Dr Johanna Kremberg of Grand Prix Equine, a veterinary practice operating out of Newtown, New York, and Florida, gave an extremely informative presentation to a packed house at the Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) meeting at Sal e Pepe restaurant on the evening of February 25. Kremberg is a graduate of Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and spent the following year in a rotating large animal internship at University of Georgia. At Ohio State, she received the “Excellence in Equine Surgery” award and was chosen as the 2009 AAEP/Hiscox Insurance scholarship recipient.

At the meeting, Kremberg covered two major topics relevant to most horse owners: tickborne diseases and novel joint therapies. Tick bites can cause serious health problems for horses. Kremberg discussed the most common tick diseases in our area, symptoms and diagnoses, treatments, and prevention. Joint problems are a common cause of unsoundness in horses. Kremberg discussed traditional treatments and new therapies now available to help horses overcome lameness caused by arthritis and injuries to joints. The audience was completely engaged and peppered Kremberg with questions. NBLA holds in-person member meetings most months, providing valuable information. More information is available at the Events tab of its website at nblact.org.

The NBLA is looking forward to their annual All Member Dinner at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, on Tuesday, March 18 starting at 6:30 pm. This dinner meeting is free of charge to current NBLA members. As in past years, it will be a great opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow members, hear about accomplishments in 2024, and the calendar of events in 2025. Several vendors will have items for sale and there will also be NBLA branded mugs, T-shirts, and caps available. To eliminate the long line at the registration table, you must renew your membership online prior to the meeting. To renew your membership, or join for the first time, go to the Membership tab of the NBLA website at nblact.org. If you are unsure whether or not you have renewed your membership for 2025, email newtownhorses@gmail.com.

Tracy Van Buskirk is a 40 year resident of Newtown and president of Newtown Bridle Lands Association, at nblact.org, a nonprofit volunteer organization formed in 1978 to foster an interest in horseback riding as well as preserving, protecting and maintaining riding and hiking trails in the community. Horses have always been a part of her life. She owns a small bay quarter horse named Little Bear.