Tag Archives: biosecurity

PBIEC Update on EHV-1 Measures

As many of you are aware, a number of EHV-1 cases have recently occurred in California. As horsemen, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those in California that are dealing with this. It is however a reminder to all equestrians that EHV-1 is always present and it is our responsibility to always be proactive to minimize any possible exposure. Although there are currently no reported cases of EHV-1 in Wellington, Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is taking active measures to protect horses at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

In an abundance of caution, ESP management will be implementing the following biosecurity protocols:

  • Anyone shipping horses into the PBIEC facility and any new back numbers processed will be required to sign a declaration stating that the horses entering the facility are healthy and have not competed in California or been in close contact with horses that competed in California within 14 days prior to their arrival.
  • As we have done from the beginning of our FEI season, ESP will continue to enforce the protocols set by the FEI to enter the FEI compound. Please make sure you are logging the required temperatures twice per day in the FEI horse app and at least once on the morning of arrival to the FEI compound. Please ensure you are meeting requirements by downloading the FEI Horse App if you have not already done so. It can be found at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

It is our shared responsibility to keep our horses safe. We urge all equestrians to please remember and abide by the following biosecurity measures:

  • Take all horses’ temperatures daily and immediately report any horse with a temperature above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or any signs of respiratory or neurological disease to your veterinarian and/or show management.
  • Take the temperature of all horses prior to shipping to WEF or AGDF, and do not bring any febrile horses or horses exposed to fevers of unknown origin to the show.
  • Avoid mixing of horses where possible, practice equine social distancing. Please consider isolating any new horse(s) introduced to your farm for a minimum of 14 days.
  • Ensure good hygiene and biosecurity at the show and your home farms.
  • Make sure your horses are currently vaccinated for influenza and EHV. Under no circumstances should a horse that has been vaccinated compete within 7 days.
  • You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24-hour period, please consult your local veterinarian immediately.
  • Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van or moving from stable to stable is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbor’s horses’ health.
  • Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and impress their importance to your grooms and barn managers in everyday care.

Further biosecurity protocols and additional resources can be found here:

United States Department of Agriculture Information on Equine Herpesvirus

American Association of Equine Practitioners FAQ on Equine Herpesvirus

United States Equestrian Federation Biosecurity Measures for Horses at Home and at Competitions

Information on the current known positive EHV-1 cases can be found here: https://equinediseasecc.org/alerts.

ESP has longstanding protocols to manage such events and will provide isolation facilities if and as required. Experience has taught us that early identification is key when dealing with disease outbreaks, and this requires cooperation from everyone within the community.

If you have any questions or concerns about your horse’s health, please contact our veterinary partners: Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599.

For more information, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

EquiJet Addresses USDA Miami Animal Import Center Closing

Miami, Fla. – Jan. 24, 2018 – During this especially busy travel season for horses, EquiJet wants to make sure loyal clients and friends stay up to date on current happenings. As was reported earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has closed the Miami Animal Import Center (MAIC) to new arrivals as of January 19, 2019 due to a series of horses falling sick, with three animals unfortunately dying. The MAIC quarantine stalls will be closed to new import arrivals through March 31, 2019, affecting many competitors involved in South Florida equestrian competitions such as the Winter Equestrian Festival, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, among others. For anyone affected by this issue, please reach out to us if you have questions or need assistance making or changing your travel plans for your horses.

As of the news breaking, no horses shipped by EquiJet were affected or in danger of becoming ill. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (APHIS) is investigating to determine the specific cause of illness, but salmonella is suspected, and the facility is stepping up biosecurity and taking added precautions to prevent any further disease spread.

The EquiJet team is working closely with other quarantine centers and trusted airports and airlines to continue to provide you the outstanding service our clients have come to expect. While this development is a setback for many equine travelers and their owners, we thank you for your patience while the USDA works to decontaminate the facility in Miami and ensure that it is up to code.

To request a quote or for more information, please visit EquiJet.com.

Media Contact: Lenore Phillips
561-753-3389 | lrb@phelpsmediagroup.com

Equine Herpesvirus: What You Need to Know

Photo: Taylor Pence.

Ask horse owners to name their most-feared horse diseases, and chances are equine herpesvirus, or EHV, will be on the list. With the competition season underway, it’s important for equestrians to be vigilant and take preventive measures, from vaccination to biosecurity.

A good first stop for information is the Equine Disease Communication Center’s website, which tracks outbreaks and provides disease information and biosecurity protocols.

EHV spreads from horse to horse through nasal discharge, whether by nose-to-nose contact, aerosol droplets sneezed or coughed into the air, or shared equipment and feed or water. The types equestrians are most likely to see, EHV-1 and EHV-4, often cause only respiratory illness with few long-term aftereffects, but EHV’s easy movement between horses and the fact that the virus can cause potentially fatal neurological symptoms have made it a serious concern for horse owners, facility managers, and competition organizers alike.

Fortunately, the neurological form of the disease – which is most often associated with EHV-1 and causes a horse to lose coordination to varying degrees – is rare. And there are steps you can take to reduce your horse’s risk, says Dr. Nathan Slovis, director of the McGee Medicine Center at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky. Slovis also noted that although there is a greater awareness and increased reporting of EHV cases, the incidence of the disease is not on the rise.

General Symptoms of EHV

Fever is a key symptom of both EHV-1 and -4, and in some cases it might be the only warning sign, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Equine Disease Communication Center. But horses can also display other symptoms in conjunction with an elevated temperature. Signs of the infection can include:

  • Fever, the single most significant symptom
  • Lethargy
  • Nasal discharge accompanying fever
  • Coughing
  • Swelling in legs
  • Hind-end weakness or lack of coordination
  • Conjunctivitis, or swelling and redness in the pink area at corner of the eye

“They won’t get neurologic without having had a fever,” Slovis said. “They’ll have fevers of 103 to 105 degrees, not a mild fever, but a significant fever. So if there’s a horse with a fever, don’t blow it off, especially if they just came back from a competition. Anyone with a fever should be isolated. The incubation period is 21 days, so if your horse has been exposed, they should spike a fever in a 21-day period. So keep checking their temperatures.

“Now that we have sophisticated testing, we can break it down and identify one strain versus another,” Slovis added. “But the bottom line is that herpes can cause severe illness and severe disease, and I can’t tell you which horse is going to get sick and which horse isn’t, if they have it. Each horse is different, and it depends on things like their immunity, their age, and their stress level. Just because a horse has it doesn’t mean it will come down with neurological signs, and it doesn’t mean it won’t come down with neurological signs.”

Neurological symptoms also can vary in degree, and horses can recover if the neurological signs are mild. “It all depends on the severity,” said Slovis.

The good news, Slovis said, is that the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus is also rare.

What Can You Do to Prevent EHV?

  1. Vaccinate.

“For the backyard horse that goes on an occasional trail ride, once or twice a year is more than adequate,” said Slovis. “For the horses that are competing more often, they’re going to need to get it done about every 120 days, about three times a year. That’s a good ballpark: early spring, late summer or early fall, and then again in the middle of winter.”

But don’t just think about your horse’s own activities. Consider what the horses around him are doing, too. You may only ride your horse at home, but if his stablemates travel regularly to compete, his exposure risk will be greater.

“If you board at a high-traffic barn, you might have to do the two- or three-times-a-year vaccine program,” Slovis explained. “Your animal won’t be stressed like an animal that travels a lot more, but if there’s intense traffic in and out of that barn, maybe three times a year is good for your horse, too.”

For information on vaccinating your horse against EHV, consult your veterinarian.

  1. Plan ahead.

“You don’t want to vaccinate a horse two days before a show. Do it at least seven days before a show and ideally two to three weeks before,” advised Slovis. “Some horses may get sore in the neck area, which is possible with any vaccine, so plan ahead. Some horses may have an active herpes infection and you might not even know, and when you go to vaccinate them their body will react tremendously: the legs will swell up, they’ll get a fever, they’ll feel blasé.”

  1. Monitor your horse’s temperature.

Know your horse’s baseline temperature, and monitor your horse’s temperature daily during and after a competition. “A horse with a temperature might act perfectly fine, so taking the temperature can give you a heads-up,” Slovis explained. “It’s good basic information to have.”

  1. Establish good biosecurity on the farm, at competitions, and in the trailer.
  • Even for a vaccinated horse, it’s always important to use good biosecurity protocols to reduce the chances of exposure to or spread of the disease.
  • Don’t share water troughs, buckets, or sponges.
  • If a barn or event facility has a communal hose, don’t use it. Use your own (and don’t share it) or remove the hose and fill your water and bathing buckets directly from the faucet. “People will often dip the end of the hose in a water bucket, and if a horse has the virus, this will contaminate the end of that hose,” said Slovis.
  • Clean and then disinfect hay nets, bags, or troughs after use, and don’t share them between horses. “The virus can live in that environment for a time under ideal conditions, and that can set you up for future infection,” said Slovis. “You can use any disinfectant. Even commercial household cleaners like bleach wipes can kill herpes.”
  • Clean and disinfect areas in the trailer where a horse’s nose or nasal discharge might be.
  • If you handle multiple horses, wash your hands before moving from one horse to the next.
  • For biosecurity guidance, see the USEF brochure “Biosecurity Measures for Horses at Home and at Competitions” and the Equine Disease Communication Center’s website, which features an area devoted to biosecurity.

by Glenye Cain Oakford

© 2018 US Equestrian Federation

ESP and PBEC Remind Wellington Equestrian Community of Proper Biosecurity Procedures

Wellington, FL – March 31, 2017 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) and Palm Beach Equine Clinic, the official veterinarians of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, remind the Wellington equestrian community to follow strict biosecurity procedures as horses are prepared for long-distance travel in the coming weeks.

As a result of the positive equine influenza test reported at WEF on March 14, veterinarians have implemented biosecurity procedures, and those in contact with horses in Wellington are encouraged to do the same. Because of the presence of equine influenza in Wellington, we remind all competitors of the importance of regular temperature checks, proper hygiene, and biosecurity, with suggested protocols listed below.

While there have been confirmed cases of equine influenza in Wellington, there are still NO confirmed cases of equine herpes or other infectious diseases.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your veterinarian or the horse show office at 561-793-5867. Questions may also be directed to Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599.

Further information will be updated as it becomes available.

BIOSECURITY PROCEDURES

An integral part of a showing environment includes healthy horses.  Exhibitors, especially those traveling long distances, can contribute to that healthy environment by following some basic recommendations listed below.

  1. A current negative Coggins test. Please renew before it expires, and not just before it is necessary to leave the state. It is strongly recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) no sooner than 7 days prior and no later than 90 days prior to entering the show grounds. Most EHV-1 vaccines are only considered effective for 90 days. Check with your veterinarian about which vaccine you use.
  2. A health certificate within 48 hours is required for all horses shipping onto the property. All horses should be able to produce proof of vaccine, preferably labeled on these health certificates. Those who need health certificates when they arrive can contact Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599 or contact PBEC vets on the show grounds.
  3. You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24-hour period, please consult your local Veterinarian immediately.
  4. Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable, is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbors’ horses’ health.
  5. Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin should be reported to Equestrian Sport Productions Management. It is always better to err on the side of safety. Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.
  6. Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and express its importance to your grooms in everyday care.

Please visit www.PBIEC.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Atlanta Summer Classic Countdown and Biosecurity Review

Harold Chopping and Caramo won last summer’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Entries are piling up for the upcoming Atlanta Summer Classic set to take center stage at the Georgia International Horse Park June 10 through the 21st and it is shaping up to be another fabulous Classic Company event! For those of you who have not entered, the prize lists are online and you can still enter at horseshowsonline.com.

The Classic Company has always prided itself on its commitment to provide both equine and humans a safe, healthy competition. And, healthy horses mean happy riders. The upcoming Atlanta Summer Classic is no exception. To protect our equine partners, the following protocol will continue to be enforced:

  • A current negative Coggins test is required. It is strongly recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) no sooner than 7 days prior and no later than 90 days prior to entering the show grounds. Most EHV-1 vaccines are only considered effective for 90 days. Check with your veterinarian about which vaccine you should use.
  • A Health Certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of arrival at the show or whatever local state law requires.
  • Current vaccination against WNV, EEE, WEE, Tetanus and Rabies is strongly recommended.
  • You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24 hour period, please consult your local veterinarian immediately.
  • Every effort should be made to minimize stress and comingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable is the fastest way to compromise your horses and the health of your neighbors’ horses.
  • Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to Show Management and to the Show Veterinarian. It is always better to err on the side of safety. Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.
  • Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices. Please convey the importance of this to your equine caretakers for their daily routines.

The Classic Company strives to provide a safe and enjoyable show experience. An important part of that experience is maintaining healthy horses. All updates will be posted on the Classic Company website.

Hassinger Equine Sports Medicine continues to be the Official Veterinarian Group for the Atlanta Classics. If you need to contact them prior to the show, visit their website or call 910.281.4845.

The two weeks of AA shows are as magnificent as the Olympic Arena with special events, clinics, derbies, grand prix and something for everyone! For the jumpers, weekly .85m training jumpers through 1.40m open jumpers and everything in between including grand prix with plenty of prize money for all!

Hunter offerings include every hunter class from pony and junior hunters to amateur-owners, regular working, pre-green as well as the pre-green incentive and challenge classes, and the Take II Thoroughbred divisions. Weekly National Hunter Derbies and the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Week top off Week II.

Week One Is Wonderful!

The USHJA Emerging Athletes Program takes place June 8 through June 11 which welcomes young riders accepted into the program who look toward furthering their education, not only as riders, but as complete horsemen.

During the extensive four-day training sessions, riders at the Atlanta Summer Classic have the opportunity to work with top riding clinicians and some of the country’s leading stable managers. Riders and horses participating in Regionals will be instructed on flatwork, gymnastics, related distances and course work, as well as an intensive stable management curriculum that will incorporate proper care and grooming, horsemanship skills, and barn management. Riders will also complete a written test as part of their evaluation for the National Training Session.

All Hunter Classics for each Hunter Section in the Atlanta Cup Equitation, ponies, will take place Week I. Thursday’s highlights include the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby and Friday features the $5,000 Futures Class. The popular $10,000 Six Bar Class, presented by Regions Private Wealth Management, will be held Friday night during the Annual Outback Steakhouse Dinner to benefit the Hope Clinic. Outback Steakhouse’s finest food will be served during the special event and tickets can be purchased at the show office. Saturday the $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix takes center stage and Sunday is Classic Sunday with Classics for all! Week I offers all hunter classics for each hunter section in the Atlanta Cup Equitation, ponies and is also a World Championship Hunter Member Event and riders are eligible for inclusion in special national and regional point standings.

Week II: The Best Just Keeps Getting Better!

Week II starts early with a USHJA Zone 4 complimentary clinic by renowned trainer Mary Babick on Monday, June 15th. This is a very popular event and spots fill quickly. For more information and to register, please email Clinic Coordinator Janet McCarroll at janet@gulfcoastclassiccompany.com. There are only a few spots that remain open, so act soon!

The educational opportunities continue with a special clinic presented by the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association on Tuesday, June 16th featuring the legendary Jack Towell. Stay tuned for registration details!

The Emerson Burr Horsemanship program for pony riders also takes place Week II. The Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant is awarded at the Zone and National level. Each winner at the zone level will receive a $100 grant to be used towards educational or equestrian related expenses. Each Emerson Burr winner during Pony Finals will receive a $500 grant to be used towards educational or equestrian related expenses. See Kelly Lowry in the show office for further details!

The Atlanta Cup Equitation, horses, takes place Week II as well as the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Thursday offers the $15,000 Nalley Toyota Stonecrest Open Welcome and Friday features the $5,000 Futures Class and the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Saturday sees the $35,000 Classic Company Grand Prix, presented by EMO, take to the Olympic stadium and Sunday is dedicated to the Classics!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Jacksonville Winter Series Updates & Health Requirements

Protecting the health of your horse and other horses at the Jacksonville Winter Series is of the utmost importance.  The Jacksonville Winter Series has implemented REQUIRED Biosecurity Measures to decrease the risk of introduction and/or spread of contagious or infections disease at its shows.

Horses must arrive ONLY between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. Off hour arrivals must obtain permission from Stabling by calling 352.804.6576 or 904.434.4073 24 hours prior to arrival.

Upon arrival at the Clay County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center/Jacksonville Winter Series all horses showing or non showing must have and provide: PROOF OF VACCINATION via a signed statement from the attending veterinarian that the horse has been vaccinated against the following:

  • Within 6 months (180 days) of each show: Equine Influenza
  • Within 3 months (90 days) of each show: EHV 1 & EHV 4

If a vaccination will expire during one of the shows, the horse must receive its new vaccination prior to being issued a competition number for that show.

Current Negative Coggins Test

Not shown symptoms of or been treated for EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days

Not been at a facility under quarantine for EHV-4/1 or exposed to any horses showing symptoms for EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days

The Equine Health Requirements are Required for all horses entering the Show Grounds both Showing and Non Showing. These documents must be filed in the Show Office before any competition numbers will be issued and must reference your horse’s registered (show) name. Any horse not accompanied by these documents will be directed to the Show Veterinarian to obtain the required documents and/or vaccinations, and/or will be placed in quarantined stabling until proper documents are produced. Any horse showing signs of fever/illness/stress is subject to examination by Jacksonville Winter Officials and/or the Show Veterinarian, who may at their sole discretion place the horse in quarantined stabling or take further action if deemed necessary.

Additional Safety Precautions:

  • Current vaccination against WNV, EEE, WEE, Tetanus and Rabies is strongly recommended.
  • You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24 hour period, please consult your local veterinarian immediately.
  • Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable, is the fastest way to compromise your horses and the health of your neighbors’ horses.

Please go to the link for the Health Affidavit that you will need prior to arrival.  This information is also available on the website at www.nfhja.com.

Series Highlights:

  • $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
  • Weekly $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
  • WCHR Week
  • Weekly Hunter Classics
  • Weekly Jumper Classics
  • $10,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic
  • $10,000 1.30 Meter Open Jumper Classic

The VIP Tent will be back and offering full food and beverage service in the HEATED and EXCLUSIVE VIP TENT.  Reserve your table NOW for the International Hunter Derby (Week 2) and the Jumper Extravaganza (Week 3).  Tables of 10 are available with included food and bar service ($350/table Week 2 & $200/table Week 3).  Don’t miss this opportunity to watch the show in style and comfort.

The THIS Children’s Medal will be Marshall + Sterling Sanctioned
The NFHJA 2’6″ Children’s + Adult Medals will be Marshall + Sterling Sanctioned

www.nfhja.com

New Biosecurity Protocols Will Be Enforced throughout ESP Fall Circuit

$25,000 ESP Fall III Grand Prix Coming Up on Sunday, October 27

Wellington, FL – October 15, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) would like to announce important revisions to the biosecurity protocols that will be followed during the 2013 ESP Fall Horse Show Circuit. The ESP Fall Circuit features six weeks of top competition running through November 17, 2013, at the beautiful Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. The official prize list and all health requirements can be found online at www.equestriansport.com.

Required Equine Health Information – Revised 10/14/13

Equestrian Sport Productions would like to emphasize the importance of following the biosecurity protocols at these and all ESP competitions. New health requirements went into effect starting with the first Fall I Show. The following revision will be in effect at Fall II and for the rest of the Fall Series.

It is recommended that all horses stabling on the PBIEC grounds arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If it is necessary to arrive at any other time you must make arrangements with the show office prior to arrival. 561-793-5867.

ESP has been working with several of the veterinarian professionals currently in the area on what is the best protocol for the health of the horses competing at PBIEC. We appreciate your diligence and understanding moving forward with providing the appropriate documents in an effort to continue to provide the safest showing environment possible for our horses.

We are aware that there is concern for revaccinating in situations where the horses may be just outside the 90 day window. We are therefore modifying our requirement under the following conditions: Your veterinarian may now certify on your health statement that your horses are healthy, have not been exposed to EHV and that the vaccinations were administered within 120 days. Date administered must be written on the health statement, along with the horses competing name. Barn names will not be accepted. You will be responsible for revaccinating before returning to the facility once you are outside the 120 day window. Please note that the same 120 day protocol will be enforced for the Holiday Series, so please plan accordingly.

Every horse will need to have this statement of health in the show office before being issued a back number. We recommend that you keep copies of your health statement along with a current Coggins. You will need to show these documents to the Security gate upon entering the facility. There may also be random checks by the state Veterinarian if they deem it necessary.

For barns that are returning week after week with the same horses (and no new exposure to other horses being shipped into the farm) there will be a letter of compliance in the show office that the trainer can sign. This is after Health Statements are on file for every horse showing. This letter of compliance will negate the necessity for the statement of health to be issued each week by your veterinarian. This option is only available for farms that have had no changes in horses at their facility, no fevers of unknown origin, or vaccine expirations outside the 120 day window.

ESP, LLC management strives to provide an excellent showing environment. An integral part of an excellent showing environment includes healthy horses. Exhibitors, especially those traveling long distances, can contribute to that healthy environment by following some basic recommendations listed below. Please monitor our web site at www.equestriansport.com for any additional and possibly mandatory requirements.

1) A current negative Coggins test. Please renew before it expires, and not just before it is necessary to leave the state. It is strongly recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) no sooner than 7 days prior and no later than 120 days prior to entering the show grounds. Most EHV-1 vaccines are only considered effective for 90 days. Check with your veterinarian about which vaccine you use.

2) Statement of Health must be signed by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of arrival at PBIEC, documenting that the horse has:

a. Received regular and consistent vaccination against Equine Influenza and EHV 1 & 4 with most recent booster being within 120 days and not within 7 days.

b. Not shown symptoms of or been treated for EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days.

c. Not been at a facility under quarantine for EHV-4/1 or exposed to any horses showing symptoms of EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days

3) Current vaccination against WNV, EEE, WEE, Tetanus and Rabies is strongly recommended.

4) You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24 hour period, please consult your local Veterinarian immediately.

5) Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbors horses’ health.

6) Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to ESP, LLC Management. It is always better to err on the side safety. Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.

7) Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and impress its importance to your groom in everyday care.

$25,000 ESP Fall III Grand Prix Coming Up on Sunday, October 27

ESP looks forward to hosting their first grand prix of the fall season with the $25,000 ESP Fall III Grand Prix coming up on Sunday, October 27.

The horse shows of the 2013 ESP Fall Circuit are all USEF, NAL, and Marshall & Sterling League approved. Shows feature an early stall discount of $30 per stall (see details in prize list), a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class at all shows, as well as $500 Pony and Hunter Classics.

The $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class will run on Friday during ESP Fall III only; all others will be held on Sunday each week.

The remaining dates include:

ESP Fall II – October 18-20, 2013 – “A” rated hunter and 3-star jumper competition featuring a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake Class on Sunday, October 20.

ESP Fall III – October 25-27, 2013 – “A” rated hunter and 3-star jumper competition featuring a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class on Friday, October 25 and the $25,000 ESP Fall III Grand Prix on Sunday, October 27.

ESP Fall Finale – November 1-3, 2013 – “A” rated hunter and 3-star jumper competition featuring a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class on Sunday, November 3.

ESP November – November 9-10, 2013 – “C” rated hunter and 2-star jumper competition featuring a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class on Sunday, November 10.
Counts for both PBCHA and ESP Circuits

ESP Pre-Charity – November 16-17, 2013 – Featuring a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class on Sunday, November 17.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Capital Challenge Horse Show Enforcing Biosecurity Protocols

Upper Marlboro, MD – September 10, 2013 – The 2013 Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS), presented by The Gochman Family, would like to alert all exhibitors that specific biosecurity protocols have been put in place for everyone’s safety at this year’s show and will be strictly enforced. Biosecurity forms are mandatory for all competitors and can be found along with all other competition forms on the competitors page of the Capital Challenge website.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The 2013 dates are Saturday, September 28, through Sunday, October 6. The show opens with the Equitation Weekend, presented by BigEq.com, and continues Monday, September 30, through Sunday, October 6, with the USEF “AA” rated event.

The complete prize list is available for download on the official horse show website, www.capitalchallenge.org. In addition to the entry blank, also available for download are: the feed and bedding pre-order forms, stabling request forms, and the Biosecurity Protocols.

All necessary precautions are being taken to ensure that competitors arrive healthy and happy, and horse show manager Oliver Kennedy is working hard to make the process as easy as possible.

“Horses arriving to the show will not be allowed off their trailers without the necessary paperwork,” Kennedy stated. “The horse show has added knowledgeable staff to help with the process and create a quick system of checking and unloading. We ask that all exhibitors be prepared with up-to-date vaccinations and paperwork so that things can move quickly and easily.”

Regarding Biosecurity Protocols for horses arriving at Prince George’s Equestrian Center, it is Mandatory that all horses have the following paperwork dated no earlier than September 22, 2013. Proper paperwork will need to be presented prior to horses unloading. Horses will not be allowed into their stalls until paperwork is presented.

This includes:

  1. A Statement of Health signed by a licensed veterinarian dated no earlier than September 22, 2013. It MUST certify that the horse has:
    * Been enrolled in a regular and consistent program of vaccination against EHV-1 and EHV-4 with the most recent booster being within 120 days (since June 6, 2013);
    * Has not shown symptoms of, nor been treated for, EHV-1 and/or EHV-4 within the past 28 days; and
    * Has not been exposed to any horses that have been treated for or shown symptoms of EHV-1 and/or EHV-4 within the past 28 days.
  2. A separate CCHS statement of health for each horse is required, including a temperature log of the seven days prior to arrival. A form for this purpose is available online at www.capitalchallenge.org.

Please check the Capital Challenge website prior to shipping for arrival procedures and any updated requirements and paperwork.

In its 20th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 28 – October 6.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Live Oak International Enacts EHV-1 Safety Measures

March 6, 2013 – Ocala, Florida – Due to recent concerns over the spread of EHV-1 in Florida, the Live Oak International organizing committee is enacting biosecurity measures to ensure the safety of all horses participating in the event, which runs from March 20 to 24 at Live Oak Plantation in Ocala, FL.

“The Live Oak team has been working diligently with our FEI veterinary commission, treating vets, jury members, and our fellow competition organizers to create a comprehensive biosecurity plan to ensure the welfare of every horse entered in our tournament,” said Chester C. Weber, Co-President of Live Oak International.  “My family has been in the horse business for decades, crossing over many disciplines, and the values of horsemanship run in our blood.  It is a great pleasure for our family to welcome our fellow horsemen to the Live Oak International, and we want to do everything we can to maintain everyone’s safety.”

The following health requirements are mandatory for all horses entering the Live Oak International show grounds:

  • A State Health Certificate must be provided within 48 hours of arrival
  • A veterinarian will examine all horses upon arrival
  • There will be designated arrival times, which will be announced prior to the event
  • Documentation of Influenza vaccinations no less than 7 days or more than 6 months from arrival date
  • Documentation of Equine Herpes (Rhino) vaccinations no less than 7 days or more than 90 days from date of arrival
  • Competitors will be required to take their horse’s temperatures twice daily and record them with the stable manager
  • No ship-ins will be permitted
  • Animals not meeting these requirements will not be allowed to enter the premises.

In addition to the biosecurity protocols for competitors, Live Oak International organizers will be pressure washing and disinfecting all stalls prior to the start of competition to further ensure the safety of all animals on the property.

“We have unfortunately had a history of outbreaks of EHV-1 in this country over the past number of years and it is becoming increasingly important that all horse owners take the necessary precautions to protect their animals,” explained Dr. Steve Soule, one of two official International Equestrian Federation (FEI) veterinary delegates for Live Oak International.  “The neurological strain of this virus can be life-threatening and has a relatively high contagion rate.  Everyone should be proactive in checking temperatures, vaccinating horses, and performing these health examinations prior to transport.”

The Florida Department of Agriculture has confirmed that at least six horses have tested positive for EHV-1 since February.  All of the infected animals were stabled at the HITS Ocala show grounds, where the initial case was detected.  As a result, the entire facility at HITS has been quarantined.  Several farms in the Ocala area are also currently under mandatory quarantine, while numerous others have implemented their own increased biosecurity protocols.

Competitors attending the Live Oak International are being urged to take all necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of EHV-1.

“We continue to work very closely with our veterinary team to implement the necessary biosecurity measures for horses and ponies arriving onto the Live Oak grounds,” said Live Oak International show manager Damien Guthrie.  “These new health requirements, along with any updates, can be found on our website, Facebook or by contacting the show office.  I have every confidence that the Live Oak International event will be safe for our horses and ponies competing, and we look forward to a successful competition.”

For more information on the Live Oak International, please visit www.liveoakinternational.com.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Bio Security Measures Update

February 24, 2013 – The Gulf Coast Classic Company announces that it will continue to have a security guard at the front gate 24 hours a day every day, checking all horses arriving onto the property.  All horses arriving onto the Harrison County Fairgrounds must have current Health Certificates and paperwork.  Please call the office for more information at 228.832.2745.

Coggins and current health papers will be checked at the gate and day ship-ins will no longer be allowed. EHV1 is very serious and it is recommended that horses be properly vaccinated and that all owners keep a daily temperature log for their horses, especially if they show signs of any change in their normal routine. For additional information, please contact Gulf Coast Classic’s Official Veterinarian, Dr. Juan Gamboa, at juandvm@aol.com.

“These measures have been put into place to protect the horses showing at the Gulf Coast Classic Winter Series.  We appreciate your support in our efforts.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the horse show office or email info@classiccompany.com,” said Bob Bell, President of Classic Company.

As one of the only non-Florida AA Circuits, the Gulf Coast Classic Company is trying to isolate its exhibitors’ horses and the show grounds from a potential EHV1 outbreak.  “Due to the EHV1 in Ocala, we are taking many precautions for our horses.  We were sold out for Week IV with exhibitors coming from Ocala to compete in the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix and the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix Week V.  Unfortunately, in view of the EHV1 situation, some of those previously reserved stalls will not be used now.  So, we have a few openings for anyone with a change in plans who now wants to compete at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic,” said Bell.  “If you want stalls and want to show with us, we would love to have you. Call 228.832.2745 for stalls,” he said. “On a positive note, what a great time to discover the Classic difference!” he added.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

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See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457