The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the art and science of veterinary surgery by diplomats of the ACVS, and is the college's most prestigious award. Mcilwraith has been one of the most recognized names in equine surgery and orthopedic research in the past 50 years and possibly the last century," said Dr. He is recognized internationally as an authority on equine orthopedics, and has written or co-written 230 research papers and 10 textbooks. He has trained more than 44...

Eliot Spitzer wants to split the lucrative state racing franchise, with one of four competitors running thoroughbred tracks and another running video slot machines, according to a state official familiar with Spitzer's thinking. The decision will be the topic of a meeting Friday between top Spitzer officials and the four competitors - the New York Racing Association, Empire Racing, Excelsior Racing Associates and Capital Play, according to the official who spoke to The Associated Press on...

The majority of the county's top high school rodeo cowboys and cowgirls are Young Guns, but there are a few other talented contestants entered as well. Kaity Ray is ranked second in goat tying, and she will compete in that event along with breakaway roping (where she's ranked third) and barrel racing. Another Young Gun hoping to make a big splash again is Irwin, who is entered in barrel racing, goat tying and pole bending. Hall, the 2006 New Mexico runner-up in calf roping, nearly claimed...

The long scar on the back of Caroline's neck shows that, like the horse, she's fought a number of battles in her short life, but is still winning. But when they're working with animals so much larger than them and they have control, horses give them confidence to have strength and power again. Camp Casey was founded four years ago by Molly Melamed, who witnessed firsthand the therapeutic effects of horses on cancer patients and their families. The Lansing-based camp travels to horse...

Davenport is second nationally in goat tying; Ferguson is 11th nationally in barrel racing. Eppert is here again this year while Ferguson s usual barrel horse is hurt, forcing her to ride a friend s horse. Davenport who went to the CNFR as a freshman has a lot on her plate, competing in all three events, but it s not added stress, even at the national finals level. She finished seventh in the nation in barrel racing and 11th in breakaway last year. Davenport will compete in goats, barrels...