Equine Connection-Spring 2011 - University of Minnesota College ...

Spring 2011Equine ConnectionUniversity of Minnesota Equine CenterAdvancing the health, well-being, and performance of the horseIn this issue of Equine ConnectionHealth & Well-Being: Equine DentistrySports Medicine: New Specialty, New CourseCare & Treatment: Premature and Dysmature FoalsDriven to Discover: Arthritis, Shivers, Genetic Disease

HEALTH & WELL-BEING NEWS10 things you should knowabout equine dentistryEquine veterinarians use a lighted speculum to perform an oral exam on a horse at the University of Minnesota Equine Center.By Sara Wefel, D.V.M., DABVP(Equine)Whether you have one horse orten, for performance or pleasure,every horse needs routinedental exams. While removing sharpenamel points from cheek teeth is alwaysimportant, equine veterinary dentistry israpidly expanding to include many moreprocedures and conditions. Here are 10things you should know about your horse’smouth.1It all begins with a good oralexam.A thorough exam by a veterinarian can bethe first step to noting subtle changes foryour horse, whether it is in their mouth orover their entire body. Before starting anydental procedure, a physical exam shouldbe performed, with special attentionto the horse’s heart, lungs, and bodytemperature. This is even more importantbefore administration of any sedatives ortranquilizers, to ensure the horse’s safety.A speculum is placed in the horse’s mouthover the incisors to allow a more completeview of the entire mouth, including allsurfaces of the teeth, tongue, cheeks, andall soft tissues. A specialized light (either aheadlamp or, at the Equine Center, a lightbuilt into the speculum plate) is used toilluminate the entire mouth, allowing thevet to look closely for any fractured teeth,mucosal ulcers, sharp points, dental decay,periodontal pockets, and more. Examfindings and procedures are recordedon a specialized dental chart, allowingsmoother communication between theclinician and owner (who will take a copy3

HEALTH & WELL-BEINGhome with them). Exam findings in themouth may even lead the veterinarian toevaluate other body systems. One exampleis excess tarter buildup on the incisors,which could be secondary to a kidneyproblem.2Dentistry is important for horsesof all ages.Young or old, all horses need properdental care. Even a newborn foal shouldhave a quick oral exam to look for anycongenital problems of the teeth or palate.A minimum of a yearly oral exam isrecommended to identify and address anyproblems, and some performance horsesmay need attention every six months. Anyovergrowths (hooks, ramps, steps, waves,etc.) should be reduced over severalvisits (every 3-6 months), rather than atone visit. Floating too much at one timecan damage the teeth, cause pain anddiscomfort, and result in future problems.3Horses with dental problemscan show many different clinicalsigns.Changes in eating behavior, chewingon one side of the mouth, quidding, ordropping feed may be a sign of a seriousproblem such as a fractured tooth. Colic,choke, or weight loss may also be seensecondary to dental issues. A foul odorfrom the mouth or nostrils, increasedsalivation, or nasal discharge may occursecondary to an abscessed tooth root. Ifany of these signs are noted, a veterinarianshould be notified and a thorough physicaland oral exam should be performed.4Horses can get periodontaldisease and cavities, too!Just like people, dogs, and cats, horses candevelop periodontal disease and cavities(dental caries). Without a thorough oralexam, progression to advanced stagesof oral disease may occur, even withoutthe horse showing external signs.Unfortunately, the only treatment formany advanced oral disease conditions isto extract the affected tooth. If identifiedearly, preventive measures may be able toprolong the life of the tooth.5There is a condition that canaffect the front teeth of olderhorses that you may have neverheard about.Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption andhypercementosis (EOTRH) is a painfulcondition involving the incisors andcanines of aged horses. It is characterizedby periodontal disease and resorptive (lossof bone) or proliferative (extra productionof bone) changes to teeth. These changescause teeth to become loose and resultin pain for the horse when eating. We donot currently know what causes EOTRH,but more research may be done as casesare identified. A complete oral exam andX-rays may help in the diagnosis. Thereis no cure, but extraction of the affectedteeth can increase the patient’s comfort.Older horses are especially prone to dentalproblems and should have a yearly oralexam.6Advanced dental proceduresmay be performed on a standinghorse.When extraction of a tooth is necessarydue to a fracture or tooth root abscess,the procedure may be performed with thehorse standing under sedation rather thanlying down under general anesthesia. Thisreduces some risks for the horse as well assome of the post-surgical complications.Many horses can return to their normaldiet the same day and go home theday after surgery. Similar to those inhumans, procedures such as root canalsand application of sealants can now beperformed on standing horses as well.7We now have better diagnosticsfor dental diseases in horses.At the University of Minnesota EquineCenter, multiple imaging modalitiescan be used to achieve a diagnosis in ahorse with signs of dental disease. Withdigital radiography, a horse’s teeth andsinuses can be evaluated in greater detailthan traditional X-ray films provide.Scintigraphy (bone scan) uses a nonharmfulradioactive substance to identifyareas of active change within the bonesof the skull. This may helpful for earlydiagnosis of tooth root infections. MRI hasthe benefit of evaluating both soft tissueand bone, allowing identification of subtlechanges in normal structures.8Bit seats may not be asimportant as previously thought.Gone are the days of large, sloping bitseats and the idea that they would allowthe horse to perform better under saddle.We now know that drastically changingthe surface of the upper and lower secondpremolars (or 06’s on the dental chart)actually does more harm than good. Thisis because a pulp horn, containing nerves,blood vessels, and cells essential to thehealth of the tooth, lies close to the frontof this tooth. Removing too much toothdamages the pulp, and may lead to toothroot infections or early tooth loss. A saferbit seat is one that gently rounds the frontsurface of each second premolar. Researchhas shown that a properly adjusted bitshould not be in contact with this area ofthe mouth, and in fact, the sharp enamelpoints that develop on the cheek teethmay actually be a more common causeof bitting issues. Both of these areas canbe addressed with a proper oral exam andocclusal equilibration (tooth floating).9There is no such thing as aboard-certified equine dentist(yet).Veterinarians are highly trainedprofessionals committed to the healthand welfare of your horse. Somechoose to pursue additional trainingand specialization following veterinaryschool. After completing a rigorousperiod of additional training (a minimumof three to four years) and an extensiveseries of examinations, veterinarians maycomplete board certification and legallycall themselves “specialists.” Areas ofveterinary specialty include surgery,medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology,theriogenology, pathology, and equinespecies specialization. Currently, board4

CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & WELL-BEING UPDATEAn oral exam of an aged horse. Older horses are especially prone to dental problems and should have a yearly oral exam.certification is available in small-animaldentistry only, but an equine dentistryspecialty is in the developmental stages.Practitioners, even those who primarilyperform equine dentistry, should not callthemselves equine dental specialists,as this term is misleading. Continuingeducation opportunities in equinedentistry are available through veterinaryorganizations and help keep veterinarianseducated on the latest developments inthe field. Veterinary medicine and itsspecialties are regulated by governingbodies to ensure the highest quality careand safety for your horse. Please usecaution and consideration in choosingyour horse’s dental care provider.and referralequine dental10Routineappointments areavailable at the University ofMinnesota Equine Center.We would love to see your horse for aroutine exam and equilibration (float) orby referral for advanced diagnostics andprocedures. Please contact us at612-625-6700 for more details or to makean appointment.For more information about theUniversity of MinnesotaEquine Center, visitwww.cvm.umn.edu/umec. For anappointment, call 612-625-6700.5

SPORTS MEDICINENarelle Stubbs discusses physiotherapy at an equine sports medicine course conducted at the University of Minnesota Equine Center in January.Veterinary medicine used to involvetrying to diagnose a problemthat affects a horse during peakperformance while the horse was at rest orjogging in hand. With the advent of sportsmedicine and new technologies, it hasgrown to include so much more. The PiperClinic at the University of MinnesotaEquine Center has a strong focus on sportsmedicine.A new specialtyRecently, a new specialty was establishedby the American College of VeterinarySports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr.Anna Firshman and Dr. Stephanie Valberg,both veterinarians at the University ofMinnesota Equine Center, were among theselect few invited to be charter diplomatesof the newly formed specialty. This specialhonor acknowledges their expertise andcontribution to the field of sports medicineand leadership in developing the specialtyin the future.New course for veterinarystudents and veterinariansIn January 2011, sports medicineclinicians offered a new two-week courseto veterinary students and veterinarianswith a particular interest in sportsmedicine. This clinical rotation, titledEquine Lameness, Rehabilitation, andTherapeutics, was headed by Dr. AnnaFirshman. In this course, veterinarystudents focused on lameness under thetutelage of Dr. Troy Trumble and Dr.Nicolas Ernst, both surgeons and lamenessspecialists, and rehabilitation therapieswith Dr. Firshman.They also had the opportunity to learnfrom guest lecturers, including NarelleStubbs, a renowned physical therapistcurrently at Michigan State Universitywho has extensively researched equineback pain with Dr. Hilary Clayton.Since 1998, Stubbs has been theofficial Australian Equestrian Teamphysiotherapist, treating both horses andriders on the Australian Olympic team.Stubbs provided fascinating lectures anda lab on back anatomy, biomechanics,and rehabilitation techniques for horses.Dr. Gayle Trotter, a retired surgeon fromColorado State University, also providedcaptivating lectures and a lab on equinechiropractic work.Incorporating this state-of-the art traininginto the education of Minnesota's futureequine veterinarians is one of the keysto advancing the practice of equinesports medicine where prevention, notreactionary treatment, is a strong focus,says Dr. Stephanie Valberg, director of theEquine Center.6

CARE & TREATMENTPremature and dysmature foals require round-the-clock careAfull-term equine pregnancy lasts340 to 360 days–nearly a year.Foals born prior to the 340-daymark can be premature. Prematurity oftenoccurs in twins, foals that developedinfections in the womb, and mares withabnormal placenta.It is important for breeders to recognizesigns of prematurity immediately, becausepremature foals are at high risk of rapidlydeveloping severe medical complications.Signs of prematurity include small size,low birth weight, domed forehead, floppyears, silky coat, lax tendons, and poormuscle development.Sometimes, these signs are also seen infoals born after 340 days. In this case,the foal is considered “dysmature.”Dysmaturity may be due to a lack ofnutrients reaching the foal, placentalinsufficiency, hormonal alterations, orother unknown factors.Many times, premature and dysmaturefoals seem bright and active for afew hours after birth, but this can bedeceptive, because they can rapidlydevelop complications. One complicationis a drop in energy level and a rapidincrease in breathing. This is often due toa lack of lung maturity in premature foals,which limits oxygen delivery to theirtissues and puts them at risk for suddenrespiratory distress. These foals are incritical need of oxygen and treatment inan intensive care facility.Another early sign of prematurity in foalsis laxity in their limbs upon standing.The foal’s front knees often seem to flexbackwards, and their fetlocks may extendfar enough to touch the ground. Standingand walking can put premature foals atrisk for crushing immature bones in theirknee and fetlock joints. These bones areoften poorly calcified, and damagingthem can lead to limb deformity, chronicarthritis, and limited potential for futureathletic performance.Lax tendons and poor muscledevelopment in premature foals oftenmeans that the foals may not be able tostand on their own and suckle adequately.Without assistance, they will not getcolostrum, the antibody-rich milk a mareproduces immediately after birth thatenables the foal to fight infection. A weaksuckle reflex may also impair their abilityto get colostrum and result in aspiration ofmilk into the lungs and pneumonia. Evenif foals suckle to obtain enough colostrum,it may not be well-absorbed by the foal’simmature gut, predisposing them toinfection, including pneumonia and septicjoints.Recognizing signs of prematurity andgetting a full examination by a veterinarianas soon as possible are important stepstoward minimizing future complications.Most often, premature and dysmaturefoals require hospitalization and 24-hourneonatal critical care. The round-the-clockmonitoring and continual veterinary carethat these foals need is beyond what mostbreeders or owners can provide.Veterinarians at the University ofMinnesota Veterinary Medical Center’sneonatal intensive care unit immediatelyand continually assess foals for signs ofrespiratory distress, infection, dehydration,malnutrition, and intestinal dysfunction.Oxygen therapy, broad-spectrumantibiotics, intravenous fluids, andassistance to nurse hourly or placementof a feeding tube are common therapiesprovided for premature and dysmaturefoals. A “foal team” in the intensive careunit provides support and monitoringfor the foals at all times, and veterinarytechnicians and doctors monitor vitalsigns and hydration status every hour.Radiographs are taken upon arrival todetect the extent of ossification of hockand carpal bones. Support for the legs,such as the casts pictured on the twin foalsbelow, and restricted time standing can beimplemented to try to prevent permanentdamage to the foal’s small cuboidal bones.Constant attention and familiarity withthe foals in the intensive care unit are keyto making the continual adjustments totherapy necessary to save these precariouslives. Owning a premature foal can bean emotional roller coaster, as the foal’sstatus can fluctuate for several weeks untilits condition stabilizes.Recognizing the premature or dysmaturefoal at birth and knowing where 24-hour intensive care can be obtainedare important to survival for thesefoals. Despite the risk associated withprematurity and dysmaturity, these foalscan survive and thrive as future athletes.Twin foals receiveintensive care at U of MIn May 2010, the University ofMinnesota’s Large Animal Hospitaladmitted twin foals to their neonatalintensive care unit. The twins hadclear signs of prematurity. The ownerrecognized the problem soon after theywere born and immediately broughtthem to the U of M for care. In theneonatal ICU, they received constantnursing care and therapy, includingintravenous nutrition, antibiotictherapy, oxygen, fluid therapy, bloodtransfusion from Hercules, splinting ofthe legs, and restricted exercise. Dueto the early recognition of the clinicalsigns by the owner and the intensivecare provided by the University ofMinnesota, William and Henry weredischarged after 20 days and continueto do well at home.7

DRIVEN TO DISCOVERResearch explores arthritis,shivers, and genetic diseaseResearchers at the Universityof Minnesota Equine Centerare investigating a varietyof diseases, from arthritis to geneticdisease.ArthritisDr. Troy Trumble’s research focuseson the early identification ofosteoarthritis using biomarkers andgait analysis for lameness diagnosis.Osteoarthritis is difficult to diagnosein its early stages, when progressionof the disease could potentiallybe slowed or reversed. Trumble’sresearch group has developed areversible means to produce mildosteoarthritis in horses using a fetlockchip model. Using this model, theyhave identified several joint fluid,blood, or urine-borne biomarkers thatindicate various stages of cartilagedamage, bone remodeling, andregeneration.To make this information clinicallyapplicable, Trumble’s team follows thedegree of lameness in horses using theprecision of the force plate and gaitanalysis system and correlates the changesthey see with changes in biomarkers inthe joints, blood, and urine. This modelis also being used to evaluate the effectof treatments such as steroid injectionsinto the joints to determine how the jointrecovers following arthroscopic surgery.The expected impact of this research ispreservation of soundness and well-beingof all horses, including promotion of safeuse of athletic horses. The comparativeaspects of Trumble’s research with humanarthritis have been acknowledged by theNational Institutes of Health (NIH), whichis currently funding Trumble’s research.Another focus of Trumble’s work is toassess the way that horses change theirA horse is led in front of the gait analysis system.This system uses a combination of high-speedvideo cameras and a force plate to analyze ahorse’s gait.gait and compensate for a lameness inone limb, creating a gait abnormality inanother limb. He is studying compensationin clinical cases as well as in researchhorses. If there is a consistent pattern tohow they compensate when a particularlimb is injured, veterinarians will be ableto diagnose lameness more readily andwill also have the ability to identify allsources of lameness, permitting moretimely treatments that will help preventfuture injury and allow for quicker returnto full function.Using gait analysis, Trumble’s team isalso attempting to identify the benefitsof hydrotherapy in horses as it is appliedto musculoskeletal lesions that oftenrequire long rehabilitation periods for fullrecovery. Hydrotherapy allows orthopedicpatients to move their limbs afterinjury or surgery while minimizingthe risk of re-injury, due to thebuoyancy of the water decreasingweight bearing. The aquatic treadmill(Aquapacer) is the latest technologyin equine rehabilitation that providesthe benefits of hydrotherapy in asafe and controlled environment. Inthis study, the range of motion ofthe lower limb of healthy horses isbeing compared when walking in theAquapacer (with four different waterlevels) to conventional rehabilitationsurfaces (concrete, arena, and landtreadmill). Results will allow horsesto recover from injury faster withimproved function by providingclinicians with objective data on theuse of hydrotherapy compared totraditional techniques to be able todetermine what technique would bebest for the injury they are trying totreat.Several graduate students, includingDr. Mary Boyce, Dr. Jane Manfredi, Dr.Jose Mendez, and Dr. Megan Swaab, areinvolved in these investigations.ShiversDr. Alex Draper, a veterinarian fromLondon, England, and resident in largeanimal medicine, is working to solvethe conundrum “shivers” as part of hermaster’s degree, advised by Dr. StephanieValberg.A chronic movement disorder, shivers is acommon, performance-limiting problemfor owners of warmbloods, draft horses,and some light breed horses. Horseswith shivers intermittently hold a hindlimb flexed and away from the bodyfor seconds to minutes while the rumpmuscles and tail tremble. It is usuallyinduced by backing or picking up a hindlimb. In mild forms, it mainly represents8

DRIVEN TO DISCOVERa nuisance to farriers, who have difficultywhen the horse snatches its limb away andslams it to the ground. However, if shiversprogresses, owners may not be able topick up the feet, and the exaggerated limbflexion will be apparent even when thehorse is standing still or walking forward,to the point that it impairs performance.Draper is collecting information on shiversthrough a Web site where owners canupload videos of their cases of shiversfor evaluation. Working with a team ofveterinarians and kinesiologists at theUniversity of Minnesota, Draper andValberg will tackle this perplexing diseaseby statistically analyzing informationon shivers cases from hundreds of horseowners to determine risk factors andpossible treatment strategies. For moreinformation, visitwww.cvm.umn.edu/umec/shivers.Equine genetics andgenomicsResearch in the Equine Genetics andGenomics (EGG) Laboratory focuses ongenetic mutations underlying simple andcomplex genetic diseases, the geneticsbehind breed differences in the domestichorse, and how these genetic mutationscause disease.Simple genetic diseases, such ashyperkalemic periodic paralysis andsevere combined immunodeficiency,are caused by a single gene. EGGresearchers have discovered thegenetic mutation responsible for type1 polysaccharide storage myopathy(PSSM), a muscle disease that results inmuscle pain, cramping, and muscle celldamage with exercise —and in someinstances, progressive muscle atrophy.Although the genetic mutation has beenidentified, ongoing research focuseson understanding muscle dysfunctionin PSSM. Research is also underwayto identify the genetic basis of anothermuscle glycogen storage disease, type 2PSSM.Most of the genetic diseases underinvestigation in the EGG laboratory arecomplex. Complex genetic diseases areA horse’s hocks are injected to treat the onset ofarthritic changes.often caused by more than one geneticmutation, and development of diseaseand disease severity are often affected byenvironmental factors. When an individualinherits a genetic mutation for a complexdisease, it is not a guarantee they willdevelop the disease, but that they are atincreased risk.Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is acomplex genetic disease currently underinvestigation in the EGG laboratory. EMSis a devastating disease characterizedby three main features: obesity, insulinresistance, and laminitis. Certain breedsor individual horses are predisposed toEMS, and are often referred to as “easykeepers.” These horses are very efficient atutilizing calories and often require a lowerplane of nutrition to maintain body weightthan other horses. This tendency to be aneasy keeper likely begins with a geneticpredisposition.The EGG laboratory is leading alarge-scale investigation into the roleof environment (diet and exercise)and genetics in EMS, with the goal ofidentifying the genetic mutations thatunderlie disease risk. Other complexgenetic diseases under investigationin the EGG laboratory includerecurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis,osteochondrosis dessicans, equinerecurrent uveitis, shivers, andsusceptibility to melanoma.EGG research is focused onunderstanding the genetic diversityin modern horse breeds and the genesunderlying desirable traits in differentbreeds. The EGG lab is leading aninternational collaboration, the EquineGenetic Diversity Consortium, whichconsists of more than 30 scientistsfrom over 25 institutions worldwide.The consortium is studying the geneticdifferences and relationships between40 different horse breeds from acrossthe globe.This project represents the largestand most comprehensive data set ongenetic diversity in the modern horse,which will allow insight into the overalleffect of current breeding practices.For the first time, researchers will havesystematically identified the regions ofthe genome that have been influencedby selective breeding during the historyof the domestic horse, which will enablethem to start untangling the genetic basisof enhanced performance in certainpopulations and disciplines.This horse is part of a research project beingconducted by Dr. Molly McCue, who is investigatingequine metabolic syndrome, a complex geneticdisease characterized by obesity, insulinresistance, and laminitis.9

AROUND THE EQUINE CENTER10As Dr. Stephanie Valberg discusses how trainingaffects muscles, Legend displays his paintedmuscles on the high-speed treadmill.Piper Clinic Trainer Seriesexpected to be annual eventThe first Piper Clinic Trainer Series wassponsored by the University of MinnesotaEquine Center and Nutrena in Februaryand March. The five-week programfeatured hands-on demonstrations andlectures by board-certified veterinariansfrom the Equine Center.At the kick-off session, Dr. StephanieValberg discussed how different musclesare used during exercise and how trainingaffects muscles. Participants then sawthese muscles in action with the helpof Legend, who displayed his paintedmuscles on the high-speed treadmill.Other topics included “Advances in UpperAirway Diagnostics,” presented byDr. Anne Nicholson, “Tendon Injuries andTreatments, ” presented by Dr. NicolasErnst, “Treating Arthritis in Horses” and“Advances in Gait Analysis,” presentedby Dr. Troy Trumble, and “RehabilitationTherapies and the Aquapacer,” presentedby Dr. Anna Firshman. Each sessionincluded a demonstration of state-of-theartdiagnostic and research equipment atthe Leatherdale Equine Center, includinga live upper airway examination, palpationand ultrasound of tendons, use of the gaitanalysis system, and a workout in theunderwater treadmill. Nutritionists fromNutrena provided information related toeach topic.The series is expected to become anannual event. To see pictures from thePiper Clinic Trainer Series, visitwww.cvm.umn.edu/umec/trainerseries.Horsemanship CampSummer 2011 marks the fourth yearof the University of Minnesota EquineCenter’s Horsemanship summer camp inpartnership with Kids’ University. Therewill be four weeks of camp, with oneweek designed for older teens focusing oncareers with horses. The other three weeksof camp will teach older children andyoung teens the basics of horsemanship,including skills on the ground. Thisprogram will also explore signs of healthproblems and safety around horses. Formore information and to register, visithttp://recsports.umn.edu/youth/kidsu.Trainer’s challengeFor the past three years, MinnesotaHooved Animal Rescue has invitedtrainers from across Minnesota to apply totake on the truly challenging student: theunbroken horse with an unfortunate past.Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue takesin neglected and unwanted horses andfinds them new homes when possible. It ishard to re-home the unhandled horse; thisis where area trainers come to the rescue!Every year, they have the chance to workwith an unhandled horse and turn thehorse into a life partner for a rider in only120 days. This challenge culminates witha competition where they can show offtheir accomplishments. The event is heldeach year at the University of MinnesotaEquine Center. In 2010, approximately300 spectators attended to cheer ontheir favorite horses. The champion wasSullivan, trained by Cassie Springer,with a tie for reserve champion betweenRioja, trained by TJ Clibbon, and Weebay,trained by Sid Zacharias. The FourthAnnual Trainer’s Challenge will be heldat the University of Minnesota EquineCenter on Saturday, August 13, 2011. Formore information, visitwww.mnhoovedanimalrescue.org.Refuge Farms GalaNovember 2010 marked the second yearfor the Refuge Farms’ Fall Gala at theUniversity of Minnesota Equine Center.Refuge Farms is a nonprofit organizationthat focuses on providing hospice-typecare for horses. This year’s Fall Gala andAuction will be held on November 5,2011. For more information, seewww.refugefarms.org.Upcoming events atthe Equine CenterWestern Dressage ClinicMay-7-8, 2011Featuring Randy Byers, a JohnLyons-certified trainer, this clinicwill teach participants cues andtechniques for controlling their horsefrom the ground and the saddle.The John Lyons discipline is newlyrecognized by the United StatesEquestrian Federation and is allabout teaching dressage elementsto western horses in western tack.Midwest Western Dressage is workingto bring recognition and a Minnesotapresence to this discipline. The clinicis expected to have all rider slots filledby time of publication, but auditorsare welcome. Learn more athttp://midwestwesterndressage.com.Horsemanship campJuly 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29Fourth Annual Trainer’s ChallengeAugust 13, 2011Debbie McDonald Dressage ClinicOctober 1-2, 2011Nearly 100 spectators, volunteers, andriders are expected to attend this clinichosted by the Central States Dressageand Eventing Association (CSDEA).Debbie McDonald has representedthe United States at multiple Olympicand World Cup events and is knownfor her partnership with the 2005Farnam/Platinum United StatesEquestrian Federation (USEF) Horseof the Year, Brentina.In 2010, Debbiewas named theUSEF’s DevelopingDressage Coach.Eight riders will beinvited to participatein this two-dayclinic. Interested inriding, auditing, orsponsoring? ContactMindy Lenz, CSDEA,at Melinda.lenz@toro.com. om.Refuge Farms Fall GalaNovember 5, 2011

AROUND THE EQUINE CENTERDudley BarnopensDecember 2010 saw the opening of the brand new Dudley Barn at the University of Minnesota Equine Center. This 14-stallfacility serves many purposes. It houses horses for outside events such as clinics, small shows, and fundraisers that alsoutilize the spacious Barenscheer Arena at the Leatherdale Equine Center. In the five months since the Dudley Barn hasopened, interest in the Leatherdale Equine Center as an event venue has increased, and this space has made several 2011 eventspossible.The Dudley barn currently houses the We Can Ride horses and two horses available to the College for multiple purposes, Mr. Perfectand Legend. Legend recently demonstrated his painted muscles while exercising on the treadmill for horse trainers participating in thePiper Clinic Trainer’s Series.The Dudley Barn was made possible by William and Jane Dudley, Randy and Sarah Hogan, Karen Rylander, and the Minnesota HorseCouncil.11

Visit the University of Minnesota Equine Centeron the Web at www.cvm.umn.edu/umec