Palm Beach Equine Clinic is equipped with secure isolation stalls and follows strict biosecurity measures. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.
The recent spread of the novel coronavirus has raised serious concerns as the status continues to evolve. As equine veterinarians, Palm Beach Equine Clinic would like to address the questions and concern raised by horse owners regarding the potential impact of this disease on the equine industry.
Coronaviruses include a large group of RNA viruses that cause respiratory and enteric symptoms, and have been reported in domestic and wild animals. Equine Enteric Coronavirus and COVID-19 are both coronaviruses, however, they are distinctly different viruses.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infectious disease experts, and multiple international and national human and animal health organizations have stated that at this time there is NO EVIDENCE to indicate that horses could contract COVID-19 or that horses would be able to spread the disease to other animals or humans. Equine enteric coronavirus and COVID-19 are NOT the same strain, and there is no indication that either are transmissible between species.
Therefore, it is important to concentrate on the health of our equestrians by being precautious and following recommendations from public health officials. Palm Beach Equine Clinic will continue to make every effort to stay informed on the developments with COVID-19, and will continue to provide expert veterinary care to all horses regardless of the status of this disease.
A Profile of Equine Enteric Coronavirus
Equine coronavirus is an enteric, or gastrointestinal, disease in the horse. There is NO EVIDENCE that equine enteric coronavirus poses a threat to humans or other species of animals.
Transmission: Equine coronavirus is transmitted between horses when manure from an infected horse is ingested by another horse (fecal-oral transmission), or if a horse makes oral contact with items or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected manure.
Common Clinical Signs: Typically mild signs that may include anorexia, lethargy, fever, colic or diarrhea.
Diagnosis: Veterinarians diagnose equine enteric coronavirus by testing fecal samples, and the frequency of this disease is low.
Treatment and Prevention: If diagnosed, treatment is supportive care, such as fluid therapy and anti-inflammatories, and establishing good biosecurity precautions of quarantining the infected horse. Keeping facilities as clean as possible by properly disposing of manure will help decrease chances of horses contracting the virus.
2019 CCI4*-S winners Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.
We regret to share that the 2020 Carolina International CCI and H.T., scheduled for March 19-22 in Raeford, NC, has been canceled.
Carolina is a major fixture on the U.S. spring eventing calendar, featuring CCI4*-S,CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S international divisions and Training through Advanced national horse trial divisions.
The event issued the following statement:
“Following directives from the FEI and the USEF today, the decision has been made by the Carolina International Organizing Committee to cancel the Carolina International CCI and HT on March 19-22, 2020.
“The Carolina Horse Park is set up and ready for competition, so it greatly saddens the CI Organizing Committee and Carolina Horse Park Officials to make this decision. However, the health and well-being of all Carolina Horse Park visitors is our highest priority. It is our hope that our proactive approach in canceling the event will help reduce the spread of the virus.
“Currently we are working on as generous a refund policy as possible. We hope to have those details ready within the next few days and appreciate your patience during the process.
National and international governing bodies of equestrian sport have issued strong directives for organizers to suspend competitions for at least the next 30 days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From a letter sent to members by USEF:
“Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics, and activities will be suspended for the next 30 days. Additionally, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country for the next 30 days and that equestrians do not compete for the next 30 days. For those competitions that do run, there will be no accumulation of points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF awards programs, USEF owned event [Editor’s note: this includes the Futures Team Challenge, which is canceled], or selection to a US team during this 30-day time period. This includes USEF National Championships.”
To clarify: All FEI MERs, prize money, points will still count; only National MERs, prize money and points are impacted.
Competition suspension is NOT a mandate but, for those who do choose to compete or host events, USEF urges immediate steps to limit exposure and create social distancing.
“We are counting on you to make responsible decisions based on the information available, the conditions in your geographic area and the recommendations from your local public health authorities. USEF will continue to assess the situation on a daily basis and will update our position as circumstances warrant.”
The FEI has emailed national federations imploring them not to run FEI events:
“We as a community have to make our contribution to limit the spread of this virus, as the sooner it can be contained the sooner we will be able to get back to normal life and normal sport. And this is something that every other sport is doing.
“The FEI appreciates the amount of work and incredible investment every Organiser puts into their Event. While the FEI does not itself organise any FEI Events, in light of the escalating numbers of persons affected by the virus and the restrictions imposed by national governments, the FEI strongly recommends that Organisers should cancel all events for the next four weeks until a reassessment of the situation can be made.”
FEI calendar fees for events canceled because of COVID-19 will be waived. FEI says it is currently accessing the impact of event cancellations on other areas such as ranking points, MERs for the Olympic Games and qualifications for FEI Championships.
Additionally, the European Equestrian Federation and International Jumping Riders Club have called on national federations both within and beyond Europe to halt competitions from today through the end of April.
Clearly this has tremendous implications for our sport and its athletes. We will explore those in greater detail soon, as well as share more information as it becomes available.
Click here for a rolling list of equestrian events that have been canceled or postponed.
Another perk of volunteering? Photo ops like this. Photo via Kristina M. on Facebook.
There are three recognized events happening all around Eventing Nation this weekend, and although we face some uncertain times with the effects of the coronavirus COVID-19 felt all over the world, we will continue to provide updates on the events that are running.
If you’ve been considering volunteering but are nervous about doing a task for the first time, that’s OK! The USEA has put together a helpful guide that collects training video links into one place for all potential volunteers. This information can come in handy as you gear up for your shift. And don’t worry about trying something new! That’s one of the best parts about volunteering — the opportunities are endless.
Here are the events seeking volunteer help this weekend:
Event: Pine Top Spring HT
Dates: Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15
Address: 1432 Augusta Hwy, Thomson, GA, 30824
Position(s) Available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Bit Check, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe
Event: MeadowCreek Park Spring Social Event
Dates: Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15
Address: 1342 Hwy. 14 , Kosse, TX, 76653
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – General, General Announcer, Parking Steward, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, Floater, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up
Event: Ocala Winter II HT
Dates: Today through Sunday, March 15
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Position(s) Available: XC Decorator, Dressage Score Runner, SJ In Gate, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, Dressage Check-in, XC Warm-up, SJ Score Runner, SJ Scribe
Jennie Brannigan had a horse jump out of her property on the Wednesday evening, March 11, and she’s not yet been able to locate her. Reddick, Florida-area folks: please keep an eye out and check your pastures for a stowaway!
She is a bay mare with a torn Cool Coat on. “She is a loved horse that is the last foal out of a very special mare to all of us … if you have any information I am begging you to call,” Jennie says.
Photo via Jennie Brannigan’s FB page.
Animal control and the police have been alerted. Despite a day of searching, at time of this publication (Friday noon) the mare is still missing.
The address of Jennie’s farm is 13701 NW 87th Ave Rd., Reddick, Florida, 32686. Please call 858-344-0404 with any information.
The day took a devastating turn on Saturday, March 7 at Rocking Horse Stables in Altoona, FL. After a tragic accident took the lives of both Katharine Morel and her mare, Kerry On, the eventing community was spurred to action. A fundraiser supporting the installation of frangible technology on every cross country course has gained momentum thanks to the power of social media.
Audrie Stanka and Zach Brandt were competing at Rocking Horse the weekend of the accident. After Audrie watched one of her best friends gallop out of the start box after the accident, she knew she needed to do something, anything, to help.
“I’m guilty of this too, but every time something terrible happens, it seems that it gets talked about for a few days, and then nothing,” Audrie said. “I wanted to do more than that, so I started thinking of a way we could help raise money for frangible fences.”
The resulting project is a monthly fundraising clinic, slated to be held at Sweet Dixie South in Ocala, will kick off on Saturday, March 21 and is currently accepting participants. Both Audrie as well as Zach are offering dressage, show jumping, and cross country lessons at all levels for a donation of $40 for a lesson with Audrie and $60 for a lesson with Zach. All participants need to do is show proof of donation to the Frangible Fence Fund, as 100% of the proceeds from these clinics will be donated directly to this initiative.
Our #FRANGIBLEFENCEFUND clinic Sweet Dixie South in March 21 has a handful of spots left! Come for a really fun,…
“I’m not a super top rider, and I don’t have a ton of money I can donate, but what I do have a lot of is time,” Audrie explained. “And this felt like a way to keep this topic fresh in our minds. With this clinic, you can learn to ride safer and more effectively while also supporting safety in the sport. This needs to stay a part of our conversation.”
Audrie and Zach have high hopes for the clinic, which may expand to having different clinicians if there is enough interest and demand. There are still spots open for the first clinic on March 21. To sign up or obtain more information, you can contact Audrie Stanka directly on Facebook or through the Zachary Brandt Eventing page.
Do you have a creative fundraiser for the Frangible Fence Fund? Share it with us by emailing [email protected].
The popular ERM series won’t run in 2020 due to the rising threat of coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.
The Event Rider Masters series is the latest equestrian sporting event to fall victim to the mounting threat of COVID-19, or coronavirus. The 2020 iteration of the series, which was recently shortened to four legs to accommodate this summer’s Olympic Games, would have been its fifth year running.
The decision to cancel this year’s series was made after a full risk assessment in line with the recommendations of several national and global health organisations. As the ERM is effectively a travelling roadshow of equestrian sport, it was decided that for the safety of all involved, the series would need to be shelved for the year.
“The ERM 2020 series is spread over three countries, all of whom are currently affected by COVID-19, and involves a team of 60 people travelling from six different countries,” says the ERM in an official statement. “The ERM riders throughout each season represent at least 20 different nations. The logistics of moving the multinational production team from venue to venue is impossible to implement in a manner that has an acceptable risk level. As a result of this assessment, it is clear that there are too many risks associated with conducting the ERM series this year and regrettably, ERM has made the decision to cancel the 2020 series.”
The four host events – Burnham Market and Chatsworth in the UK, Arville in Belgium, and Haras de Jardy in France – are currently still scheduled to run as planned, though France’s government limitation on gatherings over 1000 people could see the latter run behind closed doors. The ERM has confirmed its intention to run as normal in 2021.
For an up-to-date list of global equestrian events affected by COVID-19, click here.
We are deeply saddened at the loss of a great influence in the eventing world, as Patrick (Packy) McGaughan passed away Thursday night in his sleep at the age of 56. Packy was known for his humor, his passion for coaching, and his honest evaluations of the sport of eventing and competitions at home and abroad. He rode with Jack LeGoff on the US Team in the ’80s, and helped win a Team Gold in the 1987 Pan American Games. He will be deeply missed. [Packy McGaughen 1963-2020]
As major sporting organizations around the world continue to announce suspensions, postponements and cancellations due to the spread of the coronavirus, the equestrian world is feeling the effects as well. We are receiving updates from major competitions like Carolina International and Kentucky Three-Day Event that they are still planning on going forward, but all competitors who feel even a little sick are encouraged to PLEASE stay home, and everyone is to practice lots of hand washing and social distancing at competitions. Keep an eye on our continuously updated list here: [Equestrian Events Canceled or Modified]
Two jumps and a simple but difficult exercise from the reigning world champion? Sign me up, I’m all about minimal jump setting for maximum results. Ros Canter shows you how to achieve a number of training goals with horses of all levels with just two jumps in your ring, and gives you goals for both horse and rider as you proceed. [Ros Canter’s Useful Jumping Exercise]
Eventing legend Blyth Tait has retired from the sport for the second time, at the age of 58. He was considering a fifth Olympics at Tokyo later this year, but upon consideration, realized that he was happier to hand the reins over to young talents than pursue another overseas adventure. Blyth won team and individual gold at the 1990 WEG on Messiah, individual gold in the 1996 Olympics on Ready Teddy, won team and individual gold in the 1998 WEG, team silver and individual bronze in the 1992 Olympics, as well as two wins at Burghley in 1998 and 2001. [A Legend Retires]
We are greatly saddened to report the sudden passage of Patrick “Packy” McGaughan, who passed away in his sleep at age 56. Well known and widely respected for not only his accomplishments in the saddle but also for his coaching and analysis of the sport, Packy was a stalwart presence in our community.
Packy McGaughan was a member of the gold medal winning U.S. eventing team at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indiana, where he also finished third individually aboard Tanzer. Packy’s contributions to the sport as a rider, a mentor, a coach, and many other roles will continue to have a lasting impact on future generations of event riders. He will leave a large hole, and our condolences are with his family and friends during this time.
Emilee Libby and Jakobi, winners of the Galway Downs International Horse Trials CCI4*-S in March 2019. This year’s edition, scheduled to take place March 27-29 in Temecula, CA, will be closed to the public. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
With sporting events around the world being cancelled in response to coronavirus, the eventing community is anxiously awaiting news about the fate of our own competitions. At the time of this publication, Copper Meadows H.T. (March 14-15 in Ramona, Calif.) is the only USEA recognized event to have been postponed or cancelled. Click here to view a rolling list of equestrian events worldwide that have been cancelled, postponed or closed to spectators.
Nine FEI events are scheduled to take place in the U.S. in March and April: Carolina International (March 19-22 in Raeford, North Carolina), Stable View Spring CCI (March 27-29), Galway Downs International (March 27-29), The Fork at TIEC (April 2-5 in Mill Spring, NC), CHC International at Chattahoochee Hills (April 3-5 in Fairburn, GA), Ocala International (April 9-12), Twin Rivers CCI & H.T. (April 9-12 in Paso Robles, CA), Fair Hill/5* Test Event (April 1o-12 in Elkton, MD), and the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 22-26 in Lexington, KY).
Four of those events have issued statements in response to the coronavirus pandemic. We encourage you to keep an eye on their websites and social media channels for further updates.
“As news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to increase concern throughout the United States, the Carolina International CCI and HT is on schedule to run on March 19-22, 2020. The Carolina Horse Park is working hard to ensure the safest environment for everyone that visits the Park. Moving forward Park Officials and the Carolina International Organizing Committee will continue to monitor information from the CDC, North Carolina Officials, and USEF as we move forward and consider additional steps as they may become mandated or necessary.
“To protect against exposure risk, the Park is taking all available precautions and following rigorous sanitary protocols. We encourage people that are feeling ill to remain at home. For those attending the event, please stay 6 feet away from other people when possible and wash your hands regularly. The use of hand sanitizer is a necessity and cleaning surfaces touched regularly by people is also highly recommended.
“The CI Organizing Committee is carefully following state health guidelines and is working proactively with healthcare liaisons, public officials and healthcare officials in the area as well as our safety coordinators to ensure we are in compliance with state regulations. The Carolina Horse Park looks forward to hosting our competitors, owners, and spectators on March 19 – 22.
“For more information, visit www.carolinainternationalcci.com or contact Jane Murray at 978.578.1043 or [email protected].”
“As concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have become daily news, Stable View would like to assure our supporters that our competitor’s interests are always our number one concern. To that end we will continue to adhere to the most stringent sanitary protocols, and follow advice from trusted veterinary and health professionals. At this time Stable View plans to run all scheduled hunter/jumper, eventing, and dressage events. However, should organizations such as the CDC, USEF, or other governing bodies issue statements that would mandate an event’s cancellation, Stable View is adopting a full-refund policy for all entry fees. In this, and all decisions made by Stable View, you should feel secure in your commitment of time and resources, knowing that we are here for the long-term, and hope that you are too.
“Please call 484-356-3173 or email [email protected] with questions.”
“With the recent developments on the COVID-19 and with the statement from the Governor in mind we will be taking these steps to ensure our upcoming Galway Downs International Horse Trials is a biosecure show with the health of the riders and horses as they are our number one priority.
“To coincide with the Governor’s recommendation we will be changing the schedule of our show to limit the amount of people on the grounds. In order to do this we will be splitting the divisions to run two separate shows, a Thursday-Friday show and then a Saturday-Sunday show. We are in the process of reworking the schedule and will send out an update once we have that finalized.
“We will also be closing the show to the public and only allowing competitors, family members, officials, and volunteers to attend. The volunteer meeting we normally have in the MD Barn will be hosted in a larger more open area. We will be canceling both our Welcome Party as well as our Competitor Party. We will be regularly disinfecting all public areas as well as providing hand washing stations at all common areas. In line with best practices if you are sick or have had contact with someone showing symptoms in line with the COVID-19 we ask that out of an abundance of caution you do not attend the event.
“We have a known audience that we trust to make the right decision on whether or not they are in proper health to attend the event. Galway Downs will be running a Live Stream for our FEI divisions for anyone who is not able to attend but wants to watch all the action.
“We look forward to seeing you all at the end of the month!”
“Since 1978 EEI has put on the Kentucky Three-Day Event every year without cancellation. We know the coronavirus and the travel ban have created a lot of questions and anxiety regarding this year’s event. We are closely monitoring the situation and in constant communication with state and local officials to determine the best path forward.
“As of today, March 12, the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will continue as scheduled. We know how important this event is to our fans, our competitors, our organization and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We have 41 days remaining before the event and a lot can change.
“Decisions EEI makes regarding the event will be made keeping in mind the health and well-being of our guests, our volunteers and our competitors. Should it become necessary for us to cancel the event, EEI will contact each of our ticketed customers with their available options.”
“…We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and we are getting regular updates from experts in the field as well as consulting with peers through our professional networks and organizations. We are taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of all Tryon Resort guests and employees.
“In response to the guidelines provided by NC Governor Roy Cooper, Tryon Resort’s March 14th events featuring The Cat in the Hat, Touch A Truck, and Community Yard Sale and the March 21st Viking Dash are cancelled. At this time, all other events on the calendar for this year are still planned to proceed as scheduled. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed. We will communicate any additional cancellations as decisions are made.”
