In case you missed the top news stories in the April 2011 print edition of The Equiery, we have provided a brief summary below.  The May Equiery will be in tack and feed shops next Monday, may 2 (click here for a location near you).

In the meantime, help us keep up on local news by sending your clippings and news reports to editor@equiery.com.

Jockey Gets 50 Years for Murder
Jockey Francis Eugene Adams of Severna Park was sentenced to 50 years in prison after stabbing a woman to death in May of 2010 and seriously injuring her boyfriend. He pleaded guilty to one count each of first-degree murder and first-degree assault.

For more details, see the Annapolis Capital or the Maryland Gazette.

20 Days Incarceration for Garrett County Cruelty Case
On March 1, Richard Ray Friend and Carol Lynn Friend, owners of approximately 50 animals seized in May of 2010, pleaded guilty to seven counts of animal cruelty. The couple was tried in the District Court of Garrett County. Nineteen similar counts were dismissed under a plea agreement.

The Friends were sentenced to 90 days of incarceration for each count, to be run concurrently. Seventy days of Richard’s sentence was suspended and 90 days of Carol’s was suspended. This boils down to 20 days of actual jail time. Both were fined $1,000, which was also suspended, and both were placed on three years’ probation. The couple must also pay all court costs, can no longer have horses in their possession or in their care and must pay almost $150,000 in restitution to Days End Farm, where most of the horses were taken. Carol must also complete 80 hours of community service at the County Animal Shelter.

Days End staff testified in the case, presenting photographs of the 25 horses that were treated by the farm as well as an outline of expenses related to the rehabilitation of these horses.

For more details, please see the Carroll County Times or CBS Channel 13.

Knott & Geisbert Inc. Closes
After 110 years of business, the family-owned Knott & Geisbert Inc. Mowers & Farm Equipment closed its shop doors in early March. Originally established in 1900 by Frank A. Knott as a carriage construction company, the business expanded through the years to include all types of farm equipment. Third-generation owner Roger Hood Geisbert III told the Cumberland Times-News that the reason for the closing was that the agriculture community is declining in Urbana. Plus, the 75-year-old said, “I guess I’m getting older.”

Loyalty Bonus for Maryland-bred Thoroughbreds
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association announced on March 8 a 14.5% loyalty bonus for breeders of registered Maryland-bred horses who win any maiden race at the upcoming Pimlico meet. Combine this with the current 15.5% breeder bonus, and you now have a 30% payback. There is also an additional $5,000 special bonus on maiden special weight races for Maryland-breds and $2,500 for Maryland Million-nominated horses, which can add up to an additional $7,500.

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