• A letter from the president
• West Nile Virus. . .Should I Vaccinate My Horse?
• Equine Industry Summit III was a Success.
• Is your trailer ready for summer travel?
• Vermont Equine Activity Statute
• Top Ten Reasons It's Cool To Wear A Riding Helmet.

Dear Members,

Spring is officially here! The weather may not know that yet, but it won't be long and horse enthusiasts will be very busy again. Breeders will have a new batch of foals and potential breedings, and riders and drivers will be hitting the trails and entering the rings. Vermont will be bustling with equine opportunities for everyone.

Throughout the busy spring and summer VHC volunteers will continue to: develop our web page, increase the membership around the state, advance the NEKET project, update and distribute the by-laws, organize the annual fall trail ride in Tunbridge, share legislative issues and encourage safe horse handling and riding practices. The councils had a very productive winter thanks to our large force of dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in helping in any area please contact me or Vice President Terry Rose and we can put you in touch with the appropriate chairperson.

Thank you to all who supported and attended the Vermont Equine Summit III. Special thanks to Rose Hewes and Betsy Greene who made it all happen.

Lynn Dow

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The controversial West Nile Virus vaccine has gained some supporters this year as more vets and horse owners weigh the risks of leaving horses unprotected during the mosquito season given the numbers of infected horses seen in New England and beyond. Although the state of Vermont has not had any equine cases (to date the only indentified case was in 2000 when a Hermit Thrush in southern Vermont tested positive) it is only a matter of time before WNV makes it's way into our beautiful state. Massachusetts , New York, and Connecticut have all had fatal equine cases and New Hampshire and Maine have reported numerous infected birds and other animals. WNV grows in birds and is transmitted from bird to bird, from bird to human and from bird to horse by mosquitoes (the horse is a dead end host). Based on limited data the majority of cases seem to be appearing in late summer and early fall. The most common signs in WNV infected horses are stumbling, muscle twitching, ataxia, partial paralysis and possibly death. WNV symptoms mimic several other neurological diseases such as EEE/WEE, EPM, and rabies. The only treatment at this time is supportive care as there is no cure for the infection. Some horses recover fully while others are put down when symptoms become deadly.

The first step to avoid WVN is to reduce the mosquito population in your area by removing any potential sources of stagnant water that serve as mosquito breeding grounds. This includes clogged rain gutters, old tires and unused equipment like buckets and wheelbarrows. After making every effort to reduce your mosquito population you may choose to vaccinate your horses. In July 2001 a conditional license was issued to Fort Dodge Animal Health for the use of a vaccine against West Nile Fever. The vaccine has proven to be safe with no undue problems reported from it's use. It is believed to be effective provided the initial vaccine include the recommended two doses. Protection does not occur until after the second dose of vaccine is given, and in some cases illness has occurred after the first does of the vaccine. For effective protection the first dose of the killed-virus vaccine MUST be follwed three to six weeks later with a second dose. An annual booster is then given in late spring or early summer. This will provide the horse with the greatest protection during the period when the virus activity is at it's highest.

Some may choose not to vaccinate their horses until the virus appears in Vermont while others may decide to start vaccinating now. Your veterinarian can help you make thata decision. If you will be travelling out of state with your horse, particularly to an area known to have positive WVN cases, you should vaccinate your horse. Remember to vaccinate early enough (don't forget the second dose of the initial vaccine) so that protection is effective when you travel.

Last fall there was a shortage of the West Nile Virus vaccine. This year however Fort Dodge Animal Health says they weill have no problme keeping up with the required demand. Your local vert should have the vaccine readily available.

For 2002 two states have reported positive cases of WNV. As of April 6th Florida reported a horse and a bird in Polk County, and Louisiana has reported WNV in birds only.

REMINDER TO TRAIL RIDERS: Be sure the trails you use are dry before heading out. Horses and muddy trails don't mix, and we certainly want to keep the landowners happy!

The 3rd annual Vermont Equine Industry Summit was held at the Vermont Law School in South Royalton on March 30 with approximately 100 participants. The day began with updates from the previous summits given by UVM Equine Extension Specialist Betsy Greene and Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Tom Harty. Judith Pinney, a Livestock Insurance Specialist from Reading, Massachusetts led an energetic conversation on equine liability. Most participants were surprised to find that they may not have the insurance they need. Judith reminded everyone to have an in-depth conversation with their insurance representative to see that they have the proper coverage. All policies are different and all companies handle equine coverage differently. Equine health issues were covered by three Vermont verterinarians: Dr. Phil VanHarreveld of Vermont Large Animal Clinic in Milton, Dr. Kirsten Glass of Stonecliff Animal Clinic in Bradford and our Vermont state vet Dr. Todd Johnson of Montpelier. Their topics included orthopedic disease & arthritis, Cushings and West Nile Virus. Other speakers included Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Land Director Michael Fraysier, Lucky Dimmick of Luch's Trailer Sales and Rosemary McLaughlin from Hitching Post Farm. Steve Simpson and Cherie Martin talked about the Northeast Kingdom Equestrian Trails (NEKET). Participants had a chance to visit with several vendors and exhibitors as well as network with other equine enthusiasts throughout the day. Be sure to attend next year's summit.

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As the long winter weather gives way to spring flowers and summer breezes many of us are digging out the horse trailers and getting ready for the road trips. Here are a few tips to help insure the safety of those travels:

• Wheel bearings: Annual inspections need to be made on the wheel bearing especially if you don't use your trailer very much. Temperature changes cause the grease to drop inside the bearing even on seal units.
• Floors: Check your floors carefully. Take out or lift up the rubber mats and inspect the boards for rot. Use a flat head screwdriver to push straight down into the wood. If there is no rot penetrating the wood won't be easy. If the screwdriver goes into the wood easily, especially if it goes in 1/4" or more, your floor is dangerous. Rotting occurs in the rear of the trailer more often than the front, but check the entire floor. On less expensive trailers the cross members are often spaced farther apart to keep costs down so the wood boards must be strong. Aluminum floors can corrode in the same way that wood floors rot, and it is a misconception that aluminum floors don't need cleaning. Aluminum comes in different tempers and alloys. The higher the temper number the stronger the aluminum. Drain holes are important to help minimize the effects of urine that becomes trapped under the mats. When it comes to floors remember this: wood rots, aluminum corrodes and steel rusts!
• Tires: Make sure to keep and replace your tires with trailer grade tires. Never use passenger tires on your trailer. The side walls on regular car tires are to soft and will puncture more easily. Passenger tires will also cause your trailer to sway.
• Breakaway Kit: The battery should be replaced every year.
• Safety Chains: Be sure to cross your safety chains from your truck to the trailer. This is a state law in Vermont.
• Insurance: Make sure your insurance covers towing the horse trailer.

SAFE TRAVELS!

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The Vermont Equine Activity Statute should be posted in all barns and at all equine activities:

WARNING
Under Vermont Law, an equine activity sponsor is not liable for any injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from inherent risks of equine activities that are obvious and necessary, pursuant to 12 V.S.A. Section 1039

"Equine Activity" can include (but is not limited to) shows, fairs, competitions, parades, performances, training/teaching, rides, trips and hunts. "Participant" means any person whether amateur or professional. "Equine activity sponsor" means an individual, group, club, organized camp, partnership or corporation whether or not the the sponsor is operating for profit or nonprofit.

Equine Activity Statute signs can be purchased from some area tack and feed stores. If you can't find one locally they can be ordered through catalogs. Country Supply sells heavy gauge aluminum signs measuring 12" x 18" for $18.95. The number is 800-637-6721.

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It's cool to wear a riding helmet ...

• 10) ...because the brain you've got is the only one you're going to get. Take good care of it - brain transplants don't work.
• 9) ...because if you fall and hit your (helmeted) head you will probably still remember your horse's name and how to ride. Most riding accidents occur during pleasure riding. Wear a helmet and remember the pleasure!
• 8) ...because you get to buy a new one at least every five years. Every helmet should be replaced after a fall or sharp impact and at least every five years regardless of wear. Look at the label inside your helmet, and you will find a "birthdate". Even if you haven't had a spill you still get to update your look to the newest techno-color helmet trend every five years.
• 7) ...because doing so significantly lessens your chances of shelling $3 million for lifetime care after a disabling head injury. Head injuries are related to more than 60% of all equine sports related deaths. People have died after bumping their heads on a door on the to the bathroom in the middle of the night. How much harder will your head hit the ground (or fence, tree, standard, etc.) after you come out of the saddle of your galloping horse?
• 6) ...because somebody loves you. After your next ride put your horse away, take off your helmet, comb your hair and find somebody to love. Give them a big hug and promise them you will wear an approved riding helmet with secure chin strap "every ride - every time".
• 5) ...because you can feel confident your head is well protected in case of an accident. Nobody wants to fall, but anyone who rides horses will do so from time to time. Be prepared with a properly fitted ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. Then enjoy the ride!
• 4) ...because doing so significantly decrease your chances of paying $25,000 per day for hospital costs following a serious brain injury. Head injuries are the most common reason for equine sports related hospital admissions and deaths.
• 3) ...because riding helmets work. A bicycle helmet will not adequately protect your head in a fall from a horse. People fall from bikes at different angles and directions than they do so from a horse. A lot of scientific research has gone into producing helmets specifically designed to protect human heads in equestrian accidents.
• 2) ...because you may help save a friend's life. Peer pressure is often the main reason many equestrians wear helmets. The people they ride with wear helmets so they do too. By setting an example and making helmets and expected part of "every ride - every time" you may help save a friend from serious injury or death.
• And the number one reason it's cool to wear a riding helmet ...because the life you save may be your own! Your life is precious. Cherish and protect it. Live to ride another day!

GOT YOUR HELMET?

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