I have had the opportunity to work with a number of Tennessee Walking Horses over the years.  In my experience, they are kind, tough, gentle, and willing horses:  just wonderful to be and work around.  People tell me that they are comfortable to ride (I've never been on one), and great companions. They are also the only breed about which a Federal Law has been passed.  The law pertains to the practice of … [Read more...]

U.K. researchers have found that horses demonstrate the process in which several senses are used to identify other individuals, known as cross-modal perception and once believed to be unique to humans.  Horses can recognize their owners from their voices and create a mental picture of familiar humans. CLICK HERE to see the entire article in the London Telegraph. DR. RAMEY NOTES:  So, as you probably hoped, the … [Read more...]

This just in from the California State Veterinarian. Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) virus, New Jersey serotype, was confirmed in horses on an equine premises in Otero County, New Mexico.  This is the first detection of active VS in the United States since June 2010.  Two horses from the affected premises were sampled on April 18, 2012 after vesicular lesions were observed in both animals.  The New Mexico Livestock Board … [Read more...]

The New York Times has just published another article examining the racing industry.  As I understand it, this is the second of four articles to be published.  It isn't pretty. The article focuses on one person, and one area - I wonder if they are going to expand the scope.  I don't think it would get any prettier. CLICK HERE to read the article.     … [Read more...]

The New York Times has started what-is-apparently-going-to-be a series looking at America's horse racing industry.  The article pulls no punches, and, hopefully, will help spur serious discussion as to how these beautiful horses are managed.  It's been a long time coming. CLICK HERE to read the article in the New York Times, March 24, 2012 edition. DR. RAMEY NOTES:  The article is horrifying.  It is also … [Read more...]