River Hill Stables

11/27/2025

11/25/2025

With the recent EHV cases linked to the Waco, TX outbreak, we want to share key reminders for keeping your horses safe:

✅ Risk in Virginia remains low unless horses have traveled to the affected events in TX/OK.
✅ The Maryland case is not related to the Texas outbreak.
🗺️ Confirmed linked cases so far: TX, OK, LA, WA, SD, CO, NM, AZ
(per EDCC https://www.equinediseasecc.org/).

Biosecurity Essentials
• Clean equipment and surfaces with detergent + water; accelerated hydrogen peroxide is preferred.
• Avoid sharing equipment unless cleaned/disinfected between horses.
• Wash hands between handling horses.
• Communicate with farm staff, vets, and farriers about exposure risks.

Vaccination Notes
• Healthy horses can receive a flu/rhino booster during an outbreak.
• Do not vaccinate horses showing clinical symptoms.
• Vaccines help reduce respiratory disease and viral spread—but do not prevent EHM.

If Your Barn Has Known Exposure
• Separate traveled vs. non-traveled horses.
• Take baseline temps and monitor closely—small temperature increases matter.
• Expect signs within 24–48 hours.
• Quarantine 21–28 days after the last positive case (or until two negative tests 5–7 days apart).

If you have concerns, questions, or need guidance, please reach out to your veterinarian.

11/20/2025

Two positive cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy have caused the cancellation of the remainder of the Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) World Championship. The event was scheduled to run Nov. 17-22 at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK.

Read the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC)'s latest update here: https://equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Barrel-Futurities-of-America-Suspends-Oklahoma-Event-Due-to-EHM-Positives

11/11/2025

Thank you to all veterans for your bravery and sacrifices so we may enjoy our freedom 🇺🇸

11/10/2025

11/03/2025

Did you know your equine can catch the flu, too?

While there isn’t a specific time of the year for “flu season” in the equine world, any time is good to learn more about this highly contagious respiratory condition—particularly because it’s one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract of horses, and recent years have been unusually active for Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) on a global scale.

EIV spreads rapidly through groups of horses in aerosolized droplets dispersed by coughing, and the severity of clinical signs depends on the degree of existing immunity within the affected individual, among other factors (i.e., correctly vaccinated horses are less affected than unvaccinated horses).

Any horse showing signs of respiratory disease (cough, nasal discharge, persistent fever) should be isolated immediately until your veterinarian can determine the exact cause.

To learn more about Equine Influenza Virus (EIV), visit these resources:
https://aaep.org/resource/aaep-infectious-disease-guidelines-equine-influenza-eiv/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN1uklleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwaDY1NFRwbzVaTmdCTFE0AR6TSxMTSrZaaihGWeOQRU8FxN1nMjxT8a4pensUL-VTbU3gGDNXzK7K0GpGNg_aem_SvQrsEksul6n_6EyWcWgnA
&
https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-influenza?fbclid=IwY2xjawN1uk5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwaDY1NFRwbzVaTmdCTFE0AR4prpxH7lNYI-Q9Y7cq5u2eG2iFlJDWbeElbxtZ0UZeZeQC6SwybCYYN-OD5g_aem_BIZyarOLwfLRAmRREAm8Xg

As always, your horse doctor remains your best source of information. Contact them to learn more about how to prevent this disease through an appropriate vaccination protocol and biosecurity practices.

11/02/2025

Get Expert Advice

10/30/2025

Most people know that a long, curly haircoat that doesn’t shed properly is a classic sign of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID; equine Cushing's disease) in horses. But did you know there are other, less obvious symptoms to watch for?

Other signs to watch for (note this is not an exhaustive list):

• Muscle Loss: Horses may lose muscle, especially along their topline (the back and rump), even if they seem to be eating well.

• Fat Pockets: You might notice unusual fat deposits, like above the eyes or along the crest of the neck.

• Frequent Infections: Horses with Cushing’s can get skin infections, hoof abscesses, or other illnesses more often than healthy horses.

• Slow Healing: Wounds or sores may take longer to heal.

• Lethargy: Your horse might seem more tired, less energetic, or just “not themselves.”

• Drinking and Urinating More: Increased thirst and urination can be a subtle sign.

• Abnormal Sweating: Some horses sweat more than usual, even when it’s not hot or they haven’t exercised.

If you notice any of these changes, especially in an older horse, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Early detection and management can help your horse stay healthy and comfortable!

In addition, it's important to note that all horses are different, if you have questions specific to your animal, please contact your vet.