American Saddlebred Horse Association of Canada
Versatility Awards Program
The American Saddlebred Horse excels in many disciplines. This program is designed to recognize pure and partbreds participating in organized activities, at both recognized and schooling shows, and in other venues.
Awards are modest, but the reward of participating benefits both the breed and the participants. As the breed and membership grow, so will this program!
Discipline/Event Categories:
In Hand
Dressage
Hunter/Jumper
Saddleseat
English
Eventing
Driving
Distance Riding
Western
Trail
Trail Riding (Pleasure or Competitive)
Cutting/Penning/Roping
Specialty (like vaulting, working in programs for handicapped riders/therapy work, visits with organized groups like Girl or Boy Scouts or a 'pet day' type of activity with a school or church involving your horsde, historical reenactments, drill teams, polo cross, parades and flag ceremonies, etc)
Eligibility: The awards are based on American Saddlebred Horses who are registered in Canada, and participated in by their registered owners, their families, or lessees. The award is based on the horse participating, so may have multiple riders. Copies of the horses' registration (both sides) must be included.
There is no fee to participate in this program!
Points: Points will be awarded for participating, not for placings. Each discipline is eligible for one point, with no more that 3 points being awarded per category (i.e. Western pleasure, cutting, reining, trail, showmanship, timed events)
A log will be provided, will need to be submitted, either electronically or by mail with photographs in January of the year following the year you are participating in the program. You must register during the year you plan to participate. The Versatility Program committee reserves the right to request verification.
Final determination of points is to be determined by the Versatility Committee in the event of a dispute.
Rewards Levels:
Attache (Level 1)
Boucheron (Level 2)
Con Heir (Level 3)
Denmark (Level 4):
For 2009, awards will be awarded for participants earning over 2 points. We have a wide array of prizes for you, including Saddlebred bumper stickers, magnets, spiral notebooks, ball caps, sweatshirts and more!
Everyone wins, so make sure that all of your Saddlebred owning friends and family joins ASHA of Canada!
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Piroplasmosis
Import Restrictions Announced for Horses from Missouri Entering Canada June 22, 2009
The imposed restrictions on the import of equidae into Canada from Missouri is effective immediately. The CFIA has confirmed that the import restriction only applies to live horse, donkey or mule imports and not to equine semen or equine embryo imports.
The USDA has also been asked to provide supplementary certification for horses and other equines from other states as follows: "During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in this shipment has/have not been in the State of Missouri."
The Canadian Border Services Agency will ask all equine transporters crossing the border into Canada the following questions:
1. Do the horses originate from the state of Missouri or have they been in that state within the past 21 days?
2. Have the horses transited the state of Missouri en route to Canada?
If the horses originate or have been in the State of Missouri within the past 21 days, or have transited through that state, they will be referred to the CFIA. CFIA will determine, based on document verification and inspection, whether the horses should be allowed to enter Canada.
It is strongly recommended that horse owners refrain from travelling to or transiting through Missouri with their horses. It is important to note for horse owners who still want to export their horses to Missouri that they CANNOT bring them back to Canada on the original Canadian export certificate. Instead, it will be necessary that they move their horses to a non-affected state to establish residency in that state for at least 21 days prior to export to Canada. This means that the horses will be returning to Canada on a U.S. health certificate that includes the statement for non residency in Missouri during the last 21 days prior to export to Canada.
Current import requirements for horses entering Canada may be found using the CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) at http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca. To determine specific import requirements for each horse, specific parameters that refer to each horse's circumstances will need to be entered and customized import requirements will be provided.
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is caused by two parasitic organisms, Babesia equi and Babesia caballi. It is primarily transmitted to equidae by ticks but this bloodborne disease can be spread mechanically from animal to animal by contaminated needles or surgical instruments.
Once infected, an equine can take 7 to 22 days to show signs of illness. Mild forms of the disease cause equines to appear weak and show lack of appetite. More acute cases can occur where EP is not common and the animals have not built up a resistance to the disease. Signs of the acute phase include fever, anemia, jaundiced mucous membranes, a swollen abdomen, laboured breathing, central nervous system disturbances, roughened-hair coats, constipation, colic, and hemoglobinuria--a condition which gives urine a red color. In some cases, death may occur. Equidae that survive the acute phase of infection may continue to carry the parasites for long periods of time. These animals are potential sources of infection to others through tick-borne transmission or mechanical transfer by needles or surgical instruments.
EP is not endemic to the United States or Canada and some other countries but it is present in the Caribbean, South and Central America, Eastern and Southern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The greatest risk for introduction of this disease is through the trading of animals or international equestrian sports where infected and non-infected animals are in contact. If an outbreak of EP occurs in a country such as the USA, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) must be notified and made aware of the steps that will be taken to eradicate the disease. (Source: USDA)
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available on the Equine Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca.
About Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division
Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division provides a structure for the more than 40 breed organizations operating in Canada to unite as a coalition under the national federation of Equine Canada. It provides a forum from which to seek and exchange information between Equine Canada, Canadian stakeholders, the Government of Canada and foreign entities. The Breeds & Industry Division works to promote and assist a vibrant equine industry and to affect policy in Canada. Breed organizations and industry partners share resources and expertise with unity of purpose to increase the long-term profitability of Canada's equine sector and ensure its future viability. Visit www.equinecanada.ca for complete information about the Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division.
About Equine Canada
Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada's equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.
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Vesicular Stomatitis
Invokes Import Restrictions for Horses from Texas Entering Canada, June 22, 2009
Ottawa, ON--The Breeds & Industry Division of Equine Canada would like to inform all stakeholders that due to the reported finding of a horse infected with vesicular stomatitis (VS) in Texas, US, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has asked the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend the issuance or endorsement of export certificates for horses and other equines originating from the state of Texas.
The imposed restrictions on the import of equidae into Canada from Texas is effective immediately. The CFIA has confirmed that the import restriction only applies to live horse, donkey or mule imports and not to equine semen or equine embryo imports.
The USDA has also been asked to provide supplementary certification for horses and other equines from other states as follows: "During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in this shipment has/have not been in the State of Texas."
The Canadian Border Services Agency will ask all equine transporters crossing the border into Canada the following questions:
1. Do the horses originate from the state of Texas or have they been in that state within the past 21 days?
2. Have the horses transited the state of Texas en route to Canada?
If the horses originate or have been in the state of Texas within the past 21 days, or have transited through that state, they will be referred to the CFIA. CFIA will determine, based on document verification and inspection, whether the horses should be allowed to enter Canada.
It is strongly recommended that horse owners refrain from travelling to or transiting through Texas with their horses. It is important to note for horse owners who still want to export their horses to Texas that they CANNOT bring them back to Canada on the original Canadian export certificate. Instead, it will be necessary that they move their horses to a non-affected state to establish residency in that state for at least 21 days prior to export to Canada. This means that the horses will be returning to Canada on a U.S. health certificate that includes the statement for non residency in Texas during the last 21 days prior to export to Canada.
Current import requirements for equidae entering Canada may be found using the CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) at http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca. To determine specific import requirements for each horse, specific parameters that refer to each horse's circumstances will need to be entered and customized import requirements will be provided.
Vesicular stomatitis is a disease that primarily affects cattle, horses and swine, and occasionally sheep and goats. Humans can be exposed to the virus when handling affected animals but rarely become infected. Vesicular stomatitis causes blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves, and teats. These blisters swell and break, leaving raw tissue that is so painful that infected animals show signs of lameness and generally refuse to eat and drink which results in severe weight loss. There is risk of secondary infection of the open wounds. Animals usually recover within 2 weeks. While vesicular stomatitis can cause economic losses to livestock producers, it is a particularly important disease because its outward signs are similar to--although generally less severe than--those of foot-and-mouth disease, which horses are not susceptible to. The only way to distinguish among these diseases in livestock other than horses is through laboratory tests.
The mechanisms by which vesicular stomatitis spreads are not fully known; insect vectors, mechanical transmission, and movement of animals are probably responsible. Once introduced into a herd, the disease apparently moves from animal to animal by contact or exposure to saliva or fluid from ruptured lesions. Historically, outbreaks of vesicular stomatitis have occurred in southwestern United States during warm months and particularly along river ways. However, outbreaks are sporadic and unpredictable. (Source: USDA)
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available on the Equine Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca.
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Kentucky State Fair World's Championship to Confirm Saddlebred Registrations Electronically
Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) and American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) have announced that the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS) has made arrangements to confirm electronically all the registration, ownership, and membership requirements of all entries in American Saddlebred classes at its 2009 competition.
Entries close on Monday, June 29, 2009, and must bear a postmark on or before that date, for the competition beginning Sunday, August 23. All entries must be received in the Kentucky State Fair Horse Show Office by 5 PM Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, July 6, regardless of postmark, and any entries received after that date will be returned.
Scarlett Mattson, Horse Show Manager, stated that for the last few years the WCHS and ASR had been working well together on electronic confirmation and close verification of Saddlebred registrations, ownerships, and memberships. Taking this step formally at this time, in accordance with applicable United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules, will ease a paperwork burden on most exhibitors, and also provide for more efficient mailing of entries to the Kentucky State Fair and office processing.
"We are pleased to continue working this way with the World's Championship Horse Show," stated Katriona Adams, Registry Associate. "Anything we can do to simplify the entry process and assist ASHA and USEF members is of great benefit to everyone, and this step is consistent with the steps we have taken to reduce paperwork with our new Statements of Registration and Ownership."
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For Immediate Release
Friday, June 26, 2009
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing & Communications Manager
For further information, contact:
American Saddlebred Horse Association
4083 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
859-259-2742 (p)
859-259-1628 (f)
New Saddlebred Registration Certificates, Confirmations Released
Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) announced today that newly formatted and produced Certificates of Registration are now in use. The updated certificates are being mailed to owners beginning this week for all Registry transactions requiring new registration papers to be used, including new foal and other registrations, transfers, duplicate certificates, name changes, and the like.
"This is the first significant upgrade in the production of our Certificates of Registration in 20 years or more," said Alan F. Balch, Registrar. "We were able to innovate and more efficiently produce new Certificates because of our board's decision a year ago to invest in the most modern technology available, including new IBM AS400 database hardware, continual software upgrading, and integration of our Registry database with a state-of-the-art Canon color printer. Our improved ability to design and produce certificates and other printed material on demand, combined with upgrading of our Internet website to provide more services to breeders, owners, professional horsemen, competition management, and general members, will lead to greater convenience for everyone. In addition, this investment will result in ongoing cost-savings in processing, printing and production for the foreseeable future."
Each certificate mailed is accompanied by an explanatory transmittal memorandum to the owner. According to Balch, this is a further improvement. "In the past, owners and horsemen had to wrestle with copying the cumbersome, large official certificates to comply with United States Equestrian Federation rules requiring copies of registration papers to accompany entries. Now, in order to comply with the rules requiring evidence of registration and recorded ownership, just copying the standard-sized transmittal memorandum which also serves as a 'Statement of Registration and Recorded Ownership' will be acceptable, saving everyone involved time and effort. We very much appreciate the Federation's cooperation with us in taking this important step to make entering more exhibitor-friendly."
To view a sample of this Statement of Registration and Recorded Ownership, click here. To view a sample of the updated Certificate of Registration, click here. The back side of the Certificate will appear as shown here.
In the near future, the smaller Statement of Registration and Recorded Ownership, certifying the horse's exact official name, pedigree information, registration number, official description, breeder and recorded owner, for each American Saddlebred already registered, will be available for downloading at www.saddlebred.com for use with submitting entries.
Questions should be submitted by email to saddlebred@asha.net, or by telephone to (859) 259-2742.
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CONTAGIOUS EQUINE METRITIS INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
OTTAWA, December 24, 2008 -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched an investigation after confirming that horse semen was imported into Canada from a United States stallion subsequently determined to be infected with contagious equine metritis (CEM). There are no human health implications with this disease.
United States officials have confirmed that three stallions on a Kentucky farm tested positive for CEM. Shipments of frozen semen from one of these stallions were sent to Ontario and Alberta in the spring of 2008. CFIA and provincial animal health officials are currently tracing the shipments to identify potentially exposed animals.
To date, potentially infected farms have been identified in Ontario and Alberta. As a precaution, the CFIA has quarantined animals on the farms, and these measures will remain in place until all animals have tested negative for CEM. As investigations in Canada and the U.S. continue, animals on additional farms may be quarantined.
CEM is a highly contagious disease that affects the reproductive tract of horses. The disease can cause temporary infertility in mares. In most cases, CEM can be successfully treated with disinfectants and antibiotics. CEM is a reportable disease in Canada. This means that all suspected cases must be reported to the CFIA for immediate investigation by inspectors. There are international trade implications if a country loses its CEM-free status.
Until more information is available from the U.S., the CFIA is recommending that the equine industry and importers in Canada exercise caution and refrain from importing breeding horses, embryos and semen from the U.S.
CEM is primarily spread directly during natural breeding, but can also be transmitted during artificial insemination and through contaminated instruments and equipment, such as tail bandages, buckets, sponges and gloves. Therefore, horse owners and veterinarians should maintain strict hygiene when handling breeding mares and stallions to prevent infection.
Infected stallions tend to be the major source of infection, as they can harbour the disease for years without showing any clinical signs. The primary symptoms of infection in mares are short-term infertility and vaginal discharge, but some mares can also carry the disease without clinical signs. Any horse owner or veterinarian who suspects a horse under their care may be infected
with CEM should immediately contact their local CFIA District office (a listing can be found in the blue pages of local phone directories).
The CFIA will continue to work with provincial counterparts, affected producers and the equine industry in this response effort. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
More information about CEM is available on the CFIA Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-442-2342.
For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: (613) 773-6600
