CEI****

TROUT LAKE, WA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA OFFICER: Jan Mansfield

September 15, 2003 T: 604.657.3828; F. 604-926-43333

E: januscom@shaw.ca

UPDATE ON PAC HORSE DEATH

Trout Lake, WA – The Organizing Committee of the 2003 Pan American Endurance Championship said Monday that one of the horses that competed in the competition September 13 has died.

PAC Technical Delegate Mike Foss DVM, said that DJB Rockin’ Adios, ridden by Darolyn Butler-Dial of Humble, TX, was pulled from the competition for metabolics at the 61 mile mark of the ride at Vet Gate 3. The 10-year-old gelding was treated and stabilized on site, and then transported back to ride camp. When the horse later suffered a relapse and failed to respond to additional treatment at ride camp site, the horse was transported by the owners to the Williamette Valley Equine Center. After further examination, the horse was euthanized. The subsequent autopsy determined that the horse had suffered a ruptured stomach as a result of ileus (colic).

A full investigation into the death was initiated by the PAC Veterinary Commission at the request of the Organizing Committee. The results will be made available when the investigation has been completed.

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