News: Happy Mouth, Ariat Sold, AHP Awards

Happy Mouth Bit Recall: The wire may become worn and break:?The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a notice on May 31 that Happy Mouth Wire Mouth Bits are being recalled by English Riding Supply. About 3,400 of the bits were sold between July 2003 and April 2012 for $30 to $51.

The problem is that the steel braided wire in the mouthpiece can become frayed, worn or rusted, which can cause the bit to break. There have been four reports of injuries due to the bit breaking.

Eight models are being recalled: 462172SS, 462177SS, 462181SS, 462184SS, 464123SS, 466898SS, 466904SS, 467248SS. The bits are labeled ?Happy Mouth,? but to know for sure which model you have you would need the original label.

Bits should be returned to your retailer or English Riding Supply. You can contact them at 866-569-1600 or through email at hmbits@englishridingsupply.com. The website is www.englishridingsupply.com.? Photos of the bits can be found at the CPSC website.

We applaud English Riding Supply for reacting so quickly and thoroughly.

Ariat Sold to Fisher Family:?Ariat, founded by Beth Cross in 1993, has been sold to the Fisher family. they’re the founders of Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Piperlime.? They plan to expand the brand into a lifestyle brand.

?Horse Journal Earns Two American Horse Publications Awards:?Horse Journal Associate Editor Margaret Freeman and Contributing Veterinary Editor Dr. Deb Eldredge both earned awards at the annual American Horse Publications contest in June.

Margaret?s December 2011 article ?Blanket Repairs: A Sticky Situation? earned second place in Service to the Reader.? The judges said, ?An excellent reader-service topic, this piece has a strong headlines, good supporting research and directions on what to do.? Sidebars help to nail this article.?

Dr. Deb Eldredge, who became a Contributing Veterinary Writer last year, earned second place in Horse Care with her September 2011 article, ?Dealing With Diarrhea.?

The judges said, ?Author does a very good job of explaining this illness, when and how to treat it yourself, when to call the vet and possible causes. it’s the kind of article you?d clip and add to your horse-care tips file.?

We’re especially proud of both these honors, especially since they so beautifully represent what Horse Journal wants to do: Give our readers information they can take into their own barns and use.

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