Posted, December 22, 2006

Florida Horse Park Responds to Equine Herpes Virus

Ocala, FL – Tom Warriner, Chairman of the Florida Horse Park Board of Directors, has released the following statement:

Due to the recent concerns about the Equine Herpes Virus, the Florida Horse Park is closing its stabling facilities effective immediately. The barns will reopen on January 10, 2007. This is a precautionary measure taken to protect the well-being of all horses. The Park will allow horses to ship-in for trail riding and schooling, but will require proof of current coggins and a health certificate to be shown upon arrival.

While the state veterinarians review and research the matter, the Horse Park has decided to cancel the following December events scheduled to take place at the Park

• Florida Horseman’s Association 50 Mile Ride, December 29-31, 2006
• Polo at the Park, December 31, 2006
• The December 31, 2006 Schooling Day will not be cancelled.

The Florida Horse Park is planning to host the Ocala Winter I Horse Trials, January 12-14, 2007 as well as the Ocala Winter Dressage Show, January 20-21, 2007. All of the stabling facilities will be disinfected prior to January 10, 2007 and again prior to January 18, 2007.

For these competitions, all competitors will be required to show a current health certificate and proof of Rhino vaccination given no less than two weeks prior to the competition date for each horse they bring on premises. This precautionary measure has been recommended by the Florida State veterinarians. The Horse Park Board of Directors and staff is monitoring the situation closely and will issue further releases if necessary.

If you have any questions concerning the measures taken at the Park, please contact Shelley Lambert, Director of Events, at shelley@flhorsepark.comor 352-266-3970. For more information and updates on the Equine Herpes Virus, please refer to the following web sites

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  doacs.state.fl.us/ai/index/shtml
• University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center
  ufvmc.com
• Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owner’s Association
  www.ftboa.com