Ballyshannon Equestrian Center

12/05/2025

Snowy morning in December...so beautiful!

11/21/2025

Update from AAEP...

As we continue to monitor the current outbreak of the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHM) infection, let's take this opportunity to discuss once more the importance of biosecurity measures to stop disease spread. We recommend the following biosecurity precautions for horse owners, particularly if their horses have recently traveled to horse shows or were exposed to horses that have traveled:

1) Monitor horses for clinical signs (including fever, discharge from the nostrils, toe-dragging or a lack of balance) and take the temperature twice daily. Temperature greater than 101.5 F is considered a fever.

2) Immediately isolate any horse(s) showing clinical signs. Equine herpesvirus is an aerosolized virus and is spread through shared airspace, direct contact, and contaminated caretakers or equipment. A good isolation area is a separate barn or shelter that does not share airspace with healthy horses.

3) Implement movement restrictions until the situation is evaluated.

4) Contact your veterinarian to evaluate your horse and to propose a comprehensive biosecurity protocol.

5) Increase biosecurity measures that include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses: wash or sanitize your hands between interacting with horses; take time while filling water buckets and feed tubs, do not cross contaminate; minimize the use of shared equipment and tack.

6) Make sure your horse is up to date on vaccinations.

7) Establish communication with all parties involved (owners, boarders, trainers, etc.).

More resources and information regarding biosecurity are available on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at https://equinediseasecc.org/biosecurity

To learn more Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), visit: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus

11/14/2025

AAEP shares information about Vesicular Stomatitis...

WHAT IS VESICULAR STOMATITIS?

Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a contagious virus that affects horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, as well as some other animals. It causes painful blisters, crusts and ulceration of the lips, muzzle, nose, tongue, ears, sheath, teats, and/or coronary band.

What are the Signs?
• Blisters or sores on the tongue, lips, or around the mouth (the tongue is often the most severely affected)
• Crusty scabs on the muzzle, nostrils, and/or inside the ears
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Trouble eating or chewing
• Lameness due to painful erosions on the coronary band.

How Does It Spread?
VS is mainly spread by biting insects like black flies and sand flies. It can also spread through direct contact with infected animals, shared water or feed buckets, or contaminated equipment.

Why is VS Important?
• It’s a reportable disease. Veterinarians must notify animal health officials if they suspect it.
• The sores can look like other serious diseases, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.
• Outbreaks can lead to movement restrictions for horses and other animals.

What Can You Do?
• Watch for signs of sores or blisters, especially during warm months when insects are active.
• Protect your horse from insects by using fly sprays, keeping stables clean, and bringing horses inside during peak insect activity.
• Don’t share equipment, feed buckets, or water buckets between horses, especially if one is showing signs of illness.
• Handle healthy animals before sick animals. Anyone handling infected animals should follow proper biosafety measures to protect themselves and other animals.
• If you see symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.

Note that VS can also affect people, but it usually causes only mild, flu-like symptoms. Wearing gloves and practicing good hygiene when handling affected animals is recommended.

Learn more about VS on our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/vesicular-stomatitis/

Current disease outbreak reports are available on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/vesicular-stomatitis

11/10/2025

Compassion, please... reach out for help before making bad decisions for elderly horses...

Abigail was euthanized this morning.

This situation was caused by the daughter who's 92 year old mother, Abigail's owner, had had a stroke. Instead of doing right by this elderly pony, she had a dealer come pick her up. The stress of leaving all that was familiar, her advanced age with all of her specific dietary requirements, caused the crisis that took place overnight.

We had arranged to have her picked up this morning at 8am but she was found down, too exhausted to get up. Cornell was called immediately but didn't arrive until 9:30. Susan, who was acting on Abigail's behalf, was waiting with her.

The vet found her gums purple, a temp of 97 and significant noise when listening to her breathe. She also examined her mouth; no insisors, only a few molars and a loose tooth that was imbedded in her cheek and was infected. I asked for an ultrasound which found fluid in her chest. After giving a full dose of Banamine, her pulse was still 108.

She suffered needlessly. If the daughter couldn't care for her at Abigail's own home, she should have done the right thing and had her euthanized there. That poor pony left with a stranger to an unfamiliar place. Giving away/selling seniors in their late 30s is irresponsible and certainly in this case, cruel.

For those who contributed towards Abigail, I'll have an emergency vet bill to cover but no transportation cost.

Thank you to Colleen, with Equine Rescue Resourse, who was planning to take her this morning, and, of course, Susan, as well everyone who cared and contributed.

Hopefully someone may read this and make a more humane decision for their elderly horse. Horses live in the present. Allowing a vet to let them pass surrounded by familiarity is kinder than the uncertainty of "giving them a chance" - even the slightest risk that they may suffer is not worth taking.

Most of the good rescues who are asked to take in horses 30+ years old will diplomatically recommend the owner put their horse down at it's own home - nobody wants to see any horse end up like this pony. As emotional as it is for us, you need to protect your old guys.

11/09/2025

Appaloosa Hippology Contest...

We know you’ve been waiting, the time is now, here is all you need for the hippology contest!

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3U37fS2d6F62euPEKXChdwiNIRQ5y-jL3HA73sN1CHRHzpw/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Contest Rules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZO-rJMxlgCKUiO0s20xPtLfmQ21gjrl2MiLbL587IRw/edit?usp=sharing

Study Resources:
•https://sub.appaloosa.com/pdfs/rulebook25_2.pdf (Pages 4-5)
•https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/donnelja/4-h130.pdf
•https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/wp-ecommerce/uploads/sites/2/product-3246-sku-PNW575.pdf

💰 The event is free and open to anyone!

10/29/2025

Virginia Cooperative Extension announces hunting season has begun and safety for horseback riding...

Deer hunting season has begun (archery started Oct 4th and muzzleloader starts November 1st). If you’re headed out on the trails, be sure you’re doing so safely. Check to see if the areas you will be riding in are open to public hunting, or if it’s a private property, check with the owner to see if anyone will be hunting that day. Even if no one is supposed to be hunting, be sure to wear a bright color (blaze orange) and make some noise so hunters know you’re there. Lastly, always notify someone of where you plan to be and when you expect to be back- especially if riding alone. For more info about hunting seasons, click on the link to the Department of Wildlife Resources in the comments below. Happy trails!

10/18/2025

Chincoteague pony schedule...

10/06/2025

Boarding available...

10/06/2025

Horses change our lives, 4-H changes the lives of our children...

10/06/2025

With advancements in science, diagnosis of ringbone is no longer pasture retirement...

10/05/2025

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department...taking care of "Eileen" Chincoteague filly...

10/04/2025

Care for older horses during the winter...blanketing (rainsheet, medium weight, & maybe a heavy weight depending on the horse), good quality hay and shelter--like a run-in for some and a barn for others. Ask your equine vet what is best for your horse.