Photo by Sherry Stewart.
EHV-1 continues to dominate California’s equestrian headlines as an outbreak has forced the cancellation of shows this month. The latest cancellation is the Twin Rivers Winter H.T., scheduled to be held March 3-6.
The venue released the following statement:
“Unfortunately, after much deliberation the Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials is canceled due to the EHV-1 Outbreak in California. We felt that as a facility we had every precaution in place to make a safe environment for competitors to be at the Ranch. However, it has become apparent that the willingness to be transparent about EHV exposure and vaccination status of horses is troublesome. As show management to ensure a safe environment for horse welfare we felt it was in everyone’s best interest for safety to cancel.
We are very sad to have to make this decision as the facility stands ready to accept horses. We will make every effort to refund as much as possible, but have already outlaid many expenses for the courses, stabling, etc. We hope to have a refund amount in the next few weeks. Please stay safe and healthy as we look forward to seeing you in April for the Spring International Event!”
The most recent report of California counties with active EHM incidents/EHV-1 cases indicates concentration in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties in southern California. Incidents have also been reported further north in Alameda and San Mateo counties. Twin Rivers Ranch, in Paso Robles, is located in San Luis Obisbo county, just to the north of Santa Barbara County.
The outbreak had prompted Desert International Horse Park to cancel all remaining competition this spring season, with a total of 21 cases confirmed and an additional five suspected as of February 26. More updates on the California outbreak have been reported by The Chronicle of the Horse. Additional information on the EHV-1 cases can be found on US Equestrian, the Equine Disease Communication Center, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
