This gene codes for a protein in a specific subset of neurons in the spinal cord that coordinates the movements of the animal’s legs. The mutated version of the gene causes a truncation of the DMRT3 protein, a genetic “mistake” that allows horses to pace and amble.

Among those who are scheduled to present sessions on general horse training and riding topics are Guy McLean, Stacy Westfall, Kerry Kuhn, Tommie Turvey, and Richard Winters. Clinicians who will be addressing western disciplines will include Stacy Westfall on reining, Molly Powell on barrel racing, Richard Winters on reined cow horse, Dana Hokana on western pleasure, Kenda Lenseigne on mounted shooting, and Jeff Wilson on western dressage. The English disciplines will be well represented by Janet Foy and Michael Barisone on dressage, Bernie Traurig on jumping, Jim Wofford on eventing, Marc Johnson on driving, Wendy Gruskiewicz on hunter pleasure, and Dana Hokana on hunter under saddle.

Dr. Michelle Abraham, resident in large-animal internal medicine at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center, will deliver a presentation about newborn foals. Foals can be susceptible to many illnesses, and recognizing the first signs of disease can be vital to successful treatment and care. Dr. Abraham will discuss what to expect in a normal foal, tips on early recognition of illness, and information about various diseases.

“There are also some causes of lameness that young horses are born with termed, ‘developmental bone disease,’ where the cartilage and bones do not form correctly.”

“Stopping on snow or ice without skidding and/or jackknifing takes extra distance. Use brakes very gently to avoid skidding,” added Riss. “If you begin to skid or jackknife, ease up on the brake and steer into the skid to regain control.”

“We’ve already seen a case where a horse fell through the ice and had to be rescued earlier this month. There’s always a risk for that as animals search for water sources and end up walking out onto ice-covered ponds.”

Training Tip by Dana Hokana: “Keeping your horse on the arc is way more important than most people realize. The correct arc of a left lead, for example, is that the horse’s right hind leg will be in between the two front legs and you will be able to see the back outside corner of […]