Recent News

Takeaways

Due to the present Covid-19 restrictions, we are forced to adjust our traditional inspection procedures.

We, therefore, have determined that the best solution, for now, is to accept video submissions sent to us on CDs/DVDs.

Details will be provided at the time of registration of your horses.

As of January 1, 2019, SafeSport Training is mandatory for all USEF Competing Members 18 years of age and older to participate in USEF-licensed competitions.

Click here for FAQ.

Please be aware that as of the above date, ALL horses competing in classes which require USHJA registration will be ineligible to compete in Federation licensed competitions – unless the owner can provide a microchip number for the horse that verifies the animal’s identity.

To make sure, check your USEF account as to whether your horse has a microchip number registered.

AWR will gladly provide microchips for all their previously registered horses. Owners with current membership can request a microchip using this  form.

News have recently appeared through various channels concerning WFFS, a genetic defect of connective tissue found in warmblood populations. Signs of the disease include abnormally thin and fragile skin, hyperextension of limb articulations, hematomas, premature births, and others. Newborn foals have to be euthanized as this condition, unfortunately, is untreatable.

WFFS is inherited as an ‘autosomal recessive defect’ which means that both male and female horses are equally affected and that two copies of the mutation are needed to cause this fatal disorder. Horses that carry one copy do not show any WFFS defect but can, as ‘carriers’, transmit the mutation to 50% of their offspring. Mating of two carriers provides a 25% chance of producing WFFS foals.
The incidence of carriers in the Warmblood Horse world is estimated by scientists at 9-11%, some say 10-15%!

The WFFS mutation occurs in warmblood horse populations that include nearly all major European horse breeds such as Hanoverians, Selle Francais, KWPN, Oldenburg, Westphalians, Trakehners, Holsteiners, etc. etc. and their cross breeds.

So what should warmblood horse breeders do now to make responsible breeding decisions, i.e. to ensure that their own stallions and/or broodmares are free of this defect and do not transmit the fatal mutation to their offspring and/or to outside warmbloods?

AWR has teamed up with UC Davis to offer WFFS testing for all their registered and DNA typed warmbloods without having to send in another hair sample which makes it very simple. There is a test order form available on the AWR website; alternatively, test orders can be called in. WFFS tests can also be ordered in conjunction with the DNA typing of newly registered warmbloods.

Mare owners planning to obtain semen from foreign or US-based/bred stallions should request proof that the chosen stallion is NOT a WFFS carrier.

AWR will keep you informed as things develop. Please contact us directly if you have questions.

FROM THE DESK OF THE

For the Attention of Show Organizers and Competitors

There seems to be some confusion about the documentation of Flu/Rhino vaccinations. Rule Art 6.3 says that equines entering an event venue must have had Flu/Rhino vaccinations within 6 months prior to entering that venue. This is usually done twice a year…My ponies are vaccinated in January and June because it’s easier for me to remember. (Here in Florida, I also vaccinate for Eastern/ Western/West Nile and Rabies, although not on the same day. Those vaccinations don’t have to be documented.)Documentation can be either a receipt/letter on the Vet’s letterhead stating the name, serial number and expiration date of the vaccine, a passport (National or FEI) which is filled in with the same information and is signed and stamped by the Vet or, in the case of a vaccination given by the Person Responsible (usually the owner) a signed receipt showing purchase of the vaccine.In the case of the PR giving the shot, the PR must have a receipt from the Vet or Clinic from whom they purchased the vaccine which cites the name of the Clinic or Vet, the name, serial number and expiration of the vaccine. Usually this winds up being the cash/credit card/check receipt.

What Organizers ask for is proof that the animal actually received the shot. In the case of the Vet/Clinic’s letter, that is pretty conclusive evidence that the vaccination was given. Same with a passport as the Vet has to sign both of those documents.

The Organizer has to take the PR’s word for it that the shot was given as the only documentation is a receipt. There isn’t a Vet signature and stamp. I do suppose that provides a chance that the receipt was faked and the shot wasn’t actually given. Why (or how) anyone would do this is a mystery as the vaccinations are for the good of the animal and the peace of mind of the Owner and other competitors.

There is a third situation which happens when an animal has had a bad reaction to the vaccine. In that case, the PR has to have a Vet’s letter stating that the animal cannot be given the vaccination. Then the PR must be able, if asked, to furnish a log of the animal’s temperature taken twice daily for a week before the competition. Temps also must be taken twice daily while on the show grounds and a log of those shown to the Organizer, TD or Steward when asked for.

The Organizer merely wants proof that the vaccination was given. Any of the above methods of proof are acceptable.