Fairmaiden Farms, Ltd

17/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/100064546905838/posts/940295048132050/

A genome-based analysis of 185 North American Thoroughbred horses dating back five generations may improve Thoroughbred breeding and management practices.

The study (link below) compared two groups: 82 horses born between 1965-1986 (Group 1) and 103 horses born between 2000-2020 (Group 2).

In total, the researchers found over 14.3 million genetic variations and were able to trace all of the horses' maternal ancestry (mitochondrial DNA) back to 9 different family groups.

Homozygosity levels, indicating inbreeding, ranged from 0.143 to 0.350, with an average of 0.262.

Horses born between 1965 and 1986 had lower inbreeding scores than those born after 2000, suggesting a slight decrease in diversity over time.

The research suggests that while there are hints of decreased diversity in modern Thoroughbreds, there has not been a significant, intense, inbreeding in the population in recent times.

A catalog created by the researchers using this genomic information will provide breeders with a more accurate picture of inbreeding than traditional pedigree-based measures, which showed only moderate correlation with actual genomic findings.

This is because pedigree-based inbreeding estimates do not take random inheritance into account nor do they take into account selection pressures.

Genomic testing provides a more accurate picture of actual genetic relationships and inbreeding levels

Researchers plan to use the catalog to create computer models that will be able to predict inbreeding risks for specific mare/stallion pairings.

The catalog will also provide a baseline for comparing current and future Thoroughbred populations, allowing for tracking of changes in genetic diversity over time.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-73645-9

07/12/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100000283583392/posts/7350473258305387/

You’re proudly showing off your new off-track prospect to your barn bestie as he’s settling into his new stall at home. “Where did you rescue him from?” she asks eagerly.

How you respond to this (common) question depends on several factors involved with your horse purchasing or adoption process, but chances are, your horse was not a true rescue, and incorrectly calling him a rescue belies an entire industry dedicated to breeding, raising and producing him for the racetrack. Let’s examine this issue closer in the Equestrian Industry track of our OTTB 101 education section!

https://www.therrp.org/education/ottb-101/equestrian-industry/why-your-ottb-probably-isnt-a-rescue/

29/06/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159422960851088&id=503076087

🌟 Introducing Sarah Murphy's Incredible Equestrian Journey and the Horses That Shaped It! 🐴❤️
Join us as we dive into the extraordinary equestrian journey of Sarah Murphy, a passionate individual whose love for horses has been deeply rooted in her family's legacy. From a young age, Sarah was captivated by the stories of her hardworking grandfather, a logger who relied on horses before the age of mechanization. These tales sparked a lifelong passion for these majestic creatures.
Throughout her life, Sarah has worked tirelessly to advance in the equestrian industry, constantly seeking knowledge and striving for excellence. A pivotal moment in her journey occurred when she took on the challenge of retraining her first Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) at the age of 25. This transformative experience marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in Sarah's equestrian adventure. 🏇✨
Recently, Sarah had the privilege of rehabilitating a courageous little bay horse from Ohio, UFO (JC Unbridled Flourish), who had suffered a chipped knee. Against all odds, this resilient companion completed an impressive 600 miles of a 1,000-mile ride, leading to Sarah's admittance into the prestigious Long Riders Guild. The determination and spirit of these incredible equine partners continue to inspire Sarah each day.
Next, Meet Abe the Babe (JC English Abbey), a special horse in Sarah Murphy's life. Gifted to her by his owner/breeder and race trainer, Abe is not only a talented companion but also a full brother to a horse Sarah once groomed at the track training barn. Their bond runs deep, and Abe's affectionate nature reminds Sarah of their beautiful connection, as he used to shower her with loving licks, just like a devoted puppy dog. 💕
Among Sarah's most cherished memories is a precious photograph of her and her granddad when she was just a young child on her very first pony. Those early moments laid the foundation for a deep love and respect for horses that has guided her throughout her journey. 🌟
Lennox (JC Prize Fight) holds a special place in Sarah's heart. Despite being sold for an impressive $125,000 as a yearling and winning nearly $80,000, he faced spinal compression. With the guidance of a skilled veterinarian, Sarah decided to give him a year off. Now, after about five rides, they are embarking on a new chapter together, overcoming challenges with optimism and a shared bond. Lennox's spirit and determination serve as a constant reminder that there is always hope and a bright future ahead. 🌈🐎
English Abbey is another remarkable horse in Sarah's life, and she hopes to explore Western Dressage with him. Gifted to her by his owner/breeder and race trainer, English Abbey is a full brother to a horse Sarah once groomed at a track training barn. Their shared lineage and connection fuel their journey together.
Looking ahead, Sarah has exciting plans for Lennox (JC Prize Fight) and English Abbey. She is aiming to take them to the TB Heritage show at the VA Horse Center at the end of the summer, where they will showcase their skills in Western Pleasure. To prepare, a talented young rider in the area will be working with Lennox, ensuring they are ready for the event. The anticipation and preparation are building up as they eagerly await this thrilling opportunity.
Another noteworthy addition to Sarah's equestrian journey is Teller (JC Daddy's Teller), a horse that caught her attention through a compelling 2-year-old Ocala sales ad. This summer, Teller went to a camp for kids with medical needs, offering the healing power of horses to those who require it most. This incredible opportunity allows Sarah to share her passion and make a positive impact on the lives of these children. If you're interested in supporting this meaningful cause, please reach out to Camp Holiday Trails, a camp dedicated to children with medical needs in the Mid-Atlantic region. 🏕️🌺
Lastly, Sarah welcomed Fury (JC Blazin' Fury) into her life after he experienced a starting gate accident. Coming from a rescue organization, TRRAC in PA, Fury's indomitable spirit and resilience continue to amaze Sarah each day. Together, they are forging a bond built on trust, love, and endless possibilities. 🌟
Sarah Murphy remains eternally grateful for the horses that have graced her life, each with their own unique story and journey. They have taught her patience, resilience, and the true meaning of unconditional love. With anticipation and excitement, Sarah looks forward to what the future holds for her and her equine companions.
Let's celebrate the power and beauty of these incredible animals with Sarah. Share your own horse-related stories or leave a comment if you've experienced the transformative power of a horse in your life. Together, let's spread the joy and magic of the equestrian world! 🐴❤️

17/09/2022

Are OTTBs considered a part of the sport of horse racing? Paulick Report editor-in-chief Natalie Voss argues they should be.

17/09/2022

Film delves into how ‘naughty’ horse behavior is often a reflection of underlying musculoskeletal problems.

13/09/2022

02/09/2022

Upcoming New Bolton webinar series : hoping to hit a few of these.

01/09/2022

"Only way that horses win is if you sit there and spend time with 'em. Show 'em that you're tryin' to help 'em. Love 'em. Talk to 'em. Get to know 'em. That's what you gotta do. You love 'em and they'll love you, too." ~ Secretariat’s beloved groom Eddie Sweat, born on this date in 1939

"Sweat was, without question, Secretariat’s best friend, spending long days and even some nights with him," wrote Steve Haskin in 2020. He “left a legacy that will live on as long as people remember the name Secretariat." tinyurl.com/Haskin-Sweat

Photo by Ray Woolfe.

18/08/2022

Either trainer Burton Sipp is an unwitting pariah, or racing is his witting fool. Over the last 40 years, Sipp has faced allegations involving insurance scams and dead horses, animal neglect cases, race-fixing stings and regulatory malfeasance. Not all the accusations against him have stuck. Since t...

06/08/2022

Hug your horse. Then hug them again. 💕

01/08/2022

Look who I found!
Photo cred : Coady Photography

23/07/2022

05/07/2022

The Anderson’s sent a super cute pic of Rob Roy at breakfast. The boys are settling in nicely 💗

24/06/2022

Dr. Mathieu Spriet gave a fascinating presentation discussing the results of over 1,000 PET scans of racehorse fetlocks.

21/05/2022

Industry partners have joined with UK on research that could help vets detect injuries before they become career- or life-ending.

21/05/2022

Sandi Farris is our awesome vet on our board who I get to ask all the pony health related questions of. She’s awesome and everyone should know 💗

Submitted by Island Haven Animal Sanctuary

19/04/2022

Though relaxation is a goal with an off-track Thoroughbred, riding without focus can contribute to distractions and “bad” behavior, Aubrey Graham, anthropologist and trainer at Kivu Sport Horses told Horse Nation. Riding intentionally will keep a horse interested, which in turn will keep him eng...

17/04/2022

We are so thankful for our feeding volunteers without which we couldn’t keep all the gears turning!

Caught up with superstars Mike and Kelley Anderson who came by to love on Lennox and feed him some post birthday carrots 🥕💗🎉