The Institute for the Desert Arabian Horse is committed to the global preservation of the Desert Arabian horse. We aim to identify the worldwide population, demonstrate publicly their athleticism and versatility, provide models of sound breeding practices, and conduct historical and scientific research. (Full mission statement)
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
Assessing Conformational Quality in Arabian Horses
A FREE, all-day clinic with Dr. John Shelle, Michigan State University
August 7 (all-day) near Lynchburg, VA
Focus on Form-to Function Analysis at the stance and in motion,
using Arabian horses of various bloodlines.
Details here (PDF).
LAVENDER FOAL SYNDROME RESEARCH PAPER AVAILABLE
Research conducted at Cornell University shows that Lavender Foal Syndrome is caused by a mutation that works as a simple recessive. A horse with a single copy of the mutated gene is not affected; a horse with two copies is affected. LFS is thus inherited just like SCID and Cerebellar Abiotrophy. By avoiding carrier-to-carrier matings, breeders can avoid producing affected foals.
Go to http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pgen.1000909 to read the newly published paper. Our next issue of “Al Majlis” will offer a non-scientific summary of the paper.
Cornell University, where the research was conducted, is expected to announce in the next few weeks whether they will offer the test or if it will be licensed to a commercial lab.
SYMPOSIUM 2010 – GENETIC DISORDERS: FROM KNOWLEDGE TO ACTION
The Symposium "GENETIC DISORDERS: From Knowledge to Action" brought together breeders from all bloodlines to hear Beth Minnich, Dr. Cecilia Penedo, and Paul Husband discuss the scientific, ethical, and legal aspects of genetic disorders in the Arabian breed. The next issue of "Al Majlis" will include an extended report on the Symposium. Here are some highlights:
- UC Davis has tested more than 1900 samples; 20% test as "carriers", 2% as "affected," and 78% as "clear." They are still seeking information about affected horses for on-going research, preferably before a horse might be euthanized.
- The Lavender Foal Syndrome test developed by Cornell University is not yet commercially available. The Technology Transfer office at Cornell has responsibility for licensing the test to one or more outside labs.
- Commercial law will likely be more significant in transactions involving purchase/sale of horses and breedings than the recent AHA rule changes. Speaker Paul Husband’s oft-repeated refrain was “Do Ask; Do Tell.” The copyrighted article, prepared for the Symposium by Attorney Paul Husband (www.husbandlaw.com), can be read here (PDF) .
More information about the Symposium is here.
Click here for a copy of the paper distributed to delegates at the 2009 AHA Convention
about genetic disorders in the Arabian horse.
Click here for links to more information about genetic disorders, where to order tests,
and how to report results.
Click here for the text of the resolutions passed at the 2009 AHA Convention.
THE BABSON INFLUENCE: A Retrospecive
ONLY $95 PLUS SHIPPING
Place your order via email to
The first major publication of the Institute chronicles Henry Babson’s importations from Egypt, Canada, England, and Poland, and traces the influence of these horses in Arabian breeding around the world.
- 504 pages, 80 in full color
- 600+ photographs
- 40 major articles by 25 authors
- Complete dam- and sire-line charts
- Fully indexed (3,000 horses and 800+ people)
Get yours while this limited edition is still available —
only $95 plus shipping ($5 U.S., $30 Canada)
Email
or download an order form.
Also available in the UK (www.thearabianmagazine.com)
and in Australia (www.equinebookgallery.com)
ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
The Institute has begun an Oral History Program that will capture, on video, the recollections of those whose associations with the Desert Arabian horse laid the foundation for breeding in the 21st century.
The first interviews will be conducted with people associated with the rapid growth of Desert Arabian horse breeding from the 1950s to 1980s and the development of preservation breeding through both formal and informal organizations. The Institute seeks to capture the memories and viewpoints of people involved in the full breadth of bloodlines and breeding traditions.
The program will be led by Kent Mayfield as Principal Investigator. Longtime historians and former breeders Joe Ferriss and Lisa Lacy will serve as advisors. The program will be conducted under the model developed by Baylor University, the leader in the discipline of Oral History since 1970. More information, including the press release, program description, and program plan can be found here.
DRINKERS OF THE WIND PERFORMANCE AWARD NEWS
Khehanad Adhem++// is the 2009 winner, with multiple Regional and National wins and reserve placings in First- and Second-level Dressage. Owned and ridden by Lance Bowman. Reserve is endurance mare OT Dytu RSI, bred, owned, and ridden by Crockett Dumas.
Winner among those who compete in local, community, 4-H and other shows in less traditional events is TreffHavenAlizeer, owned and ridden by Chris Bode, who has done all of Ali’s training for the past three years.
Full details on the 2009 winners and top tens in both divisions here (PDF).
Plan now to enroll for 2010 by reviewing program details at desertarabian.org/performance.php. Participation is free.
Results of the 2008 competition are here; for 2007 results check here.
INSTITUTE SUPPORTS PLACEMENT OF 76 DESERT ARABIANS SEIZED IN TEXAS
In August the Humane Society of North Texas seized 76 Straight Egyptian horses. Read the story of the seizure and the efforts by the Institute which helped place these horses into permanent homes.
ON-LINE FORUM — Click here to register to participate in an on-line forum to discuss relevant issues. Enter your user id, name, a password (enter twice), and your email address, and click "OK". You will receive a confirming email that you are registered (this process prevents spammers). Then go here to select the topics you wish to discuss. If you have any questions about how to use the forum, please contact the forum administrator at .
READINGS IN CONSERVATION BREEDING -- Whether you are exploring the concept of conservation breeding or are seeking to broaden your knowledge of the genetics issues involved, you will find some interesting reading material here. These articles will both broaden your knowledge and challenge some long-held beliefs.
Al Majlis News - February 2010 is the current issue
| View/download the PDF of the current version (February 2010) |
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The Institute is a 501(c)(3) public charity and depends on donations from those who share a commitment to the Desert Arabian horse. Donations from individuals and businesses, and gifts from estates and trusts, are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Donations may be made via PayPal or by contacting the Institute business office:
email:
business office: 2410 Sam Browning Road Lebanon, KY 40033