Adoptable Horse: Hazel, a 7-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred mare
Organization: February Star Sanctuary Inc., Knoxville, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Hazel

Hoping for a mare full of heart? Meet Hazel!

Registered with The Jockey Club as Three D Party, this unraced Thoroughbred mare has tons of potential. By the graded stakes winner and proven sire Desert Party, Hazel is also ready for success—just via an off-the-track career. She’s great for riding and could go into various disciplines.

Hazel also loves to be the queen of the herd and will likely want to be the first to greet you at the gate. She is up to date on vaccinations.

Contact February Star Sanctuary Inc. today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Hazel!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Hazel appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Breaking Bullet, a 5-year-old, 16.1hh Thoroughbred mare
Organization: After the Races, Elkton, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Breaking Bullet

Breaking Bullet is a 16.1 hand, 5-year-old mare (Bullet Gone Astray – Intermission by More Than Ready) that came to After the Races in partnership with Aftercare Charles Town. Bullet raced 38 times and made a little money in spite of only winning one race. After her last race in August, her connections decided it was time for her to retire.

Upon retirement she was evaluated at the track by a great vet (also a surgeon) who found her sound. She was then moved to a farm to await space to open up at ATR. Upon arrival there, she looked sound coming off the trailer and was turned out, but was of course hoof-sore a week later when ATR’s vet did her intake evaluation. Thankfully she does block to the foot so ATR hopes that with some TLC they’ll get her back on track.

ATR also plans to do a bit of physical therapy with Bullet to loosen up her neck, which was stiff for her evaluation. They’re hopeful after some good neck stretches and PT she’ll look much better when the vet comes back to revisit her.

Contact After the Races today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Breaking Bullet!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Breaking Bullet appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“This virus can spread fast, it can be deadly, and the earliest signs are often so subtle they’re easy to miss,” Commissioner Miller, himself an avid horseman, said. “That’s why monitoring your horses right now is critical. The quicker we identify a potential case, the better chance we have to protect not only our animals, but the entire Texas equine community.”

A particularly aggressive strain of EHV-1 has been confirmed by veterinary clinics in Central Texas. While investigations are ongoing, the TDA believes the situation warrants immediate attention, given the rapid spread and severe outcomes in affected horses.

Those who should act immediately are those who:

• Have a horse that was present at the WPRA event in the Waco area or transported one to/from that event.
• Have a horse that has mingled with those transported from that event.
• Any horse owner or facility operator who has recently participated in large multi–barn gatherings, roping jackpots, or traveled extensively enough to include the Waco region.

Clinical signs of EHV-1 can vary widely, and may include:

• Fever
• Nasal discharge, coughing, or other respiratory changes
• Depression or lethargy.
• Neurological signs: stumbling or incoordination, loss of tail tone, hind-limb weakness, head tilt, recumbency.
• Abortions in pregnant mares.

The EHV-1 virus spreads quickly and efficiently, making early precautions essential. Horses can transmit the virus directly through simple nose-to-nose contact, and infected animals may also release contagious aerosolized particles when they cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is equally dangerous, as shared tack, grooming tools, water and feed buckets, thermometers, and other equipment can all carry the virus from one horse to another. Even humans can unintentionally act as mechanical carriers, spreading the virus on their hands, clothing, or boots.

To protect your horses and the broader equine community, the TDA recommends the following immediate steps:

1. Isolate any horse that attended the Waco event for at least 14 days from other equines, or until cleared by a veterinarian.
2. Suspend hauling, showing, or mixing horses from the exposure group until further notice. Avoid taking exposed horses to other barns or events.
3. Disinfect trailers, wash-racks, cross-ties, tie-areas, tack rooms, buckets, grooming tools, and any shared equipment. Use an appropriate virucidal disinfectant.
4. Avoid sharing tack, halters, grooming equipment, buckets, water hoses, etc., between exposed and unexposed horses.
5. Monitor temperatures twice daily for all exposed horses and report any fever (≥101.5 °F) or other signs to a veterinarian immediately.
6. If any horse exhibits neurologic signs, coughing, or nasal discharge, isolate it immediately, wear protective gear, and call your veterinarian.
7. Keep accurate records: track which horses were present at events, their movement, and who handled them for contact tracing if needed.
8. Stay in contact with your local veterinarian and keep up to date on updates from state veterinary authorities.

“I’m asking every local horse rider, roper, trainer, and breeder to do their part today,” Commissioner Miller added. “Check your horses twice a day, isolate any exposed animals, tighten up your biosecurity, and call your vet the moment something looks off. If we work together and take this seriously, we can get ahead of this outbreak and keep our horses and our state’s $12.3 billion equine industry safe.”

What is Equine Herpes Virus?

The horse can be affected by many different strains of equine herpes virus (EHV), also known as rhinopneumonitis, but five strains are most prevalent: EHV-1, EHV-2, EHV-3, EHV-4, and EHV-5. Of these, EHV-1 and EHV-4 are associated with viral respiratory disease, with EHV-4 mostly affecting young horses younger than 3 years of age. EHV-1 is the most prevalent concern in horse populations of all ages, not only because its respiratory disease is more virulent than that of EHV-4, but also because it can cause viral abortion in pregnant mares or neurologic disease (equine herpes myeloencephalopathy or EHM). Mutation of the DNA in the herpes virus produces this extremely virulent neurological form, which damages blood vessels in the central nervous system. Subsequent damage to the spinal cord tissues and brain is accompanied by specific neurological signs.

How EHV-1 Works

Horses often contract the herpes virus at a young age but do not always develop apparent clinical signs at that time. Like herpes infections in humans, the virus often goes dormant but can resurface when the horse is stressed by training, transport, competition, herd dynamics, or other health conditions.

Re-activation of the latent virus results in active shedding of the virus in the horse’s nasal secretions. Even a healthy-looking horse can transmit the EHV-1 virus from his respiratory secretions. Horses with clinical signs shed viral particles profusely and should be isolated immediately.

Direct horse-to-horse contact facilitates exposure, but the virus can also be transmitted on peoples’ hands, clothing and shoes, as well as grooming equipment, tack, buckets, rakes, hoses and water tanks, to name a few. It is also possible for airborne particles expelled by coughing or sneezing to transfer to horses some distance away, although no one knows exactly how far.

— Edited Press Release | Source: Texas Department of Agriculture

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“Every time I ask this horse to come through for me, she is just so clutch. She’s just an incredible competitor and I’m so lucky to have her by my side and in that arena. We’ve been working together for a year now and we’re just continuing to build this synergetic and symbiotic bond,” said Ebeling. “I’m just so proud of her. As I’ve said, a rider is nothing without their horse, so really, thank you, Belle.”

“Our freestyle really highlights her personality as a diva mare and is a testament to strong powerful women. The freestyle includes sections of songs from artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, and Gwen Stefani, and honestly, I don’t think anyone can do it better than a mare and that’s been the inspiration behind this freestyle,” said Ebeling of his musical selection.

Of the evening and monumental achievement, Ebeling noted the format of the competition and the opportunity to highlight the Grand Prix Freestyle a positive push the sport needs to be able to connect with more people and attract a broader audience.

“I think it’s such a great way to capture the hearts and minds of a wider audience. It’s an amazing opportunity for our sport and to show that we can make it fun and entertaining, while highlighting the incredible attributes of our horses. Getting to have my name inked on this trophy with other greats, including two Olympians, it just motivates me more to keep going and keep pushing.”

With Drombusch OLD and her own 2011 Oldenburg gelding (Destano x DiMaggio), Felicitas Hendricks (GER) set the tone in the second half of the class, earning a 78.260% to put the pressure on both Ebeling and Marek to deliver. Hendricks, who earned her qualification during the Wellington season in her campaign last spring, competed in the desert for the first time and was thrilled with both her horse and the experience.

“I’ve been with this horse for a long, long time and he just never stops impressing me. I think today was one of the best feelings we’ve had together,” said Hendricks of her ride. “It’s special when you have been partners for as long as we have and you still feel like you’re continuing to grow and develop together – getting better with every ride. I’m so thankful for him and to be able to experience this together.”

Marek (Dunnellon, Fla.) and Fayvel, a 2010 KWPN gelding (Zizi Top x Houston) owned by Cynthia Davila, finished their week with a strong third-place finish in the final class of the week, capping an incredibly strong season for the pair, which included their overall series win, alongside their FEI Grand Prix CDI5* win on Friday evening.

“What’s really fun about showing this horse is that he’s uncomplicated to ride. He lets me really ride and not hold back. With Fayvel, I can really go for it and on a night like tonight, when the pressure is on, I know I’m going to fight for it and he’s going to be right there with me every step of the way and we don’t need to hold back,” explained Marek. “It’s been an amazing week here for us in California and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to compete here with him.”

A total of twelve combinations moved forward to contest the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5* under the lights, with four different combinations earning personal bests, with competitors across the competition representing the U.S., Canada, and Germany.

View the full results here.

— Edited Press Release | Source: US Equestrian

The post Ben Ebeling and Bellena Win Inaugural US Equestrian Open Dressage Final appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Gummy, a 24-year-old, 14.2hh American Quarter Horse gelding
Organization: West Virginia Horse Network, Guthrie, W.Va.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Gummy

Gummy (also known as Gunther) is a Quarter Horse gelding who is looking for a home as a companion horse. He is pasture sound but cannot be ridden due to a previous injury. He is looking for an adopter with a farrier that is patient and supportive when he is not as flexible as he would like to be.

Gummy is easy to handle. He is happy and kind. He loves to be hosed down in the heat of the summer and will let you know just where to spray the water on him.

In his younger years, Gummy was a working horse. He is looking for a job that would keep his mind active, such as in-hand obstacles, long walks on the beach or whatever other non-riding activities you have in mind.

He enjoys herd life and thrives in a pasture setting. Gummy is currently at a foster home where he is providing loving and patient companionship for a 38-year-old horse that recently lost his best friend. Once Gummy is done with his role there, he’ll be looking for an adopter with similar needs.

He is also dashingly handsome, so he’d be great to help with photos/selfies, etc.

Contact West Virginia Horse Network today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Gummy!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Gummy appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Cabrio, a 17-year-old, 16.2hh Holsteiner gelding
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Cabrio

Meet Cabrio!

Looking for a handsome partner with experience and a heart of gold? Cabrio is your guy! This 2008 Holsteiner gelding comes with extensive hunter/jumper experience and is as sweet as they come. While Wild at Heart hasn’t yet completed his under-saddle evaluation at the rescue, Cabrio has already impressed them with his excellent ground manners, kind personality, and willingness to please.

Cabrio does require a low-starch diet, but that doesn’t hold him back one bit—he’s healthy, happy, and eager to connect with his person. With his background, brains, and beauty, Cabrio has the potential to shine in his next home, whether that’s continuing in the show ring or enjoying a new adventure with someone who appreciates his gentle nature.

Don’t miss the chance to welcome this sweet, experienced gelding into your family.

Contact Wild at Heart Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Cabrio!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Cabrio appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 37, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat with Coagi Long, president and owner of Equine Affaire.

To end the episode, Susan and Holly chat with Simon d’Unienville of Healing Heroes Through Horsemanship about Win Often (“Whinny”), Sweetheart, and Virulente (FR) (“Violet”), this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horses.

Click here to listen on mobile.

Coagi Long, President & Owner of Equine Affaire

Coagi Long, president and owner of Equine Affaire, Inc. has more than 20 years of experience with the company in a variety of areas. She joined Equine Affaire in 2003 as a member of the marketing department, where she facilitated numerous promotional projects. She also served as Program Director, and Vice President & Executive Producer between 2006 and 2018.

Coagi now manages the production elements of each event, supervises the day-to-day operations of Equine Affaire, Inc., organizes the extensive program of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations, and coordinates the Fantasia performers and production for each Equine Affaire.

Coagi graduated summa cum laude from the University of Findlay, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in marketing and equestrian studies and a minor in operations and logistics management. With a love for riding and training since her early childhood, she has primarily concentrated on dressage and hunt seat. While at Findlay, she earned several awards, including three consecutive Intercollegiate Hunt Seat National Championship titles and 2003 Intercollegiate Dressage Association Reserve National Champion. Coagi is a member of the United States Dressage Federation and the United States Equestrian Federation. She continues to pursue her competitive career in dressage and trains Warmbloods at her farm in West Mansfield, Ohio.

◆ The Equine Affaire Website
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Adoptable Horse of the Month from Healing Heroes Through Horsemanship

Win Often (“Whinny”)

After 12 starts on the track, with an impressive 9 podium finishes, Whinny retired to a well-earned second career as a broodmare. Now, after raising several lovely foals, this striking and intelligent mare is back under saddle and easing into light work in both English and western tack. She’s the type who knows her job and prefers to take things at her own pace.

Whinny is happiest in a quiet, consistent environment with minimal fuss — enjoying the simple things like turnout time with friends and leisurely trail rides with a calm rider she trusts. She’s not one for endless drilling or pampering sessions, but she appreciates calm, kind handling and clear boundaries.

Her ideal home is one where she can live outdoors most of the time, whether in a small herd or larger group pasture, with someone who values companionship over performance. She would make a wonderful pasture partner, light trail companion, or gentle riding horse for an experienced novice to intermediate who appreciates a mare with personality.

Learn more about Win Often (“Whinny”) here.

Sweetheart

Sweetheart is a 2018 mare whose name truly says it all. After just three starts on the track, it was clear that racing wasn’t her calling. But with her excellent bloodlines and kind temperament, she transitioned naturally into a successful broodmare career, raising three beautiful foals.

Now back under saddle, Sweetheart is showing a willing attitude and a calm, steady nature as she begins her retraining in both English and western tack. She takes each new experience in stride and continues to grow in confidence with consistent handling and patient guidance.

With her conformation, elegant movement, and easygoing disposition, Sweetheart has the potential to shine in a variety of disciplines, whether that’s hunter/jumper, English or western pleasure, trail or more.

True to her name, she’s gentle, level-headed, and a pleasure to have in the barn. She gets along well in a herd, stands quietly for the vet and farrier, and enjoys attention without being pushy. Sweetheart is the kind of mare who makes every day a little brighter — soft-natured, willing, and ready to make someone very happy in her next chapter.

Learn more about Sweetheart here.

Virulente (FR) (“Violet”)

Violet is a 2019 mare with an impressive international background and all the elegance you’d expect from her Irish lineage. Born, raised, and started under saddle in France, she showed early talent on the track, earning five in-the-money finishes in just nine starts and breaking her maiden with a win before being imported to California.

After retiring from racing, Violet produced two lovely foals and is now beginning her transition back under saddle. Though still early in her retraining, she’s already showing glimpses of natural balance, scope, and athleticism that suggest real promise for a future in eventing or other sport horse disciplines.

Violet combines refined conformation with a smart, forward-thinking temperament. She’s curious, willing, and enjoys having a job, making her a rewarding prospect for someone who appreciates a talented mare with both class and character.

With her strong European bloodlines, quality movement, and eager attitude, Violet is poised to make an exceptional partner for an experienced rider looking to develop a versatile and athletic prospect.

Learn more about Virulente (FR) (“Violet”) here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 37, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 37 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Silver Kitty, a 12-year-old, 15.0hh Thoroughbred mare
Organization: Second Stride, Prospect, Ky.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Silver Kitty

A 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Silver Kitty last raced in 2017. Second Stride was not told of any injury history and she moves soundly under saddle. “Kitty” has had four foals, the last being in 2025. She is eligible for the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover Broodmare Division.

Kitty is a very kind and easy going mare. She seems to be intelligent and not concerned about much at all. She doesn’t mind being in a stall, as she stays quiet and munches on her hay. She is also fine being in a field 24/7. She gets along well with her friends and settles down quickly to graze. She walks nicely on a lead rope and is well behaved for grooming, bathing and tacking up. She stands quietly on crossties and enjoys being back under saddle.

She has a cute little trot, but her canter needs some refining. She would make a great lesson or beginner horse. Good for kids and grandkids, Kitty would make a perfect family horse and will be suitable for any age appropriate discipline.

Contact Second Stride today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Silver Kitty!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Silver Kitty appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Cajun Crazy, a 5-year-old, 16.2hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Covington, La.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Cajun Crazy

Meet Cajun Crazy, available from New Vocations’ Pasture Potatoes Program, meaning he is eligible for adoption to a non-riding home only.

“CC” needs a handler who is used to dealing with mouthy, busy youngsters. He is okay for handling but will try to play with you using his lips or teeth. When he is not trying to put his mouth or teeth on everything, CC stands quietly in the crossties for grooming and picking his feet.

CC lives outside in a herd of three geldings and does very well with others. He is a happy friendly horse with an oral fixation. He wears steel front shoes.

CC is ready to pursue a second career as your loving Pasture Potato! His adoption is eligible for shipping credit up to $1,000.

Contact New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Cajun Crazy!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Cajun Crazy appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Silk, an 8-year-old, 14.3hh grade mare
Organization: Houston Humane Society, Houston, Texas

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Silk

Meet Slik! This beautiful 8-year-old black tobiano mare is as striking as she is unique, with her bold markings and one brilliant blue eye that always catches attention. Behind her flashy looks is a gentle soul who just wants to feel safe and understood.

She has a calm presence in the pasture and enjoys spending time with her herd. While she can be a little cautious at first, once she trusts you, she’s affectionate and enjoys attention. At 8 years old, she’s in the prime of her life and ready for the next chapter with someone who will give her patience, kindness, and consistency.

She’s seeking an adopter who can give her the steady guidance she deserves and help her continue building confidence. With her good looks, sweet nature, and a willingness to connect, Silk has all the makings of a loyal companion.

Contact Houston Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Silk!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Silk appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.