Virginia Horse Center Statement on EHV-1
Lexington, Va. – April 19, 2026 – The Virginia Horse Center (VHC) is aware of a confirmed case of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) at HITS Culpeper this weekend. As we look ahead to the upcoming Lexington Spring Premiere and Lexington Spring Encore Horse Shows, the VHC remains focused on the health and safety of all exhibitors and horses on our grounds. The Lexington Spring Premiere Horse Show will now start on Thursday, April 23, 2026. An updated show schedule will be posted as soon as it is available.
Entry Restrictions
Effective immediately, any horses that were on the grounds at HITS Culpeper during the week of April 12–19, 2026, will not be permitted to enter the Virginia Horse Center. This includes any horses that left the show early, as well as horses that may have been exposed through contact and share farms with horses that attended. While we are hopeful for the health and recovery of all affected, the safety of the horse population at VHC must remain the top priority.
Horse Health Requirements
To protect all horses entering the property, the following requirements will be strictly enforced:
- Signed and dated Health Certificate or veterinary statement on letterhead, along with a temperature log beginning April 19, 2026
- Twice-daily temperature monitoring (to continue throughout the duration of the event)
- Current negative Coggins (EIA) test
- Vaccination records in accordance with VHC guidelines
- Horses must arrive in good health and not pose a risk to others
- Management reserves the right to require a veterinary exam for any horse on the grounds if necessary
Arrival & Check-In Procedures
- Earliest permitted arrival time is 11:00 a.m. on April 20, 2026
- All health documentation must be presented in printed form upon arrival
- Horses must proceed directly to their assigned stalls after check-in
- All trucks and trailers should be cleaned and disinfected at a designated clean out area.
- Trailers must be emptied of waste and fully disinfected prior to parking
- To expedite arrival, exhibitors are strongly encouraged to clean and disinfect trailers before arriving at VHC
Enhanced Biosecurity Measures
VHC is actively implementing additional protocols to minimize any potential risk, including:
- Disinfection of all stalls prior to horse arrival
- Availability of additional disinfectant products throughout the grounds
- Posted signage outlining recommended biosecurity practices
- Encouraging reduced nose-to-nose contact between horses
- Requesting riders and handlers to use discretion in warm-up areas and avoid unnecessary commingling
In December, the Virginia Horse Center began a partnership with Merck Animal Health, providing access to disinfectant products, applicators, and on-site training. As part of our updated biosecurity plan, the facility has been consistently treated over the past several months to uphold a high standard of care and prevention.
This situation serves as an important reminder that EHV is always a risk within the equine community. Strong biosecurity practices—and transparency—are essential in preventing the spread of disease. We encourage all exhibitors and local horse owners to remain vigilant and consult their veterinarians with any questions regarding disease prevention or management.
The Virginia Horse Center will continue to work closely with the State of Virginia, US Equestrian, and our veterinary partners to monitor and manage equine health concerns. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
With all of this in mind, we respectfully emphasize the importance of each individual serving as a responsible steward of their animals to help ensure the safety and well-being of all.