safety commitment through its central testing laboratory for dirt, turf and synthetic surface materials. To date, testing has included more than 70 different racing and training tracks around the world. Equipment development from the lab includes riding crop design assessment, testing maintenance equipment and performance tests of starting gate and rail padding.

In the industry-supported role of director of equine safety, Peterson will develop a discovery research program and provide contemporary testing capabilities. Part of this vision includes establishing a national and international center of excellence for safety of the equine athlete, training the next generation of equine surface safety experts and collaborating extensively with racetracks. This collaboration will foster translational research by identifying the research and technology needs for the UK Racetrack Safety Program.

Through the support of participating tracks and organizations, Peterson's work will help develop innovative technologies to assess track safety, working collaboratively with veterinarians, biologists and others to develop models for track surfaces that promote optimum safety and performance. This will include maintaining the precision, accuracy, integrity and interpretation of all analytical data to support the industry.