Vet Guide: Protecting Your Horse from Disease at Shows 2025 🐴🏆🦠
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Vet Guide: Protecting Your Horse from Disease at Shows 2025 🐴🏆🦠
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Horse shows are a fantastic way to compete, connect, and showcase your horse’s training—but they also come with serious disease risks. From contagious respiratory infections to neurological outbreaks, exposure is almost guaranteed when horses travel and mix with others. 🏇🧫
In this 2025 vet-reviewed guide, Dr Duncan Houston shares practical, proven ways to minimize disease transmission before, during, and after horse shows. 🧼🐎
1. Disease Risk at Horse Shows 🚨
One of the most publicized equine disease outbreaks occurred in early 2012 at a national cutting horse event, where several horses were infected—and some died—from neurologic equine herpesvirus (EHV-1). It was a wake-up call for the horse world. 🧠🦠
Key risks at shows include:
- 🤧 Respiratory droplets from close contact
- 🚿 Shared water/feed buckets or tack
- 👃 Nose-to-nose greetings between horses
- 👋 People transferring germs between animals
2. Vaccination Is Your First Line of Defense 💉
Vaccines help protect against many common, contagious equine diseases such as:
- 🤧 Equine influenza
- 🌡️ Strangles
- 🦠 Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1/4)
- 💥 Tetanus
- 🦟 West Nile virus and Eastern/Western encephalitis
Note: There is currently no vaccine that prevents the neurologic form of EHV-1, but vaccinating can still reduce shedding and risk. 📉
Pro Tip: Always vaccinate under veterinary supervision using proven, region-appropriate brands. 📋
3. Bring Your Own Equipment 🧺
Cross-contamination at shows often occurs via shared equipment. Prevent it by bringing:
- 🥣 Your own water and feed buckets
- 🧴 Disinfectants for touchpoints and buckets
- 🧼 Halters, brushes, and tack for individual use
Never share equipment with unknown horses, and disinfect before and after each use. 🧪
4. Minimize Direct Contact 👃🚫
Try to avoid letting your horse socialize with neighbors. Transmission risk increases with:
- 👃 Nose-to-nose greetings
- 😮 Sneezing in close proximity
- 🥤 Shared troughs or buckets
Use stall guards or keep halters on with ropes to restrict curious snouts. 🐎
5. Disinfect Hands and Surfaces 🧼🖐️
Pathogens can travel on hands, clothes, tools, and shoes. Keep human hygiene in check:
- 🧴 Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers (62%+ alcohol)
- 🧼 Wash hands after touching other horses or equipment
- 👚 Wear clean clothes and boots at each new event
6. Monitor Temperatures Regularly 🌡️
Early detection is key. Take rectal temperatures:
- 📆 Twice daily while at the show
- 🏡 Continue twice daily for 2 weeks after returning home
Fever (≥101.5°F or 38.6°C) is often the first sign of infection. 🧯
7. Quarantine After the Show 🏥
Keep returning horses separate from your herd for at least 14 days. During this time:
- 🚫 No shared water or feed
- 👀 Monitor for cough, nasal discharge, or lethargy
- 🧪 Isolate immediately if illness develops
Even if your horse seems fine, they could be a silent carrier. 🧬
8. Summary Table: Show Season Safety Checklist 📋✅
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Vaccinate 2–4 weeks before show | Builds protection before exposure |
| Bring all personal gear | Avoids cross-contamination |
| Avoid direct horse contact | Limits spread of respiratory viruses |
| Take temps twice daily | Detects infection early |
| Quarantine post-show | Protects the home herd |
9. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 💬
Horse shows should be exciting—not dangerous. With a little preparation and vigilance, you can enjoy the fun while minimizing disease risks. Vaccinate, monitor, and be your horse’s best advocate when it comes to hygiene and post-show quarantine. 🏆🧠🐎
Need help planning vaccinations or prepping your show season protocol? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📲 for expert guidance and peace of mind before, during, and after your next event.
— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
