As the horseshow season gets away, please review the attached chart which outlines the differences between the California Medication Rule and the USEF rules. For more information on California’s Equine Medication Monitoring Program visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/emmp/.

California New Medication Rules

Hello Happy Horse-folk!

I can't believe how fast the days and weeks are flying. Halloween seems like it just happened, and yet Thanksgiving is literally right around the corner. Last month I had the honor to once again serve as the event veterinarian for the World Joust-Tournament of the Phoenix in Poway. It never ceases to amaze me that these horses allow knights in full armor, with ostrich-feather helmet decorations to come clanking up the mounting block and drop into the saddle. Then they run full speed down the "tilt" (where the actual jousting occurs) where the knights shatter lances on their opponent's shields, sending fragments hurtling in to the sky! It's truly exciting to watch. The horses all did great and I'm happy to report they were unscathed. The knights...well, that's another story. I chose Sean George (from England) as "my" knight since he was riding Petrus (one of my regular patients). Petrus LOVES getting his special peppermint cookie when he gets his vaccinations, so when he saw my tuck he came marching over and stuck his entire head inside the cab (I was sitting in the passenger seat, with the door open) and snorffled around, looking for the goodies. I just love that big gorgeous boy!

Here's Sean, Petrus and his squire defending my truck :)

And, on a totally different note, I just have to share the mini donkey cuteness! Levi and Liam, supervising: And Clem, outstanding in his field:

We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy riding :)

Christi and Gary Garfinkel,

Good day my friends!

Here we are in October already...how did that happen?!? And when will the weather realize it's fall? I'm ready for some nice days and crisp, cool evenings (and so are our equine friends, they're coats are changing for cooler fall/winter temperatures!) Let's dig out the sweatshirts and bring on the hot cocoa!

Greetings my friends!

We've come to the unofficial end of our summertime season. Labor Day has passed, Del Mar racing season has come and gone, vacations have been taken, the kids are back in school, and, I think it's safe to say we're all anticipating the return of cooler riding weather and crisp fall evenings!

Nearly 700 human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed in the United States thus far in 2012, according to a recent statement from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). So it should come as no surprise that many veterinarians are recommending horse owners ensure their animals are properly vaccinated against the potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease.

Before any kind of trailer travel, do a once-over in these areas, checking that:
✔ All lights are working;
✔ Brakes are working, and brake maintenance is up-to-date;
✔ Trailer hitch is secure, and safety chains are on;
✔ Dirt and debris are swept out;
✔ Trailer mats are clean and dry;
✔ Dividers are securely fastened;
✔ Loose, rattling parts have been tightened or secured;
✔ Sharp edges or loose wires inside trailer are fixed;
✔ Trailer is loaded properly and within weight limits;
✔ Lug nuts on all wheels are tight; and
✔ Tire pressure is within recommended ranges when tires are cold.