News

Photo by KAYLEE HARTUNG

W&L sophomore Rachelle Bernadell prepares her horse Redd for an afternoon lesson with the schools' riding team.

A highly contagious disease hit some Virginia horses last month, resulting in the cancellation of equestrian events across the state -- including one at the Virginia Horse Center -- and the quarantine of multiple stables in Northern Virginia.

The equine herpes virus type-1, or EHV-1, spreads through the air and indirect contact via contaminated hands or equipment. The virus can cause respiratory problems, abortions in mares and severe neurological disease. Horses who exhibit symptoms of the disease are put under quarantine.

Even though no horses exhibiting symptoms of the virus are near Rockbridge County, the Virginia Intermont Class Horse Show was canceled at the Horse Center. The event typically attracts about 500 horses and their owners.

Show managers canceled the Intermont Classic as "purely precaution," horse center Executive Director John Scott said.

Usually, those managing the event make the decision as to whether or not the event will be canceled. Only in extreme cases will the center's board of directors call off a show.

"Ultimately, the horse center could cancel an event if there was a clear and present danger," Scott said. He added that no cases of EHV-1 were discovered west of the Blue Ridge.

The horse center is a large source of revenue for both Lexington and Rockbridge County. One study found that in 2004, the horse center contributed more than $36.5 million to the Lexington-Rockbridge area in direct expenditures and $3.6 million in taxes. The same study found that approximately 28 percent of local hotels’ business is directly attributable to the horse center.

Though the horse center holds events other than horse shows, the vast majority of revenue comes from equestrian events. The cancellation of a single event could lead to a drop in revenue for the area.

"The horse center is a big contributor to our area," said Robert Chambers of the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce. "We hate to see any business or any organization have problems like the one the horse center faced."

The state Veterinarian's Office had released most farms from quarantine by last week, after most horses tested negative for EHV-1. At least three farms in Loudoun County appear to remain under quarantine because of horses that tested positive for the virus.