11/19/2025
We thought it wise to spread this information to our clients concerning the neurological form of EHM (Equine Herpes Myeloencophalopathy) outbreak out west. The Barrel Futurities of America has suspended its event in caution due to EHV-1 positive cases in the Texas Oklahoma area. The information contained in this post is important not only to this situation, but in the case of any biohazard outbreak.
EHV-1 has everyone in the horse world on high alert right now, and understanding the facts can help bring clarity instead of panic.
What many people don’t realize:
EHV-1 spreads through:
• Direct horse-to-horse contact
• Respiratory droplets
• Contaminated surfaces
• Shared water or feed buckets
• Human hands or clothing that touch an infected horse
This is why limiting exposure helps — but eliminating all risk is impossible.
So while deciding what events to attend is important, it’s just as important to remember that every person’s situation, barn setup, and risk tolerance is different.
What we can all do:
• Practice good biosecurity
• Wash hands & change clothes after visiting other barns
• Don’t share buckets, hay bags, or grooming tools
• Monitor temperatures daily
• Stay home if your horse seems “off”
• Respect others’ decisions, even if they differ from yours
At the end of the day, we all love our horses and want to protect them. Fear doesn’t have to turn into division.
Be safe. Be smart. Be kind.
We’re in this together — and prayers for every horse, owner, vet, and barn crew working through this right now. 🤍🙏🐴