Airplane and Horse HOUSTON, (GHHC) – Endurance riders from across the nation will bring their mounts to George Bush Intercontinental Airport May 14-15 for six rides to benefit St. Jude’s Research Hospital. As an introductory for endurance rider wanabes, a 10 mile Fun Ride is for those that would like to find out more about the sport of Endurance or just get out and enjoy the beautiful airport trails, or explore becoming an AIRPORT RANGER, and be part of the “SADDLE UP” FOR ST. JUDE!.

Serious competitors will experience the thrill of daily 25 and 50 mile rides around the busy airport as passengers on jumbo jets from around the globe get a firsthand taste of Texas horsemanship as they land.

Houston has become a benchmark for distance running with the Houston Marathon which attracts runners from across the globe. Because of the setting at a major international airport, the Houston equine event could become another major sports venue for the Bayou City.

Endurance riding is an athletic event for both horse and rider. The goal is to complete the marked trail within the time given with a horse that is fit to continue. Rain or shine the ride goes on. All horses must pass a complete vet check before, during and after the ride. Because of the demands made on horse and rider, to finish is to win.

The general public will enjoy observation areas at the airport administration building on JFK, the Houston Fire Department Airport Substation at Will Clayton Parkway and Lee Road, Aircraft Viewing Area, on Lee Road, and the North Trailhead on FM 1060 East (watch for the signs) where the start/finish line is located.

Sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference

FOR ENTRY FORM OR MORE INFORMATION: http://aerc.org/Calendar/2011AirportExpress.pdf

Ride Mngr. Darolyn Butler (281) 446-7232 or 281-446-7232 E~mail: darolyn@swbell.net or Secretary: Vicki Hudson E-mail: hou1vsh@aol.com

Sponsors: Greater Houston Horse Council, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, City of Houston, Horseback Magazine, Texas Endurance Ride Association.

Written by Dr. Kevin Hankins  and brought to you by Horsesmans News.

Mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile can be prevented by vaccinating in the spring.
Courtesy of America’s Horse daily, by Dr. Kevin Hankins, senior field veterinarian at Pfizer Animal Health

It is that time of year again when horses need to get their spring vaccinations. Any preventative health program should begin with core vaccines, such as those recommended for every horse in the United States by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The organization’s guidelines state that eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, West Nile, tetanus and rabies are considered core vaccines for horses. Horses in high risk groups, such as those competing and traveling may benefit from vaccinations against risk-based diseases caused by equine influenza virus and equine herpes viruses 1 and 4, which can cause serious respiratory disease.

“It’s very important that our horses are properly vaccinated by a veterinarian with the core vaccines, as well as any risk immunizations for their local area,” says Dr. Tom Lenz, senior director of equine veterinary services for Pfizer Animal Health. “In 2010, we saw a rise in mosquito-borne diseases in areas across the county. Horse owners can help protect their horses now by getting their spring shots.”

Pfizer Animal Health offers a trusted line of vaccines, including West Nile Innovator to help protect against West Nile virus. In addition, the Mosquito Shot (a West Nile Innovator and EWT combination) helps protect against eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus and West Nile virus in a single vaccine. Fluvac Innovator EHV-4/1 helps protect against equine flu and rhinopneumonitis, the No. 1 cause of equine respiratory disease. These products and combinations are included in the “Equine Immunization Support Guarantee.”

This program provides up to $5,000 for reasonable diagnostic and treatment costs if a horse properly vaccinated by a veterinarian contracts the corresponding equine disease. Disease protection backed by the Equine Immunization Support Guarantee includes infection from West Nile virus, equine influenza virus, tetanus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Vaccinations must be performed by a licensed veterinarian with an established client-patient relationship to be eligible.

“With the ISG program, horse owners can have trust in their vaccination program and confidence that the products are safe and effective,” Dr. Lenz says. “Working with a veterinarian helps add assurance that the horse is being protected.”

Unvaccinated horses can be at serious risk of contracting disease, whether it is a mosquito-borne disease such as West Nile or eastern equine encephalitis, or an infectious disease such as influenza. Vaccinations through a veterinarian help offer the best protection in any preventative health care program.

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Commenting on the development, Lance Walters. AHA President, said “We are very pleased to be offering this exciting and innovative class at the US Nationals. The $100,000 payout is the largest offered for any Arabian competition and it is appropriate that it be held at the most prestigious of all Arabian shows, the US Nationals.

AEPA President, Peter Conway, added “This is the perfect venue for the futurity. It offers breeders and trainers an opportunity to highlight their programs with individual performances in the preliminary section, and then proceed to an incredibly exciting National Championship rail class offering $100,000 in prize money.

For more information on the AEPA $100,000.00 English Performance Futurity visit the website: http://www.arabianenglishperformanceassociation.com/

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