Louisiana Equine Report Aug/Sept 2016 Issue by The Equine Report

Special Issue Featuring the 2016 LQHBA Yearling Sale DOUBLE ISSUE LQHBA Section.................. Cover - 43 La. Equine Report Regular Coverage.......................44 - 80 Therapeutic Riding........................... 51 Cattle Producers of Louisiana.......................................55

Remembering Leverne Perry By Barbara Newtown Leverne Perry died March 27th, 2016, but his contributions to the quality and financial health of Quarter Horse racing in Louisiana will continue. Tony Patterson, who followed Leverne Perry as executive director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association, spent over six years working beside the Louisiana legend. Patterson remembers his first few months in Alexandria, when Perry took him around the city and introduced him to all his contacts. Patterson recalls that “it was amazing how many people he knew and how each of them had such respect for him.” Patterson acknowledges that one of Perry’s greatest contributions involved his work with the Louisiana legislature to ensure the prosperity of the state’s Quarter Horse breeding and racing.

4-H......................................................65 Equine Health by Neely................... 71

“Leverne was respected and revered by so many,” says Patterson. “His success in breeding and racing set a very high standard, as did his tireless efforts in working with legislators to expand gaming at racetracks. His passing was a tremendous loss, but his legacy will live on forever.”

FEATURED ARTICLES LSU - Lameness in Foals..................46 National High School Rodeo Finals by Dr. Kelly Hudspeth..................... 52

Leverne’s daughter Leigh Lepinski spent much of the past year in Alexandria helping her dad downsize his horse farm prior to his sudden passing. She recently shared personal reminiscences of her father with The Equine Report.

Abnormal Presentation of a Common Parasite by Dr. Debbie Guillory.........................69

Your father had five girls! Yes. My oldest sister, Karen, was a recreational therapist and worked with special needs children. She got married and became a mom. She’s a mother of five. Julie went in to the radiology field. She’s actually teaching now at LSU-A, teaching physics and clinicals in their radiology certification program. Jill is a little more artsy. Continued on page 12...

Cheyenne..............................................72

Leverne Perry

Calendar of Events Page 45

To Advertise please contact us!

Office: 225.363.6773 • Mike @ 225.229.8979 | mike@laequinereport.com P.O. Box 1529 Gonzales, LA 70707 •www.laequinereport.com

Our Condolences to the Leverne Perry Family

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

29 Louisiana Bred Yearlings at the

August 12th & 13th, 2016 • Coushatta Casino Resort Pavilion • Kinder, LA Hip #3 • OLD TIME FEELING 3/24/15 Brown Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Eye Got Łe Dash, Toast To Dash) 1st foal out of a half-sister to EYE GOT THE BLUES si 106 ($187,341), EYE GET THE BLUES si 94 ($105,287), etc. Hip #13 • EYE SIZZLE 1/27/15 Brown Colt (Sizzlin Cartel-Eyejesslovelouisiana, Mr Jess Perry) Half-brother to HEZA LOUISIANA DASH si 101 (2016, $262,115), etc. Out of a Winning half-sister to G1 Placed Dutcher si 96 ($134,591), G1 Placed Eye On Corona si 94 ($133,718), etc. Hip #14 • QUATRO 2/5/15 Bay Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Ms Intriguing, Call Me Together) Half-brother to Very Intriguing si 101 ($86,874), etc. Out of a Multiple Winning half-sister to INTRIGUING BLUE si 110 ($146,214), etc. Hip #15 • CARTELS GRACE 2/13/15 Bay Filly (Sizzlin Cartel-Grace Filled Charm, Feature Mr Jess) Half-sister to Multiple Winner MISSISSIPPI STUD si 92 ($42,080), etc. From the family of 2-Time Champion EASY ANGEL si 97 ($477,634), etc.

Hip #20 • A SIZZLIN EFFORT 2/28/15 Gray Filly (Sizzlin Cartel-Dasha ERort, Fishers Dash) Half-sister to My Favorite Blue si 94 (2016, $82,768), etc. Out of a Multiple Winning half-sister to 2-Time Champion DEELISH si 105 ($604,153), etc.

Hip #78 • BEYONDJUSTASIZZLE 1/16/15 Bay Colt (Sizzlin Cartel-Beyond Łe Smiles, Mr Jess Perry) Out of a full sister to Champion JESS LOUISIANA BLUE si 109 ($170,682, Ntr), etc. From the family of 2-Time Champion LITTLE BLUE SHEEP si 105 ($389,355).

Hip #23 • FASTDASHING LASSIE 3/5/15 Brown Filly (Heza Fast Dash-Łe Louisiana Lassie, Feature Mr Jess) Half-sister to Multiple Winner SHESA LA LASSIE si 99 (2016, $45,870), etc. Out of a Winning half-sister to G1 Placed Dutcher si 96 ($134,591), G1 Placed Eye On Corona si 94 ($133,718), etc.

Hip #84 • A BLUE BEAUTY 2/20/15 Bay Filly ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Cartels Beauty, Corona Cartel) Out of a half-sister to FEATURE MR JESS si 101 ($539,327), DISCIPLE si 94 ($51,863), Louisianafeature One si 105 ($135,898), etc.

Hip #44 • SIZZLIN LOVE CARTEL 2/21/15 Bay Colt (Sizzlin Cartel-Love You First Shine, First To Shine) From the immediate family of 2-Time Champion EASY ANGEL si 97 ($477,634), JESSALITTLECOURAGE si 108 ($183,023, Ntr), etc. Hip #66 • UR OTIS 3/19/15 Sorrel Colt (Sizzlin Cartel-U R Blue, Walk Łru Fire) 1st foal out of a half-sister to BLUES MAN WON si 101 ($79,903), Amore La Blue si 93 ($159,339), etc. 2nd dam is World Champion BLUES GIRL TOO si 105 ($2,032,328, 2-Ntr’s).

LQHBA Yearling Sale!

Hip #94 • EYE HEART BLUE 2/15/15 Brown Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Madame Mayor, Mr Eye Opener) Full brother to SANDRA SUE BLUE si 100 ($229,355), etc. Out of a half-sister to MR GAME si 105 (2016, $186,354, Ntr), etc. Hip #132 • OPEN HIZ EYES 4/30/15 Sorrel Colt (Heza Fast Dash-Louisiana Eye Opener, Mr Eye Opener) ¾-brother to G1 Placed Dutcher si 96 ($134,591), G1 Placed Eye On Corona si 94 ($133,718), etc. Out of LOUISIANA EYE OPENER si 97 ($151,254), half-sister to Champion JESS LOUISIANA BLUE si 109 ($170,682, Ntr), etc.

Hip #222 • EYE WANNA GO FAST 3/29/15 Bay Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Ms Sparkling Eyes, Mr Eye Opener) Half-brother to EYE DASH FAST si 97 ($71,049), etc. Out of a half-sister to ROCKETS FORTUNE si 93 ($61,132), etc.

Hip #247 • SC MILO 3/4/15 Sorrel Colt (Sizzlin Cartel-Look At Your Faith, Look Forward) Out of a half-sister to JESSALITTLECOURAGE si 108 ($183,023, Ntr), Blue Courage si 89 (2016, $46,101), etc. From the family of 2-Time Champion EASY ANGEL si 97 ($477,634), etc.

Hip #290 • BLUE HAZE 3/9/15 Brown Filly ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Susies French Toast, Toast To Dash) Half-sister to Winner/G1 Finalist GONZO COMPADRE si 81 ($35,670), etc. Out of a Winning half-sister to MR GAME si 105 (2016, $186,354), Sir Prize si 103 (2016, $128,235), etc.

Hip #233 • JJJ RUNAWAY CARTEL 2/27/15 Gray Colt (Sizzlin Cartel-Runaway Judy, Cherokee Runaway TB) Out of a half-sister to Adios Counselor si 97 ($29,516), etc. From the family of JULIES LADY LAWYER si 98 ($54,526), etc.

Hip #261 • EYE SING THE BLUES 3/8/15 Brown Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Kdwantsafastone, Mr Eye Opener) Full brother to EYE GOT THE BLUES si 106 ($187,341), EYE GET THE BLUES si 94 (2016, $105,287), etc. Out of a half-sister to REDNECK PATRIOT si 96 ($81,474), etc.

Hip #350 • JESS A CORONA BABY 2/23/15 Filly ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Corona Baby, Corona Cartel) Out of a half-sister to FIRST KOOL BABY si 105 ($158,261), etc. 2nd dam is 2-Time Champion KOOL KUE BABY si 118 ($783,519).

Hip #270 • HOSMER 3/12/15 Brown Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Susanna M Salter, Bully Bullion) Half-brother to MR GAME si 105 (2016, $186,354), Sir Prize si 103 ( 2016 $128,235), etc. Out of Susanna M Salter si 96 ($24,283), half-sister to REDNECK PATRIOT si 96 ($81,474), etc.

Home of Leading Sires Jess Louisiana Blue and Sizzlin Cartel Hip #415 • JESS POLITICAL 3/18/15 Sorrel Filly ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Apolitical Jet, Jet Black Patriot) 1st foal out of a half sister to POLITICAL OPTION si 109 ($286,180, Ntr), etc. 2nd dam is a full sister to the dam of World Champion APOLLITICAL JESS si 107 ($1,399,831, Ntr), etc.

Hip #239 • PATRIOTSASTREAKIN 1/19/15 Brown Colt (Game Patriot-A Streakin Mate, Streakin La Jolla) Half-brother to A STOLI MATE si 102 ($431,263), STREAKIN ZOOMER si 98 (2016, $104,978), etc. Hip # 242 • MYCARTELSALADY 1/27/15 Bay Filly (Sizzlin Cartel-My Louisiana Lady, Feature Mr Jess) Out of a Winning half-sister to G1 Placed Dutcher si 96 ($134,591), G1 Placed Eye On Corona si 94 ($133,718), etc. From the family of Champion JESS LOUISIANA BLUE si 109 ($170,682), etc.

Hip #441 • JESSAPATRIOTSDREAM 1/29/15 Brown Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Dreaminofthegame, Game Patriot)

Hip #143 • LOVE YOU BLUE 2/17/15 Brown Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Call Me Quik Love, Call Me Together) Full brother to Jess Cutnup Quick si 98 (2016, $39,575), etc. Out of a half-sister to ALLYOUNEEDISLOVE si 98 ($106,211), etc. Hip #148 • FAITHNCOURAGE 2/2/15 Bay Colt ( Jess Louisiana Blue-Faith And Courage, Stoli) Full brother to JESSALITTLECOURAGE si 108 ($183,023, Ntr), Blue Courage si 89 (2016, $46,101), etc. Hip #215 • JESSA BLUE DREAM 2/14/15 Brown Filly ( Jess Louisiana Blue-In His Dreams, Apollo TB) Full sister to POLITICAL OPTION si 109 ($286,180, Ntr), etc. Out of a full sister to the dam of World Champion APOLLITICAL JESS si 107, ($1,399,831), etc.

1st foal out of a Winning half-sister to A DREAM TO REMEMBER si 106 ($248,438), etc. 2nd dam is HALLOWED DREAMS TB ($740,144, 2-Ntr’s). Hip #481 • EYE AM SIZZLIN 4/22/15 Black Colt (Sizzlin Cartel-Eye Opening Jess, Mr Jess Perry) 1st foal out of a Winning half-sister to G1 Placed Dutcher si 96 ($134,591), G1 Placed Eye On Corona si 94 ($133,718), etc. 2nd dam is LOUISIANA EYE OPENER si 97 ($151,254), half-sister to Champion JESS LOUISIANA BLUE si 109 ($170,682), etc Hip #493 • SIZZLIN BLUES 1/15/15 Bay Colt (Sizzlin Cartel-Iloveyoubluetoo, Jess Louisiana Blue) Out of a half-sister to HES EXTRAORDINAIRE si 99 ($98,174), etc. From the family of 2-Time Champion EASY ANGEL si 97 ($477,634), etc. Hip #569 • FEATURING FAST JESS 3/21/15 Sorrel Colt (Heza Fast Dash-Featuringmissjess, Mr Jess Perry) Out of FEATURINGMISSJESS si 96 ($27,192), full sister to FEATURE MR JESS si 101 ($539,327), DISCIPLE si 94 ($51,863), etc.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Trey Ellis – Off to a Fast Start By Barbara Newtown

brush tracks (that’s what Alabamians call the bush tracks). He doesn’t miss the brush track experience; he says he did it to make money while he was growing up. “The brush track is not a good place to be. It’s not the crowd I like to be around…too much fighting…and I’m not that kind of person.” Also, the brush tracks didn’t have the best equipment for deciding a photo finish. Arguments broke out after a close race and, of course, everyone blamed the jockeys. Despite being unrecognized, the races involved a lot of money. “Too much fighting and fussing,” says Trey. “I’m a quiet person.” Ray trained and raced at Louisiana tracks. Trey says, “The day I graduated from high school I had my truck and clothes packed and I came out here to live with him.” Ray put him to work right away, cleaning stalls, exercising horses, breaking babies… “Eventually I was sort of an assistant to him,” says Trey.

Trey Ellis, trainer of racing Quarter Horses, got his start in Grand Bay, Alabama. He says his family has a farming side and a racing side. The farmers, his mother’s relatives, still raise cotton and peanuts and run about 200 head of cows. The old-timers of Grand Bay were Thoroughbred horse people, but Trey learned about Quarter Horses from his longtime friend Ray Robbins, whom he calls “Uncle.” “All he did was Quarter Horses,” says Trey, “and that’s what I liked, even though I raced Thoroughbreds, too.” Trey took care of Uncle Ray’s horses, roped babies, and rode match races on the

His original plan was to become a licensed jockey. But he thought twice when he saw what professional jockeys had to do to make the weight: diets, sweats, and, for some, drugs and eating disorders. “I didn’t want to live like that. Jockey life is a rough life. I don’t know how they do it.” He got a job working at Robicheaux Ranch in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. After a year Trey knew that breeding and sales prep was not the side of the horse business that he wanted to stay in. He loves watching and caring for racehorses and training them for competition. He has great praise for the professional operation at Robicheaux, however. He says that he learned about horses from Ray, but he learned how to run a business from the Robicheaux family. Continued on page 8...

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Continued from page 6...

Trey Ellis – Off to a Fast Start By Barbara Newtown

After two years in Louisiana, Trey took the test to get his trainer’s license. “It’s about a three-hour written test,” he says. It’s important to know the racing commission rule book. “If you pass that exam, then they watch you saddle a horse and be hands-on at the barn.” Trey explains that you can’t study a book to prepare for the hands-on part. You have to spend time at the track and get to know real horses. Trey has 40 horses in training and another 20 at a farm near Delta Downs that he rents from one of his owners. He used to keep up with the paperwork by hand, but now that his business has grown he keeps track of entries, billing, etc. on his laptop with software from equineline.com. At Trey’s farm the youngsters are usually mounted for the first time in a stall. When they can carry the rider in a quiet circle, they graduate to the round pen. Then they go to the track. Trey wants his young horses to gallop well in both directions; one day they go left, the next day they go right. Trey knows exactly why he is in the Quarter Horse racing business. “I love the speed,” he says. He also loves the challenge of training a horse to leave the

gate like a rocket. Training for fitness and strength is important, but Trey estimates that as much as 20% of all Quarter Horses lack the mental toughness to handle gate training. If you get a bad start in a race that is only 220 yards, you have already lost. The techniques that a race trainer might employ to get a horse used to the gate would sound familiar even to a dressage trainer: you want the horse to focus forward and understand his job. First, you walk the horse through the open gate, back and forth. Then you close the horse up in the gate. When the horse is used to standing quietly, you open the gate by hand. You get the horse used to the gate flopping and clanging. When the horse can ease out of the gate without getting upset, you move to the next step: tapping the hind legs with a buggy whip so that the horse jumps forward through the opening. Trey says, “Most horses are smart enough to pick up what they are supposed to do. The next time you open the gate, they just automatically go.” Trey loves racing, but he wishes it were possible to wait until the horses are three years old. He understands that most of the big money is in two-year-old racing. But he points out that getting a horse ready for the Mardi Gras Futurity in February of its second year means that you have to start breezing the horse by the previous November or December. Even if the horse was a January foal, that is still early.

Trey studies legs and feet. He uses a lot of ice—generally he stands his horses in tubs of ice, but some horses get to wear ice boots if they don’t like the tubs. When he wants to add heat to a joint, he wraps it loosely in plastic wrap. Trey doesn’t do his own shoeing, because the shoers he deals with are, as he says, very knowledgeable. He prefers to use shoes that nail on, but some horses need to wear glue-on shoes until their hoof walls get stronger. He says that some Quarter Horses have so little hoof wall that the “white line” is practically on the outside— in other words, there is no hoof wall to nail to. When it comes to bloodlines, Trey says that he likes seeing Mr Jess Perry on the dam side. He’s done well with horses that had that breeding. In general, Trey believes that the Quarter Horse breeding industry is moving away from Thoroughbred blood: races are getting shorter and the need for instant speed is getting stronger. “When I first started, most races were 350, 400, 440 yards. Now they’re just 220 or 300 yards. There aren’t many quarter-mile horses,” he says. Trey says that he races only in Louisiana. If a horse goes out of state to run, Trey places it with another trainer. He says, “There’s enough money here. We don’t have to go anywhere else.” Trey thanks Tony Patterson, Executive Director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association, and Leverne Perry, Executive Director Emeritus, for the excellent incentive program for Quarter Horse racing. Trey says, “It’s magnificent.”

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

You Say – Not My Horse!! But, then.... there was this horse in your memory that almost died. ‘Wake Up Horse Owners’! IT CAN and WILL happen to you! (or someone you know) Part 3 - Digestion and Why Risk of Impaction Colic Don’t tell me your horse has never had a digestive problem, just as I am sure you yourself have never had a digestion problem, also? Some horses tolerate pain better than others and just seem very somber I hope this article has been an awakening for you – It’s not IF my horse will get colic – It’s WHEN (will it always be your friends horse) What you should know about impaction colic: In previous issues, published 1st and 2nd articles of the digestive tract, I have brought your attention to various reasons why a horse may have colic. It may be your horse’s teeth not properly maintained, over feeding at one time or sudden change of feed, or not adequate intake of water. Not drinking enough water can be simply as a severe weather change. Horses drink when weather is warm, but if it suddenly drops overnight to 20 to 30 degrees or lower; the horse does not feel thirsty or hot the next day, so they do not drink adequate amounts. Impaction Colic is the number one killer of horses. Feed stuffs must be adequately broken down through digestion and flowing properly through a well hydrated horse. If not, the results are large masses of the food stuffs being moved slowly and actually trapped in the colon. Remember as explained above, the small colon keeps doing its job as usual, pulling out the moisture to make fecal balls. When movement of digestion is slowed down, the colon actually pulls so much water out of the feed stuff, that it is now sticking (adhering) to the mucosal lining. If given mineral oil as a treatment for impaction colic, may not work because the barrier made in feed stuffs sticking to the mucosal lining. The oil is not getting through to the other end and you do not see it being eliminated. Also, giving muscle relaxants (NSAIDs) as a treatment for impaction colic may not work because you need the smooth muscles to help with peristalsis (wave like movements) in moving partial digested feed stuffs through. SayWhoa! to horses in distress. This product assists in reversing the situation to aid in bringing body fluids back into the colon which supples up the mucosal lining which releases the adhering feed stuffs. Then the ionic solution of calcium plus other natural ingredients aid in promoting smooth muscles needed for peristalsis which assists in elimination of retained stools. SayWhoa! has been on the market for some time now and is sold in stores across the United States. Why wouldn’t you keep this on hand with a 5 year shelf life, no temperature control and the horse just swallows it with an included oral dosing syringe (even your care taker can give). Use as your first defense when you see signs of distress in horses. For more information, go to www.HorseSenseSolutions.com or call 800-448-8180. See why veterinarians recommend this and leading trainers won’t be without it. by Reba Martinez – Horse Sense Solutions

Fair Grounds Racecourse Releases Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule Q-RACING JOURNAL—JULY 18, 2016—A total of 11 stakes, topped by the 350-yard, $150,000-added Louisiana QHBA Sale Futurity (RG1), will be offered during Fair Grounds Racecourse’s 2016 Quarter Horse meet, which runs August 17-September 3. The LQHBA Sale Futurity will be one of five stakes contested on closing day. Other closing-day stakes include the 400-yard $50,000 Mid-City Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds and older, and the 250-yard, $50,000 Lakeview Dash Stakes for 3-year-olds and older. The Fair Grounds meet will feature T-REX racing on August 20 and zebra and ostrich racing on August 27. According to a press release from the track, T-REX racing has been made popular via sightings at major sporting events, festivals and functions around the country and abroad. A stable of Tyrannosaurus Rex creatures will compete in a total of four heats on August 20 to determine Fair Grounds’ inaugural “Fossil Stakes” winner.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Remembering Leverne Perry By Barbara Newtown

Leverne Perry and His Five Daughters

She lives in New Orleans and she’s a cosmetologist. Amy, my youngest sister, is a marketing representative for a hospital group and a mother of two and is very active in the community. I became a Certified Internal Auditor and worked as an auditor for the racing commission, then in various senior management positions in the gaming industry. I am the only one that became actively involved in quarter horse racing and breeding.

We all went in very different directions and have very different personalities, I think. There was a morning, this year, when one of the horses kicked down some boards in the barn. We just had part-time help in the afternoons, so my dad and I had to fix it. They were huge thick boards between two horses, we pulled and hammered and drilled, and I finally looked at him and said, “Dad, I don’t know why God didn’t give you any boys!” He laughed and said, “Good job fixing that, son!”

Alexandria. He was an only child, and he loved his parents. He would tell his mom “Happy Mother’s Day!” every time he saw her. He would say about his dad, “I can wear his boots but I can’t fill his shoes.” He kept a lot of his dad’s cowboy boots and he still would wear them. The day my dad entered the hospital, he had on his dad’s boots. My grandfather was a gentle giant. A quiet man who was loved by everybody. He wasn’t a wealthy man financially, but he was full of love. He wasn’t as bubbly as my dad! Dad got that from his mom. My grandfather worked cattle for people, so he traveled all over the state. If they had something they couldn’t get out of the woods or out of a spot, they would call him. He was a true cowboy. He had good horses and good skills. I remember watching him shoe his own horses. I was so impressed. I understand that the stallion Mr Jess Perry is named after your grandfather. Yes. My grandfather gave my dad $1,000 to find a mare for him, because my grandfather had working cow horses and had never done anything with racehorses. My dad bought Scoopie Fein [by Sinn Fein] in Texas and picked Streakin La Jolla to breed to. Scoopie foaled that baby, and one year later my grandfather passed away. My dad said the foal was the best one he ever raised and he named him after his father.

My mother sold ladies shoes. The store was like Imelda’s in Shreveport, a “contemporary, upscale boutique.” In fact, the people who started Imelda’s visited my mom’s store when it opened to look at the concept. Dad had more of a family shoe store, where you could buy boots, kids’ shoes, and adult shoes. He closed his shoe business in 1987 when he became the Executive Director of the LQHBA. Where did your dad grow up? Sieper, Louisiana. A little country town west of

Leverne and Mr Jesse

He loved us all very much. Every time he talked about any of us he just lit up. He was very proud of his girls and he tried to stay involved with us and the different aspects of our lives. Was your mother interested in horses? Yes. Actually, when she was younger, she was a rodeo queen and I think that’s how she and my dad met. She later worked at a bank for a while, and then she owned shoe stores. Both of my parents owned shoe stores. She kept hers until she retired.

pay Mr. Thompson back. He was so grateful that Mr. Thompson had given him the opportunity. My dad’s favorite horse was Purex. He was a really good roping horse and my dad was excited to get him. My grandmother told him he needed to name the horse Purex, because getting that horse cleaned them out! He never taught me how to rope because I am lefthanded, the only left-handed one in the family. He would tell me not to touch his rope because I’d mess it up. Your father had such variety in his life… He’s done so many things. He was in the Army in Japan during the Korean War. His job was to shoot down planes that came too close to Japan. He wasn’t there very long, so it was probably near the end of the war. He loved it there and he always said he would love to go back to Japan. He said the culture was so interesting and the people were so nice. (Leverne Perry hosted his own television show, “Leverne Perry and the Little Wranglers,” on KALB in Alexandria from 1960 to 1966. The show featured kids, cartoons, and guest stars from TV and movie Westerns.)

The Little Wranglers, Leverne, and Michael Landon

Continued from cover...

We still have one stallion at my dad’s horse farm, Mr Jesse, a three-quarter brother to Mr Jess Perry. His dam is Scoopie Magic, a daughter of Scoopie Fein, and his sire is also Streakin La Jolla. Your dad was a professional rodeo competitor? Yes. His specialty was calf roping, and he competed at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1952. He didn’t have enough money to go, but a friend and businessman named Jimmy Thompson sponsored him. Dad won the first go-around and was able to

People who were once “Little Wranglers” would stop him, every day and everywhere, and thank him for the show. It did not fail! He had this saying that he would always say to them: “I really appreciate you! Thank you for remembering.” He told every single person that, and he meant it. It touched him that people remembered. He did so much. He was president of the Police Jury, he was president of the local rodeo club, he was a businessman, he was a racehorse breeder, and he was always helping with fundraisers. He coached a softball team that one of my sisters was on and they won like two or three state championships. He made TV commercials for different businesses around town. But his life wasn’t about all the achievements. Continued on page 34..

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

The Copper Crowne Concept By Barbara Newtown

Acadiana Equine Clinic, a multi-disciplinary veterinary practice, has been going strong for over 30 years, most of those years at its original location on Gloria Switch Road in Lafayette, Louisiana. As time passed, a number of veterinarians practiced at Acadiana and retired or moved on. Dr. James “Sonny” Corley merged his practice with Acadiana years ago and now counts Drs. Eddie Cramer, Pat Bernard, Justin Jensen, Patrisor Baia, and Mark Buchert as his colleagues in state-of-the-art reproduction services, surgery, orthopedics, lameness treatments, and the care of racehorses. Acadiana Equine is now located in Opelousas, Louisiana, not far from Evangeline Downs. The clinic is part of Copper Crowne—a gorgeous, 210-acre property dedicated to equine reproduction, health care, training, and rehabilitation. Copper Crowne, so named for the elegant copper cupolas on the brand-new stables, boasts a 6 ½ furlong track, officially sanctioned by the Louisiana Racing Commission for workouts; a large outdoor arena; boarding, foaling, and rehab space for hundreds of horses; barns with living quarters; and superb veterinary facilities. Acadiana Equine’s official title is “Acadiana Equine Clinic at Copper Crowne,” not to be confused with “The Veterinary Clinic at Copper Crowne,” a facility for small animal care just a few small-animal strides away. Dr. Corley’s wife, Dr. Edna Dean Corley, oversees The Veterinary Clinic at Copper Crowne. Mr. Harold Forman, a prominent builder, developer, and supporter of Thoroughbred racing, envisioned the Copper Crowne concept: a full-service, “cradle-to-grave” facility that caters to every need an equine might require. Mr. Forman had been a friend and client of Dr. Corley for years, and he turned to Dr. Corley for input. Copper Crowne Equestrian Center began to take shape in 2009. The story of Copper Crowne is a tale of dedicated horsemen deciding to go “first class.” Good friends, old and new, are developing a dream that benefits many others, human and equine. I talked with Dr. Eddie Cramer, the reproduction specialist, about what Copper Crowne means to him.

You used to work with Dr. Chat Kleinpeter in Baton Rouge. I started off as more of a general practitioner. I always had a profound interest in reproductive medicine, but I really questioned, honestly, whether the region would support an exclusive reproductive veterinarian. But the repro services at Kleinpeter/Cramer in Baton Rouge continued to expand, and dramatically outgrew what was available to us. [The facility is leased from the Dixon family.] I love Bill and Mary Lee Dixon and they are very good friends. It’s a beautiful property, but it was never designed to be a breeding farm. The reproductive services within Kleinpeter/Cramer had just outgrown everything we could do there. We looked into developing a facility in the South Baton Rouge area, but the property values were prohibitive. A large portion of my client base at that point were running quarter horses that were doing embryo transfers. Most of them were in the Acadiana area, but since I was a lot closer than Oklahoma they came to me. So I had a client base in this region already. Kleinpeter and I discussed it for a long time but at the end of the day Chat was not interested in investing in a whole new project 60 miles away at that point in his life. We separated business interests. The “spun out” repro department of Kleinpeter & Cramer became the Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction, or LACER. Continued on page 17...

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

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The Copper Crowne Concept By Barbara Newtown

I purchased a tract of land for LACER in Opelousas. After I signed the purchase agreement, the realtor mentioned that somebody had just bought an old horse farm two miles away. Two days later Dr. Corley called me up and wanted to have lunch because he heard in the wind that a veterinarian just bought some land down the road. We went to lunch and we hardly knew each other. Frankly, there was some concern on both of our sides—you know, “is there a market that you are going after that I’m going after and how competitive are you?” 10 minutes into lunch we figured out that we could be neighbors and friends but we weren’t going to be in competition. LACER and Acadiana Equine at Copper Crowne were happening at the same time. We were friendly but really didn’t do a whole lot of work together until about 2012. And what actually happened was that the first thoroughbred stallion we stood at LACER had a lot of ties back to Dr. Corley and Acadiana. The logic was that LACER didn’t have the capacity to handle that influx of broodmares. Copper Crown would function more as the mare farm and we would haul them over to LACER for breeding and repro. It made a lot of sense. What happened practically is that Dr. Corley and I started working together and getting to know each other…

Acadiana, and Copper Crowne is that it is so amiable. The only way to be first class is to have people who are really good at what they do. You have to be able to put together a team. You capitalize on everyone’s strengths. We do really high end reproductive work, which is very near and dear to me, but, for instance, we have the full complement of surgery, particularly emergency surgery. There is a very limited number of practices in the state that offer emergency surgeries. Now we are one of those practices, and especially in this region that’s a big deal. And I think the development of a rehab facility is a huge

We moved the stallions to Copper Crowne and now use the nice, big stallion stalls at LACER as foaling stalls. They tie in well to the office where we have overnight staff. It all fits really well. God is a smart guy! He does a lot when we are not looking. What seems wonderful about the union of LACER,

When we use frozen, when it is 36 hours post injection we check that mare hourly and then we breed her within an hour post ovulation. If you know you are in that very small time window post ovulation, no more than three or four hours, it’s actually very effective.

Cattle embryos can be frozen. But with horses we have to use cryoprotectants that basically change the freeze point of the fluid inside the cell. The fluid doesn’t actually freeze but turns into a glass-like state. It’s called vitrification, not freezing. Cattle embryos are also much smaller than horse embryos. We have to flush mares a bit early to collect smaller embryos. The chemicals are damaging to the cells. If you have too large an embryo, the chemicals will not penetrate the center of the embryo quickly enough before the chemicals start killing the cells on the periphery.

[Dr. Cramer explains that Harold Forman concentrates on the 150 acres of Copper Crowne that include the training center and track. Dr. Corley purchased Mr. Forman’s interest in the front 50 acres, the location of the original old farm and the new veterinary facilities.]

I don’t see shortcuts here! Everything is first class. Yes! Breeding and training done right, right here. And LACER has always had that same principle and same core values. Sonny and I see the world the same way. Even though LACER has focused on different breeds and disciplines—particularly running quarter horses—and Copper Crowne has focused on Thoroughbreds, we are open to everything.

What is the time frame for fresh semen? With fresh we talk about a 48 hour window prior to ovulation, so getting mares pregnant with fresh semen is a lot easier. It’s a lot less time and a lot less work. We have products that can induce ovulation, somewhere between 36 and 48 hours after injection.

Cattle breeders have been using frozen semen successfully much longer than horse breeders. In general, equine reproduction is very different. The chemicals used to make extenders for bull semen really don’t work that well on the equine sperm cell.

January 1st of 2015 was the official merger of LACER and Acadiana Equine. We have probably 250 mares in our care.

There is not the same ownership across all of Copper Crowne. At this point Sonny owns half of LACER and I own half of the farm at Copper Crowne.

However, in my experience if you are on the edges of that time frame you will have very little success.

How early in the pregnancy can you flush an embryo? Six days post ovulation. That can’t be seen on ultrasound, can it? Oh, no. The earliest you can consistently find vesicles in a mare’s uterus on an ultrasound is about day 11 or 12. deal. I am somewhat familiar with the use of frozen semen in the warmblood breeds. It seems that breeders are having more success these days. In the last five to seven years, generally speaking, the quality of frozen equine semen has improved dramatically. When you use high quality frozen semen with really wellmanaged mares, I can’t say I see a significant decrease in fertility. Ten years ago I wouldn’t have said that. A lot of the extender we use to freeze the semen does a much better job of protecting the cells through the preservation process. Is it hard to time insemination when you use frozen? In the literature it is claimed that you can be anywhere from 12 hours pre-ovulation to 6 hours post-ovulation.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Every time we do a flush on a donor mare we are hoping there’s an embryo in there. After we collect the fluid, filter it, and look at it, we are either happy or sad. Conception occurs in the oviduct of the mare. It’s not until day 5 that the embryo enters the uterus. You can’t effectively flush the oviduct with the techniques we commonly use. So we are trying to hit a time frame where the embryo enters the uterus on day 5, and if we wait past day 6 the embryo is too big to vitrify. There are certainly times when you flush the mare on day 6 and you don’t recover an embryo. If she turns up pregnant well, the embryo was probably still in the oviduct. Not every mare reads the book! You have to assume a mare is normal, unless she has a history of being abnormal. Continued on page 21...

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Donald Watson, Jr., Takes Off Running By Barbara Newtown

Donald “Gabbie” Watson, Jr., 28 years old, has been around racing for as long as he can remember. His grandfathers and uncles raised, trained, and raced Quarter Horses. Donald Sr. is a successful jockey, still going strong, and his agent is Dedria Watson, his wife and Gabbie’s mom. The family connections to racing continue: Ashley, Gabbie’s wife, is the assistant race secretary at Evangeline Downs. “My earliest memory,” says Gabbie, “is traveling with my mother and the great Mr Jess Perry to every track. That horse was a member of our family!” Gabbie grew up in the country, riding quarter horses in the pastures and down the road. “No cattle for us,” he says. “Absolutely all racehorses!” Gabbie groomed for his grandfather and after high school he worked at Evangeline Downs as a valet for his father and “pretty much all the jockeys.” He worked as Clerk of Scales for a year or two, and then as a stall man for a few months. He says that he always had a spot on the racetrack. “I tried to gather up all the details, get an inside image,” he says. He thought about being a jockey and following his father’s path, but he saw what his dad has gone through. “I have three kids and I can’t afford to get hurt. When I was old enough to understand, I realized I wanted to be a trainer and watch my horse run!” Quarter Horses – and their speed -- are Gabbie’s passion. His favorite these days is Mr Dash Jess, a son of Rock Solid Jess. “He’s a good-sized colt, straight-legged, and

he can run a little. We may try him in a stakes race at the Fair Grounds. I’m thankful to get to work with him in my first year of training. I believe in all the horses in my barn. They’ve been doing their part,” says Gabbie. Gabbie has been running his own training business since January 2016. His percentages are impressive: 33 starts, 7 wins, 7 places, 4 shows, and a number of 4th place finishes. Two of the races were qualifiers for the Mardi Gras and the Old South Futurities. He has runners of all kinds, and he believes that you can always find a race that a horse can win, whether it’s a futurity or a $5,000 claiming race. “Watch your horse, work with him every day, and see what he can handle,” says Gabbie. “The distance will come naturally and you’ll know where your horse is going to run.” Gabbie learns from the best. He gets a lot of help from Donald Sr., especially with gate training. And Gabbie has special praise for trainers Kenny Roberts and Kevin Broussard, who are generous with help and advice. In fact, Gabbie and his string traveled with Kenny to the meet in San Antonio and shared space in the barn. The name “Gabbie” is the name of his childhood and his apprenticeship in the industry. Now he is known as Donald Watson, Jr., and he is proud to carry his father’s name into his new career. When Donald Watson, Sr., retires from the explosive world of the Quarter Horse jockey, he is looking forward to joining his son Donald Watson, Jr., in business at the family farm in Sunset. “It’s something my dad has always wanted to do: breaking, boarding, foaling, training.” In the meantime, Donald Jr. is ready for even more clients, and he looks forward to helping their horses accelerate to the finish line.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

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The Copper Crowne Concept By Barbara Newtown

Some older mares tend to ovulate smaller follicles and tend not to show signs of estrus nearly as long. We have a mare of a client and the biggest her follicle has every grown is 17 or 18 millimeters. She commonly ovulates multiple, very small follicles. She was out of our care for a while, and the stud farm she was at refused to breed her on small follicles. They had her for three heat cycles and never bred her because she ovulated early each time. She came back to the farm I was working at and we settled her back. You have to listen to the individual. Will a foal carried by a recipient mare be the same quality as a foal carried by its real mother? Absolutely no genetic material is passed from the recipient mare to the foal. But you get to the question of nurture versus nature. I would suggest that “nurture” starts immediately after conception. The uterine environment of the donor is very different from the uterine environment of the recipient. Unfortunately our ability to assess [uterine environment] is limited. Still, if you look at Thoroughbred produce records, there is certainly a correlation between younger mares and better offspring. I have no numbers to back this up, but logic would certainly support the idea that you would do an embryo a favor by removing from the uterus of an older mare and allowing it to be carried in the healthier uterus of a younger mare. You mentioned that repro work is very seasonal. Sure. Around May or June repro slows down substantially and I can help out with other areas of the practice. I do anesthesia sometimes for our surgeon, Dr. Pete Baia. Come January, I won’t be doing much anesthesia! Thank you, Dr. Cramer! For more information contact: Acadiana Equine Hospital- 5124 Hwy 182 • Opelousas, LA 70570 | (337) 407-9555 | acadianaequinehospital@gmail.com • www.acadianaequinehospital.com For more information about the services offered by the Copper Crowne Equestrian Center, contact: Copper Crowne Equestrian Center 5180 Hwy 182 South • Opelousas, LA 70570 | (337) 942-2401 | sales@coppercrowne.com www.coppercrowne.com For more information about LACER, contact: Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction 660 Montgomery Road • Opelousas, LA 70570 | (337) 407-0708 | www.laequine.com

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Robicheaux Ranch Knows: Handsome Is as Handsome Does By Barbara Newtown

“I showed halter from age 9 to age 18,” says Ryan Robicheaux, as we stroll down the aisle in the stallion barn of Robicheaux Ranch in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. The stallions are nationally ranked racing Quarter Horses. “Show horses are nice—you win a ribbon—but with race horses you win money!” He grins at me and says: “We do have some halter babies that will be born here. I can’t get it out of my daddy, you know!” Jude Robicheaux, father of Ryan, started out as a plumber who raised and showed halter horses on the side. Even though he stood a halter stallion, he still didn’t make any money at it. Pat Ladner convinced him that there was money indeed in racehorse breeding and helped start Jude’s new breeding business off with the stallion Lightning Casanova. Jude and his friend Jud Griffin teamed up together as Shoestring Stud Farm. The land they bought eventually formed part of Robicheaux Ranch. Jude is indebted to Jud for teaching him how to run a horse business. “He taught me about keeping books, keeping health records,” Jude says. Eventually Jud wanted to retire, and the partners sold Shoestring. Jude went to work for L-J Farms in Alexandria. Ryan got interested in prepping yearlings for sale, and he leased the Shoestring property from its new owner. Jude decided to return home and be his own boss. He re-bought Shoestring in 1999 and has been adding acreage over the years, bringing the total almost up to 100 acres. Jude and Ryan have turned a passion for great conformation and superb prep, legacies of their interest in halter, into a savvy method for producing future money winners. The first ingredient, of course, is quality semen. Robicheaux Ranch, Inc., stands nine stallions, most with Dash for Cash somewhere in their bloodlines. The stallions range from established talent like 16-year-old Game Patriot, whose 2012 yearling auction fees averaged 3x the stud fee, to newcomers like stakes winner Fast Prize Jordan, just retired from racing, who boasts PYC Paint Your Wagon and Mr Jess Perry close up in his pedigree. The Robicheaux family does much more than stand some fancy stallions. Robicheaux Ranch Reproductive Services is a state-of-the-art facility for all aspects of equine breeding: artificial insemination with fresh and frozen semen, stallion training and handling, on-site laboratory, eighty on-site recipient mares for embryo transfer, specialized care for newborn foals, and management of sub-fertile mares. The ranch is a USDA-approved site for freezing semen. The ranch breeds 600-800 mares a year. Phillip DeVille, DVM, is the attending veterinarian. Jude and his wife Regina live on the ranch, and they and a night watchman do foal watch. Ryan, his wife Danielle, and their three daughters live close enough for Ryan to help with foaling, too. Regina also handles the office chores, which can be complicated during semen-shipping season. Louisiana has been good to breeders. “If you own a mare and breed to a stallion in Louisiana, and you bring that yearling to a sale, and I buy it—well, I’m going to pay the training bill, pay the vet bill, pay the futurity payments. If that horse runs first, second, third, in any race in Louisiana, you get twenty-five percent of the purse, because you’re the breeder!” Ryan laughs. “It’s called breeders awards, but we call it mailbox money! Say the horse made $20,000, a month later you get a check for $5,000. I sit on the board of directors of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association, and for two years now we’ve had a million-dollar race, and that breeder walks away with a check for over $100,000 for winning one race.” Because of the Louisiana breeder incentives, Robicheaux Ranch is home to a number of broodmares whose owners actually live in Texas, Florida, or other states surrounding Louisiana.

Ryan stops in front of a stall containing Heza Fast Dash, a gorgeous dark bay out of First Prize Dash, an AQHA Mare of Distinction. Heza Fast Dash’s son Ol Time Preacher Man won the 400-yard $1,000,000 LQHBA Breeders Futurity at Evangeline Downs on November 16, 2013. “Robicheaux Ranch stallions took home $903,000 of the one mil. It was a great night!” says Ryan. Ryan considers Heza Fast Dash’s conformation as it relates to the distance he ran best at: 300 yards. “He’s not big, but he’s well put together. He crosses well with Thoroughbred mares, too; those offspring are some of his best earners. He puts on the body and bulk, the mares put on height and leg.” Heza Fast Dash has short cannon bones and a great topline. His neck ties in high on the withers, his throatlatch is clean, and his shoulder is long and well-slanted. Ryan says, “I like a horse who ties into his shoulder real high. I want his withers to sit way back. The more the slope to his shoulder, the more his front feet can get in front of him. How far can his legs go if his shoulder is straight? D. Wayne Lucas” -- [the legendary Thoroughbred trainer] -- “says that the neck is the first thing he looks at. That’s the horse’s balance.” The Robicheaux stallion barn is a symphony of beautiful neck conformation and good-looking toplines. There is also lots of muscle. (My eye is used to the marathonrunner physique of classic-distance Thoroughbreds and the uphill design of modern warmbloods; the bulky, short-twitch muscling of horses designed to go all-out for a few seconds makes my eyes bug out.) Swinging Jess, a chestnut stakes-winning son of Mr Jess Perry, chews on his blanket while we talk. Ryan signals to his barn man to take it off of the horse, and I realize the man is deaf. “Is that American Sign Language?” I ask. “No, ma’am,” Ryan says. “He’s been with me years, and we manage.” Ryan is proud of the people he has hired. “They work for me on ten-month visas,” he says. “They go home to Mexico for November and December.” These 10-month employees have been with Robicheaux Ranch for over eight years. A skeleton crew of five, down from fifteen, stays at the ranch during those two months. That time is slack: the sales are mostly over, breeding hasn’t started yet, and…it’s hunting season. (Ryan had been duck hunting the morning of my tour of the ranch.) “We’re putting a little Thoroughbred on Swinging Jess,” says Ryan. “Crossing with Thoroughbreds works so well with Heza Fast Dash that we’re looking for the same build with Jess,” says Ryan. I ask, “How tall is he? Sixteen hands?” “Oh, no, he’s 15.1! He’s got so much muscle, he’s deceiving.” We admire Jet Black Patriot, a wonderfully muscled son of Game Patriot. Jet Black, another LQHBA Futurity winner, made over $800,000 as a two-year-old. “The other stallions, we work them, swim them; but Jet Black is a natural-born athlete. He’s like a guy who plays pro football on Sunday and never works out. I could work out every day and never look like that!” says Ryan. I notice how wide Jet Black is between his forelegs, and how his back seems longer than his daddy’s. “That’s right,” says Ryan. “He’s a little longer; he went 440 yards, because he can stretch more.” Continue on page 29..

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Spiller Quarter Horses – Speed for the Track & Talent for the Barrels By Barbara Newtown

Renee Spiller of Spiller Quarter Horses is high on her stallion Triple Vodka: “He’s a ‘built to last’ kind of horse. He’s 15.3 and heavy boned. Everyone who sees him says, ‘If you go look at him, you will breed to him!’” Triple Vodka is standing at Blanchet Farms in Ville Platte, Louisiana. He’s by Tres Seis and out of Newport Lily, by Stoli. His speed index is 101. Racing five times as a two-year-old, he was undefeated wire-to-wire. He was injured during his derby year (age 3), but he still piled up career earnings of $224,670. Renee says, “In his two-year-old year, all his races were 350 yards, and he won going away. He needed more distance. In his three-year-old year, before he got hurt, he was running 400. He never really got tested at 440, but I think he would be a good 400-440 horse. That’s where he was headed.” His first crop started racing this year. We’ll have to wait to see how his offspring do in the barrel pen, because horses don’t start running barrels until they are four. But the prognosis is good. Tres Seis and Stoli breeding creates not only the speed, but also the temperament to handle barrel training. World Champion barrel racer Brittany Pozzi owns colts by Triple Vodka. “We

have bred a lot of high-end barrel horses to Triple Vodka. The great mare IRA Grand Victory has produced a filly by him, and that one’s going straight to the barrel pen,” says Renee. “Sissys Little Coin, barrel futurity winner of over $250K with Talmadge Green, has a Triple Vodka colt.” Green has sent some of his race-bred mares as well as his barrel mares to Triple Vodka. “Triple Vodka’s colts are real marketable,” says Renee. “If you’re in the race horse business, you get the track run out of them, but then they have a high resale value to the people that want them to go as three and four-year-olds to the barrel pen. Their pedigree gives them a life after the race track.” Since Triple Vodka is Louisiana accredited, the generous Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association incentives come into play. But Triple Vodka also is in the nationwide Future Fortunes program. Future Fortunes pays barrel race bonus money to stallion owners, breeders, and owners. Continued on page 27...

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Q & A with Kenny Roberts by Barbara Newtown

Kenneth Roberts, Sr. - 2016 Leading Quarter Horse Trainer at Delta Downs

I talked with Kenny Roberts at Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana. His success in training racing Quarter Horses has made him a national leader in the industry. On July 9th, 2016, the last night of the Delta Downs Quarter Horse meet, Roberts was recognized as Leading Trainer. Roberts and Michael Taylor vied back-and-forth for the crown until the very last race, when Roberts pulled ahead with a total of 40 wins. Mr. Roberts, I saw my first Quarter Horse races this week. Those horses take off like rockets! Tell me about gate training. Anywhere from 85% to 90% of our races are won from the gate. If you get a good start and you’ve got a real good horse, then you are in good shape. Going the short distances that we go, it’s hard to overcome a bad start. I do a lot of gate training. I want my horse really focusing when he’s in the gate. I want him looking down the racetrack. It’s hard, because they’re making a lot of noise when they’re loading horses into the gate. I don’t want my horse worrying about the gate closing. People say, “Everything depends on them leaving.” That’s true. I noticed that the announcer tells the public if certain horses in a race are wearing a “flipping rig” or “flipping halter.” I understand that it keeps the horse looking forward down the track while he’s in the gate, and that as soon as the gate opens the horse is free. But if the horse pulls back on the rig, it actually can hold the gate shut for a moment.

A lot of horses probably won’t need flipping rigs, but I use them because I want to try to do anything possible to get my horse out of the gate the best way I can. So I help myself and my owners and my horses and my riders by using the rigs. Probably 90% of my horses use them, not just the few that are a little impatient or aggressive. A flipping rig can go good for you and it can go bad. If a horse sits back on the rope and puts tension on it, yes, sometimes it keeps the gate from coming open. We try our best to stand our horses as much as possible. We groom a lot of horses in the stall. They get used to being tied. When they feel a little tension, they come right back. That’s an advantage I see for trying to win a race. Have you worked with horses that just won’t stand tied? If I bring 20 horses out to the gate, I might get one or two that I see don’t like it and will fight it. Then the ones that you think will fight it...won’t. It’s amazing. Most of the time they will get in the gate, pull on the rig a little bit, and they’re done with it and won’t fight it. Continued on page 26...

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

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Q & A with Kenny Roberts by Barbara Newtown

Ol’ Time Preacher Man

We try to do each horse as an individual. They aren’t all the same. I try to train a horse to his personality. Do the people working the gates have a lot of impact on the race? Exactly. You don’t know who you’ll get working the gate on the day of the race. To me, when you work the gate, you have got to be a horseman. Trainers and owners and jockeys put their hard work into it...really, you have the jockey’s livelihood in that gate, not just the money, but safety, too. Jockeys can get hurt. That’s why I do everything I can to work with my horses at the gate. I know that things can happen because I’ve had them happen to me before. Your horse might stand a little awkward and fall out of the gate. It happens. Do trainers make a habit of getting to know the starter and the gate crew? Oh, yeah, but race night you don’t know who you’re going to get to head your horse, because not everybody that works at night works in the morning. Some of the guys may know your horses, but some won’t. A gate guy has got to have that feel for every horse he handles. Some horses, if you handle them rough, they’ll watch you. And some of the ones you handle rough will show you that they are rougher than you and they will fight. Some of these guys don’t know [the difference]. I try to tell my rider, ‘Hey, just get in the gate and tell whoever is handling your horse to just be easy and don’t fight him,’ but sometimes those headers can be a little smartalecky and just want to do their job. Things happen. I wish some of these guys on the gate could focus and understand that you have a life on these horses, and that you have to protect the rider and protect yourself. You have to listen to the jockey. If he tells you to be easy, then be easy. He has been on this horse and he knows. Through this whole racetrack industry, if you’re a jockey, they have to watch you ride to get a license and be approved. If you’re a trainer, you have to take a test

to be approved. But if you work the gate, you don’t have to be approved. It’s not right. Who hires the gate people? The starter and the racetrack. They try to get the best people, but, to me, they need to go through a system to get the job. You have people all over the world gambling on these horses and it’s in the gate crew’s hands. It’s not in the trainers’ hands anymore. So that’s the only thing I see that is bad on the part of racetracks. I feel they need to get the best and pay them good money. If you pay them well you are going to get good horsemen. I feel that the racetracks need to look at it in that perspective, to try to help the owners, jockeys, and trainers by trying to get the best people they can.

ran. Now, I wouldn’t go buy that for anyone, but I’ve had people bring them to me and the horses did good. I had a 2-year-old this year that I liked a lot. She was a little pigeon toed and never had a problem until the last set of trials, when she had a little chip in her ankle. I didn’t think she would get that far down the program, but she did. You never know. It depends on the heart they have. Mother Nature takes care of some of them. Do you x-ray knees? We x-ray knees, ankles, shins, stifles, hocks, or whatever, if we are going to spend money on a horse. We want to know everything that we can. I’m looking for OCD, or chips, or something like that. I also want to make sure they can breathe real well.

How does a jockey demonstrate that he’s ready for a license? He shows the starter that he knows how to break from the gate. He has to show that he has learned how to keep a horse straight and in control. He has to know how to whip and switch sticks and things like that.

It all depends on how much money I’m going to spend on a horse. If it’s a horse I really like and he does have a little problem that won’t cost me an arm and a leg to fix, I’ll let that owner know that the horse has this or that and I will ask what they want to do, and I’ll suggest that we get it cleaned up.

How in the world do you control a horse if your legs are bent way up in the jockey position? You have to have balance and good hands and a good mind. If you have those things, you will go a long ways.

When do you start your horses? If we’re going to run a horse early, like in the Mardi Gras Futurity, I might send him off to get broke in August, when he’s about 18 months old. I want him to be really knowledgeable. No speed work. Just breaking and driving to get him going. He might stay until October.

Quarter Horse jockeys have to think fast and smart. In a second everything could happen. When they say GO! you have to be focused. In a Quarter Horse race, does gate position matter? It all depends on the condition of the race track. If the track is even all the way across, then I don’t care. If the sand is loose, the horses have to work harder. If it’s tight, the horses are going to perform better and run faster. Sometimes the inside might be slow, sometimes the middle or outside might be slow. I like the track at Louisiana Downs a lot. When they hold the Quarter Horse meet it’s real cold, but the track is very, very kind to my horses. What do you look for in a horse? If I look at a horse and he’s pretty balanced and moves good, he can really catch my attention. I can’t tell you why I might want a horse. If I go to a sale and see a horse that really grabs me and makes me look at him, most of the time I have people that are going to get him. I can’t tell you why I want him. I just get the feeling that he will work. I tell anybody that when you leave a sale you have to love what you bought and you have to think that you are going to do good. Are there any body or leg conformation faults that you can live with? I’ve had all kinds of horses come to me. I’ve had horses sit back in their knees that ran, horses pigeon toed that

I send them to a good friend of mine in Texas, also named Kenny Roberts. No kin. I trust him a lot and I believe what he tells me about the horses he breaks for me. He has a real good program and he does super well. He helps my program, because when I get a horse from Kenny I know what category the horse is in. Kenny may say a horse is a little aggressive and I need to wait, or he may think a horse is real nice or looks like he may be something later on. I think a lot of him. He is a good guy and a real, true horseman. Are there bloodlines that you look for? Yeah. Horses from the state of Louisiana. We have good horses here. The stallions are good. People that buy horses here can go anywhere and compete. I went to California and won big races with horses that came from right here. I won All American Derby races with horses from right here in the state of Louisiana. I feel we have one of the best breeders programs in the nation. Anything you want to add? I hope some of the things I say get to the right people and things get done. I want to make racing better for everybody. I’ll tell you, I love this. I wake up in the morning loving it and I go to bed loving it. Racing has its good and bad, but as long as I’ve been in it, it’s been more good than bad!

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Continued from page 24... Spiller Quarter Horses – Speed for the Track & Talent for the Barrels By Barbara Newtown Renee says that some barrel horse trainers won’t even look at a colt that isn’t by a Future Fortunes stallion. It’s a hard program to get into: there’s a long wait list. Renee and her husband Charles own an 80-acre farm in George West, Texas, about 70 miles south of San Antonio, and a 45-acre broodmare farm in Leblanc, Louisiana. “That way I can keep my broodmares Louisiana accredited,” she says. Dr. Cramer at Acadiana Equine Hospital at Copper Crowne in Opelousas, Louisiana, maintains frozen semen for Triple Vodka for mares not handled at Blanchet Farms. The George West, Texas, farm is home to the Spiller’s young stallion Jets Quick Fortune, a son of Jet Black Patriot. Jets Quick Fortune has a 109 speed index and was the AQHA regional racing champion. Renee says that Jets Quick Fortune has the conformation, brains, and mindset to make a barrel horse, but his pedigree is “straight up race track.” He will have to prove that he can produce performers in the barrel pen. Renee says that she rotates her broodmares between the Texas and Louisiana programs, because she can’t afford to keep all of her mares in Louisiana. Besides, she says, “Louisiana is flooded with stallions right now!” The slot money makes the difference. She contends that there is a lot of pressure keeping casinos out of Texas— not only pressure from the churches, but also political influence from the neighboring states that like seeing Texans coming across the borders to gamble. Renee started her horse career at age 6. Her parents weren’t “horse people,” but they supported Renee. They paid $60 for a 25-year-old grade paint horse that they discovered on their deer lease, and a neighbor hauled Renee to all the 4-H meetings. When Renee was in her teens, she and her grandmother would “go down the road” to little open horse shows. “4-H is a strong, good program,” says Renee. She participated in 4-H all the way through high school and did both the judged and the timed events, as well as the national horse judging teams. Renee eventually moved to south Texas, where there was more interest in timed events. She concentrated on barrel racing. Her daughter Amanda Specht was the National High School Rodeo Association World Champion Reserve barrel racer. Today Renee and Charles produce about ten major barrel races a year in Waco and Gonzales, Texas. Their company is called WrapN3, they’ve been putting on races since 2007, and they generally have 300 to 600 entries. Just as Triple Vodka combines the best of barrel genes and the best of racing genes, Renee combines the best of the performance and racing worlds…and the best of Texas and Louisiana.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Continue from page 22...

Robicheaux Ranch Knows: Handsome Is as Handsome Does By Barbara Newtown

Jet Black Patriot is a true miracle. He had joint ill (caused by infection that gets in via the umbilicus) and the veterinarians at LSU had just about given up on him. But, says Ryan, the horse’s owners did everything they could for Jet Black and their support paid off. “Now look where he is!” By this time on our tour I am curious about the Robicheaux method for putting on muscle and glossy coats. “We feed Purina Strategy,” says Ryan. Sometimes they add Amplify, which is 30% fat. “And there’s good old corn oil. A couple of ounces, morning and night, and they put on weight. And alfalfa is key.” Since Robicheaux Ranch prepares young horses for sales, not for races, they achieve fitness with a hot walker and a swimming pool. In fact, when Jude and Jud first acquired the acreage for their racehorse breeding business, they took out the practice track to make room for more paddocks. When Jud retired and they sold the place, the new owners put the track back in. And when Jude purchased again, they removed the track again! The swimming pool is simple. 14 feet deep and 140 feet long, it is dug out in a V-shape from side to side. Clay keeps the water from seeping out too much. The entrance to the water is gradual, with pipe railings that help keep the horse straight as it goes in. “In the summer we dye the water blue,” Ryan says. The horse wears a halter with a swivel out in front, with two longe lines attached that go out to a person on each side. Ryan points out that not all horses can swim. “You have to be careful, ready to pull them out to the side,” he says. A first-timer who can figure out how to swim might manage the 140-foot distance only once. By sale time, a yearling can get there and back four times. Best of all, you can work a horse in the afternoon of the hottest day of the year. Sales prep never has to stop, even in August. “Not every horse is the same,” says Ryan. At Robicheaux the proportions of feed and exercise are adjusted to get the best result. “You don’t want to feed them a lot and then take it all off with too much exercise!” Sales prep takes ninety days. Every two weeks every horse in the sales prep program is haltered, taken out to the ranch front yard under the oak trees, stood up, and jogged by the staff. Jude and Ryan, armed with notes and statistics, examine each horse critically and adjust proportions of feed and exercise to ensure that health and muscling will be at their peak when the sale takes place. Owners often attend the bi-weekly eyeball session. At Robicheaux Ranch, the young sales prospects are handled so much that they have excellent manners. They know that humans know best. When it is time to leave for the sale, the yearlings step quietly onto the trailer—without any trailer breaking. “I’ve never trailer-trained a horse,” says Ryan. “They just get right on.” We admire the oak trees in the front yard. “That’s where Oak Tree Special is buried,” Ryan says. “His halter’s hanging on the wall in the stallion barn.” Oak Tree Special (Special Task – Easy Lady Oak) was a brown/black 2000 stallion, having success with his stud career after a stellar three-year-old year on the track: World Champion Racing American Quarter Horse, AQHA Racing Champion Three-year-old. For two years Jude and Ryan collected Oak Tree Special on the ground, without a mount, to spare the horse’s stifles. Eventually he became too sore, and they had to put him down. I look around at the pretty yard, the neat-as-a-pin fence lines and buildings, and imagine the short-distance winners of tomorrow parading in front of Jude and Ryan and Oak Tree Special.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

It was about how he was with people and how he gave his time and his love. My dad has always had a strong place in his heart for people with any special needs. He’s done a lot over the years to help people with disabilities. One day we had round bales delivered and the tractor wouldn’t start, so the man that delivered them and I were pushing the bales off the trailer. Normally dad would be there supervising or trying to push them himself, but he wasn’t. I looked up and said, “Where’s Dad?” He was at the front of the man’s truck on the passenger side talking to somebody. As I walked up just to see what he was doing, I saw him pull a $20 bill out of his pocket and grab this hand and put the bill in this hand and close it… I realize that he’s talking to the hay man’s daughter and she is blind. She was talking about getting their Harley repaired and her dad had bought a side car for their Harley… She said she loved it and wanted to go everywhere in it. After delivering hay they were going to try to get it out of the shop. Dad put a $20 bill in her hand and told her to put it towards getting her Harley fixed. And she was so sweet and said, “Oh, Mr. Leverne, I love you, I love you!” She wanted to come back and see him. It was just a really sweet thing to be able to witness. And I turned around, when they left, and I saw that my dad had tears in his eyes and he said, “You know, you just thank God every day that you’ve got your health, and I just can’t help but want to help people who don’t.” That was my dad, unsolicited and in front of no audience. I’m just grateful that God let me witness that first hand. It was a blessing to see that one little moment completely out of the blue.

Awarding LQHBA Scholarships

He’s done so much for people. He’s raised money for St. Mary’s. He started the first Horses and Handicaps

program in Alexandria and started the LQHBA scholarship program … Did your dad love music? Oh, yes. He loved Dwight Yoakum and older country singers like Hank Williams and Merle Haggard. Country classic. He had a guitar and he wanted to play the guitar so bad…

We have no musical talent whatsoever. In his next life he will be a musician.

I could conquer the world, but when he blacked my eye I thought maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

During the last several years he would call us girls up and not say anything, just hold the phone close to the speaker and the song would be George Strait’s “Love Without End”: “Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then. It’s a love without end, amen, it’s a love without end, amen.” If we didn’t answer, he’d leave the song on our voicemail. He would do it to all of us, all the time!

My dad said, “Well, send him down here, and I’ll find someone who will do something with him.” When the horse got to my dad’s place, he busted out with a contagious respiratory infection. It spread though his entire barn. My dad was so mad at me.

Dad had extreme hearing loss. It might be hereditary. He couldn’t hear me very well, so I had to get my voice high and yell. If people were around who weren’t used to us, they probably thought, “What’s wrong with them?!” In a way, we are opposites. Now, I’m a thinker and tend to worry, and he would say to me, “Quit fighting your head!” Dad was spontaneous and didn’t worry. We were like yin and yang, left hand and right hand. We’d be in the barn, and he’d say, “Do it this way!” And I’d say, “Daddy, I can’t!” We could both get from A to Z, but he was going to go by way of D and G and I was going to go by way of E and H. I’d do it my way, he’d do it his way, and we’d laugh and high five and say, “Teamwork!” Leigh, have you always been involved with horses? I don’t remember not being around horses. They were always part of our life. I didn’t grow up on a farm, but my dad always had land somewhere and my grandparents had land outside Alexandria where we would ride.

Then, three weeks later, he told me to come home because he had something for me to see: a dead broke retired Quarter Horse off the track who had $75 in lifetime earnings who had been turned out in someone’s pasture and had a huge abscessed hoof. He wasn’t my vision of an ideal horse, but I couldn’t say anything. He came with a saddle, too! He lived to be 31, and I owned him for about 17 years. He was the best horse and my best friend. My dad knew what I needed. When my horse passed away, Dad had a formal headstone made for him and brought it to Shreveport along with some mums. We placed the headstone at his grave and Dad planted the flowers. That’s the kind of dad he was. Over the years he and I partnered on a few race horses and a broodmare. This year we had our first stakes horse as co-breeders, Who Jack. It was so special to me that he was able to see that. His last yearling will be going through the sale ring at the yearling sale and that

I got away from riding for many years when I was involved other sports and in college. Then I moved to Shreveport after college and went riding with a cousin, and I said, “Dad, I want a horse.” He said, “No, you don’t, it will pass.” He just kept thinking I would get past it, and he kept putting me off. In his breeding business, he had a pretty large volume of horses. Some of them might not have been halter broke until they were weaned and were a good size. He’d tell me not to handle the yearlings at all. He was protecting me. When I was working for the racing commission at LA Downs, I would visit the backside on my lunch breaks, even though I was all dressed up, just to get the smell of the horses. I kept telling one trainer that there was one horse, Fire for Virgil, that I wanted when he retired from racing. I didn’t realize that I didn’t have the skills to handle a Thoroughbred coming off the track. One day after the trainer had moved down to the Fair Grounds he called me and said, “Hey, we’re retiring that horse. He’s on the van. Where do you want him to go?” I put him in a stable by the river, then put on his halter and took him for a walk around the barn, and BOOM—he gave me a black eye. I was in my early 20s and I thought

is tough to swallow. I’m honored that he passed his passion for this industry on to me. Through serving on the Board of Directors for the LQHBA, I can continue to contribute to an industry that he dedicated so much of his life to improving. Through this difficult time, all of his friends in the industry have been so supportive of our family, which has been very comforting and is appreciated. Jesse & Goretha Perry with son, Leverne

Remembering Leverne Perry By Barbara Newtown

Leigh & Leverne

Continued from page 12...

Thank you, Leigh.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Photo above: Karla Skrantz, Butch Stevens, Jose Jaramillo with Brees Bayou.

LQHBA Insider

INCOMING LQHBA PRESIDENT JULIEN ‘BUTCH’ STEVENS III

Julien “Butch” Stevens, III is a very busy man! He just accepted another duty to his demanding schedule when he was elected president of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) for 2016-2017. Born and raised in Leesville, Louisiana, Stevens has been around horses his entire life. “My dad was in and out of racing,” said Stevens. “We spent plenty of time at the brush tracks when I was growing up.” He will join a noted list of recent hard-working past presidents including Gerald Libersat; Mark Petry, DDS; Mike Hayes; Leigh Lepinski; Larry Findley, DVM and Shawn Magee, whose term just ended.

Stevens attended the April 25th Racing Commission Meeting and reported that things went well and that the new commissioners were up to speed. “I have some goals regarding breeder incentives and purses,” stated Stevens. “Our association is on the right track and we are proud of our $1 million futurity. We will do our best to keep it there.” Dr. Larry Findley, DVM, has served on the LQHBA board for eight years. He has known Stevens for over 20 years and feels he will do an excellent job leading the association. “We have an excellent foundation in place and Butch will not only enhance what we have accomplished so far, but implement new ideas,” said Findley. “As a Quarter Horse owner and breeder, he fully understands the goals of the association from all angles. I know he will be open to suggestions and work hard to take LQHBA’s programs further into the history books.” Tony Patterson, executive director of LQHBA, looks forward to Stevens leadership in the year ahead. “Butch is an experienced horseman who understands all facets of racing and breeding,” said Patterson. “The role of our association’s presidency is not easy, by any means. We have one of the best breeding and racing programs in the country, and each year we hope to build upon that. Butch is a well-respected businessman who has been an outstanding board member for five years. We look forward to supporting him in his new role.” Stevens is a devoted family man, He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children and six grandchildren. With his leadership, the momentum for Louisiana racing and breeding will continue to flourish in the year ahead!

Together with their LQHBA board members, each president has worked tirelessly to create greater opportunities and revenues for Louisiana racing and breeding. In 2015, Louisiana Quarter Horse racing offered $22 Million in Purses; $4.5 million in breeders awards and $500,000 in stallion awards. The association organizes the annual Yearling Sale and Fall Mixed Sale as well as its annual Awards banquet.

Stevens Committed to Breeding and Racing The Stevens family had a long association with Claude and Bessie Lea Jeane, who were recently inducted into the inaugural LQHBA Hall of Fame. In 2014, Stevens purchased multiple Grade 1 winner Okey Dokey Fantasy with Scott Jeane. He stands at the Claude Jeane Farm near Evans, Louisiana and covered 50 mares this season. That is his lone stallion, but on his farm in Leesville, Stevens has 16 broodmares, nine yearlings, eight weanling and 16 horses in training. His racehorses are conditioned by Paul Rigdon. Stevens also raises register Black Angus cattle and have been in the land and timber business for the past two decades. He has phased out the construction side of his company, but notes that he still has “plenty of irons in the fire”. Goals for LQHBA Stevens credits his predecessors for their hard work and progress in growing the Louisiana racing industry. “We have been very successful in bringing the numbers up for Louisiana horsemen,” said Stevens. “Our state-bred racing program offers excellent incentives and Louisiana horses, such as Open Me A Corona, are getting national industry attention.”

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

LQHBA Insider

Vidrine. “She was a very good mama; always had a lot of milk and had a pleasant disposition.” Her foals were always born in April or May and each of her babies, according to Vidrine, had tremendous heart.

CARRY ON TEE

Louisiana Quarter Horse breeder Gerald Vidrine lost a prized broodmare on January 18, when Carry On Tee was euthanized due to a respiratory illness. Bred in Louisiana by Donna Jackson, Carry On Tee, a daughter of Streakin La Jolla out of the Rocket’s Magic mare Tees Heart was born on April 1, 1990. There was no “April Fools” joke with this mare, whose 25-year life began on the racetrack and continued with a significant impact in the breeding shed.

Racing Career Landris “Chop” and Harold Saucier owned Carry On Tee when she made her racing debut at Delta Downs on April 16, 1992 in trials for the Lassie Futurity. Trained by Mike Lyles and ridden by Darrell Constantin, she finished fourth to Miss Go Avenger. She had a good career, winning five of her 12 starts, including a victory in a starter allowance on August 23, 1993. Philip Calais was her conditioner and gave a leg up to Charles “Dink” McMahon in her final race. She earned $17,488 before embarking on her second career as a broodmare. “Things were different back then,” said Vidrine. “She was a good racehorse, but proved to be a superior broodmare.” Sold To Vidrine Vidrine, who resides in Ville Platte, bought her in 1994 when she was in foal to Some Kind of Dash. “I bred her to a lot of young stallions,” explained

Top Producing Progeny Burrs Warrior was one of the most successful of her 15 foals. Campaigned from 2001 - 2005, the son of Burrs First Down had his best year in 2002, when he was the 8th-ranked Quarter Horse by wins. He captured both the Delta Downs Louisiana Derby (G3) and the East Derby Challenge (G3). He represented Louisiana in the 2002 AQHA Derby Challenge at Lone Star Park, running third with Gilbert Ortiz in the irons. “If he hadn’t been a bleeder, he would have won twice as many stakes races,” said Vidrine. The career record of Burrs Warrior stood at 34-115-6 with $181,645 in purses. He made his final start on October 30, 2005 at Evangeline Downs. Vidrine bred Carry On Tee to Osceola Warrior and Warrior Lee was foaled on April 19, 1997. He was a juvenile standout winning the 1999 Laddie Futurity in April, 1999 and the Grade 2 Speedhorse Gold Cup Futurity four months later at Fair Meadows at Tulsa. The sorrel gelding completed his 2-yearold campaign in the Louisiana Champions Quarter Horse Juvenile (G2) at Fair Grounds, finishing third. The daughters of Carry On Tee continue her legacy and have produced some noted champions. First Down Tee made nine starts, winning just one before she was retired. One of her most accomplished foals is Tee Chic, who was the fastest qualifier to the 2015 Oklahoma Futurity at Remington Park. She won the richest edition of the stakes, with a purse of $410,000 on March 21, 2015. Safe to say, it was a very proud moment for Vidrine. “She had some foot problems which is why she didn’t have more success on the racetrack,” Vidrine said of First Down Tee.

“What’s really fascinating is that her daughters have continued her legacy,” noted Vidrine. “They are winning big races, not just in Louisiana, but in Oklahoma and New Mexico.” Success This Meet at Delta Downs Vidrine bred Heasablackmagic, who won the $29,000 Par-A-Dice Stakes on June 30, covering 300-yards in a impressive :15.005 seconds. Juan Carillo owns the 5-year-old son of Jet Black Patriot, out of the Toast to Dash mare Toast of Magic. It was the seventh career win for Heasablackmagic, which boosted his bankroll to $145,020. On closing night of the 2016 Delta Downs Quarter Horse meet, Vidrine will be in Vinton to cheer on Carry On Game in the 350-yard $50,000 Flashy Hemp. She by Game Patriot and is the last daughter of Carry On Tee. Vidrine co-owns the chestnut filly with Dr. Tommy Fontonot. She was an impressive trial winner last year in three Louisiana futurities last year, but did not win a final. Alfonso Lujan will ride for trainer William McIntosh in the eighth race on July 9. LQHBA Supporter Vidrine is a lifetime member of LQHBA and served on the board of directors from 2008 through 2010. He has also supported the annual LQHBA Yearling Sale for over 35 years and has two yearlings consigned to the 2016 sale. “I’ve got a Heza Fast Dash filly in partnership with Bob Gaston as well as a Spit Curl Jess filly out of a Carry on Dash mare,” said Vidrine. “Every year our sale produces superior runners, more than equal to the Oklahoma and Ruidoso sales.” Tony Patterson, LQHBA executive director is preparing for the 2016 LQHBA Yearling Sale, which is set for August 12 and 13 at the Coushatta Casino Resort Pavilion in Kinder, Louisiana.

He also has fond memories of Miss Laveaux, a Carry On Tee filly by Streakin La Jolla.

“We greatly appreciate the support of Gerald Vidrine to our association,” said Patterson. “Carry on Tee was an exceptional broodmare and has gifted the Louisiana state-bred program with many stakes caliber racehorses “

“She was another filly with foot issues,” recalled Vidrine. “But she caught a sloppy track at Evangeline (on December 4, 2009) and broke her maiden. “It was a very cold night, and there were big snowflakes falling.”

It is often said that behind every great man is a great woman. You can easily say that Gerald Vidrine has been just that and more regarding Carry On Tee and her daughters! **********************

Vidrine lost a great broodmare when Carry On Tee passed earlier this year, but he rejoices in the knowledge that her line carries on.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

The LQHBA Insider is a monthly feature written by Martha Claussen for www.lqhba.com. She served as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park for ten years. She continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana and other regions in North America.

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

Louisiana Equine Report â&#x20AC;¢ August | September 2016

August | September 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Louisiana Equine Report

40th Annual Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale

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Horse Racing Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred Horse Racing April 6th – August 27th Post Time 5:50pm

August 2nd 2016 Summer 4D Barrels, Breakaway & Goat Tying Jackpot Morehouse Activity Center Info: Amanda Burris 381-282-7917• Bastrop, LA

August 6th CBRA | LSU AG Center Info: 318-787-1304 or evangelinebankjodie@yahoo.com Alexandria, LA

Evangeline Downs Quarter Horse Racing September 28th – December 17th Post Time 5:35pm

Lone Star Cowboy Church Open 5D Barrel, Saddle & Buckle Series Info: 409-656-6387• Montgomery, TX

Terrebonne Livestock Agri Fair Assoc. Horse Show Info: www.terrebonne-livestock.org Houma, LA

Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred Racing May 7th – September 24th

August 2nd – 7th Hunter/Jumper Event Kentucky Week 2/Pony Finals Info: www.kyhorsepark.com • Lexington, KY

Wilder Productions Paul’s Farm & Garden Summer Series Team Roping Open Range Fellowhship Info: Phillip Wilder 318-469-3223 McKenzie Wilder 318-464-7567 Greenwood, LA

Louisiana Downs Quarter Horse Racing January 2017 – March 2017 New Orleans Fairgrounds Quarter Horse Racing August 17th – August 27th Delta Downs Thoroughbred Racing October 19th – March 11th Post Time 5:40pm

August 5th CC’s Jackpots Rice Arena Info: Cathy Meche 337-526-2281 • Crowley, LA Bossier Parish Riding Club Benton Arena Info: Martha Reyenga 318-560-7583 • Benton, LA

Great Southern Youth Rodeo 5th Annual Saddle Series Info: Lisa Ladner 601-916-7016, Suzanne Wilson 601-916-6380 or Tony Wilson 228-669-0091 Poplarville, MS

NBHA MS07 5D Lauderdale County Agri Center Info: Lisa Pevey 601-934-1765 • Meridian, MS August 6th & 7th Silver Spur Riders Club West Cal Arena Info: westcalevetns.com • Sulphur, LA Southeast Horse Shows Summer Sizzler 3 Dressage Info: www.southeasthorseshows.com or 352-215-0710 | USTPA Regionals Tunica Arena & Expo Center • Tunica, MS USCHA Cutting Horse Show SugArena Info: www.sugarena.com or 337-365-7539 8 New Iberia, LA August 9th & 10th Silver Spurs Rodeo Club 4D West Cal Arena Info: westcalevetns.com • Sulphur, LA August 12th & 13th LQHBA Louisiana Bred Yearling Sale Coushatta Casino Resort Info: 318-487-9506 or www.lqhba.com • Kinder, LA Continued on Page 49...

August | September 2016 • Louisiana Equine Report

Lameness in Foals Although not as commonly recognized as in adults, lameness can occur in nursing foals, weanlings and juveniles prior to entering training. The cause of these lamenessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also differ greatly from adults. Lameness in adult horses is usually associated with acute injury associated with their athletic discipline or a degenerative processes such as arthritis. Foals on the other hand exhibit lameness more commonly from trauma, systemic or localized infections, or developmental orthopedic diseases. Diagnosis of the exact cause of lameness in foals can be challenging. Foals frequently are resistant to handling and manipulation and do not tolerate nerve blocks well. However with patience and persistence a diagnosis can usually be made and appropriate treatment provided. A lame foal should always be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible as lameness can be the result of an infectious process which can result in a life threatening condition Lameness Examination The basic process and sequence of events of a lameness examination are the same in foals as they are for adults with only minor variations. Initially it is important to assess the overall health of the foal. For instance, the presence of a fever my increase the index of suspicion that a lameness may be associated with an infections process such as Rhodococcus or blood borne spread of bacteria from the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, or umbilicus. Lameness localization is necessary before diagnostic imaging techniques such as radiographs (x-rays) or ultrasound can be employed. A good lameness examination involves observation both standing and while the foal in motion, palpation of the limbs, assessment with hoof testers, diagnostic nerve and joint blocks and diagnostic imaging. Performing lameness examination in foals is at times difficult due to foals not being halter broke, untrained to walk and trot in hand, and due to their erratic and sometimes explosive behavior. Therefore it is essential that a well- trained and patient handler assist with the lameness examination. Observation for localizing signs provides a good starting point for assessment of lameness. Localizing signs include swelling, heat, pain or wounds (Figure 1). It is highly unlikely that a swollen joint in a foal will not be the source of the lameness. Observation is followed by careful palpation of the limbs. Palpation should focus on synovial structures including the joints and tendon sheaths as well as the growth Figure 1 plates or physis. The physis

Lameness in Foals are located at the widest part of the bone immediately before changes in the bone are obvious radiographically. In above and below the joints. Each synovial structure is evaluated for the presence of excess fluid known and effusion. In addition alterations of the surface temperature, and pain localized to the joint of physis is suggestive of an infectious process. Although flexion tests are not typically performed on foals, assessment of range of motion of the joint and pain on flexion and extension may also assist in lesion localization. Following palpation foals should be observed in motion at both a walk and a trot. Many foals are halter broke but untrained and do not readily trot in hand. Patience and persistence is important in these patients and with repeated attempts, foals usually will begin trotting with encouragement from a third assistant. For foals that are not halter broke, they may be walked or trotted alongside the mare or separated from the mare and allowed to trot back to her while being observed. Diagnostic nerve and joint blocks can be performed in foals with some limitations. Foals generally do not tolerate repeated needle sticks so blocks must be kept to a minimum. If there is suspicion that the lameness is coming from synovial structure, infusion of a local anesthetic directly into that structure may be more efficient than performing 2 or more nerve blocks to localize the lameness. Once the lameness has been localized to a particular region or specific structure, the appropriate diagnostic imaging technique can be employed. Radiographs are the most common diagnostic imaging technique used in foals. Interpretation of radiographs can be challenging due to the presence of open physis and secondary centers of ossification (Figure 2.a and b). In young foals structures such as the trochlea of the distal femur and hock may be incompletely ossified. Knowledge of the normal Figure 2 A radiographic appearance of the bones and joints of the foal is essential to making an accurate diagnosis. If there is question whether a structure is normal, radiographing the opposite limb is helpful as if it is a variation of normal the opposite limb should appear similar. Another advantage of radiographs is how rapid bone changes foal. In adults it may take up to 2 weeks Figure 2 B

46 Louisiana Equine Report â&#x20AC;˘ August | September 2016

foals these same changes may become apparent in as little as 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 days. Therefore serial radiographs are important in following the progression of many conditions such as septic arthritis. As in adults ultrasound is useful in assessing soft tissue structures of the limbs such as muscle, tendons and ligaments and the architecture of these tissue is identical to those of adults. In situations where a diagnosis cannot be made by radiographs or ultrasound, cross sectional imaging techniques such as MRI or CT may be useful in assessing complex anatomy, fractures and structures difficult to image by other means Common Conditions The causes of lameness in foals can be roughly divided into 3 major categories; infectious/inflammatory, traumatic, or developmental. Infectious or inflammatory causes of lameness include septic arthritis or physitis secondary to blood borne bacteria. The source of bacteria may be infection of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs or umbilicus. One or multiple joints or physis may be affected resulting in moderate to severe lameness, effusion of the joint, heat and pain on palpation. With physitis there is often pain on palpation directly over the physis. Immune mediated arthritis resulting in effusion of multiple joints with only minimal lameness is associated with pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi. Infection of the joints or physis can rapidly result in destruction of the surrounding bone termed osteomyelitis.(Figure 3) When this happens the prognosis for successful treatment and athletic performance becomes poor to grave and many of these foals are euthanized due to chronic severe lameness. It is critical that young foals in particular with lameness and joint effusion are examined as soon as possible. A veterinarian will often perform a joint tap to collect fluid for Figure 3 a cell count and microscopic examination to determine if the joint is infected. If infected, highly aggressive treatment including flushing the joint, systemic and local antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatories will be initiated to provide the best chance for a successful outcome. There is no specific treatment for polysynovitis associated with Rhodococcus equi. This condition typically resolves several weeks following successful treatment of the pneumonia. Continued on page 54...

August | September 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Louisiana Equine Report

Dog Reproductive Services at LSU:

for determination of the fertile period for timed insemination; as an aid to schedule elective C-sections • Routine screening of Brucella canis, a bacteria that causes infertility and reproductive diseases in dogs (male and female)

In addition to offering equine reproductive services, the Louisiana State University (LSU) Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) offers dog reproduction services, including breeding management, diagnosis of infertility and medical problems related to the reproductive tract.

Dog breeding is an important activity of our society and many horse farms also have dogs that might benefit from our reproductive services. There is a need for high-quality assisted reproduction for owners with dogs and veterinarians that manage breeding of dogs. At the LSU VTH, our experienced staff of veterinarians and technicians are specialized in veterinary reproduction and able to provide a variety of reproductive services. Our experienced staff is here to help you with your reproductive needs regardless the species. We offer a variety of high-quality reproductive services for your canine friend and these services include:

Reproductive cycles Female dogs are nonseasonal monoestrus animals. They do not have typical “estrous cycles” as most of other domestic animals, which cycle repeatedly (seasonally or year round) if not pregnant. On average, dogs come in “heat” every 5 to 7 months.

• Artificial insemination (AI) • Conventional AI via intravaginal deposition of semen • Endoscopic AI known as TCI (transcervical insemination) where the semen is deposited into the uterus. TCI virtually has virtually eliminated the need for surgical inseminations, except under special circumstances (see below) • Surgical insemination. In a spay-like procedure, the semen is deposited in the uterus. The surgical approach is indicated and performed only when very low sperm numbers or poor quality semen is available for the insemination. If these criteria are not met, TCI remains the method of choice for shipped cooled or frozen-thawed semen • Semen freezing – frozen semen is not only convenient for future use but also to ship it for use at distant geographical locations, including international transport. International transport of semen, to and from the Unites States, is becoming more and more common in dog breeding • Breeding Soundness evaluations of male and female dogs – reproductive exams along with the use of reproductive ultrasonography, enable the LSU veterinarians to provide a fair assessment of your dog’s reproductive potential • Fertility problems – reproductive exams, hormonal assays, hormonal treatments, etc can be used to diagnose and treat your dog’s reproductive condition that may be leading to infertility or sub-fertility. For example, pyometra (infection of the uterus), prolonged anestrus (delay in showing heat), etc • Advanced reproductive ultrasonography to image the male and female reproductive tracts, perform pregnancy diagnosis, assessment of pregnancy wellness, etc • Same-day progesterone assays

Louisiana Equine Report • August | September 2016

A few facts about dog reproduction

Relatively prolonged proestrus and estrus They both last on average 7 to 9 days. This means a whole cycle may last almost 3 weeks from the first day the dog begins “spotting” (bloody discharge) until the end of estrus. Progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and timing of ovulation Unlike other domestic animals, a hormone called progesterone rises significantly during estrus. When a female dog is in heat, it is important to detect the initial rise in concentrations of blood progesterone followed by constant daily increases to accurately predict ovulation and to schedule artificial inseminations Timed breeding using progesterone assays remains one of the best approaches to determine the female’s fertile period and also to predict whelping dates. Split Heats Split heats can be defined as incomplete estrus (“heat”) or anovulatory periods in the reproductive cycle of the female dog marked by estrual signs: swollen external genitalia (vulva), bloody vaginal discharge, male attraction, etc. It is most commonly observed in young dogs (first heat). Once these sign subside, a ”true” normal heat follows in 2-8 weeks. Pseudo pregnancy A mandatory period of elevated progesterone concentrations (diestrus) that lasts ~ 75 days follows the estrus periods of bitches that are not pregnant. Thus, by definition, pseudopregnancy is a normal event for all cycling bitches. Overt pseudo pregnancy (or pseudociesis) refers to those dogs that display clinical signs of approaching parturition (overt mammary development with lactation, nesting behavior, maternal behavior by adopting neonate of same or other species, inanimate objects, toys, etc). Typically, no hormonal treatments are needed. Continued on page 50...

Continued From Page 45.......... August 12th – 14th Jx2 Team Roping Tunica Arena & Expo Center Info: www.jx2events.com • Tunica, MS SugaSheaux, ABRA & SugaSheaux Ranch Sorting | SugArena Info: www.sugarena.com or 337-365-7539 New Iberia, LA August 13th ABRA SugArena Info: info@laabra.com Susan Krieg 337-288-5374 or Shannon Roy 337-280-9349 • New Iberia, LA Deep South Stock Horse Show Assoc. Clinton Arena Info: www.dsshsa.org Clinton, LA Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Association Info: bjcotten@gmail.com or 225-281-0605 or www.brbra.com • Port Allen, LA August 13th & 14th Silver Spur Rodeo Club West Cal Arena Info: westcalevetns.com • Sulphur, LA Bossier Parish Riding Club BACK TO SCHOOL OPEN 5D $2500 Added • Benton Arena Info: Martha Reyenga 318-560-7583 Marshall, TX Central Miss. Cutting Horse Assoc. Scott County Coliseum Info: www.centralmscha.com or 205-246-3798 • Forest, MS Bulls, Banks and Barrels Forrest County Multi Purpose Center Info: www.forrestcountycenter.com Hattiesburg, MS August 16th Lone Star Cowboy Church Open 5D Barrel, Saddle & Buckle Series Info: 409-656-6387 • Montgomery, TX

August 16th & 17th West Cal Arena LA Little Britches Rodeo Club 4D Info: www.westcalevents.com • Sulphur, LA August 16th – 21st Hunter/Jumper Event | Kentucky Week 3 Info: www.kyhorsepark.com • Lexington, KY August 18th Yeti Confetti Open 4 D T2 Covered Arena Info: www.TxLaBRA.com • Orange, TX August 18th – 20th The Mega Open 5D Barrel Race/$40,000 Added Kirk Fordice Equine Center Info: lanbarbarrelracing.com • Jackson, MS August 19th CC’s Jackpots Rice Arena Info: Cathy Meche 337-526-2281 • Crowley, LA SugaSheaux Roping Event SugArena | Info: www.sugarena.com or 337-365-7539 • New Iberia, LA August 19th & 20th DeRidder Riding Club DRC Friday Jackpot & Club Show Beauregard Covered Arena | Barrels & Poles Info: deridderridingclub@gmail.com DeRidder, LA August 19th – 21st Southwest Team Roping Association West Cal Arena | Info: www.westcalevents.com Sulphur, LA August 20th South Louisiana Team Sorting Assoc. Louis Mouch Arena | Info: www.sltsa.com Port Allen, LA Wilder Productions Paul’s Farm & Garden Summer Series Team Roping Open Range Fellowhship Info: Phillip Wilder 318-469-3223 McKenzie Wilder 318-464-7567 Greenwood, LA

Riceville Riders 1st Annual Anything Goes | In Memory of Eddie Breaux Info: Stephanie Romero 337-230-5672 or romeroz@aol.com Southeast Texas Barrel Racing Assoc. Magnolia Community Arena Info: www.stbra.org • Magnolia, TX August 20th & 21st Pineywoods Youth Rodeo Assoc. Info: pineywoodsrodeo.com or 936-248-5020 Lufkin, TX Working Cattle Show/Johnny Boudreaux SugArena Info: www.sugarenca.com or 337-365-7539 • New Iberia, LA Buck Davidson Clinic – Eventing Clinic Texas Rose Horse Park Info: Kristy Limon 936-443-5167 • Tyler, TX Southeast Horse ShowsThe Arabian Fall Festival Info: www.southeasthorseshows.com or 352-215-0710 • Canterbury, FL August 23rd & 24th Silver Spur Rodeo Club 4D West Cal Arena Info: www.westcalevents.com Sulphur, LA August 24th – 28th Hunter/Jumper Event Kentucky Week 4 Info: www.kyhorsepark.com • Lexington, KY August 26th & 27th North Louisiana Equestrian Assoc. DR Summer Double Rainbow Farm | Info: www.nlea.org Haughton, LA August 26th – 28th 2nd Annual Cans for Cancer Henderson County Regional Fair Park Info: Turn’em Barrel Racing Assoc. • Athens, TX

August 27th ABRA Rice Arena Info: info@laabra.com Susan Krieg 337-288-5374 or Shannon Roy 337-280-9349 Crowley, LA Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Association Info: bjcotten@gmail.com or 225-281-0605 or www.brbra.com • Port Allen, LA South Mississippi Horse Show & Rodeo Assoc. Harrison County Arena Info: Wesley Allen 228223-5990 • Gulfport, MS Wolf Barrel Racing Association Porth Ag Center Info: Staci Wolf 903-724-9956 or www.wolfbarrelracing.com • Crockett, TX Hooves & Horns Association Washington Parish Rodeo Arena Info: Heath & April Barber 985-335-5099 Franklinton, LA August 27th & 28th Silver Spur Rodeo Club West Cal Arena Info: www.westcalevents.com • Sulphur, LA SugaFest Classic LA Paint Show SugArena Info: www.sugarenca.com or 337-365-7539 • New Iberia, LA Tyler Rose Breed Show All Breed Show/Working Equitation Texas Rose Horse Park Info: Kim Brunson 817683-8284 • Tyler, TX August 30th Lone Star Cowboy Church Open 5D Barrel, Saddle & Buckle Series FINALS Info: 409-656-6387 • Montgomery, TX

For September calendar events visit our website at wwww.laequinereport.com or wwww.theequinreprot.com

August | September 2016• Louisiana Equine Report

Continued from page 48...

Dog Reproductive Services at LSU: There are no adverse effects on future fertility. Cystic-Endometrial Hyperplasia-Pyometra Complex â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pyometraâ&#x20AC;?, literally meaning pus in the uterus, is a common disease of intact female dogs. The exact etiology is unknown; however the repeated and prolonged response to estrogen followed by long intervals of progesterone dominance in the intact dog leads to hormone-mediated changes in the endometrium. The endometrium (lining of the uterus) changes when impacted by bacterial infiltration; changes in endometrial steroid receptors can result in the clinical syndrome described as pyometra. The treatment of choice is to spay affected dogs; conservative treatment with hormones and antibiotics can be considered for dogs of superior breeding value Spayed dogs or cats showing signs of heat? On rare instances, spayed dogs or cats shows signs of being in heat again. This clinical condition is known by veterinarians as ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS). It refers to previously known spayed dogs that show signs of estrus (heat) similar to intact ones. Basically, a small piece of ovarian tissue is inadvertently left in the abdominal cavity after the surgical spay. Although exploratory surgeries used to be a common way to diagnose and treat ORS, it is strongly recommended that a non-surgical diagnosis of ORS be made before taking the dog to surgery to remove the remaining ovarian tissue. Several hormonal assays are available to diagnose this condition. Another reason for spayed dogs or cats to show signs of heat is inadvertent exposure to topical hormone creams used by their owners. It has been reported pets (intact or castrated) can absorb hormone creams, and potentially affect their health (spayed pets showing heat, hair loss, behavioral problems, etc). It is important to prevent dogs from being exposed to hormone creams by avoiding direct pet contact with treated areas (hands, arms, legs, etc) and also licking off these areas. . For all of your reproductive needs, give our experienced staff a call at 225-578-9500 and ask for Reproductive Services! We are here to serve you and your local veterinarian with all your breeding and reproduction needs.

Louisiana Equine Report â&#x20AC;˘ August | September 2016

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August | September 2016â&#x20AC;¢ Louisiana Equine Report

Youth Page Sponsored by:

National High School Finals Rodeo 2016: Youth Compete At The Top By Dr. Kelly Hudspeth, Louisiana Equine Report Staff Writer

A mass migration of high school cowboys and cowgirls came to Gillette, Wyoming, during the week of July 17-23, 2016, for the 68th National High School Finals Rodeo. The National High School Rodeo Association is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of sportsmanship, horsemanship and character in the youth of our country through the sport of rodeo. Created by Texas educator and rodeo contestant Claude Mullins, the NHSRA held its first finals in Hallettsville, Texas, Aug. 25-27, 1949. The NHSRA membership consists of over 10,500 members from 42 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia. (National High School Rodeo Association website http://www.nhsra.com/faqs-2/) The rodeo events include bareback riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, tie down roping, cutting horse, goat tying, pole bending, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, team roping, reined cow horse, shooting sports, and Queen’s contest. Cowboys and cowgirls compete all year in their events. After the state finals, the top four contestants in each event advance to the national finals. The announcer at the opening of the 2016 NHSFR was excited to claim this year’s rodeo as the largest rodeo on earth, with 1637 young men and women signed up to compete in the fourteen events. Over 1900 horse stalls were filled on the grounds and over 1400 campers populated the CAM-PLEX in Gillette where the rodeo was being held. Contestants can qualify in more than one event. This year there were 2,146 entries in the following events: Barrel Racing Pole Bending Breakaway Goat Tying Team Roping Tie Down Roping

186 179 179 178 171 168

Light Rifle 122 Girls Cutting 112 Reined Cowhorse 111 Saddle Bronc 109 Trap Shooting 109 Bareback 98

Steer Wrestling 150 Bull Riding 148

82 44

The contestants competed in two rounds during the week. The top twenty in each event advanced to the short go or final round, which was held on the last night, July 23rd. The national winners were determined in this round. In 2016 the schedule was filled with numerous activities for the contestants to take part in and this ranged from clinics for individual events to a dance every night. Church services were provided by the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys. A huge trade show with an awesome selection of merchandise for friends and families to work through during the week was located on the grounds. Contestants received a gift package and could pick up free goods along with discounted items at the trade show. A talent contest was held for those who wanted to compete on a different level. High school seniors apply for college scholarships and do interviews during rodeo week. This year $177,250 was awarded! For those who wanted to participate, a volleyball tournament was held. A silent auction with enormous displays of merchandise that are prepared by each state or province for everyone to bid on with values ranging from $200 to $1800 was also available. Bottom line – there is something for everyone at the NHSFR! As a parent of a contestant, I had the privilege of attending the finals this year. I am still in awe of the organization and efficiency of the events around and including the performances. The NHSRA as well as local volunteers do a wonderful job. There are two performances each day that are held in three arenas with events occurring simultaneously. There is constant movement on the premises that includes vehicles, people walking, contestants on horseback, and last but certainly not least – the golf carts! Competition in the events against so many contestants is a challenge that all students will remember. Although

A side view of the two arenas

Boys Cutting Queen Contest

Louisiana Equine Report • August | September 2016

Bethany Hudspeth

The view from behind two of the performance arenas.

winning in an event is fantastic, just being on the grounds and competing is worth the trip to the finals for every contestant. At the end of the week, whether a contestant wins or draws a no time in both rounds, the National High School Finals Rodeo is a blessing. The opportunity to compete on such a high level against other cowboys and cowgirls from so many places and meet those contestants and their families is the experience of a lifetime and an accomplishment within itself. Literally every contestant is already a winner when they arrive, because an entry into the NHSFR is a great prize. No one goes home a loser. Final Results for the rodeo can be found under the NHSRA high school link at www.nhsra.com

A view from the covered stands facing the two arenas.

August | September 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Louisiana Equine Report

Continued from page 46... Trauma can be the direct result of kicks, falls, or crashing into inanimate objects. Fractures are the most recognizable injury associated with trauma. Fractures of the long bones such as the cannon bone, tibia, femur, radius or humerus are generally obvious. Symptoms include non-weight baring lameness, instability of the leg and if the humerus or femur is fractured moderate to severe swelling of the upper part of the affected limb. Foals that are suspected to have these types of fracture should not be moved initially. These foals should be restrained by an experienced handler and a veterinarian contacted immediately. Once the veterinarian arrives at the farm, the foal will be sedated or anesthetized and a bandage, splint or cast temporarily applied depending on which bone is fractured. This prevents further damage to the fractured bone, surrounding soft tissues and most importantly the skin. If there is disruption of the skin by the fracture fragments the prognosis for successful repair is significantly decreased. For transport to a hospital, young foals should be trailered in an open box stall away from the dam and with a handler. Most foals will lay down for transport. Older foals such as weanlings and up should be transported in a slant load trailer if possible to allow them to lean on the partitions to help support their weight. Another relatively common injury in foals is fracture of the coffin bone. These fractures are the result of kicking and inanimate object or contact with the ground. Foals with these fractures exhibit a mild to moderate lameness of the affected limb. Typically lameness is improved by an abaxial sesamoid nerve block which eliminates sensation Figure 4 to the foot. Radiographs of the foot may demonstrate a fracture line through the coffin bone, (Figure 4) however in many foals the fracture cannot be confirmed by x-ray. In these instances MRI (Figure 5.) will clearly delineate the fracture. Foals with coffin bone fractures generally have an excellent prognosis with stall confinement for 6 – 8 weeks. Figure 5

Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD) is a group of diseases that affect young growing foals that are associated with heredity, nutritional imbalances (calcium and phosphorus), nutritional excess (in particular carbohydrates) and rapid growth. There are several disease that are included under the term DOD including acquired physitis, acquired flexural deformities, subchondral bone cysts (SBC) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) Acquired physitis affects foals at the time of the most active growth. It is most common in foals that are undergoing heavy feeding such as those on lush pasture while nursing or on farms that practice creep feeding. On these farms multiple foals may develop signs of physitis. Physitis is recognized at 3 main sites; the distal cannon bone (immediately above the fetlock joint), the distal radius (immediately above the knee) and the distal tibia (immediately above the hock) Physitis affecting the cannon bone tends to occur in foals from 3 – 6 month of age while that affecting the radius and tibia occurs in foals from 8 months to 2 years. Symptoms of physitis include a firm, warm, painful swelling of the affected locations. Heat may be palpated over the affected physis and foals will exhibit a mild lameness often as a stiff or stilted gait. Treatment of this condition revolves around rest with controlled exercise, judicious administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and most importantly dietary adjustments that provide a balanced calcium and phosphorus ratio as well as adequate zinc and copper in the diet. Carbohydrates should be restricted in cases of physitis. It may be prudent to contact a local extension agent or nutritionist to assist in developing an appropriate nutrition program for foals in your area to prevent this condition. Acquired flexural deformities are recognized in 2 forms; those that affect the coffin joint resulting in a club foot appearance and those that affect the fetlock joint resulting in an extremely upright conformation of the fetlock which can progress to knuckling of the fetlock. Flexural deformities are proposed to be the result of rapid growth, overconsumption of high carbohydrate diets or a reflex to pain such as that caused by pre-existing physitis. It is theorized that overconsumption results in rapid skeletal growth. The tendons lengthen passively as the bone grows, however when the bone grows too fast the tendons fail to lengthen and there is a functional shortening of the muscle tendon unit and excess flexion of the affected joint. Clinical signs of flexural deformities are relatively easy to recognize. Foals in which the coffin joint are affected

Louisiana Equine Report • August | September 2016

general develop signs between 3 – 6 months of age. The front limbs are most commonly affected and either 1 or both limbs may be involved. There is a gradual elevation of the heels off the ground with excessive weight baring on the toe. This results in excess wear of the toe and a lengthening of the heel giving the foot a clubby or boxy appearance. Flexural deformities affecting the fetlock joint usually affect foals between 9 and 18 months of age. This condition also affects either 1 or both forelimbs and results in a gradual change in the angle of the fetlock joint which progresses to an extreme upright conformation (Figure 6.). If left untreated the foal will begin to knuckle over at the fetlock and may Figure 6 trip or stumble when walking or trotting. Treatment of both forms of flexural deformities include restricting the level of carbohydrate in the diet, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and exercise restriction. Foals with deformities affecting the Figure 7 coffin joint may improve with trimming of the heels, and application of a shoe with a toe extension to force the heels to the ground (Figure 7.). Administration of the antibiotic oxytetracycline IV also has a positive effect on many foals with these deformities. Oxytetracycline is proposed to cause relaxation and passive lengthening of the muscle tendon unit in many foals. If no improvement is observed, surgery involves cutting the distal check ligament results in rapid improvement in many foals (Figure 8.a and b).

Figure 8 A

Figure 8 B

Foals and yearlings with deformities affecting the fetlock joint usually require surgery for correction of the deformity. The surgical procedure performed is cutting the superior check ligament using the arthroscope. Continued on page 66...

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The Cattle Industry Is Changing by Dave Foster

We are in the time of year when all the major holidays are over (July 4th has passed) until September (Labor Day) and our “backyard grillers” are cooking hamburgers or steaks. Talking about hamburgers, cow slaughter is down due to having plenty of grass for cows to graze and therefore slaughter cow prices are moving higher because of reduced supply. This fact coupled with reduced ground beef imports has held up our cow market. There is also an interesting situation occurring with the Choice and Select price spread. On June 13, 2016 the spread hit an all time high of $25.57 cwt. We have also been experiencing a higher demand for Choice and Prime beef and cattle are grading a higher percent Choice. When Wal-Mart switched to buying more USDA Choice beef this trend of more Choice started to increase. We in Louisiana do have a few cow/calf producers who feed cattle in the major feeding states and sell their finished cattle in the carcass as opposed to a live basis. A discount of 25.57 cwt. for and 800 lb. carcass is $204.56 per carcass less than a Choice carcass. It is important! The feeder cattle market continues to be under pressure as buyers are finding it hard to make these feeders work on future market that is sharply discounted in the late fall. Producers are trying to make hay and hoping Ma Nature gives them sunshine and some wind to get a second cutting (maybe for some a first cutting). In any event, “the times they are a changing” and I hope our cow/calf producers are making adjustments in their operation to keep up with these changes. A near record corn crop, a good clean up of beef in the grocery stores during Father’s Day and July 4th, continued demand for higher grading beef and adequate moisture all will contribute to change in the cattle markets. So check with your local auction market, order buyer and video rep to get posted on this fall. Don’t get caught showing up this fall at the market place with the cattle market being dollars lower than it was this summer. Have a game plan! Contact Cattle Producers of Louisiana 888-528-6999, www.lacattle.org for information. Give thanks for the freedom we enjoy in our USA!

August | September 2016 • Louisiana Equine Report

ALVAREZ, ROBERTS AND CARRILLO EARN LEADING HORSEMEN TITLES FOR 2016 AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE SEASON AT DELTA DOWNS Although Roberts led all trainers in terms of wins, Taylor’s barn topped all earners for the season with $1,007,723. The leading trainer from Delta Downs’ 2015 season was the only conditioner to go over the seven-digit mark in total earnings. - COMPETITIVE RACES WENT DOWN TO THE FINAL WEEK OF THE SEASON VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs finished its 2016 American Quarter Horse season with Louisiana Showcase Night. The richest program of the year offered over $1.3 million in total purse money and recognition of this year’s leading horsemen for the 46-day meet that began on April 22. Although jockey David Alvarez came into closing night with an insurmountable lead in the jockey standings, trainer Kenneth L. Roberts, Sr. and owner Juan A. Carrillo had to wait until the last race of the meet to secure their crowns. Alvarez, who has now won titles at all four Louisiana racetracks, finished the meet with 50 wins to his credit and total mount earnings of $908,233, which also lead all jockeys in that category. The 37-year-old native of Veracruz, Mexico enjoyed his richest score of the meet aboard Open Me a Corona in the $100,000 Louisiana Classic (RG2) on Saturday. Rounding out the top 10 jockeys at Delta Downs this year were Damian Martinez (35 wins), Joe Badilla, Jr. (32), John Hamilton (31), Donald Watson (30), Alfonso Lujan (25), J. R. Ramirez (25), Gilbert Ortiz (23), Juan Carlos Garcia (18), and Raul Ramirez, Jr. (15). The leading trainer title was a topsy-turvy affair all season long and the crown was not secured until the final race of the meet. Coming into the closing night card Michael Taylor and Kenneth Roberts, Sr. were tied with 38 apiece, but that quickly changed as Taylor won the opener to take a narrow lead before Roberts saddled the winners of the next two races and leapfroged his rival by one. Neither man was able to win a race until the nightcap arrived which offered Taylor two chances to tie for the crown and Roberts one shot at closing the door. Neither one happened in the richest Quarter Horse race in track history, the $690,295 Lee Berwick Futurity (RG1), so Roberts held on for his seventh title since 2001 with 40 victories overall.

Louisiana Equine Report • August | September 2016

Following Roberts in the standings this season were Taylor (39), Adrian Huitron (20), Erasmo Hernandez (17), Martin Trejo (16), Carlos Saldivar (14), Bobby Martinez (12), Trey Ellis (12), Orlando Orozco (11), and Lanny Keith (11). Winning his first leading owner title this season at Delta Downs was Juan A. Carrillo, who saw eight of his 17 starters make it to the winner’s circle. Overall his horses finished in the top three spots an incredible 94% of the time as he also had three second-place finishes and five thirds. Carrillo also trains his horses which are mostly made up of claiming and allowance types. Rounding out the top 10 trainers for the meet were Harlow Stables LLC (Eric P. Johnson) (7), Ten For Ten LLC (6), Rogelio Marquez, Jr. (6), Julien R. Stevens, III (5), Martin Trejo (5), Jesse Rodriguez, Jr. (5), Oscar Rohne (5), Double H Racing Investment LLC (5), and Alejandro Moya (4). Delta Downs is now dark until its 2016-17 Thoroughbred season gets underway on Wednesday, October 19. For more information about the track visit the website www.deltadownsracing. com or on their Facebook page, ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing. Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

August | September 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Louisiana Equine Report

CROSSCHECK CARLOS SURVIVES STRETCH DUEL TO WIN D.S. SHINE YOUNG FUTURITY 35-1 LONGSHOT ACTIF STORM WINS EXCITING FILLIES DIVISION OPELOUSAS, LA- California invader Crosscheck Carlos had to withstand a stout challenge from 46-1 longshot, Street Honor, to hold on and win the $100,000 D.S. Shine Young Futurity for Colts and Geldings at Evangeline Downs. Crosscheck Carlos, who had broken his maiden in his debut on June 12 at Santa Anita, finished the 5 ½ furlongs over a sloppy main track in a final time of 1:06.22. Crosscheck Carlos was moved aggressively up the backstretch by jockey Jamie Theriot after getting brushed at the start to challenge the pacesetters through an opening quarter-mile of 22.49 seconds. The colt then took the lead as the field moved on the far turn, posting a half-mile time of 47.09 seconds. Conversely, Street Honor was moving up from off the tepid pace and had to circle wide around the field. As the field moved into the stretch, the race came down to these two horses and Crosscheck Carlos managed to repel Street Honor’s challenge and win by a final margin of a head. Crosscheck Carlos is a 2-year-old colt bred in Louisiana by Allen Guillote, Jr. He is owned by ERJ Racing, LLC, Slam Dunk Racing and Neil Haymes and trained by Al Stall, Jr. Crosscheck Carlos is now 2-for-2 in his brief career and the $60,000 first-place purse for his Saturday win increases his lifetime earnings to $78,600. Crosscheck Carlos was the even-money favorite in the D.S. Shine Young Futurity and paid $4.20 to win, $3.60 to place and $3.20 to show. Street Honor returned $25.60 to place and $11.00 to show. Queeten paid $12.60 to show. While the longshot did not get up for the victory in the Colts and Geldings Division of the D.S. Shine Young Futurity, she certainly did in the Fillies Division. Actif Storm was sent off at odds of 35-1 and wore down the pace-setting Rach’slastscarf in the final strides to prevail in a thrilling stretch drive. The pair were the top two in the field through the 5 ½ furlongs. Rach’slastscarf set solid fractions of 22.07 seconds for the quarter-mile and 46.49 seconds for the half-mile. Actif Storm was three-wide at the top of the stretch, as the favored Jazz Lady was between the pair at that point. However, she failed to fire and faded to finish fifth in the field of 10. The final time for the race was 1:06.59. Actif Storm was bred in Louisiana by 4M Ranch. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable, LLC, trained by Oscar Modica, and was ridden to victory by Roberto Morales. It was a great way for her to break the maiden and that first career win upped her lifetime earnings to $62,970. Actif Storm returned $73.40 to win, $23.40 to place and $11.60 to show. Rach’lastscarf paid $6.80 to place and $5.00 to show. Chases Dixie Belle paid 5.80 to show.

For more information visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.

For more information on the Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook. com/EvangelineDownsRacing. About Evangeline Downs: Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel is owned by Boyd Gaming Corporation, a leading diversified owner and operator of 22 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information can be found at www.boydgaming.com, or www.evangelinedowns.com.

58 Louisiana Equine Report • August | September 2016

STRING KING CEMENTS HIS LEGACY ON LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT JOCKEY JOHN JACINTO SWEEPS THE LAST THREE RACES ON THE PROGRAM

OPELOUSAS, LA- String King defended his victory in last year’s $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf with another Turf win at Evangeline Downs. His rider, John Jacinto, was the riding star of the evening with three wins in a row to conclude the program. Jacinto not only won the Turf with String King, he also won the Louisiana Legends Classic with The Pickett Factor and a Louisiana-bred maiden race with Street Honor. String King sat off the pace-setting pair of Hail To The Nile and Hook during the early stages of the Turf through a solid opening quarter-mile of 23.33 seconds while the half-mile was covered in 48.40 seconds. As the field entered the stretch, String King powered to the front and withstood the closing charge of 28-1 longshot, Four Leaf Chief, to prevail by one-length in a final time of 1:43.27 for the 1 1/16 miles over the firm turf course. String King was bred in Louisiana by the owner-trainer, Charles Smith. The 8-year-old gelding is by Crowned King and out of the Fly A Kite mare, String Dancer. The win is the 19th victory in 43 career races for String King and the $60,000 first-place purse pushes his career earnings to $1,071,052. String King returned $5.40 to win, $3.60 to place and $3.00 to show. The $125,000 Louisiana Legends Classic was indeed a classic as The Pickett Factor and Mobile Bay dueled throughout the entirety of the 1 1/16 miles. The pair set fractions of 25.39 seconds for the quarter-mile and 48.92 seconds for the half-mile and were not separated by more than a half-length at any point of the race. The Pickett Factor proved to be the stronger of the two in the stretch, however, and eventually won the Classic by a neck in a final time of 1:44.28 over the fast track. The Pickett Factor is owned by Melissa Cantacuzene and trained by Ralph Irwin. The 4-year-old gelding is by Gold Tribute and out of the Dynaformer mare, Dynaspice. The victory in the Classic is his seventh in 12 lifetime starts. The $75,000 first-place purse increases his lifetime earnings to $401,890. The Pickett Factor returned $6.40 to win, $3.00 to place and $2.60 to show. There were six other stakes races on the Louisiana Legends Night program. One Survivor survived a speed duel with Red Production to win the $50,000 Starter. Betting favorite Believe In Bertie went gate-to-wire to win the $100,000 Soiree on the turf. Wheatfield won the $100,000 Mademoiselle with a stirring finish to defeat the favorite, Smittys Cougar, by just a nose. Extra Credit won by the largest margin of the night with a 2-3/4 length score in the $100,000 Cheval on the grass. Believeinsomething had to dig down deep to survive a stretch duel with Forest Lake, winning the $100,000 Distaff by ¾ of a length. Jockey Alex Cortez recorded his first-ever stakes victory aboard C U Tiger in the $100,000 Sprint. For more information visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.

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How to Make Your Young Horse Straight By George Newtown

I’m no longer willing to trust my old bones to young horses. As a result, I’ve hired a young Maddy Smith on Newtown woman to ride my six green broke three-year-old homebred Oldenburgs a few times each week. Farm’s Natalie Maddy is an experienced rider who hasn’t previously trained many youngsters. She’s great for getting them used to having a rider on top, but I wanted to help her learn to take a young horse reliably into the training pyramid of dressage. The base of the pyramid is rhythmic energy, and the training progresses through relaxation, connection (acceptance of the bit), impulsion, straightness, and, ultimately, collection. I arranged for her to take a lesson from Matt Cunningham during his recent dressage clinic at Holly Hill Farm in Benton, Louisiana. Maddy was mounted on a loose-moving, gangly 17 hand dark bay Oldenburg gelding named Bruce Wayne (a son of our approved stallion Balanchine). Although Bruce exhibits considerable good will and a quiet temperament, he also has a predictable tendency to veer from one place to another rather than to march forward as if both he and Maddy agree on the same path. What follows is a distillation of what Maddy and Bruce practiced in their lesson with Matt. Matt assured us that any three year old dressage prospect is often wobbly and in need of direction from the rider. In particular the young horse needs guidance to learn to move forward in a straight line. To someone unskilled in training the young horse, pulling on the left rein to correct a right drift or pulling on the right rein to counteract leaning or falling to the left might seem tempting. Those were Maddy’s initial responses to Bruce’s wandering. Reactive steering, however, is inevitably counterproductive, because the young horse is likely to wander even more erratically as he tries to respond to the corrections. Instead, the key to straightness— ultimately both on straight lines and on the arc of a circle—is to ride the young horse consistently forward into contact with the bit so that any wobbling is directed into forward impulsion. Depending on the horse, a demand for increased forward motion may cause confusion, so that the young horse either runs through the aids or fails to respond to the demand for increased activity. Bruce Wayne wasn’t afraid of the aids; he just needed a “go” button. It turns out there is an easy exercise to correct an inadequate response to the forward aids. First, ask the horse to walk forward. Don’t massage or clutch his sides with your legs to keep him walking; instead, let your legs hang quietly. Maintaining the walk is his responsibility, not yours! As soon as he slows (as he inevitably will if left to his own devices), give him a tap with your calf; if he resumes walking legitimately forward, let your legs again hang by his sides. If he ignores the tap, give a stronger tap—or even a whack! Repeat this formula as many times as it takes to convince the horse that he needs to take responsibility for his own work ethic. Continued one page 62...

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How to Make Your Young Horse Straight By George Newtown When things progress as you want them to in the walk, move on to the trot. Respond in the same way when he slows in the trot as you did when he lost the impulse to go forward in the walk. It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to make the horse aware that any slowing will result in a tap from your leg. And he will thank you for making the instruction clear! When you next ride your horse, remind him of this lesson in the first few minutes. Then repeat the reminder during the session as necessary until it becomes second nature. Remember, the horse should be working harder than you are!

Riding Forward Into Contact

Bruce Wayne was an exemplary pupil. (Maddy was, too!) At the end of half an hour—including frequent walk-breaks (always forward!) to avoid making the horse resent the more strenuous trot work—Matt and Maddy had changed Bruce’s loose, erratic way of going into a smooth, stretchy trot swinging though his back, confirming that he was indeed moving straight into the contact rather than wobbling first one way and then another. “Keep your hands low, maintain steady rein contact, and keep him moving forward into the contact,” Matt repeated, “and the straightness will take care of itself.” If Maddy had been mounted on a youngster less quiet than Bruce, the animal might have run forward in fear from her leg aids. Before you can address the problem of straightness in such a horse, you may need to return to basic desensitizing exercises: repeatedly stroking and patting both sides of the horse. As you stand beside the horse, touch him everywhere from his shoulder all the way back to his flank. You should eventually be able to stroke, pat, scratch, tickle, or gently poke the animal without observing any reaction of fear or discomfort. Then, whenever you first mount up, rub or swing your legs forward and back at the halt until you get no adverse reaction from the horse. When you are ready to move the horse forward, sit up, breathe deep and, as you exhale, make a gentle impulse with both legs simultaneously. The horse should move forward quietly into the walk. If he jumps or bolts or jigs, return to the desensitization exercises. If, on the other hand, he responds sluggishly to your cue to move forward, he requires (and should easily tolerate at this point) a stronger impulse from your legs. He is then ready to begin the forward-moving exercises that will lead to straightness.

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2016 Event Schedule August Friday, 5th Finally Friday 4D Barrel Race Saturday, 6th Run For The Pearl Saturday, 20th Deep South Team Roping Saturday, 27th NBHA LA 06 Barrel Race September Friday- Saturday, 16th- 17th TPSO Mounted Division Rodeo Friday- Saturday, 23th- 24th Ponchatoula High Youth Rodeo Octomber Saturday, 1st NBHA LA 06 Barrel Race

Friday, 14th Finally Friday 4D Barrel Race. Saturday, 15th NBHA LA 06 Barrel Race Friday- Sunday, 21st- 23rd Vintage Market Day Saturday-Sunday, 29th- 30th 3 Dots Team Sorting

November Saturday, 5th NBHA LA 06 Barrel Race Saturday, 11th NBHA LA 06 Barrel Race December Friday- Sunday, 2nd- 4th CRA Finals

August | September 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Louisiana Equine Report

Marcus Theriot breaks records at 2016 College National Finals Rodeo Casper, WY- On June 18th, college freshman, Marcus Theriot, added two new titles. CNIFR All-Around Champion and Tie-Down Champion to an already impressive resume. The week long 2016 National College Finals, held in Casper, Wyoming, ran from June 12th through the 18th. Theriot racked up a total of 510 points in the All Around race by earning points in three events: Tie-Down, Team Roping, and Steer Wrestling. Marcus captured the Tie Down title winning the average with an aggregate time of 38,1-seconds on four head. In Team Roping Marcus and partner, Lane Mitchell, placed in the third round with a 5.7-second run earning the team a spot in Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finals. A rapid 3.9-second run in the Steer Wresting was fast enough for Theriot to win the second round. Theriot is no stranger to winning titles, including a 2014 NHSFR All Around title and 2015 Mississippi High School Rodeo Association All Around championship. In May of this year Marcus won the Tie Down, Team Roping, & Boys All-Around Championship, & Reserve Champion Steer Wrestler in the NIRA Ozark Region. Theriot broke two records at the 2016 CNFR by being the only cowboy ever to win two titles in the same year and the first freshman to win the coveted All Around championship.

64 Louisiana Equine Report â&#x20AC;˘ August | September 2016

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This allows a functional lengthening of the affected muscle tendon unit and can result in significant improvement when used in conjunction with controlled exercise and dietary restriction. Osteochondrosis is a development orthopedic disease that results from abnormal development of bone between the physis or growth plate and the surface of the joint. Bone growth is initiated at the physis by a cartilage matrix that becomes mineralized, a process known as endochondral ossification. Osteochondrosis is a failure of endochondral ossification in which the cartilage precursor fails to mineralize and is retained. The cartilage necrosis and fissures form at the deepest level of the cartilage that extend to the surface and into the joint. Once fissure extend into the joint, inflammation in sues causing effusion of the joint and lameness. Eventually fissure may dissect beneath the cartilage forming a flap that may detach causing an intra-articular fragment. This condition is known as Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). Foals with osteochondrosis or OCD can be difficult initially to diagnose. Many foals do not exhibit clinical signs until the initiation of training. Others may have a mild lameness that is not initially noticed while in pasture, but may worsen following a sudden increase in activity such as following prolonged confinement due to inclement weather. These foals will exhibit varying degrees of lameness and joint effusion in 1 or multiple legs. Radiographs of the affected joints are often normal as cartilage flaps are soft tissue and cannot be detected by x-rays. These flaps may mineralized over time and become apparent on future radiographic examination. Arthroscopic examination ad removal of cartilage flaps or fragments should be considered in any foal with mild to moderate lameness and joint effusion even when radiographs are normal due to the high likelihood of OCD.

Figure 9 A

Subchondral bone cysts (SBC) are another DOD that effect foals. The stifle joint and fetlocks are most commonly affected and again this condition may have and insidious onset and difficult to diagnose lameness. The cyst may not be radiographically apparent initially, but become obvious with serial radiographic examination (Figure 9.a and b). Subchondral bone cyst of the stifle general exhibit clinical signs after the horse enters training but those of the fetlock tend to exhibit lameness as weanlings. Subchondral bone cysts affecting the stifle are generally treated by direct injection of the cyst under arthroscopic guidance, debridement of the cyst with or without filling of the cyst with a bone matrix and stem cells. Cyst affected the fetlock joint respond well to arthroscopic debridement and most foals will reach their expected athletic potential as long as they are treated early prior to the onset of arthritis.

In conclusion, lameness in foals is usually associated with infection, trauma, or developmental orthopedic diseases. Infection of a joint or physis and trauma are obvious emergencies and are potentially life threatening. Developmental orthopedic diseases tend to develop slowly with mild to moderate clinical signs that may be overlooked. They also are much more difficult Figure 9 B to definitively diagnosis. Regardless of the cause of lameness a wait and see approach or simply resting or stall confining a foal with lameness may result in loss of the foals athletic potential or worse. If there is any question as to the reason for lameness in a foal a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible.

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Abnormal Presentation of a Common Parasite..... by Dr. Debbie P. Guillory

In Louisiana we have all kinds of external and internal parasites that plaque all of our animals (and us for that matter) and many cause our horses a great deal of grief. Horse owners that observe our horses on a daily basis are aware of the common parasites our horses counter on a day to day basis and we recognize signs and symptoms of their potential presence. We also many times know how to approach the management and treatment of such parasites should the normal signs and symptoms occur but what if indication of their presence isn’t so straight forward? Constant observation of our equine friends is imperative to be able to recognize potential threats to the health of our equine partners and it is equally important to include all observations and thoughts to the medical professional helping you maintain your horse’s health. Common things can occur uncommonly and little things can make all the difference! One of the common parasites that live in the skin, eyes, and the ligamental structures in horses in Louisiana or most places in the south for that matter is Equine Onchocerciasis. This disease is caused by the Onchocerca adult and Onchocera larvae. The adults are often associated with the connective tissues. In some cases it has been thought they can even get into the connective tissues of the ligaments of the legs and even cause problems there. Horses that typically suffer with onchocerca scratch incessantly and this often causes hair loss and severe damage to the head neck and torso with the incessant scratching causing mane and tail loss as well. Quite often the horse may get a secondary bacterial skin infection as a result of the trauma to the skin on any part of the horse’s body. Many times horses need topical and oral corticosteroids and even antibiotics to be able to cope with the severe allergic reaction many have to the adult and larvae form of this parasite and stop the cycle of self-destruction. This disease is thought to be transferred by the very small Culicoides gnat or perhaps the vicious biting Buffalo gnat that is so prevalent in the early spring and midsummer in the south. One of the types of Onchocerca has even been found in the gastrosplenic ligament of the horse and can cause irritation there. It is unknown if it contributes to colic that can occur with nephrosplenic entrapment syndrome of colic. The microfilariae are found in the dermis or the skin. Many times a thorough deworming of our horses with moxidectin or ivermectin will take care of most of the problems associated with this disease. Sometimes when we see a certain presentation of a disease syndrome and we can miss the disease when it isn’t the presentation we are accustomed to seeing

in most horses. In the following paragraph I will share with you an interesting case that shows just how atypical the presentation can be of this parasite. A four year old Quarter horse filly presented to our office that coliced abruptly in the heat of the summer. This colic was so violent and painful and progressed so rapidly that we evaluated her with blood work and all the normal initial colic treatment as fast as possible. She was stabilized at our office with IV fluids and medications and then sent her to LSU for evaluation and possible surgery. There they were unable to determine the exact cause of the colic but felt that she was indeed surgical. She went to surgery and did quite well. She was home in a few days and did excellent. The days following the surgery the incision stayed slightly more swollen with more edema than normal, but she did heal and was back working successfully after she was rehabilitated. She was actually rested longer than the recommended 90 days recommended. The swelling along her underside never completely resolved but it was felt she had no evidence of hernia, so we continued to watch the incision area. Despite the ample time off, she continued to experience periods of enlargement and swelling of the ventral abdominal ligament with sometimes accumulation of as much as 3 inches of swelling along the ventral abdomen. This area was slightly sensitive but she never attempted to rub the area and there was no open areas or hair loss there. There were no sores or excoriations. She was never observed to have had any problems with overt scratching or other evidence of pruritus. As a matter of fact, she had no change in her hair coat and was very slick and shiny with no hair loss or dullness to any part of her coat. The hair on her face was also normal with no hair loss or any sign of a problem there. She went on to develop another problem with her eyes constantly draining and being slightly inflamed. It was determined that the eye itself was normal with no apparent abnormalities or problems with vision. She had no discoloration of the cornea and no changes to any other part of the eye. Topical eye flush and wipes and frequent anti-inflammatory medications were used to keep her more comfortable and her vision seemed perfectly fine. Her nasolacrimal ducts were flushed to see if that could give her some relief. Oddly enough, although she had previously had patent nasolacrimal ducts, attempts to flush them and open them now were completely unsuccessful.

They were completely obstructed. Thus her eyes had to be cleaned and wiped on a daily basis. To continue her ordeal, the mare had always had a long thick mane and tail. Her mane started just falling out in patches and the tail almost completely disappeared. All the medications, supplements ,vitamins, shampoos and topical treatments did absolutely no good. She began to swish her tail up and down very rapidly instead of side to side and would catch the small tail between her rear legs and hold it there for a short while and then start the entire process again. No matter what was done, her eyes watered continuously, she continued to loose her mane and tail hair. It was discussed that it might be the anesthesia, stress from the colic surgery, dietary changes post-op or environmental allergens. It did happen after she had the surgery. All kinds of remedies and reasons were offered but she continued to loose her mane and tail. The end of her tail developed a distinct knot that was about the size of a golf ball right on the end of the tail. The entire thing was quite strange. She was vaccinated and dewormed regularly. She had moxidectin, panacur (singly and as a power pack), and Strongid. All the dewormers were used except ivermectin. No parasites were seen in the multiple fecal examinations performed. All labwork performed was within normal limits with the exception of a low thyroid level, however there was no decrease in her clinical signs following supplementing her with low dose thyroid supplement. She felt good and was clocking and performing well. She ate well and her weight was normal. She was negative for gastric ulcers. Continued on page... 74

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Equine Health

By Neely

Neely Walker, PhD: LSU Ag Center | Equine Extension Specialist

Summer Hauling Its summer and the opportunities for horsing around are endless! Horse shows, competitions, sales, and trail rides are just a haul away. However, the hot humid conditions of a Louisiana summer can pose serious health problems for your horse. Dehydration, heatstroke, and exhaustion are just some of the ailments that need to be prevented while traveling with your horse. Follow the hot-weather hauling safety tips to prevent any detour from your summer fun. • Avoid hauling during the warmest time of the day. • Open trailer vents to create airflow throughout the trailer. DO NOT allow your horse to ride with his head out of the trailer window, flying debris and bugs can cause serious eye injuries. • Stop and check your horse’s vitals and offer water every 4-5 hours. Each stop should last a minimum of 20 minutes to allow your horse to relax and rest. • Park in shaded areas with air movement. • Carry ample drinking water for your horse while en route. It is not recommended to leave hanging water buckets in the trailer while hauling. Sudden stops can lead to split water, slippery floors, and are a potential hazard to your horse. • If you are stuck on the interstate, ensure as much ventilation as possible inside the trailer, without unloading the horses. • Make sure your vehicle is in top towing condition BEFORE leaving. Make sure all of your tires (truck/trailer) are fully inflated, while they are cool before traveling. In hot weather, fully inflated tires flex less, therefore ride cooler, decreasing your chances of a blowout. • Use two rubber mats on the trailer floor. This will reduce the heat on your horse’s legs. • If your destination is more than 12 hours away, it is recommended to unload your horse and give them an 8 hour break from trailering. • Make sure to have copies of all important identification paperwork (Coggins, Health Certificate, etc) As always with horses, expect the unexpected. While you cannot plan for every situation taking a few precautions and practicing some common sense, you can help ensure that you and your horse will arrive safely.

August | September 2016 • Louisiana Equine Report

Cheyenne!!!..................The Daddy of ‘em All By Dr. Kelly Hudspeth, Louisiana Equine Report Staff Writer

The “Daddy of ‘em All” is a perfect name for the rodeo held in Cheyenne, Wyoming, during Cheyenne Frontier Days. The rodeo pen is 700 foot long! In steer dogging and roping events, the stock get a 30-foot head start instead of 10 foot. The wild horse race, at the end of the rodeo, is pure excitement: Teams compete by catching and trying to saddle a wild horse and ride it across a finish line. This event is worth staying for! Another exciting special event held during Frontier Days is the free pancake breakfast, provided free of charge by the local Kiwanis Club, on the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the rodeo week. On Monday, July 25th, 2016, from 7am to 9am, 6,800 people were each served three pancakes, a slice of ham, and coffee or milk. For seasoned rodeo fans or anyone who has never attended a rodeo, the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo makes a great vacation experience. It’s big, exciting, affordable, and tasty!

A Bull Ride

Kelly, Dave, Bethany and Jordon Hudspeth

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The Arena

The Wild Horse Race

August | September 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Louisiana Equine Report

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Abnormal Presentation of a Common Parasite..... by Dr. Debbie P. Guillory Unfortunately her draining eyes, the persistent abdominal swelling, and the loss of her mane and tail continued to be a mystery. She never had any evidence of scratching anywhere on her body. She was alert and had a high play drive when turned out or ridden. Then one night while grooming two extremely large knots were noticed just under the mane that had formed in the nuchal ligament. They were nonpainful but were rather large, firm and in fact felt calcified. At last the mystery seemed almost solved. We were pretty certain about what the mare had been suffering with based on the size location and consistency of the knots. A biopsy of the area confirmed the diagnosis that she did have Onchocerca parasite without the typical presentation with all the body hairloss and itching. This little mare has continued to improve daily with treatment of the liquid form of the Ivermectin orally in proper doses and intervals. We do not know why the moxidectin did not work better for her. After deworming with the liquid form of the ivermectin orally, almost immediately the swelling along the ventrum started completely resolving. The nasolacrimal ducts are now patent and can be easily flushed and her eyes have little to no discharge. The large knots along the top of the neck under the mane are softening and disappearing. Best of all, she is finally after over a year, regrowing her mane and tail at a pretty amazing rate. She now swishes her tail back and forth in a more normal fashion. Never once during the entire time has her coat dulled or she scratched or had the other more “typical signs” that this parasite is more known for. This was not the normal presentation leading up to the firm knots/nodules under her mane and on the tail, for this parasite that we see on a day to day basis . The knots that formed along the cervical nuchal ligament took a long time to form and show up. We feel it might behove horse owners to consider to include the ivermectin products to deworm their horses. Studies have shown that horses with positive biopsies for this parasite can be dewormed with subsequent biopsies performed and found at be negative but future biopsies can quite often reveal/ confirm the parasite’s recurrence. It is thought that the dewormers are effective against the microfilaria, but the adults can live quite long despite proper dewormers administered. In conclusion, in all of the “big” things we do to ensure our horses are well cared for and have the best make sure to give careful attention to your parasite control. Make sure you always consider that common things can occur uncommonly and little things can make all the difference!

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August | September 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Louisiana Equine Report

Louisiana Equine Report : Office: 225-363.6773

72 Louisiana Equine Report â&#x20AC;¢ June | July 2015 Mike @ 225.229.8979 | Email: mike@laequinereport.com | www.laequinereport.com