Editors' Notebook

For the past few days, every time I've opened Facebook, my feed has been flooded -- posts about the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak, events being canceled or postponed, and heartbreaking stories from people whose horses have tested positive or been exposed. As a horse girl, it's been devastating to watch unfold.

As many of you know, I grew up around horses. I've worked at barns, showed, and wrote for GoHorseShow and The Equine Chronicle. This world is my world, and seeing it shaken like this hits close to home.

The outbreak that started at the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco, Texas, has now spread to other states, with hundreds of potentially exposed horses returning to home states across the country. For the latest updates, check the Equine Disease Communication Center: https://equinediseasecc.org/….

But here's the thing: There ARE ways we can help prevent the spread. Quarantine horses that have recently been at events. Limit visitors to your facility. Clean and disinfect everything -- buckets, tack, trailers, etc. Monitor temperatures daily. Practice biosecurity. You can never be too safe.

Our horses are worth more than any entry fee.

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Show just wrapped up earlier this week; the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity is happening now; and kudos to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) for postponing move-in for the NRHA Futurity. I know this is hard -- canceled plans, financial losses, uncertainty -- but show officials, state veterinarians, and everyone working behind the scenes are doing their absolute best in an impossible situation. Give them some grace.

At the end of the day, we do this for the love of the horse.

EllaMae Reiff can be reached at ellamae.reiff@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @ellareiff

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