Henda Virus Survey needs more participants
Feb 12
The NSW DPI, in conjunction with the Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity Queensland, is conducting a survey of Australian horse owners to determine knowledge, attitude, opinions and practices in relation to Hendra virus. Results of this survey will help them provide the most appropriate information to the most relevant sectors of the horse industry, helping minimise risks from this dangerous disease.
They are asking for more participants to help ensure an even spread of survey entries, especially from states outside the 'Hendra zone'. If you have a few moment, please help them out by going to the online survey and completing it. The survey can be found at: https://www.research.net/s/Horse_Owner_Survey_on_Hendra_virus
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Due Date for Newsletter Submissions - fast approaching!
Nov 11
The Christmas newsletter is well underway, and the Editor would like to remind everyone that the due date for this issue is the 1st December.
The Christmas issue has always been the Foal Brag issue, so why not send in photos of your new arrivals? News and photos of show results are encouraged and always welcome. We also love to hear how everyone is going in their 'everyday' and stories and funny photos of your Saddlebreds are always great to see. Ads for your business and horses for sale or at stud are welcomed.
All photos and information, as well as advertising, should be send to the main email address assra.aust@y7mail.com
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Update on American Foreign Registry Status
Dec 11
ASSRA would like to notify all of our breeders and owners that ASHA USA has reinstated the Foreign Registry recognition of ASHAA registered horses in the USA. However as ASHAA has been wound up and no longer exists as a legal entity, all paperwork to support dual registration must come from ASSRA, who are the custodians of the Stud Book and all archives.
While ASSRA has requested from the beginning an update to our Foreign Registry status, we have not to date been advised by ASHA as to our own recognition. This now leaves us in the extraordinary position of ASSRA 'status pending' while a portion of the same Stud Book, archives and DNA are 'status approved'.
ASSRA is extremely concerned about the best interests of our breeders and owners, and the legalities in regards to this issue, and have contacted ASHA requesting with great urgency a clarification and update about ASSRA's Foreign Registry status.
We will advise as soon as we receive an update from ASHA. In the meantime if this issue affects you, we strongly encourage you to contact ASHA requesting them to expedite review and approval of ASSRA's Foreign Registry status.
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AHIC Horse Industry Survey
Oct 11
The Australian Horse Industry Council is undertaking a project “Horse Industry Engagement on future of the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) Horse Program". As part of this project, you are invited to take part in a survey.
The aim of this survey is to identify issues, topics, barriers & opportunities for the Australian horse industry from the grass roots owner to organisational & business sustainability. Feedback from the survey will assist with providing background for a horse industry leaders workshop to be held in Sydney this November as part of the abovementioned project. Further information about the project can be found on www.rirdc.gov.au All questions are optional. The survey closes on 31 October, 2011
Survey link https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011_AHIC_Survey_End31Oct
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Forty Something loss a blow to Saddlebred Dressage
Aug 11
Forty Something, a purebred American Saddlebred gelding owned by Jody Swimmer and trained by Chrissa Hoffman, has passed on. Chrissa may be better known as the trainer of the Grand Prix Saddlebred Harry Callahan. Chrissa showed Forty Something in his first PSG class in 2009, earning two second place ribbons with a 60.9% and a 62.6%. This accomplishment landed him in the USDF Connection magazine, as he was the second saddlebred in the United States to reach the FEI levels of dressage with scores in the 60's. The loss of this handsome 12 year old gelding is a blow not only to his connections but to the developing Saddlebred dressage scene. He is succeeded by the up and coming 6 year old Saddlebred gelding New York City Slicker, also owned by Jody and trained by Chrissa.
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Registration Amnesty
Jun 11
Due to the hard financial times we all find ourselves in, ASSRA hopes to help its Breeders by offering a one off REGISTRATION AMNESTY effective as from the 1st of July 2011 until the 1st of October 2011 during which time you are able to register your purebred or partbred American Saddlebred or Georgian Grande irrespective of age, with correct paper trail for AUD$50.00 for subscribers and $75.00 for non-subscribers. Please contact our Secretary for more information.
We are also offering a Transfer Amnesty in conjunction with the Registration Amnesty. The Transfer fee during this same period will be reduced to $30.
These amnesties together can save up to $200 per registration. Please contact the Secretary for more information.
New ASSRA Committee - 2011/2012
Jun 11
ASSRA proudly announces your new Committee for the next financial year. As President we congratulate Mr Peter Riebeling (VIC); Vice President Mrs Leasa Riley (QLD); Secretary & Treasurer Mrs Lise Graber (VIC); Assisting the Secretary is Ms Karen Anderson (WA); Registrar & Webmaster Mrs Andrea Liebenberg (QLD); Editor of our News Letter and Archivist Mr David Byrne (ACT); Assisting Webmaster Ms Silvia Kutle (WA); additional members to the Committee are Mrs Carol Riebeling (VIC) and Mrs Rae-Jon Bunting (QLD). We look forward to a prosperous new year for ASSRA and hope to be of service to you soon.
National Disaster Administration Assistance
Jun 11
ASSRA proudly announces a Natural Disaster Administration Assistance. This entails FREE re-issue of any and all lost Registration Papers previously issued by ASHAA or ASSRA. This also includes a DNA ONLY FEE ($75) Registration for any foals born to that affected Stud in the year following the Natural Disaster (this applies to every Saddlebred Breeder in Australasia, purebred, partbred or Georgian Grande).
Georgian Grande Registry
Jun 11
ASSRA has officially been appointed by the Georgian Grande Registry in the USA as their exclusive Registry in Australasia. This goes hand in hand with a offer from the US Georgian Grande Registry which offers free US registration for any Georgian Grande Registered with ASSRA. We truly look forward to a bright and promising future for the Georgian Grande breed in Australia and are a very proud part of it.
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Mystery Creek Events Centre in November – Equidays
To give you a quick snapshot, Equidays:
• Is a brand new national event encompassing all facets of the equine industry
• Will be developed, owned and hosted by Mystery Creek Events Centre
• Has the vision to feature all equine disciplines
• Will have demonstrations, competitions, clinics, seminars and exhibitions
• Has a desired attendance of 18,000 people over three days
• Aims to have 200 exhibitors
• Will have its inaugural event 18, 19 and 20 November 2011
• Will be held every second year
• Equidays®, the word and brand, are registered trademarks to Fieldays Society
Below is a link to the online Prospectus:
http://www.equidays.co.nz/register-exhibit/
We would love to have American Saddlebred and Sporthorse Registry represented at Equidays. Whether that be in one of our exhibition areas, or by demonstrating your product or service in one of our dedicated demonstration arenas.
If you have any questions or feedback, or if you would like to discuss partnership options, please contact me on the details below.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards
Renee Johansen
Event Executive - Equidays, Mystery Creek Events Centre
P: +64 7 843-4497 M: +64 27 449-5246 F: +64 7 843-8572
Gate 2, 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Private Bag 3206, Hamilton 3240, NZ
Equidays 18–20 November 2011 www.equidays.co.nz
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/equidays
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Letter from the ASSRA Committee
To all our breeders and associates.
Once again we (ASSRA and before us ASHAA) have been accused of wrong-doings against NASHS breeders and members.
Quote 1 from NASH's blog and Facebook group
"Last year one of our members took on the arduous task of independently putting together a National Saddlebred Show.
Saddlebreds in Australia have not had a National Show for more than 10 years and classes at regular Agricultural Shows are diminishing every year.
She thought a National Show would be a great idea for people to come together in a friendly social atmosphere and show their pride and joy off to the judge and public (and hopefully win prizes while they were doing it!).
It was also an opportunity for breeders to show off their progeny as there is currently nowhere in Australia to do this. A place where Saddlebred breeders can compete against each other for National titles to prove the success of their breeding programmes.
Certain key members of the "other" Saddlebred organisation, now known as ASSRA, decided they did not want to compete against NASHS registered horses (for fear of being beaten perhaps?) so they set about to "black ban" the show and informed the rest of their members to do this also."
ASSRA was indeed contacted by the person that wanted to put on a Saddlebred show and agreed to advertise the show in Saddlebred Australia as it was a very good opportunity to show Saddlebreds and all Saddlebreds.
Several months later when the show organiser contacted ASSRA again, it was revealed the show was going to be a National Champion Show with futurity classes. I personally asked the show organiser to change the show to a Saddlebred show and leave out the futurity show, and we would advertise it in our news-letter.
ASSRA told the show organiser that ASSRA would not back a National Championship Saddlebred Show run by a private person and not associated with ASSRA, and ASSRA would not back or sanction a futurity show run by someone private and not an associate as they have no records or access to registrations of foals.
ASSRA further informed the show organiser that Equestrian Australia would not sanction such a show as it had to be run by an incorporated committee with a minimum of 7 members and it also could not get insurance through EA any other way.
Most breeders that knew about the show stated they would not travel so far due to cost to go to a show and in particular not with foals. It was too cost prohibitive.
ASSRA has no power to tell their breeders not to show in this show, we purely informed the show organiser we would not and could not back such a show.
The fact that the show was cancelled cannot be blamed on ASSRA or it's committee, but if the show organiser was so dependent on ASSRA members and breeders for the show to go on, NASHS cannot have enough people or horses to hold a show on their own.
Australia is too big to have a National Show with the few horses we have from both associations in any one state.
ASSRA also told the show organiser that if we cannot get people to a local Royal show, we would not get people to drive as far as Dubbo, NSW.
Quote #2 from NASH's blog and Facebook page
"So, THIS YEAR, the same NASHS member thought to organise classes at a prestigious Arabian Show in Qld in order to showcase our breed.This time for NASHS horses and members to avoid the controversy last shows attempt caused by trying to include everyone. And before they try to deny any of this she has the evidence to prove these facts in hard copy and if need be it will be published here in its entirety.
This, apparently was STILL not good enough for the other club either, as they then set about to cause a dilemma for the show Society regarding our own sponsored classes. The show society decided it was all too complicated and political and thought better that they cancel the classes instead!
It seems everything we do to try to promote the breed is met with malicious opposition and what does it achieve??? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
However, it does create a bad IMAGE for the breed. This bad mouthing, and constant public airing of peoples personal grievences (many of them unfounded!!)against NASHS does ABSOLUTELY nothing to encourage people to become involved with the American Saddlebred breed. It usually has them running in the opposite direction!!!Most people just want to enjoy their horses and aren't the slightest bit interested in the politics!"
Politics????
The same show organiser approaches an Arabian show and asks to put on classes for Saddlebreds. BUT she works too hard at dividing the 2 associations by setting firm rules: All horses MUST be registered with NASHS. NASHS will give free registrations to horses that are registered with ASSRA or ASHAA as long as you become a member of NASHS.
If this is not dirty politics, I personally do not know what it is.
What self respecting breeder of ASSRA would pay to become a member of NASHS and get free registrations with them when they have paid dearly for firstly blood-typing and then DNA testing for all their horses since 1994 while NASHS did not bother do either till 2008?
ASSRA breeders know who their horses are.
Yes I did contact the President of the Arabian Horse Assoc of Qld in regards to the classes at their State Challenge Show BUT I did not ask for nor want for the classes to be axed from the show. ASSRA just wanted to know why only NASHS horses could enter.
The President told me she was contacted and NASHS was going to do all their own show organising etc. I then understood it had nothing to do with the Arabian Horse Association of Qld
ASSRA offered to CO SPONSOR the Saddlebred classes at next years show so that the classes would be available to all registered Saddlebreds.
The President of the AHAQ was not comfortable with the classes only being for NASHS horses in the first place and this was prior to ASSRA contacting them. They received an email detailing the classes that NASHS wanted the night before ASSRA contacted them and this was going to be discussed at a meeting the day ASSRA contacted them, the classes may not have gone ahead due to the rules set out in this email.
ASSRA regrets the fact the classes were axed but feels we are in no way to blame for this happening.
The committee of ASSRA is very confused and also very disappointed in the fact that NASHS has posted this all over the internet and insists on blaming ASSRA for all their ills which are all of their own doings.
All this talk of politics is nonsense as is the talk of bad mouthing and the public airing of personal grievances, the only people doing this is NASHS on their very public blog.
So let us discuss a little about DNA as this is also very commonly used in dirty politics by NASHS.
All our breeders I am sure know exactly what it means. I guess some of NASHS breeders need to learn. DNA shows who the parents of a foal can be. NOT that the foal is purebred. If the parents also have DNA and can be parent verified back to their parents we now have 3 generations but it still does not prove purebreds. Now we go back 17 years with all breeding stock DNA tested and parent verified since 1994 or before and what do we have? Something that NASHS will never be able to duplicate. Over 4 generations of parent verified horses is something to be proud of and to keep up and to keep clean. Yes a registry has to start somewhere, but to lose so many years of DNA is a shame and nothing short of mismanagement of a registry.
ASSRA has been forced to reply to these lies so that people can judge for themselves.
At the time I contacted AHAQ I did not know that NASHS had made the public statement to the show organisers that all horses had to be registered with NASHS ONLY, and it was only done to try to bring together both NASHS and ASSRA horses and owners.
Lise Graber
Secretary/Treasurer
ASSRA Inc.
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Free video streaming for 2011 World's Championship Horse Show 21-27 August
Aug 11
For the first time, the 2011 World's Championship Horse Show's streaming video media will be available online for FREE! Considered one of the highest quality, professionally produced live feeds in the horse industry, viewers will need a reasonable broadband connection to enjoy the spectacle. The show begins today and runs daily until Finals Night on 27th August. The address for the live feed is http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/WCHS2011/ and a programme schedule is available on the page. The show is run in Kentucky, USA so there is a time difference of +14 hours to get EST. (example: 7pm class time Saturday night is 9am Sunday morning in Melbourne). Thanks to ASHA and USEF for making this show free to air.
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Watch American Saddlebreds in action for FREE at www.richfieldvideo.com
Nov 10
Richfield is proud to announce that American Saddlebreds in action will be streamed for FREE 24 Hours a day 7 days a week for the remainder of November 2010. Junior Five-Gaited Championship playing now.
We will be playing footage from the World's Championship Horse Show in 2010 back to the 11960s We will be showing all 5 Years of Revue a Show Horse Video Magazine.
We will being showing Horses and Ponies for sale from Singing Hills Stables, Winding Creek Farm, Undulata and numerous others. We will be adding current interviews and farm visits throughout the month plus video from Kansas City 2010 back at the barns & from the Show ring.
It is my hope this will help promote the Saddlebred all over the globe. The response we get from YOU will determine if will continue past November. Already we have in excess of 1100 viewers from all over the world that have asked to be notified of footage being streamed.
Today November 2, at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Richfield will Stream Saturday Night at The 2010 World's Championship Horse Show. It will be streamed in it entirety, 11 classes with numerous interviews. Watch for the interview with Debbie Foley & Merrill Murray before the Five Gaited Championship and for all the congrats after the class even from Debbie.
please enjoy!!!
R. H. Bennett
2010 World's Champion Saddlebreds announced
Sep 10
The one and only World's Championship Horse Show, held at the Kentucky State Fair, has drawn to a close for another year. The powerful chestnut Courageous Lord returned to successfully defend his Five Gaited title under the fine guidance of trainer Merrill Murray. The Three Gaited title went to the elegant CH Grande Gil and the Fine Harness victor was Lace's Last Tango. ASHA arranged live footage of the show once again this year. For those who were not able to view the WCHS live, the highlights from all the final title classes are available online. The website is http://www.usefnetwork.com/ashalive/ and the videos are available free of charge.
The First Australia Georgian Grande is Registered
Aug 10
It's official - the first Australian Georgian Grande has been registered. Glengowrie Celtic Melody is an attractive bay filly that now holds the official registration number G001. Showing a lovely depth of quality, this filly bodes well for the start of the Georgian Grande Registry. Glengowrie Celtic Melody is by Ironbark's Manhattan Symphony and out of the Clydesdale mare Kulvar Sophie. For more information, photos and videos of the Georgian Grande please visit the Georgian Grande page.
ASSRA Weighs in on EADRA Debate
Aug 10
ASSRA was recently invited to provide feedback on the current EADRA (Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement) Levy proposal. Under the proposal, when a national disease outbreak happens the Government will pay for the eradication of the disease and then a Levy will be activated to recoup costs. The current proposal lists, amongst several options, to place a Levy on Registrations, which would have a direct impact on the ASSRA Registry. After inviting comments and discussion from breeders and owners, the Committee tabled this issue and after a long discussion came to a consensus. A letter of response was sent to the EADRA Committee clearly stating that "under no circumstances must a levy be put on registrations" and that to have a levy at all was unreasonable. A copy of the letter can be viewed here, and for more information on EADRA you can visit the EADRA website.
Several Firsts for ASSRA Stallions
Jul 10
On the eve of the release of the 17th Annual Horse Deals Stallion Showcase, ASSRA is pleased to announce another great collaborative effort between breeders to present the first advertisement to truly represent the 'Australasia' in ASSRA with stallions represented from all corners of Australia and New Zealand. 2010 is also the first year that Horse Deals has split the Stallion section into breeds, allowing interested shoppers an easy way to find the American Saddlebred. ASSRA would like to thank our breeders for their continued support and cooperation to present our breed to the public in a united front. The advertisement is available for viewing on the Advertisement page.
Stallion Service Returns Deadline Fast Approaching
Jul 10
The Registrar would like to remind everyone that the deadline for the submission of stallion service returns (SSR) is at the end of this week - 31st July. All stallion owners, including those who have not bred with their registered stallion in the past season, must send a completed hard copy to the Registrar. While there is no fee for timely submission of the SSR, f you have not yet done so please ensure this is done immediately to avoid any late fee penalties. The SSR is available for download from the website here and you can find more information on the late fees here.
Important changes to ASSRA Subscription System
Jun 10
ASSRA would like to advise that as from 20th July 2010, the official renewal date for Saddlebred Australia subscriptions is 1st January. Renewals will be accepted without penalty until the 31st January, however after that date a late renewal fee of $20 will apply. ASSRA will also no longer provide a 'half-year' subscription for latecomers. These changes will bring ASSRA into line with the majority of breed associations and allow a simpler and more efficient subscription system.
New Advertisement for ASSRA Saddlebreds
May 10
ASSRA has co-ordinated a new advertisement promoting Saddlebreds as harness horses in the May 10 Horse Deals 'Horse Drawn Feature'. Part of this ad highlights the new Georgian Grande registry. The advertisement is available for viewing online on the new 'Advertisement page', found here. If you would like to participate in regular advertising, please contact the Secretary to be included and informed of upcoming group advertisements.
ASSRA joins the club with Horsezone.com.au
Apr 10
ASSRA has joined as a club member of Australia’s latest website for all equine breeds and disciplines, www.horsezone.com.au. Horsezone has been developed by Inglis Interactive. Inglis started out selling horses in the Sydney CBD in 1867 and has carried on this tradition ever since. Inglis hosted the Fire and Flood Stallion Service Auction in 2008, an online auction (which included American Saddlebreds) which raised over $100,000 for victims of Ash Saturday. Horsezone gives advertisers the opportunity to give back to their club. By nominating 'ASSRA' as your club when advertising, Inglis will contribute 10% to ASSRA as a donation. You will not pay any additonal fees. During April/May, use the special code 'HZCLUBS' to gain $25 off a regular listing. A regular listing in the horse category costs $25 so you will be able to list for free.
Saddlebred Australia Rules and Regulations now online
Apr 10
The committee of ASSRA are pleased to announce that after much hard work and deliberation, the updates to the ASSRA Rules and Regulations have now been completed. To help continue to provide a convenient service to its owners and breeders, the document has been published as a PDF file and is available for downloading and viewing online here. ASSRA continues to evaluate and update these rules in order to ensure timely, efficient and relevant process for all Registry functions. An exciting major overhaul of the SASH award system is currently underway and this will be made available as soon as possible. A further review of judging rules for Saddlebred Shows is also currently underway.
National Show Horse Registry (USA) introduces new breeds
Mar 10
Once purely a registry of horses of exclusively Arabian and Saddlebred breeding, the NSH Registry has opened its doors to other breeds. Registration of horses of all breeds are accepted, with the only requirement a minimum of 50% Arabian blood. There is no longer a minimum requirement for Saddlebred blood. The National Show Horse is currently not a recognised breed in Australia, with ASSRA registering horses according to Saddlebred blood into their appropriate section for breeding and show purposes. Breeders who referred to their Saddlebred x Arabian horses as National Show Horses may be advised to reconsider, due to these new and fundamental changes in the founding NSH Registry.
Elmer Bandit, record breaking trail gelding, dies
Feb 10
Elmer, 38, was euthanased on February 14th at home after succumbing to hypothermia. The part Arabian gelding was the world record holder for competitive trail with 20,780 miles accrued (34,442 km) . He was still competing as recently as September 2009. He overtook the long standing record from purebred American Saddlebred Wing Tempo in 2008. Wing Tempo completed 20,710 miles in his career before retiring. He is now 34 and teaching his owner Shirley Sobol's 8 year old daughter to ride. Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) is an equestrian sport where riders cover a marked trail for a distance that is usually between 15 and 40 miles per day. It is a growing sport and starting to gain a following in Australia.
Saddlebred Australia newsletter subscriptions due
Jan 10
Have you remembered to subscribe? Annual subscription to Saddlebred Australia provides you with a multitude of benefits; quarterly newsletters, official news and show reports, a free advertisement for both newsletter and website, and substantial discounts on registrations and fees. Keep in mind that Membership fees have been abolished, and at only $45 for the year your newsletter is great value. Best of all, your donation goes to help run your Registries and further the cause of the wonderful American Saddlebred.
For a downloadable and printable form, click here.
Saddlebred Sporthorse qualifies to compete in Rome
Jan 10
Elizabeth Lawrence claimed the Official Single Horse harness class with Shepherds Hill Michael in style last week at the Southern Carriage Driving Club near Canberra. The win qualified them to compete at the World Singles Championships to be held in Rome. Elizabeth started the three-phase event with the lowest dressage score of the day (like eventing, lowest score in dressage is best) and only improved from there.
Shepherds Hill Michael is by the Friesian stallion Wizzard and out of the partbred Saddlebred mare Helen Watts. This good harness mare is out of Gunadoo Ebony Rose, who is the dam of two other successful harness horses.
Elizabeth's achievement was recognised by Equestrian Australia and their report can be viewed here.
New Zealand Saddlebred ranks swell
Jan 10
The American Saddlebred presence in New Zealand continues to gain momentum with the news that another Saddlebred from Deadwood Farm, Deadwood Farm Wild Penande, will be making her way to their shores in 2010 to join the stables of Anne Marie Garcia. Recent New Zealand imports include Ballalaba's Arabella Rose from Ballalaba Stud, NSW.
ASSRA introduces a new registry - Georgian Grande
Dec 09
The committee of ASSRA has unanimously voted in the addition of the exciting new registry of the Georgian Grande. The Georgian Grande is the cross of American Saddlebred and Friesian or Draft blood, designed to provide an exceptionally well build and developed horse for all purposes. The Georgian Grande has been very successful since its inception in America. The International Georgian Grande Horse Registry has accepted ASSRA as a recognised register for these beautiful horses.
For more information on the Georgian Grande click here, and to visit the International Georgian Grande Horse Registry website, click here |
Breakthrough in testing for fatal Saddlebred skin disease
Dec 09
A test to identify carriers of Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB) is now available through theUniversity of Kentucky. This breakthrough genetic test gives breeders of American Saddlebredsthe opportunity to prevent the occurrence of this painful and fatal disease. JEB is inherited as asimple recessive, which means that both parents need to carry the mutation in order for it to appear.Carriers can be safely bred as long as they are not bred to another carrier.Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB), formerly known as Epitheliogenesis Imperfecta (EI) is acondition found in American Saddlebreds and some other light breeds of horses. It results in alethal skin condition in affected foals. JEB causes a defect in the action of the protein needed toconnect the dermis to the epidermis. This produces many symptoms, including patches of hairand skin loss that grow over time, sloughing of the hoof and ulcers around the coronaryband, oral ulcers and incisors in at birth.There is no known treatment. Foals are usually euthanized after diagnosis, due to the pain associatedwith the disease. Those that are not euthanized usually die of infection within two weeks.While the disease is quite rare, its preventability is now easy to achieve. ASSRA strongly recommendsand encourages breeders to utilise this test. Carrier testing is available via hair samplethrough post and is cheap insurance at $50USD per test.More information and forms are available at the University of Kentucky website:http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/AGTRL.asp#staffA test to identify carriers of Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB) is now available through the University of Kentucky. This breakthrough genetic test gives breeders of American Saddlebreds the opportunity to prevent the occurrence of this painful and fatal disease. JEB is inherited as a simple recessive, which means that both parents need to carry the mutation in order for it to appear. Carriers can be safely bred as long as they are not bred to another carrier.
Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB), formerly known as Epitheliogenesis Imperfecta (EI) is a condition found in American Saddlebreds and some other light breeds of horses. It results in a lethal skin condition in affected foals. JEB causes a defect in the action of the protein needed to connect the dermis to the epidermis. This produces many symptoms, including patches of hair and skin loss that grow over time, sloughing of the hoof and ulcers around the coronary band, oral ulcers and incisors in at birth.
There is no known treatment. Foals are usually euthanized after diagnosis, due to the pain associated with the disease. Those that are not euthanized usually die of infection within two weeks.
While the disease is quite rare, its preventability is now easy to achieve. ASSRA strongly recommends and encourages breeders to utilise this test. Carrier testing is available via hair sample through post and is cheap insurance at $50USD per test.
More information and forms are available at the University of Kentucky website.
ASSRA provides free newsletter to prior ASHAA members
Nov 09
We're pleased to announce that all prior ASHAA members will be receiving free 'Saddlebred Australia' newsletters to the end of 2009 by ASSRA. Members don't need to do anything for this subscription, just look forward to receiving it either by normal mail or email as per your original preference with ASHAA.
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