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Greetings Everyone, On September 30, we visited Melody Squire in Tinmouth for our Directors meeting. Thank you Melody for hosting it. Even though only 8 members attended, it was still a productive meeting. Our main focus of the meeting was the upcoming booth at the Equine Affaire. If you plan to attend, we would like some coverage at our booth. Contact Lynn Dow for sign up opportunities. Unfortunately, I had to accept the resignation of Robin Severy, chairperson of our safety committee. If anyone is interested in chairing this committee, please let me know. If you need ideas/direction, I will help as much as I can. Some safety suggestions were made at the Tinmouth meeting, but we lack participation at this time to make anything happen. We are interested in someone willing to get a Governor’s Proclamation for May, Equine Safety Month, and maybe a safety clinic in the year 2004. A huge thank you goes out to all the committee members who have made this summer such a success. NEKET for the ANR contract and opening the trail system in the Northeast Kingdom, the Annual Trail Ride committee for delivering another profitable and fun trail ride, and Scholarship for giving out 2 checks to worthy youths. Our next meeting will be held January 4th at the Burlington Middle School. Our guest speaker will be Jessica Ebert from the law offices of Collins, McMahon & Harris. Jessica specializes in equine legal services and is willing to help anyone at VHC with liability prevention at your stable. Come to the meeting to ask Jessica questions and get to know her. If anyone is interested in helping VHC, but cannot regularly attend meetings, there are still projects that can be done via e-mail, snail mail, and phone. Including, but not limited to, thank-you letters, historian (collecting pictures to put in albums), and membership committee. Its not too early to renew your dues for 2004. Dues are due in January but if you choose to renew early its good through next year. This is to ensure anyone interested in NEKET passes get them for the remainder of this riding season and into the next. Our new application is enclosed in this newsletter. Don’t forget to keep checking the website! Sincerely, Terry Rose, President
2003
Equine Affaire Plans for the VHC booth are moving right along.
Equine Affaire administrators are planning on 93,000 attendees this year.
We still need volunteers to man the booth as we want it covered for all
open hours. Call or email Lynn Dow if you would like to sign up. H 802-728-9007,
W 802-831-1403, email lldow@vermontlaw.edu. Email or mail your ads to Lynn Dow, 6495 Rte 12A,
West Braintree, VT 05669. ldow@vermontlaw.edu
Membership Report
Also, Thank you everyone who renewed
their dues for 2003!
Respectfully Submitted, NORTHEAST KINGDOM EQUESTRIAN TRAILS BECOME A REALITY Members of the Northeast Kingdom Equestrian Trails (NEKET) Committee and several riders from local clubs gathered at the trail head in Island Pond for a weekend ride on October 4th and 5th. Although there was wind, rain and hail on Saturday, the sun poked through the clouds for brief intervals on Sunday and the incredible splash of reds, oranges, yellows and greens on the surrounding mountains made up for the slight discomfort of the weather. The weekend ride was the first opportunity that the NEKET committee has had to ride the new trail system, which just opened a few weeks ago. The committee has been working with state agencies for more than two years to develop the trail system that is made up of almost 90 miles of trails on logging roads, skid paths and trails in the West Mountain Wildlife Management Area and on private land. Thanks to sponsors and the many clubs whose financial support and labor enabled the project to proceed, NEKET is now a reality. The weekend riders and their mounts made for a colorful display to passers-by. As well as members of the NEKET committee, there were riders from: The Green Mountain Draft Horse Association, Northeast Kingdom Wranglers and the Northeast Kingdom Pleasure Horse Association, riding Arabians, Morgan, Tennessee Walkers, Quarter Horses, and one Clydesdale, Rosie, who won all of our hearts with her easy going attitude.
The NEKET system is open from June to November 1st. Vermont Horse Council’s NEKET Committee was named corridor manager after working with David Willard, Louis Bushey and Matt Langlais of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, who patiently guided us through the process of developing a trail-use plan. Users must be members of Vermont Horse Council and obtain an annual trail pass for $15. The income from trail passes is used for trail maintenance and insurance needed to keep the trails open. Consider joining Vermont Horse Council and purchase a NEKET pass for 2004. Again, members of the NEKET committee want to thank
the following clubs who shared our vision. They made financial contributions,
joined in, and have been patient in seeing it through. Without you these
trails would not exist. 1st
case of West Nile Virus MONTPELIER — Animal health officials with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets have confirmed that one horse in Addison County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) and say they are awaiting test results on a second one that is strongly suspected to be positive. This is the first confirmed equine case in 2003. Both of the horses are said to be stable and are recovering. Since the virus is not contagious, agricultural officials say the infected horse doesn’t pose a risk to humans or other animals and are respecting the owners wishes not to be identified. Vermont recorded a total of 5 equine WNV cases in 2002. To date in 2003, 75 birds from 11 different Vermont counties have tested positive for West Nile virus. There has also been one confirmed human case, in an Addison County resident who was likely infected while traveling in Nebraska and Colorado. Since the first identification of West Nile Virus infection in horses in New York State four years ago, 39 other states have reported at least one equine WNV case. West Nile virus was first documented in the U.S. in 1999 and in Vermont in 2000. Nationally, 43 states have documented West Nile virus activity to date in 2003. In 2002, more than 15,000 equines in 40 state were diagnosed with cases of illness caused by WNV. West Nile Virus in horses is not contagious and does not present a threat of spreading to people or other animals. Furthermore, the risk of exposure for individual horses is considered to be low. An outbreak affecting a large number of horses is not considered likely since cases tend to occur sporadically within a region. Horses infected with the virus can show neurological signs consistent with infection of the brain and spinal cord, similar to encephalitis in humans. The most frequent signs include: weakness; lack of coordination affecting mostly the hind limbs, which may include falling down and an inability to rise; depression or apprehension, and muscle tremors. Horses, like people, acquire the infection from mosquitoes that have fed off infected birds. The most important preventive measures that horse owners can take is to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around the farm which are found where stagnant water collects. State agriculture officials are also urging horse owners to consider vaccinating their horses for West Nile Virus. The vaccine is available from veterinarians and it is necessary to complete the full course of vaccination to achieve effective immunity. This includes at least two doses 3-6 weeks apart and then one dose annually thereafter. The use of insect repellents and screening may also be helpful. While it is late in 2003 to be considering vaccination, the Agency says it should be a priority for horse owners prior to the 2004 mosquito season. Approximately one third of clinically affected horses will die or need to be euthanized as a result of West Nile Virus. The majority of animals usually recover fully. Horse owners should consult their veterinarian about any horses that may be showing suspicious signs or for more information about vaccination. For both horses and humans, prevention is critical. One of the chief methods of prevention is eliminating any sources of stagnant water around the home or farm which can include old tires, bird baths, containers left outdoors, roof gutters and children’s swimming pools. In addition to reducing sources of standing water, state health officials also urge people to take common sense precautions including wearing long sleeves and pants when outside, limiting outdoor time at dawn and dusk and other times when mosquitoes are out, and using an insect repellant that contains DEET¾ carefully following product directions and never using it on infants. The Health Department also renewed its call for Vermont residents who see a dead bird to report it by calling 1-800-913-1139. Reporting may also be done at Health Department district offices. Locations and phone numbers are listed on the Health Department web site at: http://www.healthyvermonters.info/cph/local/local.shtml. Testing dead birds is one part of the state’s West Nile virus surveillance program. In addition, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, led by State Entomologist Jon Turmel, is trapping, typing and testing mosquitoes for the presence of the virus. No mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus so far this season. More information on West Nile virus in animals
can be found on the Vermont Department of Agriculture’s website at
www.vermontagriculture.com or on the Vermont Department of Health’s
website at: http://www.healthyvermonters.info/cph/local/local.shtml Jason Aldous Communications & Outreach Coordinator Susan McNeill - University of Vermont Extension email: susan.e.mcneill@uvm.edu, Central Region 4-H Educator phone & voicemail 802-728-1556 --P.O. Box 8 fax: 802 -728-1582Randolph Center, VT 05061 www.uvm.edu/extension
I am happy to report that the AHC is busy sending me emails with all the legislative things going on regarding the equine industry. The most recent push is concerning “Pathways” and government owned lands. AHC is trying to have included with “ pedestrians, bicycles, and equestrians in the new legislation. Also use of government lands by equines. There is alot of information that I still need to review and pick out what might apply to us. AHC also requested some information concerning our council for their new publication. I hope everyone that can has accessed their website. Again, it . www.horsecouncil.org and the state advisory committee site is www.statehorsecouncils.org . I will have a more comprehensive report for the next newsletter. Please contact me if you have any specific questions or issues that I can help with. Respectfully, Susan Mitchell “2002 Vermont Horses Count!” Survey The “Vermont Horses Count” equine survey report has gone to the printers. The objective of the survey was to take stock of Vermont’s equine and their impact on the state’s economy. The results provided information on breed numbers, location, discipline involvement, and categorization of equine facilities. The survey identified 3,562 horses, a representation of the over 35,000 equine in the state. The Morgan was Vermont’s dominant breed in the state, with Quarter Horses coming in second. Thoroughbreds outnumbered the Standardbreds in the racehorse category; Belgians headed the draft horse breeds, while Halfingers made up the majority of ponies. The total value of Vermont equine (horses only) reported was $20,365,566, and average price was about $5000 per head. The final report will be mailed out to all survey participants who requested a copy, and will be available through the Animal Science Department, or the Vermont Department of Agriculture. The Vermont Horse Council will also have copies at the November Equine Affaire. Large
Animal Rescue Video Available from USRider US Rider Equestrian Motor Plan has provided VHC with a new safety video on the rescue of large animals. The video covers a broad spectrum of emergency situations including containment, up-righting trailers, lifting and dragging horses, and water rescue and night rescue operations. The video is not intended to be the sole means of emergency rescue training, but rather it is intended to create awareness of safe procedures and be an introduction in the training of large animal emergency rescue. The video covers theory and demonstrations in how to respond to overturned trailers; animals in holes, pools or open sewers; barn fires; trailer wrecks; and animals loose on the highway, trapped in various nasty places or hurt on the trail. The video uses simulated situations to demonstrate how to tie up, pull, strap and lift large animals in different types of slings. USRider has encouraged VHC to make multiple copies
to distribute around the state. I have 4 copies ready to mail out to
anyone who would like to share it in their area. This video would make
a great program for a local riding or showing club, a 4H meeting, and
for your local rescue organization. PS-Check out the USRider website at http//:www.usrider.org.
USRider offer equine travel insurance and roadside assistance. The site
has an excellent page of trailering safety tips as well. VHC
Scholarship Report The Cliff Murray and Floyd Fuller Memorial Scholarship Fund has a balance of $947.09, and the Youth/4H Scholarship Fund has $505.71, as of August 29, 2003 The Murray & Fuller scholarship is now promoted through VSAC, the Vermont Student Assistance Corp., and VHC hopes this will increase interest in the fund for high school graduates pursuing an education in the animal sciences. The scholarship award has been $250.00 for many years and hopefully the committee can raise the award in 2004 by organizing a fund raiser. The scholarship committee also encourages any youth
or 4Her needing financial assistance for any equine related activity to
apply. This summer we gave two scholarships to help with trucking expenses
to a 4H horsemanship Contact Lynn Dow for more information The weather was very cooperative in spite of the Hurricane that hit the East Coast that weekend. The event turned out to be a success because of all the riders that were there and the committee members: Cherie Clarkson, Terry Rose, Lynn Dow, Karen Blow, Tim and Claire Davis and Morris LaSalle that worked so hard to get everything ready… A special thanks to Carol Humphrey for volunteering her time and efforts on helping Karen, Tim and Claire with the check INS. We all had a great time around the campfire Saturday night, after having a delicious chicken BBQ provided by Jockey Hollow. Tim, great job stoking the camp fire! Thanks again everyone for your hard work. Hope to see you all next year! Stay warm!!! Happy Trails, Sharon The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets
recently provided VHC with the number of coggins tests done in Vermont
for the past three years. One can’t help but notice the decline in
the number of tests done and wonder why. Less horses showing, traveling,
selling, etc....... In 2000-8314 horses were tested; in 2001-7173 and
in 2002-5907. The Vermont Horse Council is pleased to announce Jessica Ebert, Esq. of Collins, McMahon & Harris as our official legal council. Jessica is specializing in Equine Law, especially lawsuit avoidance. Please contact Jessica if you need legal representation. Jessica Ebert, Esq. Advising Clients in Equine Law 308 Main Street P.O. Box 1623 Burlington, VT ()5402- ] 623 (802) 862-3524 jebert@vt-law.org Sincerely Terry Rose, President Vermont Horse Council VERMONT HORSE COUNCIL MEMBER BENEFITS All Memberships: receive a quarterly newsletter with calendar of events, free classified ads, and area news and discount on VHC sponsored events. VHC voting privileges. Enrollment in the Riding & Driving Program when additional one-time fee is paid. Club, Business, and Farm Memberships: Free listing in the newsletter Opportunity to list upcoming events & news in the quarterly newsletter Opportunity to distribute business cards and or flyers at trade show booth set-ups. The Vermont Horse Council is a 501 c(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible. SUPPORT THE COUNCIL JOIN TODAY Green Mountain Horse Association Tid-bit Virginia Lancaster's son, Richard Lancaster, was recently recognized as GMHAs Volunteer of the Year, and her grandson, Roy Salgeuro, is Jr. volunteer of the year. Last year Virginia herself won the GMHA honors. Congratulations to the Lancasters, a dedicated family of volunteers! In March VHC will recognize their horse person
of the year for 2004. Morris Lasell was our 2003 recipient. The January
newsletter will include details on the criteria and how to submit your
nomination. So, start thinking now about who you would like to nominate
for 2004.
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