“Speed Gene Traced to One Founder

Researchers track a racehorse “speed gene” back to a single mare in the United Kingdom.

By Edyta Zielinska | January 26, 2012

A gene linked to speed in today’s Thoroughbred horses was tracked back to a British mare that lived roughly 300 years ago, according to a study published in Nature Communications Tuesday (January 24).

The gene, a variant of myostatin, the factor involved in muscle mass development in many species, was shown to predict the speed and stamina of a horse. Two copies of the C-type variant, for example, is likely to result in a horse that runs fast over short distances, ideal for the sprint races that are common today. The other variant, the type T, is better suited for stamina, allowing horses to run fast for long distances.

Researchers looked at the genetics and pedigree of 593 horses, dead and alive, and tracked the C-type variant to a single mare. While horses carrying the C-type variant were still rare in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, they were widely propagated in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s by breeding two celebrated father-son stallions, Nearctic and Northern Dancer.”

The least you need to know:

- EHV 1 or Equine Herpes Virus is a long existing viral infection that, when an outbreak occurs is very contagious and easily spread.
- Spread by a variety of means: Airborn, close contact, via handler’s clothing, shared stalls/feed/grounds
- It it not known to infect humans
- It can cause multiple forms of disease in horses (4 types) but respiratory is the most common
- Symptoms: High Fever, Lethargy, Runny Nose (clear), Difficulty Standing, Neurological Effects
- Many horses develop respiratory symptoms and eventually recover
- When the disease crossed into the central nervous system the results are disastrous and deadly
- There is no known vaccine against EHV-1 and only supportive care treatment for those infected
- Current recommendation is to keep horses home, move only in emergency and avoid transport from one facility to another
- If you have been to a barn today DO NOT go to another as you may transmit the virus on your person.

The bottom line here is that this disease is a rapid spread and rapid fizzle virus with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Evaluate your plans carefully for where and when you are traveling and working with your horse.

Further Information:

Current Disease Origin – Canada
Largest Recent Outbreak Source – National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah
Current States with Identified Cases: Alberta Canada, California, Colorado, Utah, Washington
Resource Links:
UC Davis link http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm

**If you have updated information or suggested resource links, please submit them for posting asap

More info available on each of their pages. Certainly feel free to visit their pages for more pictures, video and information. Breeding is by private treaty and A.I. only. Multiple mare discounts may apply. Breed for your dream foal of color and presence!

EHV-1 Outbreak Virus Alert

The least you need to know:

- EHV 1 or Equine Herpes Virus is a long existing viral infection that, when an outbreak occurs is very contagious and easily spread.
- Spread by a variety of means: Airborn, close contact, via handler’s clothing, shared stalls/feed/grounds
- It it not known to infect humans
- It can cause multiple forms of disease in horses (4 types) but respiratory is the most common
- Symptoms: High Fever, Lethargy, Runny Nose (clear), Difficulty Standing, Neurological Effects
- Many horses develop respiratory symptoms and eventually recover
- When the disease crossed into the central nervous system the results are disastrous and deadly
- There is no known vaccine against EHV-1 and only supportive care treatment for those infected
- Current recommendation is to keep horses home, move only in emergency and avoid transport from one facility to another
- If you have been to a barn today DO NOT go to another as you may transmit the virus on your person.

The bottom line here is that this disease is a rapid spread and rapid fizzle virus with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Evaluate your plans carefully for where and when you are traveling and working with your horse.

Further Information:

Current Disease Origin – Canada
Largest Recent Outbreak Source – National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah
Current States with Identified Cases: Alberta Canada, California, Colorado, Utah, Washington
Resource Links:
UC Davis link http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm

EHV - 1 Virus

**If you have updated information or suggested resource links, please submit them for posting asap

Cremello Lusitano for sale

Caetano is a very special young Lusitano stallion  with lovely movement, extension, long neck and legs, short back and that long sought double dilute color (e/e, A/a, Cr/Cr).  Out of 2 PSL, 16.1hh Brazilian parents, he throws the creme gene producing Palomino, Buckskin, Smokey Black, and Creme foals when bred to Bay, Black or other dilute mares. He is genetically tested to produce color.  Topping it all off, this stallion has shine like no other.   He is currently under saddle and doing very well with lovely suspension (walk, trot, canter) and interest in his work.  On the ground, he loves to be with people and is very playful, but is “all boy” and insists on being the center of attention – he is not for the timid.   He is a rare jewel that will be a plus for any breeding program and a future show ring jaw dropper.    Please enjoy videos, pictures and bloodlines on his page:  http://www.cremellolusitano.com

Buyer must agree to complete currently contracted (paid in full) breedings by transporting to vet for collection when necessary.  Future breedings list included with additional breeding requests.  He has only been bred A.I. at this point with no live cover.

Now offered for sale to approved home only. $39,000 USD or best offer. REDUCED TO $30,000 USD!   Click here to contact us

Sire: Tufao Interagro (PSL) X Dam: Xarola do Vouga (PSL)

The Master of Dressage

Yes, it’s true – the “Master of Dressage” is back in the Bay Area to teach us how it’s really done.  Joan Williams will be hosting one of his clinics on April 24th-26th at Willow Pond Ranch in Soquel.  There will be a number of students and horses of all ages participating, including Cefiro do Ceu, our young Veiga Lusitano stallion.  If you are a fan of incredible horsemanship and human-horse communication, then Manolo Mendez is for you.  Below are links to various articles written by Mr. Menendez (some passed on to me from Karen of Just Equus - a fabulous boutique style equine tack and goodies vendor) and a lovely video of his working in-hand:

Mr. Mendez’s website:  http://www.manolomendezdressage.com

Our host, Joan Williams, is also a well known Gold Medalist, rider and trainer.  Below is a brief video of her working together on Cefiro with David Hunt:

“Welcoming world famous clinician Charles De Kunffy on April 14th and 15th

Hosted by JL Dixon Stable and the Menlo Circus Club:
Charles De Kunffy is a much-appreciated mentor, clinician, sought after dressage judge, and the author of several books and articles. He conducts seminars, forums and clinics around the world as well as providing many courses for riders, instructors and judges. For his full biography, please visit CharlesDeKunffy.com
$250 for one day or $475 for both days
There will be a $35 auditing fee, or $50 with lunch.
Overnight stalls are available.

Dressage Clinic De Kunffy

All Clinic sessions are 30-minutes and also include a 45-minute lecture and lunch provided by the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, CA.
The Menlo Circus Club arenas are equipped with GGT (Geo German Textile) footing. While providing the very best support for multiple disciplines, this footing has been tested and established in the international horse show business as well as being used and recommended by top professionals in venues around the world. Our facility provides state of the art comforts for both the equine athlete and the people who ride and love them!
To reserve your spot in the clinic or to inquire about training opportunities, please contact Christina Christensen at 650-743-9654 or Chrissy.Christensen@gmail.com

Here is a CHP link to current road conditions on Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway): http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi
Webcam link to Capitola: http://www.capitolasurfcam.com/

Anyone having first-hand photos or advice on the coast or our horses (and preparation for them in this type of situation) is welcome to comment!