In 2007, the Equine Influenza ravaged Australia’s horse racing scene. The industry has barely recovered from the huge losses they experienced. Now, they are once again met with news that the virus has resurfaced. Sydney’s quarantine center has confirmed a case of equine influenza. This has sent waves of fear throughout the Australian racing scene.

Equine influenza is a serious sickness among horse. It makes them unable to race and some even die from the infection. That is why it is only understandable why so many racing horse owners and sponsors are afraid for the health of their mounts and their pockets.

The threat resurfaced because a horse in Australia’s Eastern River racing circuit tested negative and positive for the disease. The horse in question is still undergoing laboratory tests and racing officials are hoping for good results. A Minister for the Australian racing industry Ian McDonald said that the entire horse racing community is hoping that the horse tests negative.

“It sent shivers down the spine of anyone that is associated with trying to manage this disease,” said McDonald.

He also advised that horse owners submit their race horses for voluntary vaccination against the Equine flu. The Australian horse racing authority is also in talks as to whether or not they should make vaccination mandatory.

September 21, 2008 – The National Dressage Championship at Stoneleigh made a champion out of Mariah Eilberg and her horse Two Sox. The pair was in second place at last year’s championship and this year they took top honors. Eilberg won the freestyle competition with a score of 73.90%, which placed her above her competitors and handing her the win. In second place came Nicola McGivern and her horse Active Walero.

When interviewed by Horse and Hound Magazine, Eilberg had this to say about her win

“It hasn’t quite sunk in,” she supplied “Two Sox tried his heart out today and yesterday, too, his grand prix felt wonderful. He’s so much more confident in the arena this year and, although it’s a difficult floorplan for the freestyle he coped really well.”

Eilberg and Two Sox were reserves for Britain’s Olympic Team at Hong Kong.

Laura Bechtolsheimer, who placed first in the Grand Prix last September 20, was not able to compete. Her horsebox was delayed by an unfortunate road accident as it was on its way to the showground.

Other winners in the National Dressage Championship include Hermoine Black, Alice Oppenheimer on Wurlizer, Corina Wyse and Emma McCombe who rode Rohan.

Oppenheimer said this to Horse and Hound Magazine:

“He produced a good clear round today and scored nines for his extended canter”.

The Maryland Racing Commission is right on the hooves of Texas. Maryland is the latest states to issue a ban on the use of Steroids on racing horses.  Like Texas, Maryland is banning the use of anabolic steroids on all racing horse. Vets and racehorse owners found to violate the ban will be dealt with accordingly. Veterinarians are still allowed to administer the small amounts of steroids, but only if there is a valid veterinary reason.

Steroid use in horse racing was brought to light after Big Brown’s trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. admitted to having used steroids to improve the horse’s performance. Big Brown is most known for his Preakness Stakes and Kentucky Derby wins.

Michael Hopkins who serves as executive director for the Maryland Racing commission had this to say:

“These particular compounds have gone unchecked for a number of years,” supplied Hopkins. “The control of them is very good for the industry.”

January 2009 marks the official ban implementation. The remaining months of 2008 are given to horse racers and owners to allow their horses to work the steroids off their system. Steroids not only result in an unfair race, it is also potentially harmful to the health of the horses.

A few weeks ago, a Kentucky governor passed a regulation against using steroids on racing horses. Today, Kentucky is taking another step to improve their Horse Racing scene. This time they are taking a humane route by regulating the type of whips used in Horse Racing. They may also ban several whipping techniques used by jockeys to make their mounts go faster.

A Kentucky welfare and safety panel took to voting last Monday – September 15. The group came to the agreement that they will be outlawing certain whips used by horse racing jockeys. The panel will also ban Riding crops that have snappers at the end. These types of crops are considered inhumane because they leave welts on the body of the horse. One-handed whipping will also be banned and jockeys are advised to keep their hands in front of their bodies during the race.

Approval of the following restrictions is up to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The commission is to reconvene on September 22. Some members of the commission are positive that the regulations will pass and that these restrictions are long overdue. One commission member Alan Leavitt had this to say:

“The perception on the part of the gamblers was if the horse wasn’t really beaten, they weren’t getting their money’s worth. But most of the great drivers will tell you it doesn’t affect the way a horse races.”

Horse racing is long time and honored event. People of every gender and financial standing have the right to place their bets on the horse they think will win. Newcomers to the races are also encouraged to place their bets and make use of their ‘beginners luck’.

Luck aside, if you want to improve your chances of winning, you should consider these factors when betting on a horse at the races.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING HORSES – the more horses there are in the race, the lesser your chance of winning. So, if you do find yourself in a horse race with more horses than you care for. It’s safer if you pick one with a good history. You could also always go for the crowd favorite.

THE LAST TIME THAT THE HORSE RAN – When picking out a horse you should consider the last time that horse raced. Too soon and the horse may be too tired to give its best. If this is the horse’s first race of the day, it may not do so well. Look for a horse that has had enough rest. It is also best to bet on a horse that has already run a race or two that day. Also, avoid betting on a horse that has already run too many races.

A regulation banning steroids use on horses has been approved in Kentucky.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear was the one to approve the regulation. Testing on race horses will begin before the Fall Racing season. The horses will be tested for common steroids such as testosterone, nandrolone and boldenone. The regulation will affect both Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing.

Governor Beshear has been quoted saying: “This is a historic day in Kentucky racing. This action demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the integrity of racing and the safety of its competitors.”

Beshear has also announced that no testing will be done during the first month of the ban. Horse Racing officials go on to say that horse owners should not interpret the 30 day period as a chance to pump their horses with steroids. Instead it is a time for them to allow the horses to work the steroids out of their system so that they test negative come race day. Owners with race horses found positive for steroids will be facing serious disciplinary action. Some of them may even be banned from the competitions for life.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has also advised Kentucky veterinarians against injecting horses with anabolic steroids. Racing horses in Kentucky may only receive steroids on a therapeutic basis.

Training Barrel Racing horses may be easier than you think. All you have to do is to keep it simple. Do not push your horse too much nor should you push too little.

Here are some Barrel Horse training tips that will make sure you get the results you want; and avoid things like this.

* Reprimand Early On – Do not wait to correct your horse’s wrong actions. If the horse does something you do not want it to, reprimand it. Make sure you get the message to your horse each time it makes a mistake. By doing so, you will help your horse remember what it needs to do faster.

* Keep Your Hands Up – Keeping your hands up as much as possible will signal your horse to stand straight and keep its shoulders up. A horse that stands straight runs quicker. Your horse will notice when you drop your head or your hands. This will signal them to do the same. So, if you want a faster horse, you need to discipline yourself too.

* Be Patient – Patience is necessary when training Barrel Racing Horses. You need to be patient enough to teach your horse the right technique. Do not let temper or frustration get the better of you. It will only end up in a poorly trained horse and a losing owner.