The National Reined Cow Horse Association values its horses and their safety. In effort to continue to make horse health a priority, the association will be increasing already strict biosecurity procedures at the upcoming NRCHA Derby held in Paso Robles, California, June 9 – 16, 2019.
NRCHA premier events are growing leaps and bounds – one right after the other. With this tremendous growth comes a larger risk of horses being exposed to outside viruses and bacteria. The NRCHA Show Committee, Animal Welfare Committee and show staff formed a more stringent biosecurity plan for the NRCHA Derby, as well as all future premier events. The following documentation will be required for all in-state and out-of-state horses upon arrival at the Paso Robles Event Center.
- a negative Coggins (Equine Infectious Anemia) dated within 12 months (1 year) of the first move-in day, to comply with California state animal health regulations
- a health certificate dated within 10 days of the first move-in day
- all in-state and out-of-state horses will need both documents at the time of check-in (competing and non-competing horses)
At the time of check-in, exhibitors will receive a pamphlet on proper biosecurity procedures to follow along with a temperature chart and thermometer, complements of Boehringer Ingelheim and NRCHA Official Veterinarian Joe Carter, DVM. Officials strongly recommend taking and recording horse’s temperatures morning and evening each day of the event. Thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim and Dr. Carter, this healthy habit just became much easier.
“As an association, we work very hard to put animal welfare first. Everything from providing a safe show facility, to having an official veterinarian on-site, to requiring necessary health documents, to a show schedule that gives horses time to rest between events,” stated NRCHA Executive Director Jay Winborn. “With the expansion of our biosecurity procedures, we hope owners and exhibitors will follow our lead and place their horse’s health first and become more in tune to the needs and well-being of their equine partners.”
NRCHA President Corey Cushing also addressed the association’s desire to increase biosecurity procedures at major events. “These horses are not only valuable to us, but they are a part of our family. Handling and caring for horses can become such mundane routine for so many people. We often forget the amount of stress horses face when traveling long distances and adjusting to new facilities. Also, the amount of strength and endurance required to compete in this event takes a toll. It’s so important to keep a close on your horse’s behavior and eating habits when on the road and returning home from a show,” reminded Cushing.
Dr. Joe Carter is present at all NRCHA premier events and available to examine and treat horses at all times. Dr. Carter reiterates the importance of keeping your horse up-to-date on shots, being mindful of commonly shared areas and disinfecting stalls, tack and buckets. “I cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining healthy procedures year-round. Animals are constantly fighting off viruses and bacteria. A few basic preventative steps can go a long way when caring for horses,” said Dr. Carter. “I am proud to be part of an association that has gone to such great lengths to help ensure our horse’s health and safety.”
The new biosecurity expansion goes into effect at the NRCHA Derby, held in Paso Robles, California, June 9 – 16, and will continue to be followed at all major events. As reminder, the first day of move-in at the Derby is Friday, June 7. Coggins must be dated within 12 months and health certificates dated within 10 days of June 7, for all competing and non-competing horses.
