April 2021 Issue

The News East Coast Horse Owners Need To Know OUR TH YEAR 993 - PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 280 LANC., PA 17604 Vol. 28 No. 3 April 2021 (Continued on page 26) Inside... Equine Healthcare, Nutrition, Therapy Feature…pgs. 6-20 By Amy Worden The reopening date for the Pennsylvania Farm Show and Expo Center complex is still uncer- tain, but when it’s deemed safe to return, equine events will benefit from a multi-million renovation. The 90-year-old complex, with its maze of corridors, interlocking buildings, sprawling exhibit spaces and two large are- nas, is undergoing a $21 million improvement project scheduled to be completed by the summer. “These improvements will benefit all events, but there are a few that will be particularly beneficial to equine and equestri- an events,” said Shannon Powers, spokeswoman for the Pennsylva- nia Department of Agriculture, which oversees operations at the complex. “During the pandemic, more staff time has been de- voted to completing the capital improvement projects, as well as other improvements that have been difficult to complete under normal circumstances.” All events at the Farm Show complex were cancelled follow- ing the COVID-19 statewide shutdown in mid-March 2020. That meant some of the biggest equestrian events in the region had to relocate or cancel in the summer and fall of 2020 and into early 2021, including the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the Horse World Expo, Keystone Interna- tional Livestock Expo, and other hunter/jumper shows and rodeos. The original Art Deco de- signed complex was showing its age in recent years. Peeling paint and worn in grime were more no- ticeable, horse stalls needed con- stant repair, arenas were dusty and the sound system was poor, equine show organizers said. “It’s an old facility, but it was unique and had character,” said Susie Webb, executive director of the Pennsylvania National Horse Equine Events Benefit from $21 Million Farm Show Complex Upgrade Show. “We’re excited to get in and see what it looks like now.” Among the major changes to the Farm Show complex aimed at improving equine events: • Better ventilation in the newer Equine Arena. Permanent exhaust fans have replaced tem- porary fans used during events. • New overhead doors installed, including those leading into the Equine Arena. • Fencing installed around outdoor exercise areas behind the complex. • New horse stalls have been purchased. • Energy-efficient, brighter LED lighting has been added in halls. • A new sound system was installed to improve sound quali- ty in the arenas. • Parking lots have been re- surfaced and expanded, including more space for trailers and better drainage in lots. Many of the changes won’t be visible to visitors, but will improve the safety of the facility for humans and animals, such as asbestos removal and upgrades to HVAC systems, fire alarms and electrical panels. Powers said renovations are being made with disease preven- tion in mind and are following “rigorous” new protocols put forth by the Global Biorisk Advi- sory Council, which helps orga- nizations and businesses prepare The pandemic shutdown emptied the 90 year old Farm Show Com- plex for nearly a year, making improvements to ventilation, lighting, sound systems, drainage and more possible. Most of the exterior renovations have been on the older Maclay Street side of the complex (right) and include more space for parking and improved access for trailers. The slope, drainage and green spaces are now designed to allow water to absorb rather than run off into the stream. PA Equine Council spring newsletter … pgs. 30-31 … and much more! It’s spring and shows and racing are back! … pg. 24 Team effort rescues Maryland horse trapped in mud … pg. 35