Month: February 2021

When It Comes To Training Horses, ‘You Get The Behavior You Reinforce, Not The One You Want’

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Much has been written through the centuries about the process of training horses, much of it specific to the type of work a horse is meant to do. In a recent webinar hosted by the British organization World Horse Welfare however, experts reminded horse owners that it’s critical to take into account the way horses learn and process information when setting up a training program for them, regardless of the job they’re intended to do.

Dr. Gemma Pearson, veterinarian and equine behaviorist, said that horses do not learn the way we do. As a species, they have what Pearson called “limited mental capacity” which isn’t to say they aren’t intelligent, simply that they learn best when complex tasks or situations are broken down into very simple steps where it’s clear what they’re being asked. Pearson used complex dressage movements as an example. Many of them start with a horse learning two different cues from a rider’s leg — speed up, or lengthen stride. It helps horses to feel the rider use different part of the leg for each request, so it’s clear what’s being asked. The same is true for rein cues, which can be broken down into different but related questions. As a horse’s training advances, a rider can combine these clear, well-learned instructions for more complicated results.

 

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Obituary: Allen Chiasson

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A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 10 AM at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist Church in Lafayette, Louisiana for Allen Chiasson, 73, who passed away February 11, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. A rosary will be prayed before mass at 9:30 AM in the Cathedral. Father Chester Arceneaux will be the celebrant of the funeral mass.

Allen was the son of Mabel and George Chiasson. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Jane, his brother Ashton and his wife Jerrie, his niece Connie and her husband Chris, and his nephew Chad. He is also survived by Brennan Lormand, two grandnephews, family, and friends.

Allen was a blacksmith for over 50 years. He proudly served our country as part of the United States Army 225th Blackhawk Aviation Company during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Carencro High School and horseshoeing school in Texas. He was a member of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association.  Allen was a mentor to many, and influential in so many people’s lives.

In order to keep family and friends safe, all guests are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Thank you for understanding the family’s wishes during this unprecedented time.

For those unable to attend, the mass will be available at https://youtu.be/VuqAUm4un_U

Walters Funeral Home, (337) 706-8941, 2424 North University Avenue in Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

OAKLAWN RESCHEDULES ALL MISSED STAKES; ADDS DAYS AND RACES

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HOT SPRINGS, AR (Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2021) – After losing eight days of racing due to record-breaking winter weather, Oaklawn announced today a series of changes to its racing schedule designed to restore as much of the season as possible for the benefit of horsemen, including moving all five canceled stakes to Feb. 27 and 28.

The schedule and purse changes include:

  • Immediately bringing back $2.1 million in canceled stakes, including the $750,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) and the $600,000 Razorback Handicap (G3), which will now be run Saturday, Feb. 27 along with the $200,000 Spring Fever Stakes.
  • Adding 27 races to the schedule.
  • Adding two new race days – Wednesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 28.
  • Increasing the purses on all overnight races by as much as $4,000 per race.

“There’s no fighting Mother Nature, especially when our priority is safety,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “However, we feel these changes will greatly benefit our horsemen and our fans by creating a huge weekend of racing to kick off the rest of the season.”

The purse increase will go into effect Thursday, Feb. 25 when racing is scheduled to resume. The weekend will be highlighted by a total of six stakes races starting Saturday when the $750,000 Southwest, $600,000 Razorback, and the $200,000 Spring Fever will be run. Sunday will be highlighted by the $250,000 Bayakoa (G3), $150,000 Dixie Belle, and $150,000 Downthedustyroad. Nominations for all stakes were reopened and will close Friday, Feb. 19.

The purses increases will average 5% per overnight race, meaning maiden special weights will be increased from $82,000 to $86,000 and top allowance races will increase from $88,000 to as much as $92,000.

Cella said these late-breaking changes would not have been possible without the input and assistance of Arkansas Racing Commission Chairman Alex Lieblong and HBPA President Bill Walmsley.  “Winter dealt us a bad hand,” said Cella.  “With their help, we truly are making lemonade out of lemons and with these changes, the balance of the season will be terrific.”

Due to Arkansas restrictions on crowd size, attendance at Oaklawn for live racing is limited to box holders, Oaklawn Jockey Club members, and patrons with dining/simulcast reservations. However, Oaklawn General Manager Wayne Smith anticipates being able to open the Oaklawn infield and other outdoor areas to fans in the coming weeks. Reservations can be made by calling 501-363-4660, Mon-Sat, for that week’s races only.

For more information, visit http://www.Oaklawn.com.

Nominations for all stakes were reopened and will close Friday, Feb. 19.

Saturday, Feb. 27 Stakes – Entries to be drawn Tuesday, Feb. 23

$750,000 Southwest (G3)

$600,000 Razorback Handicap (G3)

$200,000 Spring Fever

Sunday, Feb. 28 Stakes – Entries to be drawn Wednesday, Feb. 24

$250,000 Bayakoa (G3)

$150,000 Dixie Belle

$150,000 Downthedustyroad

Delta Downs Shut Down Due to Winter Weather

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Delta Downs has cancelled training, live racing and closed the OTB for Wednesday, February 17 and Thursday, February 18 due to severe winter weather conditions. The track plans on racing live on Monday, February 22 with first post time set for 12:55 pm.

LTBA Office Closed Tuesday, February 16

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Due to the icy conditions, for the safety of our staff, the LTBA is closing the office for today, Mardi Gras, February 16, 2021. At this time, we plan on opening for regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17.

Fair Grounds Cancels Thursday Races Due to Inclement Weather

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Racing Scheduled to Resume Friday at 1 p.m. CT

New Orleans (February 11, 2021) – Due to severe weather conditions in the New Orleans area prior to the start of Thursday’s races, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots canceled their nine-race card. Live racing will resume Friday afternoon with a traditional 1 p.m. CT post time and a nine-race card.

2020 LOUISIANA-BRED FOALS

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As a service to the Louisiana thoroughbred breeder, Louisiana Horse publishes the following list of Louisiana-bred foals of 2020. This information is provided by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Errors in this list should be reported at once to the L.T.B.A. office in New Orleans by calling (504) 947-4676. Both the sire and dam of all 2020 Louisiana-bred foals are listed. Horses listed in parentheses are covering stallions for the 2021 foals (if provided by the breeder).

 

Click to Read Article from the Winter 2021 Louisiana Horse

2020 Open Yearling and Mixed Sale Results

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Results from the Equine Sales Company of Louisiana 2020 Open Yearling and Mixed Sale for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses

 

Click to Read Article from the Winter 2021 Louisiana Horse